Ep.1027: Is the Hell of Christian Tradition Taught in the Bible? (Part III)
Difficult texts explained
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CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: 1 John 2:2
See Episode #1021 Part I and Episode #1024 Part II. Understanding the truth of the hellfire teaching is difficult. On one hand, we have powerful Christian tradition that has for over 1500 years emphatically taught that all who do not come to Jesus will suffer eternal torment and torture for their sins. Hard teaching - strong stand. On the other hand, we have those (including ourselves) who stand against this tradition with all of the force we can muster. We don’t challenge it because it is not convenient. It isn't that we can't emotionally accept it. We speak out because we believe that it has no legitimate place within Christian teachings and believe it to be wholly false. Today’s part 3 of this series will feature our hopefully clear responses to those who uphold the Hellfire doctrine and have presented their scriptural challenges to our view.
Lots of sincere and dedicated Christians have not been awfully happy with our approach on this difficult topic. Such responses raise some simple questions – why would we dedicate a three-part series to such a controversy? Why would we, by expressing our view that hellfire is NOT taught in the Bible, intentionally raise the ire of so many people? Why would we subject ourselves to so much criticism? These are valid questions, so here are some answers.
First, why a three-part series on such a controversial topic?
Because it’s important. Because we firmly believe there is provable scriptural and historic evidence that the doctrine was adopted after the fact. Part I focused on Old Testament Scripture and the correlating pagan history of those times. Part II addressed some New Testament Scripture and parts of the history of Christianity in the post-New Testament era. All of the history is documented, and once in their appropriate context, all of the Scriptures are understandable.
Second, why raise the ire of so many people?
Because as Christians (and I know this sounds so very idealistic) we should be able to reason with one another when we disagree. This is why Part III was born. It was designed to take some of the passionate scriptural arguments presented to us and respond to them step-by-step with reason and respect. How did we do on that? Well, you need to be the judge. Check out our June 25, 2018 podcast, “Is the Hell of Christian Tradition Really Taught in the Bible? Part III” and let us know what you think.
Third, why subject ourselves to so much criticism?
Because we believe that such a course of action is in harmony with the way Jesus and the Apostles would have acted. Jesus was defiant against those who misrepresented the Law and he let them know it. The Apostles were clear in their mission to preach the Gospel even when the authorities told them to stop. For us it is the same thing with one major exception. Jesus was perfect, the apostles were called by name to be the apostles and we, well, we are just a group of Christians who are focused on finding scriptural truth and talking about it. We are just like you. So, give the podcast a listen and let’s talk!
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VIDEO: Is the Hell of Christian Tradition Taught in the Bible? (Part III)
We had an outpouring of response to Parts I and II of this series. In Part III of the podcast, we directly explain some difficult Scriptures that at first glance seem to support a burning, eternal hellfire. Watch this short vlog and then grab your Bible and listen to the full podcast of the same name.
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VIDEO: Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
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Ep.1026: Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
Life management tools for coping with the varied misdeeds of life
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CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: Psalms 19:12-13
Let’s start by stating the obvious. Sin is bad. To act in accordance with sin is to act in a way that is not only contrary to the will of God but is also damaging to our standing before God. It is obvious that if we want to be pleasing to God then we need to really focus on managing our misdeeds. So, how do we do that? Are some transgressions worse than others? Can we find solace in the thought that “at least my sins are not as bad as that guy over there!” What do we need to do to reign in our misdoings and to continually clarify our conscience? Should we be focusing on totally avoiding what we think are really big sins or on avoiding all of the little trespasses that never seem to quit?
Sin can be like a dessert buffet line
As you pass by you can’t help but notice the variety and the aromas, and it makes you just want to indulge...all the while knowing you just need to keep on walking. In Psalms 19:12-13 David asks God for cleansing from 'hidden faults" and resistance to "arrogant sins." This helps us begin to understand just how sin works. It comes at us from two very different directions.
Let’s start with the sins of arrogance, which are outward sins. Often they are committed in the context of the worldliness that surrounds us and may go unnoticed by our peers, as they are expected worldly behavior. Just because people may not take note doesn't mean they lose their arrogance, for all sin is ultimately committed against God and He always notices.
Next, there are the internal sins of the mind
These are the quiet sins that take place inside our heads and our hearts. Many of these transgressions may never be seen by others, but that makes them no less insidious. As long as we give them a place to grow and flourish, we are not in accordance with godliness and will ultimately have to deal with them. Let’s face it, we trespass against God when we continually trespass against others or ourselves. Such activity - be it internal thought or external action - needs swift and corrective attention.
On top of the internal and external approaches sin gets us with, there are many ways by which we actually express sin. In other words, the further we look the worse it gets. So, what do we do? In the Psalm we referred to earlier, David taught us to refocus our thinking in several ways. How do you do that? Check out our June 18, 2018 podcast, “Are Some Sins Worse than Others?” to help put this all together. We talk about the pitfalls of daily life, practical ways to avoid or deal with them as well as the role of forgiveness in this whole matter. Also, we talk about what may be the worst sin of all. You might be surprised by what it is!
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Ep.1025: Should We Be Peacemakers?
The transformative value of peacemaking in daily life
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CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: James 3:18
The world is not a peaceful place. It seems to have become especially hostile in the arena of thoughts and perspectives. For some reason we can no longer tolerate a dissenting opinion – rather than respectfully listening to disagreement, we instead resoundingly lash out with personal attacks, sarcasm and a self-righteous indignation. Pretty sad, huh? Even we as Christians are guilty of this – even in light of Jesus teaching us that peacemakers are blessed! So, what does it mean to be a peaceMAKER? Is it different than being a peaceKEEPER? How far are we supposed to be reaching out to make peace and does it ever involve compromising our Christian principles to do so?
Can we get a little peace and quiet over here?
I’m sure you have either heard or spoken (especially if you have kids) the phrase, “Let’s just have some peace and quiet!” The amazing thing about this simple sentence is that it opens up serious understanding of what peacemaking and peacekeeping are really all about. “Peace” and “quiet” are entirely different results. A peacekeeper aims to establish a quiet environment. Peacekeeping does not address the underlying issues of a conflict; rather, it seeks to pacify those who are at odds for the sake of outward tranquility. Peacekeeping does establish a sense of relief, but it does not actually address or change any of the root causes within the elements that cause unrest.
While peacekeeping does have value in its proper place, it can also be deceiving. Think about it...what usually happens when someone seeks to accomplish “peace and quiet”? The first thing is always to establish quiet. Once this outward serenity is in place, the idea of seeking peace is usually forgotten. Why would we try and actually create peace and risk upsetting the nice calm quiet we just put in place? The bottom line is quiet is NOT peace. Getting to real peace is a whole different ballgame.
Jesus was a peacemaker and NOT a peacekeeper
He was (and is) the greatest peacemaker this world has ever seen, as the Bible tells us (2 Cor. 5:18-19) that he, by his earthly life, death and his resurrection established a path of reconciliation for the world back to God. Now THAT is being a peacemaker! Peacemaking can't get any better than blazing a pathway for an entire race to be redeemed and therefore have an opportunity for life and favor with their Creator!
Jesus was emphatic about his followers learning to walk in his peacemaking footsteps. This means we need to clearly understand what peacemaking is and how it works. Once the stark differences between peacemaking and peacekeeping begin to sink in, a whole world of opportunity and serious challenge will open up. We will begin to see situations present themselves at home, in the workplace and with our friends and fellow Christians. Check out our June 11, 2018 podcast, “Should We be Peacemakers?” for the details. Becoming a peacemaker is not only a must for any serious Christian, it is a huge quality of life issue as well. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
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