"Where In Hell Are We"
The sermon for Sunday, June 6th is on the subject of "hell". We will look at the idea of hell, where it came from, what it can mean for us today, and how we apply it theologically.
A member of the church, seeing the subject listed in the bulletin, loaned me a book written by Mary Baxter A Divine Revelation of Hell.
Mary writes, "Let me warn you -- don't go to that place. It is a horrid place of torments, excruciating pain and eternal sorrow. Your soul will always be alive. The soul lives forever. It is the real you, and your soul will go either to heaven or hell. To those of you who think that hell is here on earth -- well, you are right; it is! Hell is in the center of the earth, and there are souls in torment there night and day. There are no parties in hell. No love. No compassion. No rest. Only a place of sorrow beyond your belief."
What is hell?
Some say it is paved with good intentions. Some say hell is other people. Some suggest hell is 'no exit'.
Do you believe in hell? Do you believe there is a place of eternal punishment that comes after death? Is hell the state we get ourselves into when we forget the things that are important?
Do you know anyone who is in a living hell?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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I've actually written an entire book on this topic--Hell? No! Why You Can Be Certain There's No Such Place As Hell, (for anyone interested, you can get a free ecopy of Did Jesus Believe in Hell?, one of the most compelling chapters in my book at www.thereisnohell.com), but if I may, let me share just one of the many points I make in it to explain why there's substantial evidence contained in the gospels to show that Jesus opposed the idea of Hell.
In Luke 9:51-56, is a story about his great disappointment with his disciples when they actually suggested imploring God to rain FIRE on a village just because they had rejected him. His response: "You don't know what spirit is inspiring this kind of talk!" Presumably, it was NOT the Holy Spirit. He went on, trying to explain how he had come to save, heal and relieve suffering, not be the CAUSE of it.
So it only stands to reason that this same Jesus, who was appalled at the very idea of burning a few people, for a few horrific minutes until they were dead, could never, ever burn billions of people for an eternity!
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