-Session 4
These were some of the hardest passages to work through in writing the book. Not only are they difficult to interpret, but they also reveal a great distance between what I believe and how I live my life. Many Christians like me say we believe in hell. But do we live like it? Do we act like it? Do we act, serve, speak, work , play, laugh, cry, pray, parent our kids, relate to our co-workers, spend our paychecks, and love our neighbors in such a way that revelas that we believe in that place that Revelation 14 and 20 describe?
- Erasing Hell Workbook
12. If you have felt the same disconnect between what you believe and how you act, discuss your thoughts.
If I said no to this question I’d be lieing not just to myself and man but to God. If we as christians in away that revealed there was hell and there is, then the world would look drastically different. We would always be on guard keeping close eye on what were doing and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ holding eachother to the highest standards and without them calling us judgmental or getting angry with them you would take it as a loving gesture for the one looking out for you for the good of the body. If we lived like this younger generations would reflect. We would love more and hate less. We would be more unified and giving. Everything would come more naturaully for the good. We would see more fruit of the Spirit through ourselves. This is just my oppinion but its what I strongly believe to be right.
13. How can we live differently in light of hell, while maintaining the sense of joy that the bible also talks about (Phil. 3:1; 4:4)?
By living by the power of the Holy Spirit. Putting our faith in God. Rejoicing! Not living in a manner that hell doesn’t exist and we are invincible because were christians but by living in a manner hell doesn’t exist we cause others to either think the living word is nothing more than a book of stories, by causing them to not need part of Our creator, and causing new believers to stumble because they look up to us to lead by example but we make it look like some things are ok. We need to live by grace, with faith, with obedience through actions and love. By doing this we will have that since of joy and hope and bringing hope to others.
I mention at the end of the chapter that I dread the question unbelievers sometimes ask: “Do you think I’m going to hell?” For some reason, I’m very reluctant to say yes, becasue I think I will come off as mean and harsh. However, I can’t say no, becasue this would not be truthful. Theres a good chance that you also have entered that dilemma. – Erasing Hell Workbook
14. What is the best way to respond to an unbeliever who asks you, ” Do you think I’m going to hell?” Explain.
Truthfully. They might not like what they hear but let the Him who lives within our hearts guide you in the most gentle way possible to speak through you in a way the unbeliever will want to hear why and look at scripture with you. Just might end up having an unbeliever find salvation through Christ. Or at least a seed may be planted and God can provide growth in that persons heart.
