In order for the gospel to make sense, we must expect and fear the wrath of God. But for the wrath of God to be expected and feared, we must despise sin as an offense against God. But for sin to be despised in this way, we must know and love God as supremely pure and holy and righteous. This is why our Mission Statement is so relevant: “To spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples.” Until there is a passion for his supremacy, there will be little fear of his wrath. And without the fear of his wrath who will sing and shout over the words, “Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10)? And if we are not singing and shouting over the good news, why would we bother to tell others?

We need to dwell on the biblical worldview until it displaces the secular air we breath every day. To help us do that, here are some key texts that you will not hear or see on any TV ad.

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

Romans 2:5-8 Because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.

Romans 9:22 What if God, because he desires to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?

Romans 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath [of God], for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Ephesians 2:3 We were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

Ephesians 5:6 The wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.

Colossians 3:5 Immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry … it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come.

Revelation 6:16 They will say to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us … from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of … wrath has come; and who is able to stand?”

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come!”

Pastor John