Reason #16 why going to church this Sunday is the best plan: TO HEAR THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD.  The word “preaching” has fallen on hard times in 21^st century America.  Many people think of that word as bad, as in “condemnation” or “getting up on your moral high horse.”  But the Bible says that preaching is simply the act of proclaiming God’s Word and His Good News.  It’s an explanation or a telling of the things of God.  Listening to preaching should be an encouraging experience – yes, sometimes convicting – but encouraging, nonetheless; for even in conviction, there is a joyful outcome.  Jesus is our model in preaching.  The Apostle Paul, the greatest human preacher of all time, said of Jesus in Ephesians 2:17…  “Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away from God, and to those who were near to God.”  True preaching is helping others find peace with God.  Paul, himself, said this about his preaching in Ephesians 3:8-9: “Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.”  On Sunday mornings, or any time preaching takes place, there are three active participants:  The preacher, the listener, and the Holy Spirit; all three are required for this holy endeavor.  Come be a part of the preaching of God’s Word.