A challenge from 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? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”

These four questions provide a helpful introduction for anyone visiting a Baptist church for the first time. The outstanding feature for any given service will invariably be the address of the preacher. An average of thirty minutes to an hour is given to such men, and it will no doubt seem strange to the visitor that the congregation attentively listens to the preacher’s sermon. “Who is this man”, urges the visitor, “and why are his opinions more valid than the rest of us?” This is a legitimate question and the Apostle Paul provides an excellent answer.