Joel Osteen, pastor of one of the largest churches in America, was being interviewed on the Larry King Show when Larry King made the observation that Osteen hardly ever preaches on sin. To which, Osteen replied, “People don't need to be told they're sinners...they already know that.” Osteen (and most other pastors today) would rather talk about how Christianity can help with finances, marriages, self-worth, success...but sidestep the issue of sin. The fact is, people don't know about sin...its devastation...the necessity of repentance...of confronting their personal rebellion against Holy God. Preaching on sin is a hard message in today's culture of victimization, entitlement, lack of moral clarity, disregard of the Scriptures, and rejection of the idea of God's judgment. The preaching on sin is of paramount importance in the proclamation of the gospel. The Apostle Paul put it this way:

I would not have come to know sin except through the Law... 13 Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by working out my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. (Romans 7:7,13)

Indeed, the subject of sin must be addressed constantly and often from the pulpit. It is the starting point of one's recognition of their need for the gospel.

Preaching on sin cuts through to the hearts of self-righteous men and women. They must come to recognize their rebellion against Holy God, the consequences, and the coming judgment. Growing up in Christian circles, I was often given the impression that those preachers categorized as “Hell Fire and Brimstone” preachers were driving people away from the faith. I now realize that it is only by preaching on sin that folks are drawn to the good news of the gospel. My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, in our desire to be “liked” and “acceptable,” we tend to stay away from addressing sin. We stay away from addressing the root cause of one's separation from God. May we be bold in proclaiming the truth of sin and grace. Amen.

This song gives the sequence of realizing one's sin and the grace of the Savior:

Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That I've found in You

Lord I've come to know
The weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.