When was the last time you heard a ‘Hellfire and Brimstone Sermon’?
I may have preached a few in my time, but very few in recent years. Whether I am right or wrong to avoid this style of preaching, I do not have a definite answer.
What I do know is that Jesus didn’t clear the temple every time he went near it, nor did he say, “Woe unto you…!” to every Scribe and Pharisee he met. So, insisting that I begin and end all my Sunday sermons with “Repent or perish!” does not make me accurately reflect Jesus’ style of preaching, despite what some may think.
At the other extreme sits the Hollywood model of preaching. This including platitudes spilling forth from tired old padres, and youths condemning the morally intolerant—always assuring us that God doesn’t have a judgemental bone in his body. It might be news to some, but the reason that Jesus did not come to judge the world was that the world was already judged—the verdict was in before he came: “You are condemned to hell for sins committed against your Holy God!” Everyone was powerless and without hope. But praise God, that by His grace, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” Glory Hallelujah!
When the Cross is but a fashion accessory, and Baptism an optional extra, it should not surprise us when Salvation has less to do with repentance of sins and more to do with ‘feeling saved.’ Jesus warned: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Lk.13:5).‘To Repent’ is to change your mind.
The turning of your body, soul and spirit away from sin, and towards the only One who can save you—The crucified Christ!
What must you do to be saved?“ Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
John Staiger
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