Today, the pressure to fill auditoriums and services has driven many pastors to place the felt needs, or tastes, of the people above their duty to Christ. On every hand we hear of the Gospel being molded into a non-confrontative message intended to meet felt needs and impress the sinful heart. And, by most standards, this new philosophy of church life is working, as more and more auditoriums are filled with people hungry for a message that will affirm that they are actually on fairly good terms with the Almighty. But the biblical message is the message of the cross. It cuts right across the grain of the modern age’s preoccupation with pride, tearing down the façade and exposing the wretchedness of the human heart… Unfortunately, while the modern “un-gospel” may fill seats, it is the true gospel of sin and grace that is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16).
— David Hegg (b. 1956), Pastor, Theologe und Buchautor
Related Bible passage: ROM.1.16
Topics: Grace & Redemption, Church & Congregation, Witness & Mission
Occasions: For Reflection
David Hegg
David W. Hegg (* 1956) ist ein US-amerikanischer evangelikal-baptistischer Pastor, Theologe und Autor, der viele Jahre die Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, Kalifornien, leitete. Er steht für eine konservativ-reformierte Theologie und wurde neben Veröffentlichungen zu Nachfolge und Predigtdienst durch Zeitungskolumnen zu gesellschaftsethischen Themen bekannt. Bibellesern vermitteln seine Auslegungen alltagsnahe Impulse zu persönlicher Verantwortung, christlicher Integrität und gelebtem Glaubensgehorsam.
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller