Are there Christians here who are tired of picking lint of "warm/fuzzy" messages?

Question

*Metaphorically speaking...

I'm talking about those type of messages that only give you the warm/loving side of God...without also informing (in a loving manner ofcourse) the consequences of our sin.

Before anyone says it...Let me just say: I believe in bringing forth the (FULL) gospel message in a gentle and loving manner...not forcing people. However, I don't agree with sugar coating it so much that it ends up rotting your teeth (another metaphor) or in other words neglecting to educate unbelievers on the other side of it.

You know...the whole "preach Heaven, but don't dear mention Hell" mentality.


(I'm just wondering if I am the only Christian who believes both sides need to be brought forth.)

I emphasize the first part of the question: "Are there Christians"...I'm not particularly looking for responses from unbelievers.

James W - nobody is suggesting that they be slapped in the face with Hell and brimstone...I'm merely stating it shouldn't be swept under the rug.

Answer 1

Yes, and don't you sometimes wonder why the people (who only talk about the warm/fuzzy side of God) think they even need Jesus to save them? If all God is--is a warm/fuzzy loving God--they would automatically go to heaven anyway. End of story. Why even talk about it?

Sometimes we need to be shown our sins (and that we are sinners) and told/reminded what the consequences of sin are--to help us realize why we need a Savior.

I agree with you. IMHO, the best Christian message is a balance between law and Gospel (Good News). The law shows us our sins and that the consequences of sin are death and hell. The Gospel shows us our wonderful Savior Jesus--that He died on the cross to save us from our sins.That He rose again so that we too may have the hope of eternal life in heaven with Him.
.

Answer 2

I believe that there are some who don't have a choice. I have done some reading on the brain and have learned some interesting facts about the male and female brain, the similarities and differences. There was a major difference that was explained, a node in the brain. Males have a small node, females a lager node (about twice the size), this node has a lot to due with personality and attractions. There are some men with a large node and women small node, which I found interesting (it had to due with levels of testosterone and oestrogen and some other factors). So it made a lot of more sense when I look at it in Highschool. At any rate I also believe that a majority of them choose to be that way. That is from experiences, I have talked to some friends of mine that were homosexual, one was basically born that way, the other chose. Out of all of the homosexuals (and there were quite a few) that I came across there was only two that I know of that didn't choose to be that way. The thing is that it is improper for anyone outside of God to be judgemental, I have never had a problem with Homosexuals as long as they keep their personal lives behind closed doors. One problem that I find with some homosexuals is the fact that they try to forces their way of life and beliefs on everyone else, gay pride day is a perfect example. Outside of that, the way I look at things is people make choices. We all have been given a free will.

Answer 3

I am a Christian who believes in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus--I also believe that hell is a reality.
Now, that I have said those things. Hell is a reality. Why do you think that witnessing must be vicious and slapem down until they repent. Say the word hell to threaten and you loose those who are here to learn. Learning is a two-way street--learn the traffic and what is best in putting and telling of Jesus.
And THEN RELY ON THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO DO THE WORK and you will find you can't witness if you can't talk. Atheists are not the enemy--ATHEISM is the enemy.

Answer 4

Sounds a little like what Paul warned Timothy about. If you're getting luke warm messages you might want to find someone who will preach the truth.

2 Timothy 4:2-4
2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Answer 5

You are exactly right. It's not popular these days to preach about sin and hell. The Bible said that in the last days people would heap to themselves preachers, having itching ears and would not endure sound doctrine.Some of our more popular preachers of today never convict of sin.It's easy to spot the true men of God these days because they are so hated for preaching repentance and speaking the truth. Jesus made it pretty clear that it wasn't the popular path to take to follow Him. They did kill Him after all.

Answer 6

I'm smart enough to see a literary device when it is used in writing. You needn't condescend. (not a metaphor)

Not all Christians agree with your perception or interpretation of the (FULL) Gospel message.

(If you're so sure you're right, why do you need people to affirm your position?)

Answer 7

I tell them that you have to get your spirit Recreated to be able to go to Heaven.

Then, I tell them that Jesus is the Only One Who can Recreate their spirits for them.

religion cannot Recreate you.

How AM I doing!
Ditto..................

Answer 8

Maybe if the entire idea of a god that throws people in hell weren't so horrifying, you guys wouldn't have this problem.

Answer 9

yes you christians often forget that God sacked cities, brought plagues like killing first born babies among other things

Answer 10

Ah, you can keep your "hell" - talk.
It's all fables and fairy tales.

And they wonder why we mock them.