As we enter the season of Lent I have some thoughts for you to kick around. As you know I am encouraging people to send me some of their toughest questions about God, Faith, and the Bible. One of the issues I have been researching for a long time is the doctrine of Hell in the bible. Is Hell real? Can a loving God really punish people eternally? Before I get into my little story, I want to put out a disclosure that like many of the deepest issues in scripture, there are many idea’s and I am presenting one side of the fence today. That does not mean it is the answer. It could be??? You decide. I will be going into this much deeper soon but here is the thought for the day.
The age old question: How could a loving God allow any of His children to go to a place where there is eternal torment and punishment? The thought of this story is, there is a Hell because God loves us so much! WHAT? Yes his goodness and love requires that He breaks all rebellion and lawlessness. You might ask, “How in the world can that make sense?” Let me illustrate with this parable…not found in the bible by the way. Think about this one this week.
Imagine that you live in a beautiful, quaint little town where there is much Joy, Peace, and Love. The children play freely in their yards and at the park and elderly people walk the lighted streets at night with no fear what so ever. There is complete harmony, peace and fellowship amongst all the people who reside there in beautiful little Pleasantville. On the outskirts of this beautiful little town is a prison filled with the worst of the worst of criminals. The mayor of your town continually reassures the townspeople that the prison is secure and that none of the prisoners kept there will ever be let out so that peace, joy, and love will be assured for all the folks who live in Pleasantville. One day, a new mayor gets elected. The new mayor has new ideas. The new mayor feels sorry for the prisoners that are living their lives in tiny little cells outside of the wonderful little town. The new mayor decides that it just isn’t fair or right that these criminals be living in such horrible conditions when there is so much love and peace so close to them, so he decides to let all of the prisoners free. In a very short time the once peaceful town became a very dark, dangerous place full of corruption, crime and fear. The people of Pleasantville now began begging the mayor to have all the prisoners put back into the prison so that Peace, Love, and Joy could be restored to their precious little town.
My question to all of you is, “Who was the more loving mayor, the mayor who kept the prisoners locked up and put away, or the mayor who out of the goodness of his heart decided to let them out of prison? “Christianity takes deep thought! Oh there is so much to consider and learn! That is why I spend most of my days reading, praying, and researching. Blessings. Sincerely, pastor kent
PCF Service Correction The correct service dates for PCF services in March are: the 17th and the 31st!
Announcements: From our friends at Immanuel United Methodist, All are invited and welcome to join together for a reflective, candle lite Ash Wednesday service tonight at 6:30 pm, March 6th.
Our prayer List:
Rick Coy, Rick is going to have more heart tests run. We pray for Gods strength, peace, and healing for Rick.
Linda Daniel Please continue to pray for Linda in this difficult time of loss.
Louise (Snookie) Burns Bonni’s mom has begun treatments for breast cancer is is doing good. We pray for God’s healing and strength for her and Bonni’s dad Henry as she continues her treatments.
Adelynn Wasser Adelynn There is an update on little Adelynn. She now weighs 3 lbs 10oz! Continued prayers for growth and strength.
Walt Williams Walt continues to battle cancer. Please continue to pray for Walt and Mary Ann, We pray for God’s healing touch and His peace and strength.
The PCF family, that we will grow closer to Jesus, to one another, and bring Jesus’ love message to many more people this year.
Missed a service but still want to hear the sermon? Go to our website where you can listen to past sermons. Go to https://praisecommunityfellowship.com