Ep.21 - Do You Believe In Hell?

Pulpit To Pew

In this Pulpit To Pew episode very big and complex issues springboard from the weekly readings and sermon that take material wealth as their subject matter. Rev. Gibson and Johnny look at the Rich Man & Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) parable and dive into questions about our belief and existence of Hell. Beverly discusses the subject of the temptation to false security that may be found in wealth. Plus, Johnny asks some questions that arise from Paul's letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:6-19) that is the source for the often heard saying that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." Is wealth inherently sinful? Will those who suffer in life not suffer in eternal life, while those who enjoyed comfort, will suffer? How should we handle the issue of poverty individually and as a community? Thinking idealistically about feeding the hungry and helping the poor is easy. Beverly challenges us to think hard about-and practice-hospitality that welcomes into our lives and spaces those people who are different from us, lacking the advantages we have, perhaps with different ideas and beliefs and experiences. Again the show messages circles back around to the recurring message that our minds and hearts should aim for life on earth to be "as it is in heaven." Beverly closes this episode with the powerful lesson of how we should use our awareness of abundance: 1. Do good works 2. Share generously 3. Store up the treasure of a good foundation for the future in God's economy 4. Do not waste your riches, time or talent 5. Take hold of the life that is really life What you will hear: > Special shout out to listeners Lolita Reyes and Lissa Watkins > What is the Episcopal view of Hell? > Is Hell a real place? > We are all marked by Christ unless someone outright rejects it > The cultural view of Hell post Dante's The Inferno > The Christian appeal of Hell as a sense of retribution and justice for the wicked > The transformative power of prayer > The difference between longevity of life and "fullness" of life > Hell is a state of being in the here and the hereafter > Hell is an imprisonment of souls > How we are all imprisoned by something and how we need to be aware of this "Hell on Earth" > What is the call to reconciliation? > Squandering your God given gifts impoverishes your life > What is divine justice? > The positive messages of Christ vs. the avoidance of Hell as a motivation to live a Christian life

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