വിശ്വാസത്താൽ സകലകാര്യങ്ങളും സാധിക്കും
And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:15-17
A. One who would preach must first of all, have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He must know from the Scriptures that he has been saved from sin, and know what it means to trust Christ alone for salvation.
B. He should be able to teach someone else the basic plan of salvation, that is:
1. God Loves YOU. John 3:16
2. All have sinned and need salvation. Rom.3:23, Isaiah 64:6
3. Christ died for our sins. Romans 5:6-9
4. Christ is the Son of God and God the Son. Matt. 3:17, John 1:1-14
5. Christ is risen and alive today. I Cor. 15:3,4
6. Christ is the only way to Heaven. John 14:6 Acts 4:12
7. Salvation is a gift, not earned by works. Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8,9
C. He must maintain a regular daily devotional life of Bible reading and prayer. You cannot talk for God if you do not walk and talk with God.
D. He must believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and that God has promised to honor His Word. Isaiah 55:11
E. He must have a good testimony and a good reputation, both before the church and before the world. I Tim. 4:12
F. His own heart must be right with God: no sin allowed to remain, whether of thought, word or deed. Psalm 66:18, I John 1:9.
G. His life must be fully surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1,2
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs."