What the Hell?

WHAT THE HELL? Date: 3.22.09 Speaker: Kristian Martens Texts: Luke 16:19-3,? 19:41-42, John 3:36, Romans 1:25, 2:2-8. 5:8-9, Matt 8:12, 9:43-48, 10:28, 25:41-46, 2 Pet 3:9-10, Rev 20:10-15 Title: WHAT THE HELL? Is the God of the Bible some sort of angry judge? (of judgment, wrath, hell, fire & El Diablos red stretchy-pants) Brimstone for the broad-minded. Summary: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. 2 Peter 3:9-10a Todays challenge could be posed like this: JUDGMENT & HELL: How could a good, all-loving God send good people to hell? The God of the Bible appears to be mean, angry, vindictive, abusive & judgmental. The Christian doctrines of judgment & hell simply cannot be reconciled with the idea of a loving God. Therefore this loving God cannot exist. In other words, as bus adverts promote, stop worrying and enjoy your life. In this sermon well acknowledge that judgment and hell are indeed highly controversial & often misunderstood but that they are essential if we are to understand our own hearts, truly live at peace in the world, and to grasp the depth of Gods love. 13% of the New Testament, including nearly half the parables, concern this subject and Jesus, himself, taught more on hell than anyone else. If Jesus cared so much about it we need to look deeply, thoughtfully, humbly, biblically, & prayerfully at it. In doing so by Gods grace well glimpse the depth of Gods love for us and appreciate His perfect justice.