Sigh.

What happens when the minister's message doesn't meet someone's "felt needs"?  Disgruntled consumers will go looking for a church where the Christian's self-esteem is of primary importance.  In these user friendly churches, feel good messages take precedence over teaching doctrine. (Ever heard of Robert Schuller?)  Having a positive self-image is nice and all, but what followers of Jesus Christ need to realize is that sin ignored breeds even more sin, until we eventually become slaves to sin.  As Brent Riggs puts it, "Sin is the essence of everything bad, wrong, ruined, spoiled, messed up and broken in your life.  Therefore, you should be educated about it."

Riggs is right.  Christians should be educated about it.  That's why straightforward preaching on the subject of sin is imperative from the pulpit.  John Wesley said, "Give me nothing but one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth." 

Christians must become people who fear nothing but sin. Starting today, let's shake the gates of hell!

Notes:
Bible verses are from the NIV
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Copyright: Marsha West, 4/7/05 - All rights reserved.

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