June 13, 2006
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Many people, including a good amount of professing Christians, believe or think that Hell does not exist (or that it does not exist as pure conscience, physical suffering), but think about it: there are two ways to go after death, there cannot be anything in between (a.k.a. purgatory). Heaven is fellowship with God, hell is separation from God. God is inextricably linked to all things Good. To be with God is love, mercy, joy, pleasure, peace, etc. Separation from God is the exact opposite, it cannot be and is not neutral. It is hate, cruelty, grief, pain, suffering, etc.
Two nights ago, I was blessed to have a time of fellowship with some brothers in Christ in a New Yokr City diner. They told me about this man's testimony who claims that God brought him to hell and then back to earth after about 23 minutes (search "23 Minutes in Hell" on Google and you'll find more info. if you're interested). Regardless of what a person might think about its legitimacy (I myself, however, am convinced right now that he is a man of God), one cannot deny that there are many, many truths represented and expressed in the testimony. Take a listen....
23 Minutes in Hell: http://www.spiritlessons.com/Documents/BillWise_AllTracks.mp3
(I do not vouche for the mother website that it comes from, but this is the testimony in .mp3 format)Many people don't like talking about hell because they say it's scaring people into accepting Christ. Point taken, but I have a few points myself: hell is a very legitimate part of the Gospel message that Jesus preached. It's a legitimate part of understanding salvation and God's overall redemption plan for all of mankind. Is fear a legitimate motivator? If you think about it, it can be to an extent, if it can even only serve as an eye-opening to the doorway leading to truth. One's acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior, however, definitely must be founded in understanding, in love, and in faith (not fear).
It wasn't fear that touched me though, and impacted me so powerfully. I can honestly say that it was love so great, so wonderful, and so amazing. It was also a hard hit of the spiritual realm that we cannot see and so easily forget. I value this testimony for it's weight in giving me, and others, Biblical truths, reflections, and perspectives that can change a person's life forever (it has definitely affected mine).
Comments (6)
Good point. Though fear is definantly one motivation for wanting to avoid Hell, To know the love and grace of the Father is a much more wooing reason. Wooing us to an eternity WITH Him as opposed to merely frightening us to one without Him.
I hate thinking about the misery of Hell, but ignoring the truth doesn't change it.
Thanks dude, I definatly still not sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahahah.
Do you have a myspace???? If so come check out mine. its on my latest intry. If so aadd me!! and if not get one!! I am just so addicted to myspace right now!! WEll peace man.
Chris
Oh, I know hell is real...
yap yap, i hell is the opposite of all the good things GOD is offering for us if we follow HIM.
hahaha and my nets lost to the heat, but im still loving it, these final performances have been spectacular.
although i must say i really thought the spurs would've taken it all i was so surprised dallas got passed them.
Thank bro! Romans 1:11-12 to ya!
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