Hell is real. However, what is surprising is that in Jesus’ teaching, hell is primarily a place for the religious hypocrites to fear, not those struggling in sin. Jesus turned the hatred and fearful use of hell by the religious leaders towards the “sinners” right back on them.
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It is all about bearing fruit. It is not about being a member, sitting or talking the Christian talk. It’s not even just being good. It is about producing something with our lives that is a gift to all around us. Fruit is an expectation, not an option for Jesus. Jesus is “dead” serious about this. The fruit is born from a deep connection and obedience to the Lord.
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Jesus’ grace toward sinners and losers is stunning. He was willing to include the outcast and forgotten, and chose to hang out with them…it’s like he preferred them! He wasn’t afraid of them. He didn’t put himself above them. And because of that, He changed their world.
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You would think that when God came to earth He would be quite demanding.
Jesus, however, comes to us as a servant. Never does He coerce, manipulate, or demand respect but He earns it by living and teaching with such wisdom, vitality and generosity that people find themselves drawn to him.
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