Is Hell Really Eternal

Today we often hear people describe life-threatening situations or disasters as ‘hell on earth’.   While some tragedies may have lasting effects, for long periods of time, and may even linger a lifetime, they do not last forever.  But is that the case with those who find themselves in hell?  Jesus spoke more about hell in the New Testament than He did about heaven.  Because of the attention given to hell, we can conclude that He felt it necessary to make sure that people were warned about the necessity of avoiding hell at all cost.  Just as we cannot accurately describe the wonders and glories of heaven, we cannot be sure of the horror or suffering of hell.  In Matthew 25:46, Jesus speaks about the destination of the righteous, or true Christians, and that of the unrighteous or unsaved.  The words used to describe the length of time one would exist in heaven or hell are the same in the original Greek text.   Also, in Revelations we are told that the Antichrist was in the ‘lake of fire’ for one thousand years before Satan was thrown in, which indicates that there was no extermination during that period of time.   Even without suffering of  any kind, it is obvious that to be found in hell is to be separated from God and all the joys and privileges that He has prepared for those who spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Matthew 25:46     ‘And these (the unrighteous) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.’

Revelation 14:11   ‘And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’

Revelation 20:15   ‘And whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.’

Revelation 21:8      ‘But for the cowardly and unbelieving, and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone…..’

What is your concept of hell?

Do you believe in a hell of eternal punishment?

What do you believe hell says about God?

Minced Oaths

A minced oath is a euphemistic expression formed by misspelling, mispronouncing, or replacing a part of a profane, blasphemous, or taboo term to reduce the originalterm’s objectionable characteristics.

You will find, below the questions,  a link to a website that has a list of minced oaths and their meaning.

Throughout the Bible Christians are admonished to be very careful about their speech, especially when it comes to  showing respect and reverence to God.  In today’s society, it is common for the secular world to use euphemisms such as ‘gee’ or ‘gosh’, or acronyms such as ‘OMG’ as a means of expressing oaths in a mild or less offensive manner.  Unfortunately, many Christians also seem to think that using these terms is acceptable, and often use them without stopping to consider their real meaning.  For example, ‘gee’ or ‘gosh’ are both used as substitutes for Jesus or God.  Some may use terms such as ‘holy cow’ or even ‘holy crap’ nonchalantly, or without any thought as to the impression it may leave.  Holy is a word which should only be used in describing something that is moral or ethical in the sight of God.  Christians are to be holy or set apart for God, and their language should always be such that will show reverence, and reflect an appreciation for the holiness found only in our triune God.

Isaiah 6:5   ‘Then I said, Woe is me, for I am ruined! because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for  my eyes have  seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’

Psalm 19:14     ‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.’

Psalm 141:3     ‘Set a guard O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.’

Colossians 4:6  ‘Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so you will know how you should answer every man.’

Colossians 3:17 ‘And whatever you do in word or deed, do all  in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.’

Do you find yourself using ‘mild oaths’ carelessly?

Do you think it is wrong for Christians to use such language?

How can one change or get rid of such a habit?

More examples of minced oaths

 

Is Gambling A Sin?

There is no specific reference in the Bible to indicate that gambling is a sin. But that does not mean that the practice of gambling is not unacceptable or an offence to God. Just as there is no mention of abortion or drug usage in the Bible, and we know that these actions are doubtless sinful, we can be certain that gambling should not be condoned or participated in by Christians. Besides that fact that gambling is an activity that results in obtaining money that is unearned, the motivation for gambling is often greed or covetousness. Paul, in Philippians 4:11 said that he was content in whatever circumstance he found himself in. Christians who are trusting God to supply their needs will have no reason to resort to gambling to improve their lot. Gambling is a habit that often becomes an addiction and has frequently led to financial ruin of families and relationships. There is also an inordinately high suicide rate among those who have become addicted to gambling. God expects Christians to earn a living through legitimate labor or investment and not rely on chance, which is the basis for winning at gambling.

Proverbs 13:11 ‘Wealth obtained by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathers by labor shall increase.’

1 Timothy 6:10 ‘For the love of money is the root of all evil..’

Philippians 4:11: ‘..For I have learned , in whatever state I am in, there to be content.’

Hebrews 13:5 ‘Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have: for He said, I will never leave you or forsake you.’

How do you feel about gambling?

Do you think it is a sin from God’s point of view?  If not, why?

Do you know anyone, that has been seriously hurt financially and in their relationships by gambling?