This may seem like a fairly simple question. Like of course we should preach heaven not hell.
You're probably saying, yeah, we should tell others what the Word of God says about their life, what Christ did for them and how He dwells in us, helps us, intercedes for us, guides us, and so much more. There are plenty more wonderful things God has done that can be shared with others that will bring them to Christ.
Because the thing is, telling someone they will go to hell if they continue in their ways in not the gospel. Advising others that they shouldn't do what they are doing or else they will go to hell, is not how you say it. It may seem easier to say these things to them because we have tasted the sweet Word of God (Hebrews 6:5), smelled the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15), we have seen with our eyes and touched with our hands (1 John 1:1) and are trying to give them a short cut. However, it is the goodness of God that will do that part. There is no short cuts. Everyone's path is different, everyone's journey is unique and some journey's may seen easier than others. The whole idea is you walk through to the destination and walk all the paths needed, waiting 40 years in the wildness if need be, while God prunes and re-shapes any mindset that will hinder your growth, before you're ready to enter into your 'promise land'. The land flowing with milk and honey!
Romans 2:4 says the goodness of God leads you to repentance, not christians but the goodness of God. Some of us try do the work of God instead allowing God to work through us.
So we may feel like we're helping by warning those who are outside of the danger and consequences that are to come. But thats not the mission. To bring people to Christ is take them away from the darkness and into the light is the mission. Bringing them to Christ is more important as it removes them from darkness along the way.
Colossians 2:20-23 - Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh
Someone reading this may have gone through church hurt or hurt by a christian. Maybe when you were in the world or even now as a christian while still battling with some aspects of the world. If that is you right now, you need to know their intentions were not to harm or a way of embarrassing or offending you but intending to help you... in potentially not the best way. Like Paul said in the scripture above, these things have the appearance of wisdom by the self-imposed religion it brings. This walk we walk is based on relationship rather than religion. What one christian does, another may not do but they are still at one with the Lord. For example, one christian may be able to fast often with no food or drink and no break, then another christian may not fast as much and may drink water during the fast but God will still visit both of them and speak to both in a variety of ways. This can be used vice versa for if someone is struggling with something bad like smoking, lying, unforgiveness, or covetousness, for example, God will still speak and accept that person regardless. We bring the unqualified to God as He calls the unqualified and qualifies them. You can't cleanse yourself because if we could then there will no point of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, let alone His grace.
And for those reading that maybe used to preach destruction without realising or realising now. We should preach grace and not destruction. Preach connection and not condemnation. Preach the fear of the Lord and not the fear of hell. Instead of "you don't want to go to hell do you?" say " you don't want a life without Christ's unfailing, never-ending love do you?". Words have a strong implication without you knowing. I know when people told me not to do something, I will end up doing it, even if I've never done it before because you told my mind it can be done. In times of ignorance, God overlooked but we thank God for the increase in knowledge.
Prayer:
I pray that this post has touched someone today and a different understanding shines on your hearts. I pray that the love of God is spread through God's people to all people. That everyone that comes to the knowledge of God and becomes a child of God may choose Him by the willingness of wanting to be anywhere that He is. I pray those that were hurt by people's condemnation in the past will forgive them just as Christ forgave themselves also. I pray we're christians because of God's love for me and not because of the fear of going to hell.
John 3:17
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Thank you for reading! Like and share this post if it has helped you by using the share link below and let it help and encourage others. Comment below of any of your experiences with church hurt that you may want to talk through and also your perspective on preaching heaven over hell. Check out my other posts below and subscribe to my blog, share your testimonies and lets build a christian community!
Many blessings, D.
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