legalistic: excessive adherence to law or formula.
• Theology dependence on moral law rather than on personal religious faith.
Before I get started, I just want to say that there are times when you should preach legalistically, and other times where you should preach compassionately. You should preach legalistically when you are witnessing to someone you have not met before, or if you are open-air preaching. You should preach compassionately when you are in a church setting, or if you are telling the gospel to a family member.
The goal of preaching legalistically is to get the point across as quickly as possible through the Law of Moses, prophecy, genealogies, reproof, rebuke, correction, and exhortation. The goal of preaching compassionately is to not turn off those with whom you associate with on a regular basis, but to make them feel comfortable, and then hit them with some gospel truth later on.
Now, I have been accused by some brethren of being too legalistic with my preaching. They all tell me, "you are being to forceful; you need to be more loving with your preaching." However, that isn't necessarily true; if you read the Book of Jude, it makes it very clear that you are to save some with compassion, and others with fear (Jude 1:22-23). The Book of Jude also states that you are to contend with the faith earnestly (Jude 1:3).
We are to reprove the wicked (Ephesians 5:11), judge one another (John 7:24, Psalm 37:30, 1st Corinthians 2:15), and reprove, rebuke, correct, and exhort each another (2nd Timothy 4:2, 2nd Timothy 3:16). Also, if some brethren reprove you about the way you are preaching, tell them to read Romans 14:10-13.
Let's not forget that the evildoers are already condemned for not believing in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). Wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads unto destruction, and there many which go in thereat (Matthew 7:13). People, the truth is that most people go to hell when they die, not heaven. It's already written in God's word!
If you take a look at Noah, he preached for 120 years, and only his family believed him. So when another Brother or Sister in Christ tells you that you shouldn't be too legalistic with your preaching, correct them with Scripture. Point out that verse that God gave us in Jude; show them Luke 14:23, and Mark 16:15. Remind them that now is the day of salvation (2nd Corinthians 6:2), and that they better prepare to meet God (Amos 4:12).
Ladies and gentlemen, the truth is that God does not love everyone. GOD HATES THE WICKED (Psalm 5:5; 7:11; 11:5; 45:7, Hebrews 1:9)! There is none righteous (Romans 3:10), there is none that does good (Psalm 14:1). Take a look at Proverbs 17:11, and 1st Samuel 15:23. Cruel messengers are sent to those who are rebellious, stubborn, and wicked.
So whenever you learn about Scripture from someone other than God, always go back to the Bible. Never take their word for it; remember, thus saith the LORD this and that in His word. Always double/triple check what you guys are talking about with God's word; the LORD has blessed us with technology, so use it guys!
One more thing: God's word is not the NIV, NASB, NKJV, NLT, and all the modern translations, including modern KJV. It is only the 1611 KJV.
There should be no excuse for not using God's holy word. If people cannot understand it to well because of the archaic English, TEACH THEM!
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