NO MORE PREACHING ON HELL

[Solomons Porch]

Its not popular anymore. It doesn't get people in the seats. Look at all the preachers who have the megachurches. People like Joel Osteen. They only preach feel good sermons and their attendance grows. Its becoming more about making people feel good than telling them the truth.

Now, there is an ecumenical movement on the way with the intention of united all the churches that claim to be christian and they would need to put aside doctrinal differences and preach unifying message. Hardcore messages about hell is not going to be accepted. More churches are going in this ecumenical direction softening the word of God to have a message that more people will agree with, sacrificing truth for acceptance.

Hey Prophecy Kid
Yes i feel thats what they are doing and it troubles me. I can remember being so small and throughout my whole life hearing not just the love of Christ, but also that you are to fear and respect God. I knew Revelation in and out before my teenage years. Meaning I knew the ending, not just the beginning for God so loved.....I also heard the ending of the story. Which is that horrible and terrible days are ahead. Repent, draw nigh unto God, turn from your evil and wicked ways, turn your eyes upon Jesus.....I heard of the terrible day of the woman and the dragon, I knew there was a hell if I continued in my ways. It has just left the pulpit all together. Yes love is important, teaching that is most needed. But a FATHER disciplines those He loves.

 

[miknik5]

the good news makes little sense without the bad news.

Yes but the GOOD NEWS is said first and GOD does the initial and most important work. Belief in HIS SON

Convicting one that he is already a sinner and separated from GOD but CHRIST died for us so that what was dead (we were all dead and separated from GOD) might be made alive to GOD in and through and.by faith in HIS SON

 

[miknik5]

Maybe it's because many pastors now know that the new rise of 'nones' in America has partially come about because of an intolerance among Millennials (and Generation X'rs) regarding preaching on Hell, among other things.

Besides, it's kind of hard to pay the monthly Church building fees, or even just keep the lights on, if one's parishioners stop showing up.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

Not a fair statement

 

[Solomons Porch]

I don't know what the right thing is to do but I believe HE is always ready to forgive

We are told to forgive our brother we are told anyone who confesses their sin HE is faithful and just to purify us of all unrighteousness that the one who hopes in HIM purified thenself even as HE is pure

Those who are terrified who have made mistakes Who received the GOSPEL out of fear of hell. What happens to them when and if they sin?

Will they know to come to and keep coming to HIM to be washed

I keep using my earthly father as an example. But thats what I feel you must do. If my daddy wouldve always just patted me on the head when I did wrong, I NEVER WOULD HAVE FEARED AND RESPECTED HIM, I wouldve continued on in my ways.....thinking Oh well its ok, theres no price to pay for me stealing this car, or bullying another kid, skipping school, slapping my mom.....I mean thats the point, I was brought up with a balance of love and fear, but that fear was brought to me IN LOVE because they loved me. They knew this world would hurt me and that I had to toughen up and deal with life one day. That is love. Bible says he disciplines those He loves. I would hate to die and have heard all my life here on earth that no matter what I did i could say oopppssss Jesus im sorry, then I die and find myself swimming in flames. Somebody should have told me about this place called hell.

 

[Clintos]

Those who are terrified who have made mistakes Who received the GOSPEL out of fear of hell. What happens to them when and if they sin?

I feel we need to continuously ask for forgiveness.

 

[Solomons Porch]

Maybe it's because many pastors now know that the new rise of 'nones' in America has partially come about because of an intolerance among Millennials (and Generation X'rs) regarding preaching on Hell, among other things.

Besides, it's kind of hard to pay the monthly Church building fees, or even just keep the lights on, if one's parishioners stop showing up.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

I fear great consequences for those in leadership that know the truth, but do not tell the truth, all for the almighty dollar. These people when that time comes will run to their churches and pastor for answers wondering why did you not tell me about this??? too late

 

[Solomons Porch]

I feel we need to continuously ask for forgiveness.

Amen yes we do

 

[miknik5]

Those who heard the GOSPEL preached wanted to know what they should do because their hearts were pricked

I keep using my earthly father as an example. But thats what I feel you must do. If my daddy wouldve always just patted me on the head when I did wrong, I NEVER WOULD HAVE FEARED AND RESPECTED HIM, I wouldve continued on in my ways.....thinking Oh well its ok, theres no price to pay for me stealing this car, or bullying another kid, skipping school, slapping my mom.....I mean thats the point, I was brought up with a balance of love and fear, but that fear was brought to me IN LOVE because they loved me. They knew this world would hurt me and that I had to toughen up and deal with life one day. That is love. Bible says he disciplines those He loves. I would hate to die and have heard all my life here on earth that no matter what I did i could say oopppssss Jesus im sorry, then I die and find myself swimming in flames. Somebody should have told me about this place called hell.

GOD also disciplines HIS CHILDREN. And it isn't pleasant

But one has to first be given the right to become HIS CHILD

And that is already discussed how

Those who believed HE gave that right to

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I fear great consequences for those in leadership that know the truth, but do not tell the truth, all for the almighty dollar. These people when that time comes will run to their churches and pastor for answers wondering why did you not tell me about this??? too late

True enough. But, just for the record, when I became a Christian long ago, the general concept of Hell was the least of those things that motivated me to become a Christian.

What did motivate me to become a Christian was: 1) The awesome Goodness and Divine Beauty of Jesus Christ, 2) the sense I had that in reading the Bible, I was encountering a truth bigger than myself, and 3) a fear of death.

But a fear of hell? No, not so much. In fact, when I became a Christian, I attended a Southern Baptist church in which the pastor was strong on "preaching it as it is," Hell and whatnot. I always remember cringing about some of the things he said, not because he was right, but because I thought he was going overboard, and that he would sometimes persist in presenting the Biblical message in an imbalanced kind of way.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

 

[sundewgrower]

The desire to not offend and make everyone a winner.
Devaluation of the consequences of not following Him--to a lesser extent LGBT and others as time passes more wish to cater in order to not offend but at what cost? Speak the truth and don't focus on any particular matter for long--as we have all sinned and shouldn't be pointing fingers at one or the other.

 

[JESUS=G.O.A.T]

Here lately I have wondered why I do not hear ANY sermons preached on hell. I grew up Pentecostal and all those years I would hear preaching on hell fire, repent and give your life to Christ. Many times I saw the Holy Spirit convict people during these sermons and they would practically run to the altar. It seems here lately and has been happening for years now that preachers no longer preach on this matter. Why has everything turned into a pretty package, tickle your ears service?? Why have we strayed away from this? The preacher used to pour out his heart to the congregation, pleading the case of Jesus to turn from the wickedness of this world for there is a heaven and there is a hell, choose today who you will serve, repent for the time is drawing near. What happened to this teaching and preaching, it seems it has all but vanished?

2 Timothy 4:3King James Version (KJV)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
But many churches still preach the truth and some organizations. Even st my own church I still hear/preach these messages when led by god rather then hold back in fear of "offending someone" who has itching ears. Not to mention the world which Jesus informs us is against christians, and has established this PC culture as well. And look I'm not saying just preach all hate hell messages... gotta draw with love too and god will give preachers those messages as well. But people need to know theres a hell is all and sin is punishable. I got saved from hell messages more so then love ones cause I questioned god but I didn't want hell and I wanted to be a part of the church. Sure now I love god but that developed as I got saved.

 

[Pastor Glenn]

Here lately I have wondered why I do not hear ANY sermons preached on hell. I grew up Pentecostal and all those years I would hear preaching on hell fire, repent and give your life to Christ. Many times I saw the Holy Spirit convict people during these sermons and they would practically run to the altar. It seems here lately and has been happening for years now that preachers no longer preach on this matter. Why has everything turned into a pretty package, tickle your ears service?? Why have we strayed away from this? The preacher used to pour out his heart to the congregation, pleading the case of Jesus to turn from the wickedness of this world for there is a heaven and there is a hell, choose today who you will serve, repent for the time is drawing near. What happened to this teaching and preaching, it seems it has all but vanished?

I don't know what the right thing is to do but I believe HE is always ready to forgive

We are told to forgive our brother we are told anyone who confesses their sin HE is faithful and just to purify us of all unrighteousness that the one who hopes in HIM purified thenself even as HE is pure

Those who are terrified who have made mistakes Who received the GOSPEL out of fear of hell. What happens to them when and if they sin?

Will they know to come to and keep coming to HIM to be washed

 

[Solomons Porch]

True enough. But, just for the record, when I became a Christian long ago, the general concept of Hell was the least of those things that motivated me to become a Christian.

What did motivate me to become a Christian was: 1) The awesome Goodness and Divine Beauty of Jesus Christ, 2) the sense I had that in reading the Bible, I was encountering a truth bigger than myself, and 3) a fear of death.

But a fear of hell? No, not so much. In fact, when I became a Christian, I attended a Southern Baptist church in which the pastor was strong on "preaching it as it is," Hell and whatnot. I always remember cringing about some of the things he said, not because he was right, but because I thought he was going overboard, and that he would sometimes persist in presenting the Biblical message in an imbalanced kind of way.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

Oh yes no doubt.....some preachers "back in the day" drove the message in the ground, over and over again. And that is not as all what I am looking for. But your 3 points is very true, to know and feel the love of Christ is what drew me (thru the Holy Spirit) into a relationship with Him. I knew that love, thats what convinced me to live for Him. But the issue is that I knew that great love for me, therefore I also knew that with that love, came a new way of life and if I chose to not obey Him, I would suffer the consequences. The tree of good and evil.....even there you see an action/consequence. Just a good balance is all Im wondering. Not just hell hell hell hell......but the whole package. From Genesis to Revelation, not hiding the truth.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Its because as the bible says, in the end things will get worse. More prosperity preaching, more half gospel truths, more "feel good" pastors. Many churches now have so many views that are against the bible that things have gone down hill. When I was growing up in the 80s for example, almost no church preached Halloween was ok. Now pretty much every church is fine with it.

 

[miknik5]

Romans 10 is sufficient

 

[Solomons Porch]

The desire to not offend and make everyone a winner.
Devaluation of the consequences of not following Him--to a lesser extent LGBT and others as time passes more wish to cater in order to not offend but at what cost? Speak the truth and don't focus on any particular matter for long--as we have all sinned and shouldn't be pointing fingers at one or the other.

It seems that we have devalued to word of God.....thus is why our world is in such a mess. We have turned away from Him and went after the lust of the flesh. Now we are reaping that in a terrible way.

 

[Solomons Porch]

Its because as the bible says, in the end things will get worse. More prosperity preaching, more half gospel truths, more "feel good" pastors. Many churches now have so many views that are against the bible that things have gone down hill. When I was growing up in the 80s for example, almost no church preached Halloween was ok. Now pretty much every church is fine with it.

So true....its sickening. I want the whole gospel, not just parts but the whole.

 

[miamited]

HI solomons porch,

The teaching of hell is an integral part of learning the truth of the reality of this life. However, I believe that in our teaching of anything of the Scriptures we need to try, as best we can, to follow the examples of Jesus and Paul and the other apostolic teachers of the new covenant Scriptures. We should teach with an attitude of love and compassion for those who are hearing our words.

But yes, we have become that which the Scriptures tell us that we will become. A people who want to fill our itching ears with those things which please us to hear. I believe that in our seeking a place of worship that we should strive to find such a place where the teacher does teach the truth. If what is being taught is the truth, but seems uncomfortable to our ears, then there is likely a very good reason for that. This brings us to a crossroads. We can choose to turn away from such teaching, as many did one day when Jesus was teaching a particularly hard truth, and find somewhere else to worship that makes our itching ears more comfortable. Or, we can allow the conviction that we experience to change us and continue to mold us into the kind of person that God wants us to become.

Jesus and many of the first apostles often spoke of hell in their teaching. So, for someone to leave a fellowship because the teacher speaks of hell, or for someone to try and deny that such a place as hell isn't a part of the reality of this life, is, in my opinion, a poor choice to make at such a crossroad. For us to think and consider that such teaching might scare children or grown ups and, therefore, not be taught, doesn't seem to follow the Scriptural examples that we have either. We know for a fact that there was at least one young boy in attendance at one of Jesus' teachings who brought a lunch of a few loaves and fishes.

For us to likewise believe that the teaching of hell only scares people into accepting the love and mercy of our God, Father and Creator and should, therefore not be taught because that isn't why God wants us to believe in Him. Also doesn't seem to follow the example of the Scriptures. I believe that God does want us to understand the consequences of our choosing. In giving the law unto Israel, God laid out clearly and plainly the consequences of both obedience and disobedience. He doesn't seem to have pulled any punches and left it to them to only choose to follow Him because of all the good things that would be their's through obedience. He clearly let them know of all the bad things that would be their's through their disobedience. I likewise, don't believe that God only wants us to teach others only about the good things that are their's through obedience to Him today.

We are to teach the whole truth of the Scriptures to those who are working to mature in their faith. Just as when Jesus taught before the people of Israel as he journeyed throughout the land of Israel, some who came to hear him may have already believed in him and were there to learn more of what he taught as the truth. To mature in their faith. Many, however, were likely just first time attenders who had come out to listen because they were curious about this man who claimed to be the Son of their God. This man who was claiming to have come from God to teach them about their God.

God bless you,
In Christ, ted

 

[Na Nach Oi!]

Here lately I have wondered why I do not hear ANY sermons preached on hell. I grew up Pentecostal and all those years I would hear preaching on hell fire, repent and give your life to Christ. Many times I saw the Holy Spirit convict people during these sermons and they would practically run to the altar. It seems here lately and has been happening for years now that preachers no longer preach on this matter. Why has everything turned into a pretty package, tickle your ears service?? Why have we strayed away from this? The preacher used to pour out his heart to the congregation, pleading the case of Jesus to turn from the wickedness of this world for there is a heaven and there is a hell, choose today who you will serve, repent for the time is drawing near. What happened to this teaching and preaching, it seems it has all but vanished?

Everything is valued by money is post-modern age, which one of its value is moral relativity.

Hell preaching would drive "new converts/church attendant" away. Driving that people away is to drive "money" away, since that people would give money offerings to the church.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Oh yes no doubt.....some preachers "back in the day" drove the message in the ground, over and over again. And that is not as all what I am looking for. But your 3 points is very true, to know and feel the love of Christ is what drew me (thru the Holy Spirit) into a relationship with Him. I knew that love, thats what convinced me to live for Him. But the issue is that I knew that great love for me, therefore I also knew that with that love, came a new way of life and if I chose to not obey Him, I would suffer the consequences. The tree of good and evil.....even there you see an action/consequence. Just a good balance is all Im wondering. Not just hell hell hell hell......but the whole package. From Genesis to Revelation, not hiding the truth.

It's sounds like we're pretty much on the "same page," SP.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid