Week 4 - Follow Up

The discussion today was great. We talked about the boldness of John the Baptist and how that would look in our own lives today. This discussion led to a discussion of evangelism and whether we really believe that someone must accept Jesus as Lord or face eternity seperated from God (go to hell would be another way to put it). This is a harsh subject that can be difficult to discuss, especially when we all have loved ones and friends that haven't or won't accept Jesus. The question was asked, "Is that something that is really in the Bible, in black and white?" I shared Jesus' words that "No one comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14:6). After class I really felt that this subject needed some more discussion. Please post your comments on the blog. I really think we need to all study this and try to get it right. It is one of those fundamental things that everything else is built on. If we don't get this part right, then anything we build on top won't really matter. God does warn us about being lukewarm (Rev 3:16).

Is it really that cut and dry? There are many examples in scripture that say that is it. It does seem pretty harsh to say that good people will be left behind or worse, unless they are "born again" (John 3:3-4). The kids this morning were learning about Noah and the ark. I thought about that story and it seems like a beautiful story about animals, a boat, and a rainbow, but there is much more there. The story takes a turn when God closes Noah and his family in the ark assuring their safety while assuring the destruction of those outside the ark (Gen 7:16). We are no different than Noah. We are told to get in the ark and trust in God. Everyone else will be dealt with as God sees fit.

John 3:16 says that whoever believes shall have eternal life, but leaves no such allowance for those that don't. This is where the choice comes into play - we serve as our own judge and can choose our own fate. There are countless stories in the Bible about some being prepared and the rest left out. It should be our first and best effort to be one included and to bring as many with us as possible. The parable of the ten virgins is a perfect example of a story that Jesus used to demonstrate this to us (read Matt 25:1-13). Those virgins that were prepared were invited in, but those that weren't ready were left outside. It seems like they could easily be let in when they got there, but that isn't how the story goes.

I think that the story of the wise servant (Matt 24:45-51) is a pretty vivid example. Read how the story ends with the wicked servant being sent to the place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth".

I certainly don't like to focus on the result of rejecting Jesus, but it seems like it isn't pleasant and is a choice that leads to death. I can find no place in scripture that this is sugar coated at all. Please share some other scripture that you find about this subject. I would really love to hear some other input. I will try my best to have next Sundays material posted by tomorrow.