img1 img2
Hello World

Sermon

The Gospel of Harsh Love

by Rev. Kirby Williams

Jesus expresses the fathomless love of the Gospel with harsh, rigid words.

Text: John 8:21-24
Date: 08/13/2017, the Traditional service.
Series: "John: Encountering Love" Part 60

Share Email

Description:

As the unbelieving Jews continue to confront and oppose Jesus as He teaches in the Temple, Jesus warns them with very harsh words of the consequences of rejecting Him as their Messiah. In a Gospel that is often referred to as the "Gospel of love", these words seem rigid and stern, if not disturbing. We will ask ourselves why Jesus uses such language and why He is investing His time in a group of people whose hearts are so hardened that recovery seems impossible. But the real question is whether the compassionate and loving Jesus could know such terrible consequences await those who reject Him and remain silent! Therefore, we will re-affirm that the complete Gospel must include such stern warnings to the rebellious. And even though the words may seem rigid and abrasive, they are the necessary words of the Gospel of harsh love.


View:  Options: 

I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, John 8:21-24.
A. Context, John 8:12.
B. Harsh words of love, vs. 21-24.
1. Christ's imminent departure, vs. 21-22, John 7:33-34.
a. The initial warning, vs. 21.
i. Returning to the Father.
ii. Seeking the wrong Messiah.
iii. Terminal unbelief.
iv. Unrecoverable, John 8:34.
b. A snide but predictable response, vs. 22, John 8:13, 19.
i. The response of unbelief.
ii. A silly yet ironic response.
¥ A malicious response.
¥ A silly response, John 7:35.
¥ An ironic response.
2. A profound separation, vs. 23.
a. Heaven and earth.
b. Two different kingdoms.
c. Darkness and light.
3. The complete Gospel, vs. 24.
a. Personally accountable.
b. The divine Savior.
c. The Gospel in a nutshell.
i. The prerequisite for salvation.
ii. The tragic outcome of unbelief.
III. Application
A. The Gospel of harsh love.
B. Words meant for you.
1. Words from the heart of the Evangelist.
2. Words that dispel darkness.
IV. Conclusion

The Preaching Ministry of Kirby Williams
Sermon Audio

Now Playing: The Gospel of Harsh Love


Having trouble downloading the message? Click Here!


Automatically download a new sermon each week by subscribing to our iTunes podcast or RSS feed.