Hell

[Gaurav]

Dear all,
Hell in this day and age is something we ought to be speaking of regularly; unfortunately, I feel that the Church (at least in the UK), no longer speaks of such a place. One persons view of hell, a Christian said that she thought hell was 'Complete seperation from God'. Of course, that is correct. Nevertheless, when I probed her regarding hell being a lake of fire, she completely dismissed it. I do not condemn her but I do not believe her account of hell. I believe that it is life long suffering in a lake of fire - it is a place of torment. Why do I believe this? God's word states ' where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched' which I believe is in the book of Mark.

My questions to you are:

1. What do you believe and why?
2. Why the church has become so cold to this message?

[Soldier4Christ]

The scripture that you mention is in Mark and three times Jesus says "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:44, 46, 48 ) In this He is reiterating what is said in the scripture of Isa 66:24.

1.) To answer your first question I believe the written word of God. God has given us this written word for a reason and that is so that we have no reason, no excuses for not knowing. The following link is a short online sermon that does cover just a small portion of what scripture has to say on this subject.

http://forums.christiansunite.com/index.php?topic=22642.0

2.) The answer to your second question is also in scripture.

2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

People want to believe that there is more than one way, their way, to avoid the punishment that we all so completely deserve. God is indeed a most forgiving and merciful God but He has specifically given us instructions for the one and only way to avoid this punishment. God Has said:

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

... and what He has said is the way that it is. To deny His word is to reject Him.

[Gaurav]

Thank you for your response.

The biblical references given do sum up the theme of this debate. I find it incredibly frustrating that the church is not prepared to tackle this subjects (and others might I add). The 'diluated gospel' is not a gospel at all - it's, in its fabric, the road map to hell.

For those of you who share my frustrations, the best thing to do is not speak or say anything unless Father tells you to. Trust me, from my experience it's more effective to give a timely word spoken in truth than an 'untimely' word, though spoken in truth, falling on deaf ears.

Does any body else have any suggestions or strategies to cope with this frustration? Or does any one disagree with my comments or Pastor Rogers?

God bless
Gaurav

[nChrist]

Hello Gaurav,

I share the same views as Pastor Roger, and I don't think there is anything wild or unusual about accepting the blunt truth of God's Word. I think that the strategy is simple - tell the truth. Faith still comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

2 Timothy 4:2-5  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Galatians 1:8-9  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  9  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

These portions of Scripture and others are just as valid as they were 2,000 years ago. Telling people the truth is more than just a duty, rather a matter of love to the hearer and to God.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 ASV  2  Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men;  3  being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh.

[Shammu]

Hi Gaurav,,

I also agree with Pastor Roger, the whole Truth (Gospel) needs to be told at all times.

For those of you who share my frustrations, the best thing to do is not speak or say anything unless Father tells you to. Trust me, from my experience it's more effective to give a timely word spoken in truth than an 'untimely' word, though spoken in truth, falling on deaf ears.

Everything in the Bible is God's Word to us. Unfortunately there are Pastors, Priests, and Reverends, who dilute the Word. They will have to answer to Jesus, for what they have done to His Word. If you haven't noticed I am loud, and I'm not afraid to voice my opinion, on the Word of God. God said it, I believe it, and that's to me is the end of the story.  I will continue to make noise against those who do not follow the Word, and/or water the Word down. These people have no business holding a position of authority in any church.

1 Thessalonians 2:12-14 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

What was written over 2,000 years ago hold true to today. To me there are no "if's" "and's," or "but's." God's Word will always ring with truth.

Does any body else have any suggestions or strategies to cope with this frustration? Or does any one disagree with my comments or Pastor Rogers?

God bless
Gaurav

I don't think there is anyone on the forum who will disagree with Pastor Roger, Bep's or myself. We must always bring the truth of God's Word, to anyone who will listen. I am not afraid of death, or injury. I've been close a few times (death), and keep myself as true as I can to His Word. I will be praying for you Gaurav.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

May the Lord grant you His peace and grace.
Bob

[Gaurav]

Well... This has certainly changed my beliefs and way of speaking the gospel particularly as I have studied the passages myself now!

Thanks
G

[nChrist]

Hello Gaurav,

I was just reading and want to share another portion of Scripture with you that makes for a beautiful Bible Study:

Ephesians 6:10-20  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

If we yield to God and pray for help, the Holy Spirit of God will help us when we talk to others. Of course, this portion of Scripture says much more.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Gaurav]

Dear nChrist,
God bless you! I have read this portion of scripture many times and everytime I read it, I always discover something new.

Only this morning, I felt God was telling me to look at this scripture and then to read your response is simply, for me, confirmation.

Although I cannot go into details regarding this matter, your post has been a great blessing.

Love in Christ
Gaurav