If the only way to avoid a literal, eternal hell was to hear and orally repeat some particular prayer, formula, or doctrine: if it were that simple, why didn’t Jesus tell us that? Why are people afraid of their children hearing that there is no hell (but that there are dire consequences to our sin both here and in the after life). Why do parents want their children “afraid” of God and what He might do if they aren’t good little boys and girls? Are parents afraid they’ll lose control, did they ever have control, and is “control” really the key to living the Kingdom life? I’ve got more questions though.

1-Why did Jesus heal people without a sermon?
2-Why did Jesus deliver people of demons without asking if they had repented?
3-Why did Jesus let the thief on the Cross off so quickly and easily?
4-Why did Jesus forgive people their sins without an “invitation”?
5-Why didn’t Jesus demand that everyone join His group or not get ministry?
6-Why wasn’t “salvation” the big emphasis for Jesus(and without a World Tour nonetheless)?
7-Why didn’t Jesus go see Nero after the Resurrection and straighten him out (and the Pharisees)?

Maybe the better question is WHY does the church do all those things that Jesus DID NOT?

What’s up with that?

And did you know that with Paul and the epistles, there’s this LACK! No where is the church encouraged to RESCUE people from HELL. The motive of the early church’s evangelism was because the GOOD NEWS was, well, GOOD NEWS! But, of course today, that’s not enough for the church. To keep people in line, we need to threaten them with eternal hell. But, as Dr. Phil would ask, “How’s that working out for you church?” If history is to be our guide, the answer is obvious.

Not well at all!

Why is that? (my last question)