What does the Bible say about the importance of preaching?

Preaching is not merely a function of the church; it is the core purpose ordained by God for His messengers. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 1, indicating that he was sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel. The gospel, characterized by the cross, is described as the power of God for salvation, highlighting that God chose to save people through the 'foolishness of preaching.' This underscores the importance of preaching as the primary means through which God’s elect are called to salvation, revealing that God's wisdom is often contrary to worldly wisdom.