Too offensive?
David Wilkerson asks, "whatever happened to repentance preaching?"
Update: Eric Jones shares related thoughts here.
Of course, there are churches today that do not compromise on this important biblical doctrine. But a vast number of churches have decided that repentance is too offensive a message. In fact, entire denominations have de-emphasized it.Thanks to Sista Cala for the link.
In such churches, you can hear all about God’s love, his blessings, his precepts for coping with life, but not a word about godly sorrow for sin. You can hear messages on loving others and being a good, kind person. All of that is indeed scriptural. But you won’t hear a repentance message like the one Peter preached at Pentecost. His sermon led thousands to freedom in Christ.
Update: Eric Jones shares related thoughts here.
posted by Milton Stanley at 7:23 AM
10 Comments:
I am afraid the few have messed it up for the many. Too long have some thought repentance preaching meant we had to scream at people. Too long have some though standing in the pulpit gives the right to yell at people you don't even know.
The first time someone comes to church they don't need to get yelled at. At least wait until you know them to do that!
I think you've hit the nail on the head there, Matt.o
Unfortunately, the topic of repentance is often considered "too offensive". We need to remember our job as preachers, teachers, and disciples of Christ is to just proclaim the gospel - not present a slick sales pitch. Do we need to do this in love? Of course. In fact, not preaching repentance up front is not showing true love. Jesus, Peter, Paul ... they all preached repentance and often they preached it to strangers. They didn't wait until they warmed them up.
I just posted on the topic of repentance yesterday at www.TranformedDaily.com.
Keep up the good work Milton.
Good points from the 3 of you gents. Also akin to Matt's comment; Some folks think all repentance preaching has to be 'hell fire and brimstone'. Hell is certainly a deterrent, but should not be the sole reason for repentance.
p.s. thanks for the link :-)
Thanks, Eric, for your comments. I've updated the post with a link to your article on repentance. Peace.
Amen, Carla.
Milton,
The ministry of Jesus exemplifies the way we Christians must live out the truth:
1. He preached repentance.
2. He healed the sick.
3. He spoke hope to the hopeless.
4. He preached a message that tormented the self-satisfied, the rich, and the religious people.
5. He met the physical needs of the needy.
6. He worked to create a community of believers.
7. He loved without measure.
Our problem is we focus on two or three of those seven to the exclusion of the rest. That's not the model we were given. We need to manifest the entire servant image of Christ or we're living "another Gospel."
you probably alread know this...
but, i did not.
Brimstone is an archaic name for sulfur
You're exactly right, Dan.
Well, Nancy, I'm embarrassed to admit that after earning advanced degrees in both ministry and English, I was not aware that brimstone was sulfur. Thanks for the info.
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