If you have spent any time reading the news or on social media lately you have probably noticed the increased discussion on gay marriage, intolerance, Christian hypocrisy, and so forth. Some of you just stopped reading because, like me, you are sick of hearing about it. The sermons on judgment, grace, love, etc. have all picked up as well and I have heard some passionate messages on these topics within the last few weeks. I put a strong emphasis on “passion” because often times we think a passionate delivery makes a good message; however, in reality, if we were to take the passion part out of the message we would notice that the speaker really didn’t say anything at all.

I have heard messages lately from all sides: the anti-Christian tirades that call us intolerant and hypocrites; messages on grace, love forgiveness, judgment, condemnation; and sermons calling us back to…