Message by Larry Thacker Jr. from January 20: Unmixing the Message
In the previous message, I spoke from the book of Ezekiel about our responsibility to share what God has given us. We are accountable for the word we have from God. This week I continue the theme by exploring the message that we proclaim. Over the years there has been much controversy over how we should present the Gospel. Is a message of fire and damnation appropriate? Is a message focusing only on the love of God any more appropriate? The answer is probably yes to both, depending on the circumstance. But overall how should we approach the process of explaining who God is and what He wants from us to those who do not believe?
It is not a question of whether we focus on His love or His judgment. The message is instead that His judgment is part of His love. He does not take pleasure in death, but in life! I will read from Ezekiel 33:10-11. This is part of a passage very similar to the one we read last week, but a couple of differences help explain more completely what God is saying.
