A pastor in Austin, Texas, has just reminded us of the following song we wrote in the 80’s during those special eight years we spent traveling in ministry with Dr. Stephen and Heather Olford. Many of our songs were inspired by Dr. Stephen during that period, including this one written specifically for preachers titled: “Preach the Word.” We can still hear Dr. Olford admonishing his hearers to PREACH THE WORD!!

“We’ve a gospel to preach, we’ve a message to share,
God’s eternal Word is what we declare.
It’s the power to save, it’s the Spirit’s sword,
It’s the heart of God, it’s the Living Word.
We must study to learn and not be ashamed,
to proclaim God’s truth in the Savior’s name.
With no compromise, but consistently,
we must preach the Word with integrity.

What is made by man will one day be gone,
but God’s Holy Word marches on and on.
Though the flower will fade and the grass will die,
the Eternal Word ever will abide.
We must pay the price, we must take our stand
with a heart on fire and God’s Word in hand.
On the brightest day, in the darkest hour
we must preach the truth in the Spirit’s power.

As a steward I must watch how I live day and night,
for the truth I preach must be backed by my life.
It’s God will, that is how He intends it to be –
Truth incarnate, the Word fully formed in me.
If we fail in our homes, if we fall into sin,
it will cancel out what we do for Him.
We must live pure lives, without fault or shame,
and live out the truth we are called to proclaim.

Preach the Word! Preach the Word!
We must purpose in our hearts to preach the Word.
It’s our call as Christ’s disciples to pass on what we’ve received –
So, set your mind, and take the time to PREACH THE WORD!