The training provided through SWSBS is comprehensive but by no means exhaustive. We only have two years to introduce the fundamentals of study and practice. With limited time, not everything can be covered. Our instructors often leave more “on the table” of their studies than they put into their lectures. (The same is true of faithful preachers everywhere!) However, we never leave out of classes or curriculum the reality of sin, and we are sure that our graduates are prepared to preach about sin. As preachers, we are harbingers of good news. Why then is it necessary to preach about sin?
- God talks about sin (Isa. 1:18-19).
- Jesus talks about sin (Jn.8:21-24).
- God’s messengers talk about sin (1 Kgs. 14:16).
- Sin corrupts (Tit. 1:15-16).
- Sin deceives (Heb. 3:13).
- Sin ruins (Isa. 57:20-21).
- Sin separates (Isa. 59:2)
- Sin leads to death (Jas. 1:15).
- Sin must be dealt with appropriately (Lk. 13:3).
- Sin must be recognized (Ps. 139:23-24).
- Sin must be avoided (1 Thess. 5:22).
- Sin is an assault on the moral perfection of God (Hab. 1:13).
- The good news is good because sin is so bad (Rom. 5:6-8).
- Jesus came to save mankind from sin (Matt. 1:21)!
When we claim to preach the whole counsel of God, it is necessary that we talk about the reality of, consequences to, and salvation from sin. There may be other topics that we prefer to discuss, but this one cannot be neglected.
If you are interested in learning the whole counsel of God … as much as is possible in two years, we would love to talk to you about SWSBS.
-Trent Kennedy