Dwight, that was an interesting point you made. Say the 10 second pray, then sit back and relax, stay where you are.
Kat, I smiled when i read those verses you posted, I have been thinking about them this week, the "strong delusion", "signs and wonders", etc. I have on a couple of occasions completely befuddled a Christian by declaring that physical hell and physical flames are not the destiny of most of humanity, they just looked at me as though I'd lost it
.
They get annoyed because I've confused them, I get to see that veil over their eyes first hand, they cannot see thru it, but this is God's plan in progress and until that veil is lifted they will never believe the Scriptures that point to God being all in all.
Dave, I agree. Also, many Christians obviously don't think deeply about hell (that was me), and really wish no one would go there, the others are glad it exists and want people to go there. I've heard a sermon by one preacher, Paul Washer, this poor man has a real love for God's people and pleads with them to repent. He is sincere but to the point, actually he has no fear rebuking whole congregations. What drives him is his genuine belief in hell fire. God works out His plan in many ways it appears.
Gastonmross, you made some good points. I forgot how important the church building is, the one I've left has just completed their AUS$1.5million renovations, and their grand re-opening is this Good Friday. Yes, they took out a mortgage which is now the responsibility of the whole congregation... let the serious tithing begin! They had a 365 salvations drive last year (one/day) to get the numbers up and many tithing sermons. Funny thing is, the church never grew by 365 people! Where did they all go?
It has been helpful for me to share this here, I'm learning through it
. Thanks for all your comments
.
God's peace to you all.
Andrevan.