12.1.6 Proclamation of the word

The timely will of God is proclaimed in the divine services. This proclamation of the word is described as the "sermon".

The necessity of God's word for the life of the new creation was expressed by the Lord Jesus in the statement: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4: 4). Apostle Paul pointed out that faith cannot come into being without hearing the word of God (Romans 10: 17). In 1 Peter 1: 24-25, the transitory nature of mankind is contrasted with the eternal nature of God's word: "... the word of the Lord endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you."