The argument that, a loving God cant send people to hell because I wouldn't wish that upon anyone, and I am not perfect...far from love. So, if God is love, there is no way he sends people to hell.
Have you heard this argument? It really makes sense. That's probably the first inclination that it is wrong. Talking about this a few weeks back, Paula and I really struggled with this idea. It is really hard to imagine God sending people to hell. Especially since we don't want that for anyone.
I forget how I started thinking about this, maybe it had to do with we view certain crimes. Regardless, I started thinking about the severity of even our small sins and how a Holy God might view them. So I imagined someone who didn't view rape/molestation or violent crimes as a big deal, kind of dismissing them. What would we think about that? Would that make a person more loving? Am I less like God because they make me think about justice and punishment? No, though it might tip over the cup of unrighteous anger about to spill over in my own heart.
The point is, it is a big deal, this sin we have. To God it is even bigger. That is what is so joyful about salvation in Christ. You are deserving of eternal torment, legs shaking, fingers pointing at you, even your own conscience, and Christ... He comes and pays the full price for our sins. He calls, redeems, and grows us into His body/church. It is amazing. The philosophical argument that pulled at our heart strings is contrary to the Bible and it's that simple. It's also heart strings pulling, while the Gospel is a real joy that smashes every stronghold and fills with life.
This grace frees, though I am perplexed by the thought of hell. In Restless, by Jennie Allen, she describes how a professor encouraged her to embrace the tension of who God is. When we don't do this, we "end up somewhere wrong" ( Allen, p. 30). And as I was pondering this yesterday, I was listening to Moody radio. I wanted to hear how these folks answered certain questions. After the show, one of the pastors explained how he was going to preach on infant salvation the following day. Did you catch that? Are you seeing the connection? God surely must...if...
Any thoughts on these matters? I am especially interested in thoughts on embracing the tension of who God is, without putting Him where He really isn't. So, shoot, and it doesn't have to be on the doctrines addressed here.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Love Wins
A few years back it seemed lots of pastors in my life were getting pretty pissed off about this book. Personally, Rob Bell seemed too trendy for me to even approach. Well, I dove into this a few months back as it seems the Lord placed some big fans of him in our lives. Maybe you've read his stuff and know his poetry and prose set up. There are many responses to this book that really dissect his theology, but I was convinced one night to approach this differently, rather satirically which is not my norm. So here it goes:
Imagine the voice of Leonard Nimoy reading this.
Christians are part of the in crowd.
You didn't know that?
They are.
You are.
If you aren't in, you're out.
Or are you?
There is a lady who wrote about being spiritually "raped" by her father.
This happened in the way he prayed.
My sister and I agree my Grandma did the same to us.
She had a picture of people walking to heaven
over an abyss, by way of a cross.
Thus she raped us...spiritually.
The Bible is kind of intense.
It is confusing.
Often I like to play the devil's advocate and just leave it at that.
It is confusing.
Jesus probably wasn't all knowing.
The rich man was someone Jesus had heard about.
Must have been on the front page a lot.
It's not like Jesus knew his heart.
Life is now.
Heaven is now.
If you don't like righteousness, this life will be hell.
Clean water for the poor is most important.
That's what my church does.
I like to ignore Jesus' words about living water
to the Samaritan woman.
Christians are mean and lots don't believe or leave the faith
due to this.
They are like the popular kids.
Remember when I said that in the first chapter?
Heaven is more like purgatory here on earth.
Racists and rapists, well,
they might go to a hell.
If there is one.
I don't make children stumble.
My sin isn't a big deal.
String theorists are dope.
They are talking about all these dimensions to life.
Turn and burn Christians suck.
Hell is the bad we make this earth.
Jesus just meant being crushed by the Romans
when he mentioned hell.
I don't use A.D.
It's C.E., yo.
Sodom and Gomorrah will arise.
Jesus said it.
Who knows what "Satan" is.
I think that is representative of purification.
Yeah, Satan purifies us.
So, like I said, hell=evil.
Bad stuff.
Not a real place.
Don't be so fundamental.
If God condemns someone I wouldn't
he's really bad.
Not good.
God is not good if people go to hell.
People being tormented in hell isn't a good story.
God respects our choices.
Eminem is dope.
I went to a comeback concert of his.
He wore a cross.
It doesn't mean much.
What doesn't mean much?
Well, the cross.
No, both ways.
First, it's a cool thing to wear.
Second, it pisses me off when people have signs that say
"Jesus died for your sins".
This can no longer continue as I got bored of hearing a man's opinion, after the anger subsided, was repented of, and Paula and I agreed we should be praying for this man( I urge you all to do the same for him and anyone else who is getting caught up in serious false doctrines). So, I don't recall what page I made it to. 120?
Sometimes he really nailed it. Also, I think there is a time to play devil's advocate, but I felt Rob just left it at that.
I think I am going to post on his major philosophical weapon, used by many others. Grace and peace...truly.
Imagine the voice of Leonard Nimoy reading this.
Christians are part of the in crowd.
You didn't know that?
They are.
You are.
If you aren't in, you're out.
Or are you?
There is a lady who wrote about being spiritually "raped" by her father.
This happened in the way he prayed.
My sister and I agree my Grandma did the same to us.
She had a picture of people walking to heaven
over an abyss, by way of a cross.
Thus she raped us...spiritually.
The Bible is kind of intense.
It is confusing.
Often I like to play the devil's advocate and just leave it at that.
It is confusing.
Jesus probably wasn't all knowing.
The rich man was someone Jesus had heard about.
Must have been on the front page a lot.
It's not like Jesus knew his heart.
Life is now.
Heaven is now.
If you don't like righteousness, this life will be hell.
Clean water for the poor is most important.
That's what my church does.
I like to ignore Jesus' words about living water
to the Samaritan woman.
Christians are mean and lots don't believe or leave the faith
due to this.
They are like the popular kids.
Remember when I said that in the first chapter?
Heaven is more like purgatory here on earth.
Racists and rapists, well,
they might go to a hell.
If there is one.
I don't make children stumble.
My sin isn't a big deal.
String theorists are dope.
They are talking about all these dimensions to life.
Turn and burn Christians suck.
Hell is the bad we make this earth.
Jesus just meant being crushed by the Romans
when he mentioned hell.
I don't use A.D.
It's C.E., yo.
Sodom and Gomorrah will arise.
Jesus said it.
Who knows what "Satan" is.
I think that is representative of purification.
Yeah, Satan purifies us.
So, like I said, hell=evil.
Bad stuff.
Not a real place.
Don't be so fundamental.
If God condemns someone I wouldn't
he's really bad.
Not good.
God is not good if people go to hell.
People being tormented in hell isn't a good story.
God respects our choices.
Eminem is dope.
I went to a comeback concert of his.
He wore a cross.
It doesn't mean much.
What doesn't mean much?
Well, the cross.
No, both ways.
First, it's a cool thing to wear.
Second, it pisses me off when people have signs that say
"Jesus died for your sins".
This can no longer continue as I got bored of hearing a man's opinion, after the anger subsided, was repented of, and Paula and I agreed we should be praying for this man( I urge you all to do the same for him and anyone else who is getting caught up in serious false doctrines). So, I don't recall what page I made it to. 120?
Sometimes he really nailed it. Also, I think there is a time to play devil's advocate, but I felt Rob just left it at that.
I think I am going to post on his major philosophical weapon, used by many others. Grace and peace...truly.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Do Not Worry About Your Life.
Have you ever tried to teach/rebuke someone, only to realize you are a real hypocritical jerk, blinded with a timber in both eyes, needing the medicine more than the "sinners" you are trying to instruct in your lofty wisdom (and sickening pride)? I would like to introduce this topic with such a statement because of my own sin and struggle that is coming, gloriously, this evening.
I struggle with pride and you probably know that. When I look back at our wedding I can probably see my pride in its most hideous and outrageous state. Not only was I being given a bride I was completely undeserving of, I also suggested we have a sermon based on Luke 12 (Do not worry) because I thought everyone was worrying so much about our future and I wanted them to know that it was God in control. Sure, they all needed it, but I wish I could go back and really chew, meditate, and pray on the truth of that that I needed to hear.
I also struggle, big time, with worry. In my sinful pride I try to disguise this. Let me give an example. Maybe you can relate:
Paula: "Why are you anxious?"
Me, pacing back and forth: "I'm not anxious, why?"
Paula: "Wow, you are really anxious."
Me, after spilling a hot pizza's toppings all over my hand after pulling it out of the oven (which created a big blister I am now looking at): "No, I am just excited."
My dad saw it to, as I paced all over the house, driving him insane. My roommate saw it too, naming me "Shifty Danger Powers". My residents here at the refugee center saw it a few weeks back when the fire alarm went off at 4AM and I was left in a panic, even after I turned it off, opening the refrigerator and having dropped a huge bottle of ketchup (why was I even holding the bottle?). Someone said, "Hey Meester, cheell out." Hmm. Good point. Can you relate?
There is a good series of sermons on worry that we stumbled upon a few weeks ago: http://www.bethlehemlakeville.org/media.php?pageID=6&itemID=128 The sermons are the ones on leaving worry behind. As I listened to the first one in the series again tonight, I started jotting down some notes and I tried to connect the heart of the message to the scars of my own worry and the lessons God is showing me through it all.
Worry is fueled by fear. We want control, want to know that we are comfortable and that the seas will be calm for a while. That we will be able to retire. That we wont lose our job. That we wont get cancer. That we will graduate and get that teaching job. I realize this is pretty personal to some of you brothers out there. Some of you are going through some serious pain and I am praying for you.
The thing is, worry consumes us. We are invited to worry more by the world around us. Maybe its your mom, your friend, or someone who is horrified about you not having a plush retirement plan.
It is a real bugger. It really steals joy. It takes the place of faith. They fight for the same spot. What? The same spot? Yeah. That is something I missed for these last 27 years-- When we worry, we are giving our hearts to fear rather than to God (in faith). This sermon really made me think of this, look it up, repent of it, and find hope in a life vigilant of this truth.
Brothers, the Lord loves us. He created this universe. He provides for the birds. He adores you and gave His life for you. Furthermore, Jesus can sympathize with us here! Go to Him in prayer. Go to one another as well in these times.
Our focus of self will increase worry. The more we look at the extent of His love, and who He is, the truth Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ..For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I plan on continuing this focus on worry for a bit. Seriously, I want to know your thoughts on this and materials/scripture/etc... you have found helpful. God bless you all! (That was Tiny Tim's shout out for you all) Grace, peace, and God's abundant mercy upon you all!
I struggle with pride and you probably know that. When I look back at our wedding I can probably see my pride in its most hideous and outrageous state. Not only was I being given a bride I was completely undeserving of, I also suggested we have a sermon based on Luke 12 (Do not worry) because I thought everyone was worrying so much about our future and I wanted them to know that it was God in control. Sure, they all needed it, but I wish I could go back and really chew, meditate, and pray on the truth of that that I needed to hear.
I also struggle, big time, with worry. In my sinful pride I try to disguise this. Let me give an example. Maybe you can relate:
Paula: "Why are you anxious?"
Me, pacing back and forth: "I'm not anxious, why?"
Paula: "Wow, you are really anxious."
Me, after spilling a hot pizza's toppings all over my hand after pulling it out of the oven (which created a big blister I am now looking at): "No, I am just excited."
My dad saw it to, as I paced all over the house, driving him insane. My roommate saw it too, naming me "Shifty Danger Powers". My residents here at the refugee center saw it a few weeks back when the fire alarm went off at 4AM and I was left in a panic, even after I turned it off, opening the refrigerator and having dropped a huge bottle of ketchup (why was I even holding the bottle?). Someone said, "Hey Meester, cheell out." Hmm. Good point. Can you relate?
There is a good series of sermons on worry that we stumbled upon a few weeks ago: http://www.bethlehemlakeville.org/media.php?pageID=6&itemID=128 The sermons are the ones on leaving worry behind. As I listened to the first one in the series again tonight, I started jotting down some notes and I tried to connect the heart of the message to the scars of my own worry and the lessons God is showing me through it all.
Worry is fueled by fear. We want control, want to know that we are comfortable and that the seas will be calm for a while. That we will be able to retire. That we wont lose our job. That we wont get cancer. That we will graduate and get that teaching job. I realize this is pretty personal to some of you brothers out there. Some of you are going through some serious pain and I am praying for you.
The thing is, worry consumes us. We are invited to worry more by the world around us. Maybe its your mom, your friend, or someone who is horrified about you not having a plush retirement plan.
It is a real bugger. It really steals joy. It takes the place of faith. They fight for the same spot. What? The same spot? Yeah. That is something I missed for these last 27 years-- When we worry, we are giving our hearts to fear rather than to God (in faith). This sermon really made me think of this, look it up, repent of it, and find hope in a life vigilant of this truth.
Brothers, the Lord loves us. He created this universe. He provides for the birds. He adores you and gave His life for you. Furthermore, Jesus can sympathize with us here! Go to Him in prayer. Go to one another as well in these times.
Our focus of self will increase worry. The more we look at the extent of His love, and who He is, the truth Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ..For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I plan on continuing this focus on worry for a bit. Seriously, I want to know your thoughts on this and materials/scripture/etc... you have found helpful. God bless you all! (That was Tiny Tim's shout out for you all) Grace, peace, and God's abundant mercy upon you all!
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