The Study Corner    

Many people and groups seem to be confused about Hell. Some say, “There’s no need to really worry about what awaits you or the others after death.” My response would be that I pity you. I am humbled and in awe of God all the more because I understand what he saved me from. He didn’t save me from a reincarnated earth or a simple cessation of existence. Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior through His blood, and God’s unending grace and mercy, saved me from a place of “outer darkness” (Matthew 25:30), “weeping” (Matthew 8:12), “wailing” (Matthew 13:42), “gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:50), “flame” (Luke 16:24), “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46), “fiery furnace” (Matthew 13:42), separation from the righteous (Matthew 25:46), and “torment” (Luke 16:23). Do I just randomly believe these things? Were the words spoken only by mere men?  No. The examples I used are straight from the teaching of Jesus, the Son of God, and our savior. He taught about Hell, Gehenna, and Hades. All are the same place of eternal torment. I’ve heard some folks try to argue that Jesus never taught about hell being eternal torment or even a bad place at all.  This is a false teaching, and the Word must be brought to bare against it.

Jude 1:16

16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. (ESV)

(Read on …)

What is one of the major responsibilites of any christian parent? “pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)

Here are some selcetions to remind us what to pray about for our children.

That Jesus will call them and no one will hinder them from coming.

Matthew 19:13-15

13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away. (ESV)

That they will respond in faith to Jesus’ faithful, persistent call.

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (ESV)

That they will experience sanctification through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and will increasingly desire to fulfill the greatest commandments.

Matthew 22:37-39

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (ESV)

That they will not be unequally yoked in intimate relationships, especially marriage.

2 Corinthians 6:14

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (ESV)

That their thoughts will be pure.

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)

That their hearts will be stirred to give generously to the Lord’s work.

Exodus 35:29

29 All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord. (ESV)

That when the time is right, they will GO!

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”(Acts 7:59-60, ESV).

Stephen is listed as the first Christian martyr. The first person to be put to death for believing in Jesus. The first of many, known and unknown, who through the centuries and even today look to heaven and commit their spirits into God’s hands.

It’s not just that Stephen died, it’s how he died that’s important. Yes, he was executed under false accusations and he was stoned to death–a painful, drawn out way to die. He did get a glimpse of heaven and saw the glorious risen Son of God…waiting for him.
But in his final moments, Stephen echoes Jesus. He did what Jesus did–he committed his spirit into the loving, faithful hands of God the Father. Luke 23:46 records, “Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’” (ESV).

Stephen also extended forgiveness to his executioners, just as Jesus did. “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’” (Luke 23:34, ESV).

Now, it’s quite possible some of the people stoning Stephen had seen Jesus die. Maybe Stephen had been there too. We don’t know how long he was a follower of Jesus or what he’d already witnessed.

But whatever the circumstances, Stephen had Jesus’ example of how to die, and he followed it. Just like Jesus, Stephen committed himself to God and forgave those who hated him. Following Jesus is not only about how we live but how we die too.

So, if you’re ever called on to die for Jesus, to give up your life because of your faith in Him, remember Stephen and be bold to follow the example of Jesus.

NotReligion

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