Being real about your loved ones

[col311]

I know alot of people who say that thierloved ones are going to heaven, because they simply can't accept thier realitives going to Hell.


I happen to be about 99.99% sure that my Grand Father will not be going to Heaven.


Who here is "real" when it comes to thier parents?

[Helen]

God judges the heart. That is all we need to know except for our own relationship with Him and our own faithfulness to Him.

[bunnymom321]

God judges the heart. That is all we need to know except for our own relationship with Him and our own faithfulness to Him.

Amen to that. By trying to determine yourself if they will go to heaven implies that you have given up your faith that our Lord and Savior is all powerful and through him anything is possible.

[antitox]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Helen
God judges the heart. That is all we need to know except for our own relationship with Him and our own faithfulness to Him.

Bunnymom321:
Amen to that. By trying to determine yourself if they will go to heaven implies that you have given up your faith that our Lord and Savior is all powerful and through him anything is possible

Let me "third" that.

God knows when someone has opened their heart to Him and He's the only One qualified to make that judgment and I'm glad I don't have to fret over it.:):

[James122]

I know alot of people who say that thierloved ones are going to heaven, because they simply can't accept thier realitives going to Hell.
I happen to be about 99.99% sure that my Grand Father will not be going to Heaven.
Who here is "real" when it comes to thier parents?


Yes, col311, it is difficult to witness the clearly lost lives of family members. Jesus' own hometown rejected Him at first, people He had grown up with and probably attended synagogue with all His life, people whose homes He had most likely eaten in, people who attended His step-father Joseph's funeral.

And remember Jesus' rejection by the hometown crowd came when He revealed Himself through miracles and as the Son of God, which is certainly being real, if you're Jesus. But the hometown crowd could not accept Jesus for the rightful place He had stepped into, but chose to maintain their view of Him as only "the carpenter's son."

Our loved ones also may never be able to accept our witness. To them we may always be little Johnny who threw tantrums or ran with a rough crowd as a teenager. Not everyone has the maturity to allow people to change and become better in life, especially the kind of "better" that comes with a life dedicated to serving our Lord.

All God requires of us is that we indeed be real and represent Him and bear witness of Him through our actions and words when wise opportunity arises. It is not our responsiblity to save them, just to plant a seed OR water it OR harvest it. Do as He leads as you have opportunity; love them always as He loves you.

My own mother is unsaved. She attends church and goes to the ladies Sunday School outings -- but her heart is and always has been far from Christ. She's 83 and in very bad health. I believe at this point she'd rather go into a dismal eternity than face the fact she wasted her life. I've planted seeds repeatedly and watered as I could, but I see no change.

When my dad was 60 years old, he had a health scare which woke him up. At 60 he accepted the Lord and was baptized and lived the rest of his days thinking about Jesus. My father's attempts to love my mother into the kingdom didn't work any better than mine have.

But God will bless you for keeping your family in your prayers and His name before them when you can.

Kimberly

[sandy111]

Yes, col311, it is difficult to witness the clearly lost lives of family members. Jesus' own hometown rejected Him at first, people He had grown up with and probably attended synagogue with all His life, people whose homes He had most likely eaten in, people who attended His step-father Joseph's funeral.

And remember Jesus' rejection by the hometown crowd came when He revealed Himself through miracles and as the Son of God, which is certainly being real, if you're Jesus. But the hometown crowd could not accept Jesus for the rightful place He had stepped into, but chose to maintain their view of Him as only "the carpenter's son."

Our loved ones also may never be able to accept our witness. To them we may always be little Johnny who threw tantrums or ran with a rough crowd as a teenager. Not everyone has the maturity to allow people to change and become better in life, especially the kind of "better" that comes with a life dedicated to serving our Lord.

All God requires of us is that we indeed be real and represent Him and bear witness of Him through our actions and words when wise opportunity arises. It is not our responsiblity to save them, just to plant a seed OR water it OR harvest it. Do as He leads as you have opportunity; love them always as He loves you.

My own mother is unsaved. She attends church and goes to the ladies Sunday School outings -- but her heart is and always has been far from Christ. She's 83 and in very bad health. I believe at this point she'd rather go into a dismal eternity than face the fact she wasted her life. I've planted seeds repeatedly and watered as I could, but I see no change.

When my dad was 60 years old, he had a health scare which woke him up. At 60 he accepted the Lord and was baptized and lived the rest of his days thinking about Jesus. My father's attempts to love my mother into the kingdom didn't work any better than mine have.

But God will bless you for keeping your family in your prayers and His name before them when you can.

Kimberly

I'm so glad you know your dad is saved!

I too wonder about my mom and sis, and grandma.
they love church, sis even teaches. but, in family life,
those who are honest are the troublemakers to them.

there is'nt any love. just using.
pervs and mom married several times and no repentence and they think its all ok? that really bothers me big time!

nothing I can do about it but pray. so many lay wounded in the dust behind them. :sad

and they just keep on keeping on.

[James122]

nothing I can do about it but pray. so many lay wounded in the dust behind them. :sad
and they just keep on keeping on.


Yeah, I'm one of those who bears the scars, and it is such a challenge not to repeat some behaviors with my own kids. Even knowing intellectually and emotionally what needs to be done or not done with my kids, it is hard to treat them in a way I was never treated myself.

Lately I've been thinking of trying to "re-do" my own childhood as I "do" my kids' childhoods. For example, I need to try to have fun and fingerpaint or playdough with them and not just fuss about the mess their making.

The thing I realize the absolute most and the part that scares me the most is knowing I am the first example of a loving God my children experience -- if they can't feel unconditional, agape love from me they will have a very difficult time understanding it also comes from God. I have that love, it's just hard to get to pass through the thick skin of those scars mentioned above.

Please pray. Thanks. Sorry to hi-jack the thread. Back to topic.


.

[BelovedChild]

DH and I have 11 siblings, and 25 neices and nephews between us, and my parents are still alive. With the exception of 1 brother, 3 nephews and 2 nieces, none are christian. As things stand now, they are headed for a christless eternity.
Curently, 1 daughter is in rebellion and denial. Oh, well, we just keep praying and trusting the Lord may reach them before it is too late.

[LDinthewoods]

God judges the heart. That is all we need to know except for our own relationship with Him and our own faithfulness to Him.
Amen to that. By trying to determine yourself if they will go to heaven implies that you have given up your faith that our Lord and Savior is all powerful and through him anything is possible.
Let me "third" that.
God knows when someone has opened their heart to Him and He's the only One qualified to make that judgment and I'm glad I don't have to fret over it.:): None of these statements above are true. Yes, God judges the heart & He is the only one that truly knows.

But none of us are excused from trying to find out if our friends & loved ones are saved. To say we are not supposed to concern ourselves or fret over anothers salvation is true deception from the devil. If your family members will not claim the LORD as their savior they are going to hell - period. Don't cling to some false idea that some people can reject the gospel and Jesus and still make a little deal with GOD in their head at the last minute that will allow them safe passage into Heaven.

This is an obvious lie from the devil meant to deceive Christians. Please don't buy it....we all need to be doing everything we can to convince our loved ones to accept the LORD's grace while they still have time & are alive and well enough to do so. This is not the same as "judging" them. Other people's salvation falls well within our responsibility as Christians....helping people find it and then helping brothers & sisters walk victoriously in it for the remainder of our time on earth....this is biblical.

[antitox]

None of these statements above are true. Yes, God judges the heart & He is the only one that truly knows.

You say the statements aren't true, then you say that God is the only One that truly knows. The gist of my statement was that you can't truly know for sure because only God really knows. Your second line just agreed with that.
Now who is saying that we shouldn't seek to know where someone stands? Please look at the thread and show me.

I would think that everyone would want to get their relatives saved. But once they have communicated to you what they believe or say what little they want to let you in on, you can't change it, except pray for them. Don't we all know that?

[BloodoftheLamb]

Everyone is going to hell unless they are saved by the Lamb.

Pretty simple really.

[LDinthewoods]

You say the statements aren't true, then you say that God is the only One that truly knows. The gist of my statement was that you can't truly know for sure because only God really knows. Your second line just agreed with that.
Now who is saying that we shouldn't seek to know where someone stands? Please look at the thread and show me.

I would think that everyone would want to get their relatives saved. But once they have communicated to you what they believe or say what little they want to let you in on, you can't change it, except pray for them. Don't we all know that? God judges the heart. That is all we need to know except for our own relationship with Him and our own faithfulness to Him. Amen to that. By trying to determine yourself if they will go to heaven implies that you have given up your faith that our Lord and Savior is all powerful and through him anything is possible. Let me "third" that.
God knows when someone has opened their heart to Him and He's the only One qualified to make that judgment and I'm glad I don't have to fret over it.:): The statements highlighted in red are not biblical.

The OP started this thread asking if people were able to "be real" about their relatives' status.....and then stated he is 99% sure his own grandfather is not saved. The statements the three of you followed with seem to be saying that it is possible that his grandfather might be saved but its really not any of our business or our problem if he's not.....that its between him & GOD.

This is simply not true....we CAN know if a person is not saved (without judging that person's soul)....just because I may be aware that a relative or friend is not saved & is going to hell does not mean that I have judged that person. If the OP's grandfather has been told the gospel and does not accept Jesus as his savior than he is not saved. This is true for any of our relatives or friends.


That is all we need to know except for our own relationship with Him and our own faithfulness to Him. It is very much our job as Christians to keep trying to reach out to the people in our lives who are not saved. We are not simply to remain focused on only our own relationship with Him. Our faithfulness to Him & His word means that we will without a doubt follow His commands which is to get into people's business & witness to them; to not allow people to believe a false gospel; and to love one another....which means admonishing, loving, supporting, edifying and ministering to members of the body of Christ. (If you don't even know who belongs to the body & who doesn't - you can't fulfill your responsibilities to them.)

By trying to determine yourself if they will go to heaven implies that you have given up your faith that our Lord and Savior is all powerful and through him anything is possible. No - Through faith in Christ & through knowledge of the Bible, we can know who among us is not saved. Yes, Jesus is all powerful & through Him all things are possible....all things that are part of the will of GOD. The will of GOD does not change - this is the very basis of faith. You can't claim that someone has given up their faith if they are unable to believe that people will actually go to hell if they don't accept Christ according to GOD's will.

I'm glad I don't have to fret over it
Now who is saying that we shouldn't seek to know where someone stands? Please look at the thread and show me.
The first two statements did as I explained about...and then your own statement because you agreed with them and said you don't have to fret over it.


I'm not trying to attack your statements, but I do believe it is very important to portray the truth in this area. Dealing with non-believing relatives is a very difficult area for most Christians....because by family connection, we love them and we don't want to be cut off from them or be out of fellowship with them so Christians have a tendency to want to look the other way. How selfish is this? As difficult as it may be, we should not be holding back on witnessing to our family in order to keep peace with them here on earth.....knowing all the while that they are going to hell.

[antitox]

The statements highlighted in red are not biblical.

The OP started this thread asking if people were able to "be real" about their relatives' status.....and then stated he is 99% sure his own grandfather is not saved. The statements the three of you followed with seem to be saying that it is possible that his grandfather might be saved but its really not any of our business or our problem if he's not.....that its between him & GOD.

This is simply not true....we CAN know if a person is not saved (without judging that person's soul)....just because I may be aware that a relative or friend is not saved & is going to hell does not mean that I have judged that person. If the OP's grandfather has been told the gospel and does not accept Jesus as his savior than he is not saved. This is true for any of our relatives or friends.


It is very much our job as Christians to keep trying to reach out to the people in our lives who are not saved. We are not simply to remain focused on only our own relationship with Him. Our faithfulness to Him & His word means that we will without a doubt follow His commands which is to get into people's business & witness to them; to not allow people to believe a false gospel; and to love one another....which means admonishing, loving, supporting, edifying and ministering to members of the body of Christ. (If you don't even know who belongs to the body & who doesn't - you can't fulfill your responsibilities to them.)

No - Through faith in Christ & through knowledge of the Bible, we can know who among us is not saved. Yes, Jesus is all powerful & through Him all things are possible....all things that are part of the will of GOD. The will of GOD does not change - this is the very basis of faith. You can't claim that someone has given up their faith if they are unable to believe that people will actually go to hell if they don't accept Christ according to GOD's will.

The first two statements did as I explained about...and then your own statement because you agreed with them and said you don't have to fret over it.

I'm not trying to attack your statements, but I do believe it is very important to portray the truth in this area. Dealing with non-believing relatives is a very difficult area for most Christians....because by family connection, we love them and we don't want to be cut off from them or be out of fellowship with them so Christians have a tendency to want to look the other way. How selfish is this? As difficult as it may be, we should not be holding back on witnessing to our family in order to keep peace with them here on earth.....knowing all the while that they are going to hell.

No one said that you aren't supposed to try to get anyone saved. No one said you aren't supposed to witness. What in the world are you drawing out of this? You can't make a judgment on something you may not know. Are you going to personally go inside of someone and figure out if they are really saved or not?

You are saying by those red-highlighted comments that these people are saying that no one needs to witness. Hello?

And of course I said you don't have to fret over it. If someone does tell you they are saved, and you still question whether they are, it's between them and God. Is it not?

The problem here is you are assuming something implied that hasn't been said to any extent.

Now if this person has not spoken to the relative, then he should do so. Now alot of that has not been said. Now if you have more info on this than what I see in his post, then you have more to go on.

[LDinthewoods]

No one said that you aren't supposed to try to get anyone saved. No one said you aren't supposed to witness. What in the world are you drawing out of this? But no one said you should either....this is what struck me as odd & worth mentioning.

You are saying by those red-highlighted comments that these people are saying that no one needs to witness. Hello? Please don't be rude....it would seem to me that given the topic that actually started the conversation - this was not a step that could be overlooked or not mentioned.


The problem here is you are assuming something implied that hasn't been said to any extent.

Now if this person has not spoken to the relative, then he should do so. Now alot of that has not been said. Now if you have more info on this than what I see in his post, then you have more to go on. The OP made the claim that many people convince themselves that their families or parents are going to Heaven because they are unable to deal with the truth of their loved ones lack of salvation. It simply occurred to me that the next 3 posts in response to his statement did nothing but prove his point entirely....that many people are not dealing with their relatives not being saved. And that is accomplished by believing such falsehoods as "I only have to worry about my own relationship/salvation" or "its not our place to judge - its GOD's" or "questioning some family members salvation would show a lack of faith in the power of Jesus; if we don't believe that Jesus is powerful enough to save someone that has not taken the step toward salvation that we all must take".

And to say "don't fret" just seems incorrect in my opinion. We are supposed to pray for non-believers as well as believers we know that have turned their backs on the LORD or are out of fellowship with GOD. I believe "don't fret" is the wrong advice to give someone regarding a sinning family member when there are so many things we are supposed to do for these people as outlined in the Bible. How to determine who is in the LORD; how to lead back sinners; how to pray for covering of sins for another; how to treat those who reject the gospel repeatedly, etc.

[sracer]

No one said that you aren't supposed to try to get anyone saved. No one said you aren't supposed to witness. What in the world are you drawing out of this? You can't make a judgment on something you may not know. Are you going to personally go inside of someone and figure out if they are really saved or not?

You are saying by those red-highlighted comments that these people are saying that no one needs to witness. Hello?

And of course I said you don't have to fret over it. If someone does tell you they are saved, and you still question whether they are, it's between them and God. Is it not?

The problem here is you are assuming something implied that hasn't been said to any extent.

Now if this person has not spoken to the relative, then he should do so. Now alot of that has not been said. Now if you have more info on this than what I see in his post, then you have more to go on.
Next on Fox... "When good threads go bad - Part VII" :tsk

LDinthewoods is correct in her response to those posts when taken in the context of the original poster's question. It is perfectly reasonable to assume that the thread title and the first post in the thread sets the topic for the thread. :B:

[antitox]

Next on Fox... "When good threads go bad - Part VII" :tsk

LDinthewoods is correct in her response to those posts when taken in the context of the original poster's question. It is perfectly reasonable to assume that the thread title and the first post in the thread sets the topic for the thread. :B:

No it wasn't and you certainly don't help the threads either. I know what the OP does. And if it is reasonable to assume as you assert, then that would include me too. It goes both ways, and that the failure of many to understand that seems to be an ongoing problem on this message board, and you are right there in it, fanning the fire.

[James122]

LDintheWoods and sracer are correct with everything they have stated above.

Whatever happened to humility and being willing to acknowledge that someone may have a point and you'll consider it?

I responded above directly to the OP because he needed a response to his post and not a Cotton Candy "don't you worry your little head over it 'cause that's judging."

Christianity is about sharing God's revealed Words of Truth, not the feel-good and let's all be PC and never risk offending anyone even if it means they'll go to hell. Christ's gospel is offensive to many, as He states in the Bible, but He never said stop spreading it; in fact He set the opposite example.

He also said you will know them (the saved) by their fruits. If you can't see fruit, then people need the gospel. That's not judgment -- that's loving them out of hell and into heaven.


.

[antitox]

But no one said you should either....this is what struck me as odd & worth mentioning.

No, but what you are doing is telling me that what I said was wrong without any knowledge of any conversation that has taken place with his grandfather. So AGAIN, if you know more about what went on, then it's unkown to me. If you want to do some correcting, at least have something to back it up. If you don't then don't expect me to be happy about it.

Please don't be rude....it would seem to me that given the topic that actually started the conversation - this was not a step that could be overlooked or not mentioned.

So you say based upon your opinion.

The OP made the claim that many people convince themselves that their families or parents are going to Heaven because they are unable to deal with the truth of their loved ones lack of salvation. It simply occurred to me that the next 3 posts in response to his statement did nothing but prove his point entirely....that many people are not dealing with their relatives not being saved.

Assumption, unless you spoke directly with him, because there were no other posts from him on this thread.

And that is accomplished by believing such falsehoods as "I only have to worry about my own relationship/salvation" or "its not our place to judge - its GOD's" or "questioning some family members salvation would show a lack of faith in the power of Jesus; if we don't believe that Jesus is powerful enough to save someone that has not taken the step toward salvation that we all must take".

A lot of assumption just from the 4 lines of his post. When someone answers concerning an issue, it is not always directed as you think it should be; another message board misnomer by failing to consider what aspect another person could be referring to on an issue. That's what you did.

And to say "don't fret" just seems incorrect in my opinion.

We can attempt to determine where someone's heart is at on the salvation issue but we can only pray past where our part has been done in it. Rather than fret, we pray. Don't you know this?

We are supposed to pray for non-believers as well as believers we know that have turned their backs on the LORD or are out of fellowship with GOD.

We agree on that part.

I believe "don't fret" is the wrong advice to give someone regarding a sinning family member when there are so many things we are supposed to do for these people as outlined in the Bible.

The Bible tells you not to fret.:twitch

How to determine who is in the LORD; how to lead back sinners; how to pray for covering of sins for another; how to treat those who reject the gospel repeatedly, etc.

What EVER did I say contrary to that? This is ridiculous!:twitch

[antitox]

LDintheWoods and sracer are correct with everything they have stated above.

Your opinion.

Whatever happened to humility and being willing to acknowledge that someone may have a point and you'll consider it?

What happened to her willingness to acknowledge some truth? I like the one-sided affair here.........nice loooooong argumentive thread......thanks for the help.

I responded above directly to the OP because he needed a response to his post and not a Cotton Candy "don't you worry your little head over it 'cause that's judging."

Well we don't want to worry your little head either....

Christianity is about sharing God's revealed Words of Truth, not the feel-good and let's all be PC and never risk offending anyone even if it means they'll go to hell. Christ's gospel is offensive to many, as He states in the Bible, but He never said stop spreading it; in fact He set the opposite example.

Yes, I know, and we want to help....

He also said you will know them (the saved) by their fruits. If you can't see fruit, then people need the gospel. That's not judgment -- that's loving them out of hell and into heaven.

I've never argued with that, just with people who make judgments of others without possessing any understanding in it.

[antitox]

OK everyone, if I am wrong I will apologize to all, but if I'm right, I won't.

Col 3:11, is there any more that you can share with us about your grandfather or your situation at hand regarding your post?

[LDinthewoods]

I'm not going to continue arguing with you Antitox....I believe my perception of the OP's intent & the first 3 posts that followed is accurate and I explained to the best of my ability why I thought these statements were not correct and/or were not biblical representations of our responsibilities as Christians. My point was not to get you all upset - but rather to correct the falsehoods being stated.

[antitox]

I'm not going to continue arguing with you Antitox....I believe my perception of the OP's intent & the first 3 posts that followed is accurate and I explained to the best of my ability why I thought these statements were not correct and/or were not biblical representations of our responsibilities as Christians. My point was not to get you all upset - but rather to correct the falsehoods being stated.

I don't want to argue either; and I should be allowed to to maintain that my post was also acceptable in light of the limited info presented.

[LDinthewoods]

I don't want to argue either; and I should be allowed to to maintain that my post was also acceptable in light of the limited info presented.Okay...:thumb

[Jael]

I know alot of people who say that thierloved ones are going to heaven, because they simply can't accept thier realitives going to Hell.


I happen to be about 99.99% sure that my Grand Father will not be going to Heaven.


Who here is "real" when it comes to thier parents?

col311, my parents are saved, so I have no worries there thank God; however, I do have a brother who, by his own testimony, is not a believer. There's no judging involved when I say that unless he receives the Lord Jesus Christ, he is on his way to hell. According to the Bible, it is the natural consequence of his disbelief (which is openly professed). All I can do is pray for him, and witness to him, and try to be a Godly example to him. If he died suddenly, I could not say with confidence that he would be in heaven...I could only hope and pray that by some miracle, his heart had been turned to God at the last moment and that he had been born again just in time. So for now, I pray that God will extend him grace and that he will place his faith in Christ before it is too late.

[antitox]

col311, my parents are saved, so I have no worries there thank God; however, I do have a brother who, by his own testimony, is not a believer. There's no judging involved when I say that unless he receives the Lord Jesus Christ, he is on his way to hell. According to the Bible, it is the natural consequence of his disbelief (which is openly professed). All I can do is pray for him, and witness to him, and try to be a Godly example to him. If he died suddenly, I could not say with confidence that he would be in heaven...I could only hope and pray that by some miracle, his heart had been turned to God at the last moment and that he had been born again just in time. So for now, I pray that God will extend him grace and that he will place his faith in Christ before it is too late.

I have parents and sisters who I knew received the Lord into their lives and get baptized, however, they have lived respectably and still believe God, yet have lived their lives their own way. Knowing that they know the truth, and we have talked at various times, they keep it all pretty much low key. But I trust that God will finish His work and I pray for that because He did enter into their lives. I don't know of anything else that I could do, so I must trust Him.

I look back at times though,where I wish I could have been there when my uncle died and witness to him, but we lived so far apart and I hardly ever saw him. I was young and really didn't know anything, but I so wish I could have had an opportunity to talk with him. There are too many examples; two other uncles that died as well, one who died in alot of pain (cancer) and I was sitting there in shock. I carried some guilt over it.

[John 3:16]

Hmmm, I do some wondering, too. I don't know if I believe someone knows God through Christ if they refer to God as "a higher power" and say they agree with the verse John 3:16. I feel it IS my responsibility to witness to this person (and I have). A saved person certainly should be willing and able to say the name JESUS and CHRIST.:nod That person should also not be deceitful in their words and actions.


Just some babble...sorta related...sorta not.:D:

[Pagal]

Let me "third" that.

God knows when someone has opened their heart to Him and He's the only One qualified to make that judgment and I'm glad I don't have to fret over it.:):

Or " Only worry about yourself and your relationship to God"

Is drastically insensitive to the fact that someone they know MAY go here for eternity. ETERNITY.

We will never know with 100% certainty but Jesus tells us "We will know them by their fruit"

Now, maturity in the Lord certainly will have alot of influence in "fruit bearing" but you better bet your bottom dollar we should as Paul says "Make our election SURE"

That goes for those around us that we love. We SHOULD be burdened with wanting to share the gospel, and make our best attempt to share that seriousness with everyone else.

People (myself for a long time) didn't really understand that MASSIVE issue. Oh I don't want to "judge"........that's up to God.

Well God also makes it very simple, you either accept and follow Jesus as your Lord OR:

" And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE."

And that is described as:

place of torment. (Luke 16:22-28)
everlasting FIRE,. .
Revelation 20:15 says, " And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE."
In Mark 9:46, Jesus Christ says about hell: "Where THEIR WORM dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Psalm 9:17

The Bible describes it as weeping (Matt 8:12), wailing (Matt 13:42), gnashing of teeth (Matt 13:50), darkness (Matt 25:30), flames (Luke 16:24), burning (Isa 33:14), torments (Luke 16:23), everlasting punishment! Jesus Christ says in Matthew 25:41, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into EVERLASTING FIRE, prepared for the devil and his angels."

In Matthew 13:42, Jesus says: "And shall cast them into a FURNACE OF FIRE: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

Rev. 14:11: "The smoke of their TORMENT ascendeth up for EVER AND EVER: and they have NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT."
Just look how the Bible warns of the eternity and permance of hell!


everlasting fire — Matthew18:8, 25:41
everlasting punishment — Matthew 25:46
everlasting chains — Jude 1:6
eternal damnation — Mark 3:29
eternal judgment — Hebrews 6:2
eternal fire — Jude 1:7
unquenchable fire — Matthew 3:12
the fire that never shall be quenched — Mark 9:43, 44, 45, 46, 48
fire unquenchable — Luke 3:17
mist of darkness is reserved for ever — 2 Peter 2:17
the blackness of darkness for ever — Jude 1:13

So, with that description, and knowing this is many people's ETERNAL destiny. those first posted comments seemed.........a bit clueless to the massive problem that so many are happily sending themselves there by rejecting Jesus.


Maybe WE ALL should quietly read over the above desciption again and realize how we have to use EVERY MOMENT AND OPPORTUNITY to WARN people that by rejecting Christ they are destined to be there!

I think we ALL can be a bit blase` about this at times. It's easier not to think of it. I know I'm a bit humbled by just my own darn post:twitch I know of a few people I have gone that "non confrontation " share the gospel route.

Sometimes the truth is hard to look at.

[antitox]

O boy, you mean we get to keep going?:D:

Or " Only worry about yourself and your relationship to God"

Is drastically insensitive to the fact that someone they know MAY go here for eternity. ETERNITY.

Well, looks like we have another "intelligent" assumption going on here.
So, by your assessment, this means you are saying that my statement meant not to bother with concern for someone's eternal destiny. Where have you been all this time? Nothing could be further from the truth.

We will never know with 100% certainty but Jesus tells us "We will know them by their fruit."

Now, maturity in the Lord certainly will have alot of influence in "fruit bearing" but you better bet your bottom dollar we should as Paul says "Make our election SURE"

That goes for those around us that we love. We SHOULD be burdened with wanting to share the gospel, and make our best attempt to share that seriousness with everyone else.

People (myself for a long time) didn't really understand that MASSIVE issue. Oh I don't want to "judge"........that's up to God.

Well God also makes it very simple, you either accept and follow Jesus as your Lord OR:

" And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE."

And that is described as:

place of torment. (Luke 16:22-28)
everlasting FIRE,. .
Revelation 20:15 says, " And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE."
In Mark 9:46, Jesus Christ says about hell: "Where THEIR WORM dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Psalm 9:17

The Bible describes it as weeping (Matt 8:12), wailing (Matt 13:42), gnashing of teeth (Matt 13:50), darkness (Matt 25:30), flames (Luke 16:24), burning (Isa 33:14), torments (Luke 16:23), everlasting punishment! Jesus Christ says in Matthew 25:41, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into EVERLASTING FIRE, prepared for the devil and his angels."

In Matthew 13:42, Jesus says: "And shall cast them into a FURNACE OF FIRE: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

Rev. 14:11: "The smoke of their TORMENT ascendeth up for EVER AND EVER: and they have NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT."
Just look how the Bible warns of the eternity and permance of hell!


everlasting fire — Matthew18:8, 25:41
everlasting punishment — Matthew 25:46
everlasting chains — Jude 1:6
eternal damnation — Mark 3:29
eternal judgment — Hebrews 6:2
eternal fire — Jude 1:7
unquenchable fire — Matthew 3:12
the fire that never shall be quenched — Mark 9:43, 44, 45, 46, 48
fire unquenchable — Luke 3:17
mist of darkness is reserved for ever — 2 Peter 2:17
the blackness of darkness for ever — Jude 1:13

So, with that description, and knowing this is many people's ETERNAL destiny. those first posted comments seemed.........a bit clueless to the massive problem that so many are happily sending themselves there by rejecting Jesus.


Maybe WE ALL should quietly read over the above desciption again and realize how we have to use EVERY MOMENT AND OPPORTUNITY to WARN people that by rejecting Christ they are destined to be there!

I think we ALL can be a bit blase` about this at times. It's easier not to think of it. I know I'm a bit humbled by just my own darn post:twitch I know of a few people I have gone that "non confrontation " share the gospel route.

Sometimes the truth is hard to look at.

It must be. Especially when you're riding the bandwagon. :sigh

[Moony2ns]

Antitox & LD... I am saying this as your sister in Christ and meant completely to be taken from a "love" perspective. This also includes anyone who would continue to argue pointlessly and respond in sarcasm...


It isn't about what you are saying, but how you are saying it. If someone takes issue with your stance, then do not consider it a challenge to you personally (even if they are the one in error). If someone does not understand your perspective, then please take extra care in explaining it rather than getting defensive. This also goes for those doing the same in this thread, btw.

I recognize how frustrating it can be when someone takes your written words and misconstrues them. Such is the nature of the internet. However, understanding our own frustration, we should be more mindful of doing the same to others.

From what I can tell, this thread is distracted by bickering and offense.... needlessly.

:focus

[antitox]

Antitox & LD... I am saying this as your sister in Christ and meant completely to be taken from a "love" perspective. This also includes anyone who would continue to argue pointlessly and respond in sarcasm...


It isn't about what you are saying, but how you are saying it. If someone takes issue with your stance, then do not consider it a challenge to you personally (even if they are the one in error). If someone does not understand your perspective, then please take extra care in explaining it rather than getting defensive. This also goes for those doing the same in this thread, btw.

I recognize how frustrating it can be when someone takes your written words and misconstrues them. Such is the nature of the internet. However, understanding our own frustration, we should be more mindful of doing the same to others.

From what I can tell, this thread is distracted by bickering and offense.... needlessly.

:focus

Point taken.:):

[Moony2ns]

Point taken.:):

Thank you for undertanding. :hug

[Ninesixteen]

1st, I hope that those who are debating in this thread use as much assertivness when witnessing. If we had more folks who just didn't give up we'd have more people saved. :)

2nd, I KNOW that a lot of my family members may not be spending eternity in the best of terms, its something that NO ONE wants to think about, but in all reality they are on their own mission. That does not, however, stop me from continuing to pray for them, continuing to tell them the truth, and continuing to invite them to church, or give them books to read, etc. Until I have no more words I will speak it, live it, see it, and hear the Word, and anyone who may be in my immediate area will hear it too, whether they like ti or not. :)

[John 3:16]

Antitox & LD... I am saying this as your sister in Christ and meant completely to be taken from a "love" perspective. This also includes anyone who would continue to argue pointlessly and respond in sarcasm...


It isn't about what you are saying, but how you are saying it. If someone takes issue with your stance, then do not consider it a challenge to you personally (even if they are the one in error). If someone does not understand your perspective, then please take extra care in explaining it rather than getting defensive. This also goes for those doing the same in this thread, btw.

I recognize how frustrating it can be when someone takes your written words and misconstrues them. Such is the nature of the internet. However, understanding our own frustration, we should be more mindful of doing the same to others.

From what I can tell, this thread is distracted by bickering and offense.... needlessly.

:focus

:hail

[col311]

DH and I have 11 siblings, and 25 neices and nephews between us, and my parents are still alive. With the exception of 1 brother, 3 nephews and 2 nieces, none are christian. As things stand now, they are headed for a christless eternity.
Curently, 1 daughter is in rebellion and denial. Oh, well, we just keep praying and trusting the Lord may reach them before it is too late.



Thank you for your honesty, I hope that they will believe in Christ before they die.