christian-with-a-view: HELL
I was wandering around Steve's Blog and found this entry. It appears that many churches do not get into this topic for the reasons mentioned. However, it would be foolish to not understand what the alternative is. God has destroyed many people and nations and caused the Jews to wander for several thousand years because of disobedience. Hell and Brimstone teaching today is not considered "user friendly" People do not want to hear about hell. Instead, the majority take a hedonistic approach "if it feels good, do it" If it sounds good , listen, but avoid those issues that talk about an eternity in hell. It comes down to choices. Understand what the two choices are, and take your pick, but be prepared to live ( forever) with your choice. I for one, choose Heaven, but the alternative keeps me focused.
This is definitely the age of the feel good preacher!They only tell half of the story ,God wants you to be happy and prosper,but only if you are living in the way he commands us,not what we think feels good.I think this affects many people coming to the Lord as they do not fully comprehend the alternative.
ReplyDeleteI think that sometimes churches operate more like a business than a church and businesses have to please their customers.
ReplyDeleteAll in all, while we hope preachers steer people right, Its still our responsibility to study the Bible and find out what alternatives there are and everyone has access to a Bible here in the USA...its not like we are dependent on someone to tell us and here in America,there are so many churches on every corner that if you don't like what you hear at one, you can go to another. I guess what I am thinking is that ultimately its up to the individual to sit down and stay where they want to be.... if they want feel good, its out there. :)
I agree to a point, but how many people go to church, but do not read the Bible. In my opinion and observation, a whole bunch! If society has gone to the hedonistic viewpoint, how are those people going to be brought back into reality, that hell does exist, and that we could go there for a very, very long time if life is nothing but a "boy I feel good today" attitude? I can think of several denominations that discourage people from reading the Bible, rather, the leaders interpret for them. How casn people correct, if they do not know?
ReplyDelete(FWIW)
I agree with Libby. Its ultimately up to the individual.
ReplyDeleteWe must know our Bible to be able discern right and wrong teaching. If a person wants to learn the Holy Spirit will give him understanding.
John 14:26
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
Haahhaa it seems that you even spread Heavenly thoughts around. Good for you. Because love is all that IS. May Gods hand carry you all your life when you need to be carried. Sweet hugs and blessings. Dagmar
ReplyDeleteAre we not called to go forth and spread the Gospel? Not half a Gospel. Does not the Great Commission call on us to preach the Gospel, and baptize? Are not the members of the church entitled to hear all the Gospel?
ReplyDeleteGod gave us the ability to learn, reason and make choices. How does the "feel good Christian" learn that there are consequences. Again, I would say that most Christians do not read the Bible. Is it not up to the leadership of the churches to lead to an understanding and a correction. It can't be all about "getting new members". This smacks to me of pride and worldliness. The emphasis is towards the Bible study, small group setting where I would guess that 10% of the church body attends.
I can attest that after 4 years in a bible study group that the issues of satan and hell are discussed. But, how are the remaining 90% to get the information?
Can anyone clarify what the church responsibility is in this area? Please?