Series: Yeah, But…
Yeah, But…
God is Love?
Preacher Ed
The Narrative
•Not the Almighty Creator.
•A “Senile Teddy Bear.”
→“Yeah, but… God is love.”
Introduction
The Thesis
God’s holiness demands justice just as much as His nature defines love.
I.
The Righteousness
of Retribution
“Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you…”
2 THESSALONIANS 1:6
A Righteous Thing
•Paul does not call it “harsh.”
•If God didn’t punish evil, He wouldn’t be good.
•Ps 89:14: Justice is the foundation of His throne.
II.
The Revelation
of Vengeance
“…in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel…”
2 THESSALONIANS 1:8
No Longer the Lamb
•Culture fears King Jesus in the Fire.
•Target 1: The Willful Rejecters.
•Target 2: Those who do not OBEY.
Divine, Calculated Justice
III.
The Reality
of Ruin
“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord…”
2 THESSALONIANS 1:9
Everlasting Separation
•Not annihilation. Everlasting.
•Separation from the source of all Light.
•Hell is the granted wish to be without God.
Conclusion
God provided a way of escape—that is His LOVE.
If you reject it, you face the consequences—that is His JUSTICE.
The Plan of Salvation
HEAR
BELIEVE
REPENT
CONFESS
Be Baptized
“Wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16)