I read the best illustration by John Bevere today on the dangers of not addressing sin. I will paraphrase;
“Sin is “cancer”, the church is meant to diagnose the “cancer” so we can treat it early, but churches that focus on grace alone allow someone who has “cancer” to feel confident that they aren’t really sick. This kind of teaching ignores the “cancer” in our lives, reassuring us that we are fine meanwhile the “cancer” grows out of control and eventually kills us. But addressing the “cancer” early on gives us the opportunity for immediate action to stop it in its tracks, saving our life.”
We find ourselves living in a time when truth is not popular but we need to take seriously the call to speak the truth. Some Christian churches of today are leaning more and more away from addressing sin but instead are only on focusing on grace because it is what people desire to hear. This is not the design of the church as God intended!
“Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.”
2 Timothy 4:2
Speaking truth in love is how lives are saved!
“Sin is “cancer”, the church is meant to diagnose the “cancer” so we can treat it early, but churches that focus on grace alone allow someone who has “cancer” to feel confident that they aren’t really sick. This kind of teaching ignores the “cancer” in our lives, reassuring us that we are fine meanwhile the “cancer” grows out of control and eventually kills us. But addressing the “cancer” early on gives us the opportunity for immediate action to stop it in its tracks, saving our life.”
We find ourselves living in a time when truth is not popular but we need to take seriously the call to speak the truth. Some Christian churches of today are leaning more and more away from addressing sin but instead are only on focusing on grace because it is what people desire to hear. This is not the design of the church as God intended!
“Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.”
2 Timothy 4:2
Speaking truth in love is how lives are saved!
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