How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? - Romans 10

 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus sends out preachers. But what do they preach? They are not to just make anything up or talk about whatever they feel like. They are to proclaim Christ and Him crucified for you. They preach repentance and forgiveness in Jesus' name.

 

All the questions that Paul asks have to do with--Why do we have a Pastor? Jesus calls the 12 men to be His Disciples. Why? "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." (Luke 5)

 

No more will you catch fish but instead people--you will catch them in the net of the Gospel--the Good News of Jesus Christ catching you into God's Kingdom. The Disciples are witnesses of all that Jesus came to do for you.

 

“That the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in Jesus name to all nations,

beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24)

Preachers preach. That is what the Lord has sent the Pastor to do. Why? For your ears. Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10)  Ears, hearts, minds and lips filled up with Jesus’ life for your life. This faith that is gifted to you (Ephesians 2) overflows into your life. Faith confesses Christ Jesus in all we say and do. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10) Faith confesses Jesus. The preaching that the Pastor does is the same message you hear in Holy Baptism--sins forgiven, life everlasting and the gift of the Holy Spirit poured into you. Preaching and teaching Jesus is what the Pastor does.

 

Your Pastors are weak and fragile. (Take it from your Pastor.) This sweet Good News of the Gospel--Christ Crucified and Risen is for you. Thanks be to God for the gift of the Lamb of God who takes away our sins.

 

Beloved in the Lord--gather around Jesus--gather around His Word with ears opened and hearts believing to hear another sermon all about Jesus. "We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

 

831 "How Shall They Hear," Who Have Not Heard

“How shall they hear,” who have not heard

News of a Lord who loved and came;

Nor known His reconciling word,

Nor learned to trust a Savior’s name?