HELL!

The topic for this week's blog is one that I almost skipped over. But as I was doing more research and reading, found that it would be a good discussion. What do we do with/about hell? How does this fit into the picture? In other words if we believe that God is a loving God how can we accept the idea that sending people to hell is something that a loving God can do?

I will not attempt to answer those questions here, but will set the stage of the discussion on Sunday. If you are unable to be a part of things on Sunday, then post a response and we will go from there, but this post is being written with the intent of having a live face to face discussion on Sunday.

First of where we stand on the teaching of hell is not based on our feelings about the topic. We can believe what we believe about it, but that does not mean that we have to like it, or feel good about it. It does not have to be something that leaves us with warm fuzzies, and if it does, we should probably talk. But not liking it is not a reason to throw it out either.

We believe and teach what we do about hell because that is what the scriptures teach. But it is also important for us to take some time and see how much of what we believe about hell is based on what is written in scripture and what we have picked up from movies, tv, literature and Far Side comics (which are pretty funny). In other words as we sort through our feelings and have this discussion, we want to make sure that we have the right understanding of the topic and are not simply reacting to something that may actually be false.

On Sunday we will talk about what Hell is, but this is not the same thing as determining who is going to end up there. That decision is reserved for one alone. And he is worthy and capable of making such decisions. And let's not forget the fact that the one making these decisions loves people so much that he gave his own on a cross so that their sins would be forgiven and so that they would not have to be separated from God for all eternity. The one making these decisions is the one who always makes the right decision in every circumstance, and so we can hang our hats on that.

Of course leaving the judgment to Jesus does not mean that we just ignore this topic either. I think that as we talk about this we will find that it should provide us with a couple of things. First, it should give us a deep sense of humility and respect. Humility because we know and understand that what we are talking about is what our sins deserve. Though we need not fear because of God's grace in Jesus, we should not talk about such things arrogantly and boastfully. Second, it should provide for us motivation in how we live our lives as individuals and as members of a community of faith. And I do not mean to imply that we live lives motivated by fear, because that is no way to live. But if this is what we believe, we should do everything we can to show, proclaim and make known the love and grace and mercy and forgiveness of God in Jesus.

And we want to do this in a way that honors and respects people. We do not want to dehumanize them or ignore their feelings and wishes, and so with all things there is balance that is needed.

So there you have it. The stage is set. Come on Sunday with questions and ready for discussion. If you are unable to come on Sunday, feel free to leave your comments and we will begin the discussion on this blog.

God's richest blessings and peace in Jesus be yours.

 

Sincerely,

Pastor CJ