How Shall They Hear Without A Preacher?

Note: This sermon is special to me because it is the last sermon I gave in the state of Kentucky before moving to Washington. I am unsure if I will ever give another sermon in Kentucky ever again.

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[2] The title of the sermon: “HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?”

• This topic today is something I’ve personally never heard in any church.
• I’ve never heard this topic taught in the great detail that we will go into today.
• To study for this sermon, I searched the Scriptures for the following words:
• 1) preached, 2) preach, 3) preaching, 4) preacher, 5) preacheth, and 6) preachest.

So, these are all the words related to preaching. How shall they hear without a preacher?

• When I looked all of these up, I found 153 matches in 145 verses within the King James Bible.
• There’s 11 verses in the Old Testament and 134 in the New Testament.

[3]

• Now, we can learn many different things from all of the Scriptures you see there.
• But I want to focus in on just one of the things that we learn from these Scriptures today.
• We see that prophets are preachers. We see king David as a preacher. King Solomon is a preacher.

[4] Psalm 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

[5] Ecclesiastes 1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

• David and Solomon were preacher’s of God’s word. Isaiah was a preacher. Jonah was a preacher.
• When we get to the New Testament, we see who as a preacher who came just before Jesus Christ?

[6] Matthew 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

• John the Baptist is known as the greatest man to ever live here on this earth besides Jesus Christ.
• Why would that be? John the Baptist did no miracles at all. The Bible says so.
• What did John the Baptist do? “In those days came John the Baptist PREACHING.”

[7] Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

• John the Baptist was a Gospel preacher. He preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
• We know that the remission of sins only comes through changing your mind and believing in Jesus Christ.
• What did John the Baptist preach exactly? Let’s see.

[8] Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

• John preached the baptism of repentance which means to change your mind and believe on the Christ Jesus.
• And John led the way for Jesus Christ. God chose John to lead the way. He did no miracle.
• But he preached. How shall they hear without a preacher? John the Baptist preached Jesus Christ.
• Let’s see what John the Baptist preached by reading exactly what he preached.

[9] John 1:29-31 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

• John the Baptist says, “BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!!!”
• He said, “This man is preferred before me for He was before me.”

[10] John 1:32-33 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

• John the Baptist is preaching there are different baptism’s. He was baptizing with water.
• Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost. John the Baptist tells us that Jesus is the Christ.

[11] John 1:34-37 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

• John the Baptist preached to believe in Jesus Christ. He didn’t preach to believe in John the Baptist.
• He didn’t preach that your works would save you. He preached that Jesus can save you.
• “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.”
• John the Baptist wasn’t a Calvinist. He didn’t preach limited atonement.
• He preached that Jesus could take away the sins of the whole world.

And this is why John the Baptist was the greatest man to ever live not named Jesus Christ.

• John the Baptist was a preacher. And he wasn’t afraid. He preached against sin.
• And he was killed for it. John the Baptist led the way for Jesus Christ.
• So, what do you think Jesus came to do?
• He came to save us, but what did He do before He died on the cross?

[12] Matthew 4:17-19 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

• Jesus began to preach. Jesus Christ is a preacher. He chose 12 disciples. “I will make you fishers of men.”
• How? Have you ever thought about these things? How did He make them fishers of men?
• THROUGH PREACHING. Understand what I’m telling you today.

[13] Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

• Jesus preached the Gospel, and He taught His disciples and followers to do the same thing.

[14] Mark 2:2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

• If you read about the life of Jesus, what did He spend most of His time doing? PREACHING.
• And teaching. “And He preached the word unto them.”

[15] Mark 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

• Jesus sends His people forth to preach. Abel preached. Noah preached. Abraham preached.
• Moses, Joshua, Samson, Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel.
• Jonah, Haggai, Malachi, Zacharias, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Peter, James, John, Paul.
• YOU AND I. And you might be saying, “What? Oh no, not me.”

[16] Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

[17] Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

• This same command is for us. The Bible confirms this again over and over.
• Maybe you haven’t noticed all of these Scriptures in the Bible before.
• Maybe you didn’t think God was speaking to you.

[18] Luke 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

• We are to go forth and preach the Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ saves and heals.

[19] Acts 4:1-3 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

• Jesus commands His people to preach the Gospel. And these people are in the Bible because they did.
• We have no one coming to us and laying hands on us to stop us from preaching the Gospel.
• That time is getting closer, but it’s not here yet. It might not come for decades.
• But these people wouldn’t stop preaching the word of God.
• And we, as saved people who love Him, better do the same.

[20] Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

• When God’s people are persecuted, we just get stronger because God gives us that strength.
• He gives us is strength. DAILY. AND IN EVERY HOUSE. They ceased not to teach and preach.
• Why did they teach and preach? They did the same as John the Baptist. They preached Jesus Christ.

We don’t preach works for salvation. We don’t preach getting baptized in water for salvation.

• We don’t preach that you must stop sinning for salvation. YOU NEED TO BE SAVED IMMEDIATELY.
• We preach to get saved first and then stop sinning. We preach and teach JESUS CHRIST.
• We don’t teach and preach about our greatness. WE TEACH AND PREACH THE GREATNESS OF GOD.
• You can take a look at me. I’m not great at all. I’m just a below average man who loves Jesus Christ.

And because I love Jesus Christ, I have the love of God within me for you. And that’s the reason I’m here.

• I’ doing fine but others out there aren’t doing fine. Look at that verse.
• Why do you think those people wouldn’t stop teaching and preaching Jesus Christ?
• Because they have the love of God within them. We don’t do it for ourselves.
• The love of God is not selfish. We do not do these things for our own. We do these things for others.
• I love you so I tell you the truth. And you might not like the truth. But I still tell you the truth.

[21] Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

• Scatter us and the word spreads even more. They went everywhere preaching the word.
• And do you know what? If they would have refused to preach, we wouldn’t be saved today.

[22] Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

• Are you going to do the same? You need to understand the importance of preaching God’s words.
• John the Baptist did no miracle but he got people saved through preaching God’s words.
• He preached and then God does the miracle of giving that person everlasting life if they believe in Christ.
• There is no greater miracle than someone receiving life that lasts forever. Can you think of one? No.

[23] Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

• Philip preached. God sent Philip to preach. Why? So people would believe and be saved.
• Once they believed in Christ, THEN they were baptized to show the faith they already have to others.

[24] Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

• We are to preach that Jesus is the Son of God.
• And, since He is the Son of God, He has the power to save you.

[25] Acts 10:42-43 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

• Prophecy speaks of the future.
• I can tell you right now that IF you will believe in Christ, you will receive everlasting life.
• He commanded us to preach unto the people. Now, I’ve shown you many Scriptures about preaching.
• You know that there’s more. But you get the point here.
• When God commands us to preach, He isn’t looking at just me. If you’re saved, He’s looking at you.

Why does God command you to preach?

• He sent you to preach the Gospel because He chose this method to save others.
• Can you do it? Well, why not? Don’t be afraid. God Himself says, “FEAR NOT. FOR I AM WITH YOU.”

[26] Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

• We are to teach and preach Jesus Christ. And we are to never stop.
• But let’s get to the point of this sermon that I want you to see.

[27] 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

• I want to make sure you see the clear and concise words of the Bible right there.
• Many people miss these things. Please don’t miss this today as this will change your life.
• “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
• Make sure you read it again and believe what God says.
• “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

God’s chosen method for people to be saved is through preaching of His words.

• Go ye therefore and preach the Gospel. That command is to you. Why? Do you love others or not?
• If you love others, you will preach the Gospel to them. Let me be even more clear.
• They will not figure it out on their own. Do you understand this?
• There hasn’t been one man or woman in existence that figured it out on their own.

Adam didn’t figure it out on his own. Eve didn’t. Abel didn’t. Seth didn’t. Abraham didn’t.

• The Bible tells us that God Himself preached the Gospel unto Abraham. The Gospel comes from God.
• Without God explaining and preaching these things to men and women, we would never know.
• Even with His words, we STILL NEED A PREACHER. I can testify to that right now.

I would read my Bible. I’m not a person who can’t understand things. I can understand things.

• But I just wasn’t getting the Bible. And I didn’t have a good preacher come to me in my life.
• And then I sought after God, and He sent a preacher to me. I’m telling you the truth.
• And that preacher gave me the Gospel. I checked what the man was saying with the Bible.
• I didn’t believe at first. It took me several times because I didn’t trust the preacher at first.

I verified his words with the word of God, and I believed what the word of God said. I believed the preaching.

• Without a preacher coming to me with the Gospel, I wouldn’t have been saved.
• Do you understand? If you seek God, He will send a preacher.
• If you’re saved and won’t go preach the Gospel, others won’t be saved.
• If you don’t believe what I’m saying, listen to the words of the Bible.

[28] 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

• Reading the Bible alone won’t save you. God didn’t say to read the Bible to be saved.
• He sent preachers to preach the Gospel so that you’ll be saved. Do you understand? This is huge.
• We don’t wait around for our family to read the Bible and be saved.
• We don’t wait around for them to figure it out on their own. If so, we’re playing a dangerous game.

The PREACHING of the cross IS the power of God. How shall they hear the Gospel? What will you do?

• Do you care for your son, daughter, dad, mom, grandfather, grandmother, co-worker, neighbor, or stranger that you pass on the street?
• Do you care for that man or woman standing on the side of the road? Will you pass them up?
• How shall they hear without a preacher?

[29] Romans 10:12-13 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

[30] Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

• The word of God saves people. But a preacher must be there too. Can you see this now?
• Do you not see why God sent forth Jesus Christ to come and preach the Gospel?
• Do you not see how God commands us to preach the Gospel? He’s talking to you.

How will your son be saved?

• Will you hope that another preacher comes along when you already know the Gospel?
• Will you put the life of your son in the hands of someone else? They may never come.
• How will your daughter be saved? Will you wait for someone else to come along?
• Will you hope someone else will not be afraid to knock on their door one day?

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” YES, IT’S THAT SIMPLE.

• But please don’t miss the urgency in the next verses. Look again at verse 14.
• “How then shall they call on him in who they have not believed. THEY MUST BELIEVE FIRST.
• “And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?”
• Have they actually heard of the correct Jesus Christ? This world doesn’t preach Jesus Christ.

Justin Bieber doesn’t preach Jesus Christ even though he claims that he’s a Christian. He doesn’t know Jesus.

• How shall he hear without a preacher. I hope Justin Bieber hears this. I don’t want his fame or fortune.
• But I do want him to be saved. I pray not for riches. I pray for salvation for all.
• “And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Hey, listen, this is the word of God.
• HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER? There is no other way. This is God’s way.

And He gave this job of utmost importance to you and to I. How shall they hear without a preacher?

• “And how shall they preach except they be sent?” DO you not think God sent you to preach the Gospel?
• He is sending you. He did send you. Will you do your job? Or will you be a lazy bum?
• God didn’t forget to send you. YOU ARE SENT. Do you understand? You don’t get out of this.
• I don’t get out of this. I don’t want to get out of it. I want to get people saved. Do you?

“As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring good tidings of good things!”

• EXCLAMATION MARK. God’s exclamation mark. See it there?
• How beautiful are your feet when you bring the Gospel of peace.

[31] Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

• Do you see these things now? Check this out.

[32] Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

• You are to use your feet to go to others and preach the Gospel. There is no exemption for you.
• God didn’t say that He was only speaking to me. Or another preacher over there.
• He’s speaking to you. And people won’t be saved around here until you do the job God gave you to do.
• And to anyone who is listening out there. People won’t be saved around you until you do your job.
• And yes, I am talking to men and women everywhere. Women preach the Gospel outside of church.

Notice how women want equality with men until it comes to preaching the Gospel. Did you ever notice that?

• The worldly women want nothing to do with God’s plan for them.
• It’s time for all the Godly women out there to get to work for God. NOW IS THE TIME.
• This is your job. If you won’t do it, people will go to hell.

[33] Acts 14:7 And there they preached the gospel.

• Where? HEY, WHEREVER YOU ARE, THERE THE GOSPEL NEEDS TO BE PREACHED.
• There is not one place on this earth where the Gospel doesn’t need to be preached.

How do you convince a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Pentecostal, a Southern Baptist, or anyone who worships a lie?

• How would you answer this? YOU WOULD PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THEM. That’s it.
• It’s really that simple. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
• “For the wages of sin is death.” We’re all headed to death and hell unless we are saved from our sins.
• “There’s none good, no, not one.” Our good works will never save us because we have sinned.

There is a man who is the Son of God who came to save us from our sins. God sent His one and only Son for you.

• Jesus Christ is His name. He died for your sins. He took your deserved place in hell.
• He paid for your sins already. And He says to believe in Him and be saved right now.
• Put your trust in Jesus Christ. Know that He can save you right now because He says so.
• Jesus says, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” Be saved right now by believing in Him.

He can save you. He can give you life that never ends right now. You can avoid the second death in hell.

• You can have life everlasting. This means you can never lose it no matter what you do.
• You aren’t saved by works, and you don’t keep salvation by doing works.
• “For ye are saved by grace through faith.” Grace means you don’t deserve it.
• But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Now, when you preach this Gospel of Jesus Christ to someone, GOD IS THERE WITH YOU AND WITH THEM.

• The job of the Holy Spirit is to convince them. You might have thought, “How do I convince them?”
• Hey, God is doing His job. You are there to simply preach His words to them.
• How shall they hear without a preacher? God will be there. He does His part. Will you do yours?
• Don’t worry about anything else. You simply go and preach it. God convinces them.
• And you might need to do it again and again and again. SO BE IT. Get it done.

The Holy Spirit is there just waiting to save and to seal this person you are preaching to forever.

• He’s there watching and seeing the works you are doing for Him. He is your witness.
• Go do what God says. Just as Hezekiah needed God to live 15 more years.

[34] 2 Kings 20:2-3 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, 3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

• When you need something from God, will you be able to go to Him as Hezekiah did?
• “I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart.”
• The Holy Spirit within you knows what you’re doing. Are you doing what you want to do?
• Or, are you doing what God wants you to do? When you need something, go to God.
• “Remember NOW how I have walked before thee in truth.” Will you do the job God gave you?
• Listen, no one is out there doing your job for you. God’s looking at you right now. It’s on you.

[35] Ephesians 1:12-14 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

• You were saved by trusting in Christ. But what does verse 13 say exactly?
• “In whom ye also trusted, AFTER THAT YE HEARD THE WORD OF TRUTH, the gospel of your salvation.”
• You had to first hear the word of truth. You then had to believe the word of truth.
• You believed in Jesus Christ because a preacher told you the truth. CAN YOU NOT SEE THIS?

You are only saved because a PREACHER CAME TO YOU. Now, what will you do? Thank God for preachers!!!

• I thank God for the preachers that came to me.
• Now, you have an obligation to those preachers to pass it on.
• You have an obligation to Jesus Christ and to your Creator to get out there and pass it on.
• There is no other way for someone to be saved other than through the preaching of the Gospel.

Is there any other way? NO!!! Make sure you understand this.

• If you don’t know how to preach the Gospel, it’s time to get started. It’s not difficult.
• And God will help you. If you have a desire to preach the Gospel, do you not think God will help you?
• He will. Pray to Him and ask Him for help in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

[36] Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

[37] Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

• Are you ready or not? “So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel.”
• The words are not far from me. “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart.”
• The Holy Spirit dwells within you. The word of FAITH is within you. WE WILL PREACH FAITH.

[38] 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

• We are sent to preach the Gospel so that people will be saved. I hope you now see this.
• I hope you now understand this is your job that God Himself gave you.
• If a church won’t go forth and preach the Gospel, it’s not a good church.

If the people around you don’t want to preach the Gospel, convince them. If they still won’t, find a new church.

• If not, you’re wasting your time in this life.
• Don’t wait around your entire life for the same group of people to actually want to listen to what you have to say.
• You give the Gospel and move on. Look at the Book of Acts. Look at the words of the Bible.

[39] Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

• If they will not hear you, it’s time to move on. There are others who will hear you.
• God gives you the guidance. FOLLOW WHAT HE SAYS. Preach the Gospel to every creature.
• And then move on to the next. Go back if they listened. Go back if they need to hear it again.

Let’s pray.