“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all long- suffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2) “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21) “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)

“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24) Jesus was sometimes angry (Mark 3:5) Jesus opposed false teaching (Matthew 23) Jesus offended people (John 6:60-66)

Largely based on misconception about Christ Never offend anyone Preach only the positive Never deal with problems Ignore God’s wrath Never preach on hell Never expose false teachers Don’t tell people they are lost Be a good mixer – get along with everyone Let God deal with error in His own time

Too many “Christians” are interested in getting along with everyone no matter what the cost. Preach in a plain and straightforward way Preach whether people want it or not Don’t be evasive and speak half-truths Don’t make the Bible impersonal “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all long- suffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

Jesus was not afraid of offending His listeners “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

Jesus was not afraid of offending His listeners “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” “But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:13- 14)

Jesus was not afraid of offending His listeners “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Jesus ’ words were exclusive

Jesus was not afraid of offending His listeners Jesus ’ words were exclusive

Jesus was not afraid of offending His listeners “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Jesus ’ words were exclusive Jesus ’ preaching was not always positive

Jesus was not afraid of offending His listeners “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Jesus ’ words were exclusive Jesus ’ preaching was not always positive Jesus ’ preaching upset those who heard Him “…godly sorrow produces repentance…” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Jesus was not afraid of offending His listeners “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Jesus ’ words were exclusive Jesus ’ preaching was not always positive Jesus ’ preaching upset those who heard Him His words were not spoken to make Him popular

“Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67) “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

The whole counsel of God Exclusive and Inclusive Positive and Negative That which may upset and offend Not men-pleasing but God-pleasing

Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17) Believe in Jesus (John 8:24) Repent of sin (Acts 2:38) Confess Christ (Acts 8:37) Be Baptized (Acts 2:38) Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) Repent, Confess Sin, Pray (Acts 8:22: 1 John 1:7-9)