We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Don’t Forget the Wrath of God


One of the missing themes in modern preaching is the wrath of God. The mainline Christian churches have skipped right over it. In many evangelical churches the message is,”God is love, and we are accepted just as we are.” What this has given people is a dull gospel with no urgency. What need is there for a gospel if lives are in no ultimate danger? Listening to the preaching of John the Baptist will restore the needed message of God’s judgment to our churches. . . .

It is almost axiomatic in churches today that “God is love and will not condemn anyone.” John the Baptist disagreed. We are in danger, in our time, of losing half the biblical message: the justice, holiness, and moral seriousness of God are being lost, and the gospel is in danger of sinking, and His love is turning insipid.

Some preachers will say that “God does not frighten us into heaven” or that hellfire’s not a legitimate motive in true Christian preaching. Let us ask such preachers to study the sermons in Matthew and see if they can prove their thesis. The biblical God does frighten, does threaten, does talk straight, and we must accustom ourselves to hear Him talk in that way. The love of God is a tough love that does not wink at our sins.

David MacLeod, “Herald of the King: The Mission of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-12),” The Emmaus Journal, Vol.9/No.1, pg.25, 28

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did King David lose his salvation when he committed the sins of adultery and murder? A simple yes or no would suffice as an answer.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Okay Troll,

NO is the answer.

If a Christian commits adultery he does not lose salvation, If a Christian commits a murder he does not lose salvation. ALL sins are forgiven. If a person LIVES a lifestyle defined by adultery and murder, then they don't lose what they never had to begin with.

Now go away and quit behaving like a sproiled brat throwing a temper tantrum.