Today many churches teach one of two things: a) a watered down Christianity that is more fluff than substance- that all is well, God will let everyone walk their own path and will receive them kindly after they die, and will bless them with abundant riches during this life or b) that God is a harsh God, who looks for reasons to damn people, as people are all horrid wretches, and we must work at ever pleasing Him for fear of slipping in His "grade book" and being sent to Hell.
Both teachings are false.
God is a holy God, with standards, who has provided a way, through His Son Jesus Christ, for all who believe in Christ, profess it, repent of their sins, are baptized and born again to have eternal life with Him. He does not promise we will be wealthy in this life, though some will be granted wealth so as to further the work of the Kingdom. But for those who spurn the gift of His Son, who want to live life by their rules, and do things their way, there is no admittance into the kingdom of Heaven.
God is not seeking to punish out of spite or a cruel sense of humor. He is Holy. Take a moment to think about what that means. He cannot let sinful creatures into His Presence without the mediation of Christ. So those who refuse Christ, refuse God.
But God loves each of us so much He gives us the chance to accept Christ, and thus have our sins (the thoughts, deeds, and sins of omissions- knowing we should do something and we don't) that would normally prevent us from fellowship with God in this life and the next be covered by the redeeming and atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed for us on the Cross. God loves you so much He gave His Son unto death for you, only to raise Him so that you too might be raised to eternal life with God if you believe. He wants to be your Heavenly Father; to guide you, shelter you and not only have your love but to give His love to you in return. He wants an intimate relationship with you, He wants you to abide in Him, to be still and know Him.
Do you know God? Do you abide in Him? Do you spend time in the Word to get a true picture of the nature and love of God?
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles
Both teachings are false.
God is a holy God, with standards, who has provided a way, through His Son Jesus Christ, for all who believe in Christ, profess it, repent of their sins, are baptized and born again to have eternal life with Him. He does not promise we will be wealthy in this life, though some will be granted wealth so as to further the work of the Kingdom. But for those who spurn the gift of His Son, who want to live life by their rules, and do things their way, there is no admittance into the kingdom of Heaven.
God is not seeking to punish out of spite or a cruel sense of humor. He is Holy. Take a moment to think about what that means. He cannot let sinful creatures into His Presence without the mediation of Christ. So those who refuse Christ, refuse God.
But God loves each of us so much He gives us the chance to accept Christ, and thus have our sins (the thoughts, deeds, and sins of omissions- knowing we should do something and we don't) that would normally prevent us from fellowship with God in this life and the next be covered by the redeeming and atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed for us on the Cross. God loves you so much He gave His Son unto death for you, only to raise Him so that you too might be raised to eternal life with God if you believe. He wants to be your Heavenly Father; to guide you, shelter you and not only have your love but to give His love to you in return. He wants an intimate relationship with you, He wants you to abide in Him, to be still and know Him.
Do you know God? Do you abide in Him? Do you spend time in the Word to get a true picture of the nature and love of God?
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles
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