Originally Posted by Kyle 
I personally don't believe due mostly to philosophical arguments along problem of evil type lines that I've explored a bit in previous threads that you've been involved in. I think such arguments can convincingly disprove they typical Christian worldview that includes a tri-omni god and eternal damnation. I'll readily admit that they cannot disprove all worldviews including a higher power. With regards to these other worldviews, I haven't seen any good reason to adopt them.
Fair enough Kyle...let me sum up why I write what I write, which ties into your reason of non-belief, via evil type lines, eternal damnation. And honestly, this is what I would of said if and when our schedules could jive to meet. Maybe will just save on gas here:)
Apologetics are fun...but they are circular in nature. Debates like this can be engaging, zesty and makes for good convo, at least to me. But my stance is one of eternal. And before you roll the eyes, hear me out.
--Has anyone ever REALLY explained the Gospel to you?---
Take away the cheesy TV preachers...spouting come to Jesus and you'll have health, wealth and prosperity..basically the Life Enhancement Plan. That is tired and played out...or nothing new under the sun, if you will. This concept has been repacked by thousands...Tony Robbins, Oprah, The Secret...and so on. Some may sneak a Bible reference here or there....but its weak at its core. Unfortunataley, the CHURCH...has picked up the scent and some are peddling this message...which creates confusion to those outside the Church (You'll see at end of this message)
The Biblical Gospel...at its core....is REPENTANCE and FAITH in Jesus Christ.
You see....the Bible says ALL men knows there is a GOD, including Kyle. There something deep down that says...yep, there's a God. But....it also says ALL men suppress the truth in unrightousness. Which was a byproduct of the Fall of Adam and when SIN entered the world. We told God NO, we'll do it our way.
HOWEVER, God gave us 2 things to know he's real and how to be made right with him.
1) Creation. You've heard this story before. How can you have a creation...without a creator. Plug in any analogy such as a watch, painting, ect.
2) Conscience.
Con-with
Science-knowledge You know, the impartial judge in your mind. God gave us the ability to know right from wrong, general speaking.
How do we know right from wrong. Evolutionary social relationships over millions of years? Nope.
God gave us the 10 Commandments. Take the test.
Ever lied?
Ever Stolen?
God always first in your life?
Take his name in vain?
Adultery? No? But Jesus says if you look with LUST you've already committed adultery in your heart.
That's only 5. I'm guessing you've broken those numerous times...JUST LIKE ME!
So...God says there will be JUDGEMENT day, in which all men will have to give an account. If he asks you, Kyle, based off of GOD's laws, the 10 Commandments. Are you guilty or innocent? Based off this criteria?
Well...the evidence would suggest guilty. For me as well.
Should God send us to Heaven or to Hell?
Well....if he is a JUST judge, he must punish crime. If he didn't...he wouldn't be a good judge. An earthly judge wouldn't or shouldn't get away with this! But God is holy, perfect and has the highest standard.
Hell....is for lawbreakers. Again, this is GOD's creation and God's rules. Not ours.
So....ALL men are in trouble. There is NO way we can keep these Commandments.
NOW....just as we are off to Hells cages. God himself, steps down into the world in which WE have corrupted. Became a man in Jesus Christ...took YOUR place in judgement and died on a cross for your sins and mine. Because he loves...now insert John 3:16
BUT!!!! We need to call out in humility... repent of our sins and trust in the blood of Christ for the remission of Sins....so that....on Judgement Day, God no longer see us as Lawbreakers, but ones who has trusted and put our Trust in Jesus and him alone for salvation. You can't save yourself....but God will save YOU.
That's the Gospel my friend.
That is why hell is resonable justice. We never hear in today's society of God's Judgement. Why. Because its not comfortable. So what do we see? Lots of Jesus Loves you stickers, Prosperity preaching, Everyones basically good, a Me based society....Judgement makes no sense in todays world, in fact, seems completely awful compared to the Grandpa in the Sky portrail of God we have made. Again...NO one is good, compared to God's standart, 10 Commandments.
Again...I don't get my kicks talking about Hell. But Jesus spoke and warn people more about Hell than Heaven. These are the Bible's words, not mine.
HOWEVER....I would think it would be a heck of alot more LOVING to tell the WHOLE story, than to leave a major part out and simply let boys be boys and let little sins go. Only to have someone slip into death, without warning them of the full Biblical account.
That's it....that's my best shot. I got no more bullets. I stand on the Word of God. I can't convince you, that's not my job. But look at your sins, the Commandments, humble yourself...and then think of Jesus paying your fine FOR YOU. He's the perfect sacrfice, so God - instead of killing us- killed his son...so that...if you repent and trust...he'll give you a new heart, desires....or what that would call being "born again" John 3:3. Not a bad offer, if you ask me.
That's all I got Kyle or anyone reading. This is not some scheme to go after your money and I'm not asking you to join a church or do I have some secret agenda, I just want to see you walking around Heaven someday....just think about it, maybe for the first time.
Sorry all, for the length.
