Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman told of a distinguished minister, Dr. Howard, from Australia who preached very strongly on the subject of sin. After the service, one of the church officers came to counsel with him in the study. “Dr. Howard,” he said, “we don’t want you to talk as openly as you do about man’s guilt and corruption, because if our boys and girls hear you discussing that subject they will more easily become sinners. Call it a mistake if you will, but do not speak so plainly about sin. “The minister took down a small bottle and showing it to the visitor said, “You see that label? It says strychnine — and underneath in bold, red letters the word ‘Poison!’ Do you know, man, what you are asking me to do? You are suggesting that I change the label. Suppose I do, and paste over it the words, ‘Essence of Peppermint’; don’t you see what might happen? Someone would use it, not knowing the danger involved, and would certainly die. So it is, too, with the matter of sin. The milder you make your label, the more dangerous you make your poison!”
–An illustration from this morning’s sermon by yours truly
Why repentance. Which is in short supply over yonder for that matter in my own backyard. Rebellion is simply chronic. The difference in my mind is that we expect(or do we)God’s hand directly in our lives as God, something other, terrible, yet compassionate and merciful as he promises he wont despise a broken and contrite heart nor reward us according to our iniquities. Blessed assurance?? I am forever turning, and turning, and turning…….the prodigal until I sleep.
Amen, Amen, Amen. That is one of the many problems with the commonly held worldview outside Christianity. Why repentance?? We must!!! God cannot abide the sin and unholiness that we are all born with. Deny that if you must, but it is the truth whether you believe it or not. Our ONLY hope is in Jesus. There is no other way, no other solution and our one and only hope. Who said so? God Almighty. Ultimate Truth and you can take it to the bank.