Once again, we have a topic that could cover a year's worth of sermons, so this week's discussion was a 'scratch on the surface' of the concept of heaven and hell.
Everyone has their own imagery of heaven. Close your eyes and picture it. What do you see? Big, puffy clouds; winged-angels in flowing, white robes with glowing, gold halos; saints plucking harp strings?
Now, picture hell. Do you imagine a huge lake of fire, surrounded by jagged, black rock formations; ominous, pitchfork-wielding creatures lurking in the shadows; the screams of burning, tortured souls?
Would you be surprised to know that those descriptions don't appear in the Bible? Cody talked about how in Jesus’ teachings, heaven is not a destination but rather a reality of God’s kingdom or being in God’s presence. In the end (whatever that is, or might look like!) God, the creator of heaven and earth will remake both and join them together.
Heaven isn't physical place in the universe. Any concept of meeting Saint Peter at the pearly gates is simply not biblical. Heaven is a place in God... in God’s presence. It is sometimes described as a hidden dimension of our ordinary place.
As for hell, it is an actual place. Cody shared that the word translated as “hell” in the teachings of Jesus, is “Gehenna,” which was the smoldering trash heap outside the southwest gate of the old city of Jerusalem. When Jesus spoke of hell, he was literally referring to the town dump. N.T. Wright has said that Jesus’ talk of Hell was political; Jesus was teaching that violent rebellion against Rome to establish God’s kingdom would end badly: Rome would turn Jerusalem into an extension of its own smoldering garbage pile.
So, do I need to "get saved?" In short, yeah. But it’s not just about getting to heaven when you die. The word salvation means “rescue” – rescued from what? Some say from our nasty, wicked bodies and this nasty, wicked world. But that’s just not supported by the Bible, even if it is what the majority of Christians in the western world believe. Salvation is not just about the saving of a soul. Salvation is about the redemption of the body, and along with it, bringing about God’s new heaven and new earth! Thus, salvation is an ongoing thing — a transformation!
Jesus loves us. He died and was raised from the dead to bring an to end to death and sins. And, that's what salvation is about. No one is excluded from God’s invitation. It is open to all people, without exception. No matter who you are... no matter what sins you have committed, you can receive forgiveness and God’s transforming grace.
Our scripture from Sunday comes from Colossians 3:12-17. This version is from "The Message":
Of course, this all brings up many more questions and thoughts. Sunday's Q & A session was interesting and thought-provoking. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
Everyone has their own imagery of heaven. Close your eyes and picture it. What do you see? Big, puffy clouds; winged-angels in flowing, white robes with glowing, gold halos; saints plucking harp strings?
Now, picture hell. Do you imagine a huge lake of fire, surrounded by jagged, black rock formations; ominous, pitchfork-wielding creatures lurking in the shadows; the screams of burning, tortured souls?
Would you be surprised to know that those descriptions don't appear in the Bible? Cody talked about how in Jesus’ teachings, heaven is not a destination but rather a reality of God’s kingdom or being in God’s presence. In the end (whatever that is, or might look like!) God, the creator of heaven and earth will remake both and join them together.
Heaven isn't physical place in the universe. Any concept of meeting Saint Peter at the pearly gates is simply not biblical. Heaven is a place in God... in God’s presence. It is sometimes described as a hidden dimension of our ordinary place.
As for hell, it is an actual place. Cody shared that the word translated as “hell” in the teachings of Jesus, is “Gehenna,” which was the smoldering trash heap outside the southwest gate of the old city of Jerusalem. When Jesus spoke of hell, he was literally referring to the town dump. N.T. Wright has said that Jesus’ talk of Hell was political; Jesus was teaching that violent rebellion against Rome to establish God’s kingdom would end badly: Rome would turn Jerusalem into an extension of its own smoldering garbage pile.
So, do I need to "get saved?" In short, yeah. But it’s not just about getting to heaven when you die. The word salvation means “rescue” – rescued from what? Some say from our nasty, wicked bodies and this nasty, wicked world. But that’s just not supported by the Bible, even if it is what the majority of Christians in the western world believe. Salvation is not just about the saving of a soul. Salvation is about the redemption of the body, and along with it, bringing about God’s new heaven and new earth! Thus, salvation is an ongoing thing — a transformation!
Jesus loves us. He died and was raised from the dead to bring an to end to death and sins. And, that's what salvation is about. No one is excluded from God’s invitation. It is open to all people, without exception. No matter who you are... no matter what sins you have committed, you can receive forgiveness and God’s transforming grace.
Our scripture from Sunday comes from Colossians 3:12-17. This version is from "The Message":
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."Basically, let the love of Jesus shine through your life. Walk in His footsteps. Show compassion and kindness. Be humble. Keep calm. Forgive those who have wronged you. Be thankful. Praise God. And know that your salvation is a gift that needn't be earned. Put your trust in Him. That's it.
Of course, this all brings up many more questions and thoughts. Sunday's Q & A session was interesting and thought-provoking. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger
:: IN THE COMING WEEKS :: Your Questions Answered Explored
11.17 Who really is God?
11.24 What's the Deal with Denominations?
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