Attention Funnel: What Things Look Like Under a Microscope
Series Introduction:
- When you put something under the microscope, you take a closer look at it in order to better understand it.
- That’s what I want to do in this series. I want to take a closer look at some of the common questions/objections to the Christian faith in order to see if there is something wrong with what we believe.
- I want to do this for two reasons…
- 1) I want to encourage you to ask questions about what Christianity says is true.
- 2) And I want you to be better equipped to engage and reach those around you who don’t believe in the gospel.
Lesson Introduction:
- What is the worst punishment you’ve received?
- Dad who were jean shorts all around town in response to his daughter wearing clothes her mom and dad didn’t approve of.
- Dad who shoots daughters computer in response to something she posted online.
- The second one is clearly an over-reaction. It’s giving a punishment that seems so far over the top that it’s ridiculous.
- I wonder if when we think about Hell, we picture God in this way? As the out of control Dad whose punishment seems harsh and unfair.
- The question I want to look at tonight is: “How could a loving God send someone to hell?”
- It’s a very serious and very good question to ask.
- Especially if we may not personally be a Christian or if some of the people that we know and love are not Christians.
- And my initial response in the form of a Big idea might shock you, but stick with me and I hope you’ll see why I believe the following statement is true.
Big Idea: Hell magnifies God’s love.
- In other words, hell actually helps us to see, understand, and appreciate the depths of God’s love for us.
Main Points:
- Behind every question is a set of beliefs.
- A loving God is a God who judges.
- Hell is life apart from God.
- Hell should bring joy to our heart and urgency to our hands.