"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:3). Sure there are horrible ministers that berate people, but it seems that Christianity is getting weaker and weaker. The first century through the beginning of the fourth century for Christians meant running for your life as many were crucified, fed to the lions, etc. Now that is real trauma.

What is a preacher to do? "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2). And do not focus on the rebuking and reproving only but also the long suffering part. The message is not to make people comfortable but it is to be presented in a way that is patient and properly delivered.

But recipients of these messages that go off all offended forget the purpose of going to church. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12). We ought to feel hurt if we are living in sin or holding onto a sinful habit. Church is not to feel comfortable in.

But what should we expect? Generation after generation have been teaching only justification saves and have neglected sanctification or holy living. The thought is, "If holy living does not matter than we ought not be getting told about our sinning." So it is the churches fault for not teaching right to begin with. They are reaping what they have sown.

The fact is, Galatians 5:19-21 provides a list of all kinds of sinful practices and Revelation 21:8 tells another list of people not going to Heaven for those that continue in such things. So holy living is required, and we need to be told what God expects when we take on the name Christian.