IS HELL PASSÉ?

•    success of “heaven” movie shows people are interested in afterlife
•    universalistic emphasis in Rob Bell’s book
•    funeral preachers may downplay risk of hell
•    no GPS co-ordinates available

CREEDAL CONDENSATIONS

•    Apostles’ Creed: mentions hell, resurrection, judgment, everlasting life
•    distinguish terms: Hades / Sheol / Gehenna - garbage dump
•    Westminster Confession: torments, darkness, justice in damnation of disobedient
•    EMCC: resurrection, judgment, eternal punishment vs. live in God’s presence
•    Rev.20-21: lake of fire / burning sulfur
•    hell real whether or not that’s accepted

TERMS OF ENDUREMENT

•    fire, chains, destruction, darkness; isolation, ‘horrible freedom’ (Lewis)
•    Jesus’ warnings used strong language
•    would be neglectful not to warn others of danger

CHRIST OUR ADVENT “PEACE”

•    Advent points to cross, not just manger
•    Jesus brings peace/reconciliation by means of his death

SAFELY HOME

•    devastating loss softened knowing relatives were believers