When I was younger and caught-up in the sins of my youth, I was an angry young man. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and may God help the person who got in my way! During this turbulent time in my life, I distinctly remember a conversation I had with my mother. I was furious at her because she had the audacity to tell me the way I was leading my life would lead to sadness, destruction, and to an eternity in hell. I’ll never forget the ignorance of my response: “The God I know would NEVER send me to hell!”
I’ll thank God eternally that He didn’t call me home then! Through the incredible work of the Holy Spirit, I eventually did come to a relationship with God through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. It didn’t take me long to realize just how wrong I was that day so many years ago. For starters, I didn’t know ANY god, except self indulgence that is–in effect, I was my own god. Furthermore, I wanted nothing to do with God. Oh, I wanted to “have it my way” alright. And now I’m thanking my heavenly Father that I didn’t get it!
“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” Ezekial 18:23
God does not desire that any of us be cast into the lake of fire. But if we choose to turn away from Him and His free gift of salvation, He will grant our wishes… eternally!
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er
Jim@JamesKilby.com