Ezra

[Rob McNair]

In Ezra we learn how the Israelites are taken into captivity by the Babylonians and sin by taken foreign wives. So when they are released and head back to Jerusalem, Ezra tells them they have to abandon their wives and children. It's stuff like this that is just so hard to understand in our modern world. I wish there was some explanation on why it had to be this way as it seems so cruel and unusual.

[Rob McNair]

The whole second coming is a mystery but we profess that we believe Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead. When, where, how that happens is not entirely clear. The apostle Paul and many of the other disciples (read the book of acts) felt it was going to happen at any moment during their lifetime. That was 2,000 years ago! But again, what is 2,000 years to God...the blink of an eye.

[Amber Kalina]

Whatever happens, we know that God will be there for us and do what he thinks is right. This is his world, so I say let it happen regardless and we'll see how it plays out.

[Rob McNair]

Say I was going to tell you today when I saw you that I just listened to a podcast about a preacher that was labelled a heretic. He had this huge evangelical church (he was one of those mega-church preachers) and he came to the understanding that there was no hell. So he started preaching about how we are all saved, that there is no hell, and people got upset and left his church. It was interesting to hear his story. I guess they call that the inclusive gospel or universalism, meaning everyone is included in heaven.

[Amber Kalina]

What is it, do you think, that makes people (including myself) believe that there is a Hell and that the wicked will go there. Even in the Bible it says those who believe shall live forever with God. Maybe it's just because it sounds radical to us that everyone can get to heaven without God. Whoa, that made me do a double take just to write that, cause I can't imagine living my life without God, or the afterlife for that matter. Ug, I'm shivering at the thought.

[Rob McNair]

Here's where I am at with this: The Bible is clear that we need to repent, ask forgiveness, and accept Christ. I get that. The question is: by when does that have to take place? I have not found any scriptural support that we need to do it before we take our last breathe in this world. I believe we will all stand before God when we die in this world. And I believe his power and love will overcome us in an unimaginable way, that we will all drop to the ground with our faces in the dirt. Will anyone, even the most hard-core sinner, be able to resist God's love and mercy when we stand face to face with Him? Won't we all be in tears in his presence? Won't we all be like the prodigal son at that moment, begging and blubbering over our foolish ways? And won't God lift us up at that moment? Will he really look at us and say, "Too bad. You had your chance. It's eternal hell fire for you." How little we think of God! How little and petty we think his grace and mercy are! Shame on us for confining God's love in such a way.

[Amber Kalina]

Well, I really can't answer any of the questions that you posted... cause I don't have a clue...

I don't think badly of God for putting the truely wicked... Does just because I think there's a Hell mean that I think any less of God's love and greatness? Really? God rules, he can do whatever he wants... I don't know...