Where has Dr. Rainer been? The day of "attractional evangelism" is gearing up big time in the 21st Century. Look at the crowds at Hagee, Osteen, Jakes, and a dozen other popular men. These men obviously believe that the more people who come to "see" them and all the excitement, the more that will eventually come to Christ.

AMEN Mr. Rainer..AMEN...

For Mike: You seem very angry. Dr. Rainer is saying that we need to stop making sin a relativism and that is is all affecting because it creates a rift with God. The Bible does not say judge not.. it says by the measure with which we judge we shall be judged... Inference is that we are to use the appropriate standard to judge.... that standard is universal.. It is what God says about sin and the manner in which He responded to sin....

NOw here is the rub.. We look at Christ as the lamb and many people like yourself say.. Jesus forgave and was was compassionate... and you would be absolutely right... BUT Scripture says... Christ went to the cross as a lamb but next time he is coming as the Lion of Judah to judge sin for those who still refuse to repent after seeing the work at the cross.

Finally....Men who are called to the priesthood and serve God are human and most pastors and priests are decent, compassionate men struggling with their own shortcomings and are not arrogant or hypocrites... If you havent found a good church Id be glad to recommend a few.

god helps those who helps themselves is wrong? so what does a person do if he is suffering? what about when he is laid off from work? so does he sit down, pray, give his 10%, go to church & do volunteer work & wait for god to do everything for him? or wait for god to answer if a person's misfortune is god's will or not. experts in quoting the bible

I’m not talking pious moralists who point people to their sins, but servants who through humility and loving relationships point people to an all-sufficient Savior.

Well that is the gospel. everything is POINTED TO SIN. they that is why christians/pastors think they are humble but they are arrogant self righteous people who could not practice what they preach.
if the bible is for teaching rebuking correcting then why are christians insulted when their sins are exposed. and what kind of teaching do pastors give when they always point to sin. this article will say about other people's shortcoming but when the same christians are told about their shortcomings they wash their hands and say 'ye not judge me.'

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2Ti 3:15, 16, 17).

The Old Testament scriptures are being described in verse 15. Verse 16 includes Old Testament scripture, but is also a prophetic word for the scriptures being written and that would be written. That prophetic utterance, “All Scripture” has been completely fulfilled in what we call the bible (66 books).

It is because of this lack of understanding that many who walk under the Christian title have been deceived, entering into the dark domain of vain traditions, shocking non-scriptural guidance, and the commandments of men that lead from the truth.

Take heed, and let the word of God be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.

I agree with our brother in Christ, and it's not just in evangelical churches. We've all still fallen short of the Glory of God, and we do it everyday. We do need to get back to this message of the reality of the Gospel.

Only side note is when Paul wrote:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

He was talking about only the Old Testament. A New Testament didn't exist, nor would a collection of books called a Bible until 400 years later. Let's not confuse what we have today with what Paul had when he made the statement. Other than that, bravo to you, my brother in Christ!

This article has been posted on GoodNewsNow.com. M. Sunkes, web assistant