Did Jesus really believe in hell?

Dr Luke continues to tell us some of things that Jesus taught. This one is about hell. Is there really such a place? Well who better to let us know than Jesus, the Son of God. Creator of heaven and earth. Have a listen. I'm praying that God will speak to you through this.

https://soundcloud.com/seekthetruthpodcast/did-jesus-really-believe-in-hell?

Location:Liverpool

The future?

Should we be frightened about the future. The Bible tells us things no one else can. Listen to my podcast on www.seekthetruth.org.uk

Twenty five life changing words

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

To most Christians these are familiar words. When I was young old preachers described this verse as 'the gospel in a nutshell'. They meant that this one verse sums up the good news of what Christianity is all about in 25 words.

If you count 12 words from the start of the verse the next word is SON

If you could 12 words from the end the next word is SON

Do you think it is significant that the central word of the verse is SON, I do? Jesus Christ, the SON of God is central to the Christian message.

He was born of a virgin girl as predicted in the Bible.

He is the perfect Son of God but he lived for 33 years in an imperfect world and contrary to all the norms of life he was perfect and faultless - the Bible calls it, sinless.

He lived a life to display what God is like. The Bible describes Him as God revealed in flesh.

He died for our sins. The Bible says this in numerous places i.e. 'Christ died for the ungodly' (Romans.5.6), 'while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans.5.8).

He is the only way of salvation. The Bible says 'neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved'

Finally one of the ways of reading the verse that was explained to me was to insert your name into the text. It makes the verse keenly personal to you. Why not try it but best of all believe it.

For God so loved Stephen Baker that he gave his only begotten Son that if Stephen Baker believes in him Stephen Baker should not perish but have everlasting life.

By the way the verse is written to apply to all. If it had my name in it it would exclude you. If your name was there it would exclude me but it says WHOSOEVER which means it includes everyone.

Home Sweet Home

I have just arrived home after a week of work in Northern Ireland. It was a busy week with lots of activity and I really enjoyed the time away. Despite meeting new and interesting people, seeing new places and having the opportunity to gain a little insight into how other people think it is always good to come home. Home for most of us has a special attraction.

It's where we feel most comfortable, we don't need to be on our best behaviour and we are loved unconditionally. At home you don't feel the urge to explain yourself or to watch what you say. Home is a wonderful place. I am aware that for many home can be a difficult place but God intended it to be a safe and secure environment where all of the above and much more is true.

While I was in Ireland I attended the funeral of an elderly gentleman. He was in his mid to late eighties. He was a Christian gentleman and was well known in the community. The funeral was a large affair with over 250 attending. One of the things that was said about the passing away of this man was that though he had died he was now 'at home with the Lord'. The truth is that he had only died physically but his soul is now in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven - the verse from the bible that was quoted was "absent from the body but present with the Lord'. A statement that is only true of those who have accepted the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is the ultimate homecoming! It is great to come home on earth but the homecoming of the believer in Jesus Christ when the individual leaves earth and arrives in heaven is indescribable.

I wonder what your departure from earth will be like. Will it be an abundant entrance into the presence of the Lord Jesus or a fearful waiting in Hell for the judgment of God. It is possible to be saved and safe. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Listen to my latest podcast about the influence of Mothers and Grandparents in our lives on my podcast seekthetruth.org.uk.

God bless you this week, Stephen.