Imagine picking your car up from the shop after a routine tune-up and the technician says, "This car is in great shape. Clearly you have an automotive genius to take great care of your car." Later that day, your brakes don't work. You find out you were out of brake fluid. You could have died.

You go back to the shop, and you say, "Why didn't you tell me?" The technician replies, "Well, I didn't want you to feel bad. Plus, to be honest, I was afraid you might get upset with me. I want this to be a safe place where you feel loved and accepted." You'd be furious! You'd say, "I didn't come here for a little fantasy-based ego boost! When it comes to my car, I want the truth."

For the rest of this important sermon, see Loving Enough to Speak Truth, by John Ortberg.

This week we also feature:

• Editor's Choice Illustration: Book Details How Famous Philosophers Died
• Sermon Series: Holy War, by Michael Lawrence
• Video Illustration: Baptism

Preaching Christ,

Brian Larson
Editor, PreachingToday.com
blarson@christianitytoday.com

P.S. Early registration has begun for Richard Hammar's live webinar on September 1 with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Rich will provide critical law and tax updates for church leaders. Continuing Education credits are available. Register now [MJB1] so you don't miss out!

Craig Brian Larson is the pastor of Lake Shore Church in Chicago and author and editor of numerous books, including The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching (Zondervan). He blogs on Knowing God and His Ways at craigbrianlarson.com.