God as Protector
“9 Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” Numbers 14
How often do you fail to see God as your protector?
I am not sure if I have ever seen God as my protector. I’ve seen Him as my judge. I’ve seen Him as my Redeemer. I’ve seen Him as my father, but never as my protector.
I wonder if that is why it is often hard for me to venture into the unknown. I wonder if that is why I am unable to take financial risk. I wonder if that is why I’ve never found a church to serve as their leader.
This pathway of excruciating vulnerability that Jesus calls us to follow does not go unprotected. That’s good news, isn’t it?
Love Wins So Hell Must Not Exist
Rob Bell’s new book accompanied by his video introducing its contents has gotten a lot of attention in the Church-world leading up to its March 29th release.
If Rob Bell is anything he is a master of story telling, and he is seemingly a master of marketing. I’m pretty sure this book could be his best selling of all because those who think they will disagree with his conclusions are as likely to buy it as those who think that they will agree.
I enjoy reading Rob Bell, but not because he will validate a view. Instead I enjoy reading his books because he is willing to ask compelling questions and make compelling cases to support his views. He makes me think. In the end, this book will compel me to dig into the scriptures and look to see if it is possible that a loving God could not only allow people to go to Hell, but could create such a place to begin with.
It’s a great question. It’s one that should be wrestled with, and I hope that regardless of Rob’s conclusions people will be led into the truth by the Holy Spirit.
Personally, I believe that Hell is as much of a state of being as it is a place. It is the state of being in the presence of a Holy, Glorious, Righteous, and Loving God without the protection of the blood of Jesus Christ. I would think that to be a terrible moment that could lead to an eternal state of misery. The fact that all of those who may choose to enter into God’s presence unprotected and are gathered into one place called Hell is far less the terrible thought for me.
What about you? Have you ever wondered if God might really send people to Hell?