HELL

Have we lost our sense of how bad a place Hell is? During my younger days in CCD hell was a place where bad people went after they died. When I became a Christian in my more foolish days I attended a legalistic church which made me terrified of the idea of falling out of grace. I left that church to go to a church that lost their way teaching more about having good feelings and such. I became a very complacent person focussing more on myself than on serving others or trying to reach the lost. Now I am fortunate to have a very normal church family with a pastor who tries to actually teach us what is important to grow as Christians and to impact the kingdom. Slowly, a fire has been slowly been growing in me (it's not a full fire yet, but God is working on that). While at a bar watching a friend of mines band perform I looked around me and realized that a lot of the people around me didn't know who Christ was and may very well be on a short trip to Hell. I became very afraid and heart broken for them. Hell is very real and a terrifying place.

Rodin's Gates of Hell is a terrifying vision. I have seen the work
in person. When you look at the door you'd hope to never find out
what's inside.

These days the idea of hell is absent from many pulpits. I can recall once in the last few years hearing Hell or sin mentioned maybe once in the past five years. Many people outside of the church has made Hell a punchline, usually because they've said or done something slightly naughty: “They are building a condo in hell for for that one.”

Am I the only one who thinks these guys are enjoying themselves
a little too much in Hell? Though this is a gospel album their attempts
to make Hell appear to be a terrifying place comes off looking silly.
Still this is a great Rockabilly album.

I do not want to become one of those fire and brimstone preachers sending everyone who disagrees with me to Hell. I wrestle with whether or not we still need to have a concept of heaven and hell anymore? A friend of mine remarked how twenty somethings like himself do not need to be reminded they are sinners since they've heard how worthless they are all their lives and only need to hear about the love and grace of God. The message of grace is also an important message. What happens when received a one sided message? Christ did more than just come down here to make us feel good about ourselves. That is an aspect, but not the only aspect of our faith. Christ came to give us abundant life as well as to close the gap between us and the father that has been in place since the days of Adam. Did Christ save the world from having a grumpy day? No. He saved us from the very grips of Hell.

Christ risen to full Glory!