Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Radical Concept

It has been awhile since I have posted.  I seem to be seeing that statement on a lot of blogs that I follow.  I think we read them from our iphones on Google Reader and since we aren't on the computer as much, we tend to let the days slip by without posting.  At least that is my theory.  ha  But, I have just finished reading a small book that has really prompted a lot of thinking on my part.  Not something that one would normally think about reading.  Many of you have read the book, "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper.  Wonderful book about a man who was involved in a car accident, died, went to heaven for 90 minutes and then was revived to come back and tell his story.  If you haven't read it, you should.

My 82 year old mother was in Walmart looking at the books and bought one even more interesting - "23 Minutes in Hell" by Bill Wiese.  Hell is not something we sit around talking about.  Some may not even believe it really exists.  Ministers don't mention it in the pulpit for fear of offending some of the members.  Not a pleasant thought.  Don't think I have ever read a blog that talked about hell.  Just not a popular talking point.  We like to think that if there is a God, why would he want us to go to hell?  He is a loving God afterall.  Sure we might send murderers, thieves, molesters there but not us, because we are good.  That is what prompted this blog.  The writer gave an example of being good that spoke miles to me.  Here it is....

"A girl was looking at a beautiful hillside covered with lush, green grass.  She noticed a herd of sheep standing on the hill.  They looked so white and clean, especially against the dark green grass.  The girl went to bed, and the next morning she walked outside to look at the sheep.  However, it had snowed all night.  The sheep were still there, but now, against the unblemished white snow, they looked dingy, even dirty.  In the same way, our "goodness" when compared to God's standard for "good" falls far, far short."

None of us deserve salvation, but because of Jesus, our sins can be covered by His blood and we can become white as snow, if we only ask Him to take control of our lives.  Yes, I believe in a literal hell - one with a bottomless pit full of non-consuming fire.  I understand that is radical thinking for some of you.  God wishes for none to go there.  He even sent His own Son so that you and I wouldn't have to go there.  All we have to do is to accept Him into our heart.  The time is now. 

Have a Blessed Day!