Looking at the images of exploding bombs in Libya or the devastation following the Tsunami in Japan one is shocked to think that a loving God could allow such bad things to happen. What is even more disturbing to some is that God not only allows such bad things to happen, but that a place called hell exists in his creation.
And far from being a topic Jesus neglects - it is something he spoke of quite a lot! Just listen to Jesus in Matthew 25:41,42, speaking of his second coming: "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
Commentators agree that even the description of hell as an eternal fire might be symbolical, but not for the usual reason. It is not because reality will be less than an eternal fire, but because the reality of hell will be far far worse - impossible to express in normal literal language.
What makes it so bad? It is not the presence of the devil and all his cronies, but rather the absence of the God of Love and Grace.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank you for the promise that nothing could separate believers from your presence. Please help me to see that this came at the infinite cost of your son being separated from and forsaken by you on the cross so that I will never experience it. Amen
Rev. Kruger de Kock
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And far from being a topic Jesus neglects - it is something he spoke of quite a lot! Just listen to Jesus in Matthew 25:41,42, speaking of his second coming: "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
Commentators agree that even the description of hell as an eternal fire might be symbolical, but not for the usual reason. It is not because reality will be less than an eternal fire, but because the reality of hell will be far far worse - impossible to express in normal literal language.
What makes it so bad? It is not the presence of the devil and all his cronies, but rather the absence of the God of Love and Grace.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank you for the promise that nothing could separate believers from your presence. Please help me to see that this came at the infinite cost of your son being separated from and forsaken by you on the cross so that I will never experience it. Amen
Rev. Kruger de Kock
You are receiving these emails because you have visited or supported Canada Water Church or Surrey Docks Church, London.
Feel free to respond to this address and ask any questions you like.
Please forward these emails to others, and if you would like to add someone to the mailing list - just reply with their email address.
If you do not want to receive these messages anymore, just reply with 'unsubscribe please' in the subject line.
If you ever wanted to make a financial contribution to the ministry of both churches, here is our bank details:
City Life London (Incorporating Canada Water Church and Surrey Docks Church) is now a registered charity in England and Wales (1138684).
Bank Details: City Life London
Sort Code: 40-03-16 (HSBC)
Account Number: 31668404
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