Kindness and Sterness seem to not go together, but they do~

As a Pastor it seems like everyday people want me to explain what I think. I am quick to say that it is not what I think, but what the Word of God says. Many also want me to share my thoughts on eternal security and assurance of salvation. It seems like the battle will go on forever on these topics. Neither matters as well our 'opinions' line up with the Word of God.

This morning was awesome at the Ring of Champions. God always shows up and allows us to be part of it. As we sat around with some of the detainees the question about God's sterness and His kindness came up. It is always a good question when asked by those who really don't know God. I often have them take a deep breath and then say "God loves you and He is allowing you the opportunity to make the rigth choice." Here's the deal...God operates in both realms. When He has to be stern to get ones attention He will. When His kindness is needed He will pour it out.

Romans 11:20-23 is a prime example of these attributes of God. "Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sterness of God:Sterness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindeness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And if the do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again."

It seems the scripture seperates alot of opinion and answers alot of questions. God is God and IF He chooses through sterness, or kindness to graft in, or graft out, He is God. If we are reading this right now then we have to understand that His kindness is permitting us to get in, or get out. There isn't an in between. One, or the other. The scripture is pretty balck and white and I believe that many do not 'Fear' God, so they don't think they have to stay the course and change completly. These words should reverberate through us if we are not aligned with Him "Be Afriad" because it is vital to our understanding and growth if we truly desire to know and be obedient to God. Before His sterness sets in it would probably be good to make a move through His kindness. If you have fallen don't assume that you are still grafted in according to the scripture........simplt make sure by surrendering your all~