Judgement
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
Acts 17:29-31
Humans are really good at avoiding realities we don’t like. Whether it’s a messy room, an addiction or climate change. God’s judgement, the reality of hell is a bit like that. Most Christians kind-of believe that hell is real but we do a great job of not thinking about it. I get it… unpleasant stuff right? And if you trust in Jesus, not something you have to worry about for yourself.
At Village Church. We want to look the truth straight in the eye. Because the cost of avoidance is too great. Here is the reality. Everyone will stand before God and give an account of their lives, and if they are not found to be holy/blameless in Christ, then they will be sent away from God’s love and goodness to the emptiness of hell. Forever.
Just let that sit for a moment, don’t avoid it.
I don’t want that for my unbelieving family members, for my unbelieving friends, for anyone! So, what are going to do about it? Well, it’s complicated right. Because they don’t want to believe! Most of them anyway.
But this is where climate change is a good example. How would you convince someone of something you thought was super important. There’s a number of ways isn’t there.
You might invite them over for a coffee and say, I’ve been thinking about something I wanted to talk to you about. Or maybe you would invite them to come to a place where they could hear about that important thing.
What’s the best next step for the people in your life? Whatever it is, do something, because the time may be short.
For Today:
Pray:
Acts 17:29-31
Humans are really good at avoiding realities we don’t like. Whether it’s a messy room, an addiction or climate change. God’s judgement, the reality of hell is a bit like that. Most Christians kind-of believe that hell is real but we do a great job of not thinking about it. I get it… unpleasant stuff right? And if you trust in Jesus, not something you have to worry about for yourself.
At Village Church. We want to look the truth straight in the eye. Because the cost of avoidance is too great. Here is the reality. Everyone will stand before God and give an account of their lives, and if they are not found to be holy/blameless in Christ, then they will be sent away from God’s love and goodness to the emptiness of hell. Forever.
Just let that sit for a moment, don’t avoid it.
I don’t want that for my unbelieving family members, for my unbelieving friends, for anyone! So, what are going to do about it? Well, it’s complicated right. Because they don’t want to believe! Most of them anyway.
But this is where climate change is a good example. How would you convince someone of something you thought was super important. There’s a number of ways isn’t there.
You might invite them over for a coffee and say, I’ve been thinking about something I wanted to talk to you about. Or maybe you would invite them to come to a place where they could hear about that important thing.
What’s the best next step for the people in your life? Whatever it is, do something, because the time may be short.
For Today:
- Who are three people whose salvation you are concerned about.
- What’s the best next step for each of these people?
- What is one thing you could do to help them come closer to knowing Jesus?
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His mercy to sinners.
- Give thanks for Christ who gives us a way to avoid hell through His death and resurrection.
- Ask God for His Spirit to help you and others respond to the reality of hell, continuing to trust in Jesus and to urgently go out to others.
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