When you preach the gospel, you are accusing people of crimes, calling them criminals; so the core gospel message is fundamentally quite offensive.
The 'good news' aspect comes much later, in the sentencing. If you respond well, plead guilty, show remorse, concern for the victim etc; if you are willing to pay the price to put things right; then this makes room for Grace, the part where you can play your wonderful get-out-of-jail-free card.
In humility, you can learn something; are capable of being taught, capable of changing; and that is 'the card'. By contrast, that Blood of Jesus stuff is more just some legal mumbo jumbo historical stuff, for those that really want to dig deep into how the whole legal system works.
If you preach the gospel poorly, then you might come across like a deranged cop; everyone is guilty of 'crime', but no real evidence, you simply just 'have faith' in that 'heart belief' that others are 'bad' (and you are armed?). What say you, sinner?
In my view, that's quite a bad look; but people will tend to just play along, until you spy another sinner to harass. Yes sir, I invite Jesus into my heart, very much so; but what about that guy? Quietly slips away.
As I see it, your preaching is far more effective, when you can ping them on something a little more specific. Ideally, you should have in your possession:
- Evidence of their Involvement
- Evidence of the Harm Caused
- Citation of the relevant Law
The funny thing is, once you have all that in place, you don't actually need it! It's like some kind of black magic! When your sermon is on point, when you simply ask the right questions, they will act the fool!
For example, they may attempt to stab you in the face; which is itself another sin, one that's much easier to ping them on btw. They could make some bogus counter-accusation, as if you're the criminal, and they're the cop. Best of all, they might attempt to run and hide; like an innocent man, falsely accused, unfairly victimized by 'the system'.
In an ideal world, the suspect will escape, almost; were it not for that inhuman nature of the canine patrol, sensitive to a nanoparticle of odour. Our beloved pets, who can then be let off the leash, to play their most favourite game in the whole wide world! The suspect usually requires a fair bit of hospital treatment after that.
Then its back to the same desk, same question; except with more humility. That might seem like a waste of time, from a tax payers perspective; but from a cop or preachers perspective, that's what makes it all worthwhile!
So this business about not even needing the evidence (which took a lot of work to collect btw), because of these ridiculous over-reactions; or perhaps the more understated silent rage of a poker-faced christian idol worshipper. Hiding behind that pastor's diplomatic immunity thingy.
That's where the 'cops hunch' comes into it; the preachers 'word of knowledge'; an odd little clue; a line of enquiry. Taking a verbal shot in the dark is ok; a simple no will suffice, if the question seems rude.
This is precisely why I never get into religious debates; its not for lack of trying, put it that way! I just approach a public figure, our local subject matter expert, and I ask that person one question; the end. Statue bro? [Stony Silence]. I see.
That's exactly how it was with Arius; all the experts were present, all wearing their shiny debating shoes, and their duly qualified expert hats, ready to sort out any misunderstandings; but Rebellion is not a misunderstanding, hence the mocking song. Father Arius was quite simply taking the piss!
Deus Vult, Santa Claus! God Wills It!