In one of my classes today we had a slight discussion about a popular church production called "Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames". It's a common tool for evangelism, or if you prefer a phrase I believe is more appropriate: fear induced salvation.
Fire. Brimstone. Sulfur. Weeping. Gnashing of teeth. Etc.
All of these unfortunate, hellish concepts are mentioned vividly in the Bible, but how much attention are we to give to them? Am I advocating that we drop them from conversations with Christians and non-Christians alike?
Forgive the pun, but....Hell no!
Someone in class stated that more so than any topic in the Bible, Hell or eternally damning ideas are mentioned and proclaimed.
While it's true that it is mentioned often, and with great emotion and weight, I don't think this is necessarily true.
I believe that where one may possibly head in the afterlife is a legitimate discussion point with a non-Christian, but I would prefer to discuss with them the aspects of Christ's love, service, and sacrifice; all which save us from damnation.
I'm not about peddling "fire insurance". I'm not about fear-mongering, which is what tends to happen too often with evangelism.
I do believe that there is an element of fear, but it must be properly placed.
Hell terrifies me, but it's not what makes me love Jesus.
Jar
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4 comments:
I totally agree with you. People want to scare non-Christians to become a a Christian, but that is not what a relationship with Christ is all about. Granted, it is an added perk. Knowing Christ is so much more than just missing out on the "firey gates of Hell". It is about the love, compassion, sacrifice and unending devotion for everyone. Let's start spreading that message rather than spreading the threatening message of fire and dismay!!!!
Dust...
Where'd the 6 B.C. come from..?
-Vix Aaannnnnddddd I agree with you.
More than likely, scholars were off when decided to make a universal start date for history. There were various things they forgot to take into account when starting that whole "After Death" stuff. It's widely believe that Jesus was actually born before Himself, in 6 B.C.
Ha...that Jesus, He's always been known for His punctuality, but sometimes it's just a little too much...
Jar
Without the spirit of God to identify with the spirit of a man there is no call. It is like seed planted in stony ground that springs up quickly then dies in the heat of the day.
It is Gods spirit that must show us our lostness. It is your job and mine to show the love of Christ.
As far as hell goes, it has been used to manipulate behavior for centuries, but if Gods spirit quickens our attention to it we can become aware of our lost state.
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