There should always be a proper balance in our lives.  Work is important, but we also need recreation.  Family time is good, but there are times when we need to be alone. 
One of the struggles in lesson preparation is a proper balance, the positive and the negative.  So much televangelism today accentuates only the positive.    But, when you examine verses in the Bible you realize  that both the positive and the negative are taught within the same teaching.
That's our lesson for this morning.

1.)  WE NEED A BALANCED DIET
      A.  Eating one thing all the time would be detrimental to our health.  i.e. German chocolate cake for me
      B.  Spiritually a combination of doctrine and application is needed. 
          
2)   WE NEED THE POSITIVE/BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN ELIMINATE THE NEGATIVE
      A.  Matthew 11: 25-30 - a wonderful invitation, but notice verses 20-23
      B.  Read the rebukes of Jesus in Matthew 23: 2-36, then notice the mercy shown in verse 37.

3)   PREACHING SHOULD SHOW OUR NEED
      A.  Jesus promised a Helper to the apostles (the first work would be to convict the world of sin, John16:8
      B.  Since the Spirit came upon the twelve early in Acts 2 we're not surprised that in vss 36 and 37 Peter
           convicted the Jews of sin.
      C.  If the gospel is God's power to save, Romans 1:16, it is only natural that Paul should first show that
           men need saving (Romans 1:18- chapter 3)

4)   PREACHING SHOULD WARN OF DANGER
      A.  There are genuinely frightening passages - Heb 10:31, 12:29, both of these passages are a conclusion
           of threats of judgment and punishment.
      B.  Look at other passages - Galatians 5: 19-21. etc.

5)   PREACHING SHOWS GOD'S GRACE
      A.  There are many wonderful passages that emphasize God's love, mercy or goodness that are
           positive.
      B.  Romans 4-11 has negative elements that explore positive matters such as freedom from sin,
           forgiveness, etc.  12-16 talk about the "mercies of God".

6)   PREACHING SHOULD HELP DEVELOP GODLINESS
      A.  We need to quit sinning, but we also need to do what's right.
           1.  Note Galatians 5: 19-21, then note the fruit of the Spirit
           2.  1 Peter 2:11, then note the encouragement to conduct that is honorable so enemies may see
                good works.
       B.  We must turn away from evil AND do good, Psalm 34:14

7)   PREACHING SHOULD OFFER COMFORT AND HOPE
      A.  2 Corinthians 1:3, 4a
      B.  It is said a preacher should "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted."
      C.  Some preaching, though, afflicts everybody.
           1. There is a genuine place for encouragement!  i.e.  2 Corinthians 13:11

Someone once said, "wholly negative preaching drives people to despair; exclusively positive preaching
gives them false hope and diminishes their sense of responsibility.