Pete and Ken respond to questions that were sent in in our Series Real. Good. Questions. #CreeksideChurch Reliability of the New Testament Video Link: vimeo.com/5389...
This is good. So glad that these pastor's are taking the time to answer and respond to questions and objections that don't happen from the speaking/sermon platform. More churches need to follow this example. Well done!
I am curious about Hell. As a Christian and a retired history teacher, I can point us to how the church used the hellfire and brimstone message to great effect over the past one to two thousand years (rounding here) to scare people to the cross. Naturally, there are far better ways to point people to the cross for salvation but, and here is my perpetual consternation, how do I reconcile a God of love; an omnipotent, omniscient God, with a God who applies eternal torture for those who reject Him. Wouldn't God just 'poof' them out of existence on that last and final day of judgment?
If you think about it, the thought of hell as a place that exists and not wanting to go there can be a motivating factor for understanding one's own moral failing before God. Even though the church has applied 'horrible' tactics, it was still something of a catalyst in a way. Not saying it was all good. Thus making ripe for reception of the good news of Jesus. The late Dallas Willard has said that God would allow those to enter into heaven, who can stomach it. In other words, people do not want to place their trust in God or in Jesus and thus they themselves push God's offer back. And a persons own accomplishments and idols of self become their only focus. I would say David that God does not 'apply' eternal torture, it's the burning within oneself of owning their own autonomy. The annihilation view is one the table but it some ways, I find it doesn't make too much sense. Very good questions David. ;) I would say that God is still a God of love, judges people on the light of understanding they have and He of all beings is the one who would do right.
@@lionhound2506 When I read Lewis’ The Great Divorce (about 40 years ago haha) I greatly appreciated his musing about heaven and hell. I just find it interesting that it is a topic that is rarely addressed from the pulpit with a proposition such as this to consider. Thanks for weighing in.
This is good. So glad that these pastor's are taking the time to answer and respond to questions and objections that don't happen from the speaking/sermon platform. More churches need to follow this example. Well done!
Thank you!
I am curious about Hell. As a Christian and a retired history teacher, I can point us to how the church used the hellfire and brimstone message to great effect over the past one to two thousand years (rounding here) to scare people to the cross. Naturally, there are far better ways to point people to the cross for salvation but, and here is my perpetual consternation, how do I reconcile a God of love; an omnipotent, omniscient God, with a God who applies eternal torture for those who reject Him. Wouldn't God just 'poof' them out of existence on that last and final day of judgment?
If you think about it, the thought of hell as a place that exists and not wanting to go there can be a motivating factor for understanding one's own moral failing before God. Even though the church has applied 'horrible' tactics, it was still something of a catalyst in a way. Not saying it was all good. Thus making ripe for reception of the good news of Jesus. The late Dallas Willard has said that God would allow those to enter into heaven, who can stomach it. In other words, people do not want to place their trust in God or in Jesus and thus they themselves push God's offer back. And a persons own accomplishments and idols of self become their only focus. I would say David that God does not 'apply' eternal torture, it's the burning within oneself of owning their own autonomy. The annihilation view is one the table but it some ways, I find it doesn't make too much sense. Very good questions David. ;) I would say that God is still a God of love, judges people on the light of understanding they have and He of all beings is the one who would do right.
@@lionhound2506 When I read Lewis’ The Great Divorce (about 40 years ago haha) I greatly appreciated his musing about heaven and hell. I just find it interesting that it is a topic that is rarely addressed from the pulpit with a proposition such as this to consider. Thanks for weighing in.
@@Intdavidha My pleasure, and you are right for Christians to engage with our own doctrines. Good comments!