J.A. Matteson
As with Jeremiah's generation it is fashionable today for the grace of God to be elevated over his justice. Preacher's declare the delightful attributes of God while downplaying or ignoring His justice, righteousness, wrath, and demand for repentance. Sermon subjects bear witness to this reality. When was the last time you heard a compelling sermon on Hell, the attribute of God's wrath or eternal damnation? Rather, preachers and their congregations too often presume upon the grace of God while they continue to live in sin. "They keep saying to those who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, "You will have peace'"; and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, they say, 'Calamity will not come upon you'" (Jer. 23:17). Certainly God is love, but He is also holy and will not turn a blind eye to unrighteousness. Preacher's who do not warn their flocks of the justice and wrath of God do them a grave disservice. Loving correction from God's word is as a sweet balm to His children, for a broken spirit and contrite heart is delightful in His eyes. May the preachers of this generation proclaim the full council of God's word and not tickle the ear with empty rhetoric that does not profit
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