“In contrast to preaching the demands of duty and doctrine alone, relishing the gracious provision God consistently makes throughout Scripture for people like us, despite our sin and inability, stimulates true humility, gratitude, sacrifice, obedience, and praise in us. We live to honor God in response to the love He has shown us, more than we live to benefit earthly priorities of selfish gain. Heaven’s priorities become our own because expressing love for the One who first loved us becomes our greatest delight and deepest satisfaction. Gratitude to Him becomes the basis of Christian ethics and compassion as we love what and whom He loves – the unlovely, the oppressed, those different, and all created.”

Excerpt From: Ed Stetzer. “Christ-Centered Preaching & Teaching.” iBooks.