“Balance”

BIBLE READING: Luke 13

DISCUSSION                                                                                 

                I believe that we can separate our preachers into three main categories.  First, you have what I like to call “Fluffy Preachers”.  These men love to preach the “Fluffy” news of the Gospel.  Their sermons, for the most part, are full of love, mercy, tolerance and grace.  Next, you have the “Hell-Fire and Brimstone Preachers”.  These men are considered more old school preachers; they like to step on our toes and warn us about the judgement that is to come. Finally, you have the “Middle of the Road Preachers”.  These men strive to have a good mix of both. Now understand, there is nothing wrong with teaching about the love of Jesus and His grace towards us.  There is also nothing wrong with teaching about conviction, judgement and Hell.    However, there is something wrong with not preaching some of both.   In our reading for today we see Jesus illustrating His love, mercy and grace as He heals the woman who had the disabling spirit.  However, He then quickly becomes very critical of how judgmental and condemning the Pharisee’s are after His healing of the woman who had a disabling spirit.  A few verses later he tells them to “Strive to enter by the narrow door.  For many I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able.” (Luke 13.24).   If Jesus lived and taught a balance, so should we.  Paul says it this way to the church at Rome, “Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22)