Pondering Tidbits Of Truth - April 25, 2013

Pondering Tidbits of Truth is my simple and inadequate way of providing nuggets of spiritual wisdom for you to chew on from time to time.

 

 

Dr. Ralph Martin

 

“The reason for the command [in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8 for example] – namely, that the eternal destinies of human beings are really at stake and for most people the preaching of the Gospel can make a life-or-death, heaven or hell difference – need to be unashamedly stated. This is certainly why Jesus often spoke of the eternal consequences of not accepting his teaching – being lost forever, hell – and did not just give the command to evangelize. This is why Mark 16:16, which is referenced in LG [Lumen Gentium] 16 but not directly quoted, makes explicit that what is at stake in being “saved” or “condemned.” Jesus makes clear that Christianity is not a game or an optional enrichment opportunity but a precious and urgent opportunity to find salvation and escape damnation. In fidelity to the teaching of Christ this is what motivated two thousand years of heroic missionary work and the heroic witness of countless martyrs.” 

(From Will Many Be Saved?)

I have added referenced Scripture passages:

 

[Matthew 28:18-20] – “Jesus came forward and addressed them [the eleven Apostles] in these words: ‘Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world’.”]

 

[Acts 1:8] – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, yes, even to the ends of the earth.”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

 

“Jesus came to tell us everyone is wanted in paradise, and that hell, about which little gets said today, exists and is eternal for those who close their hearts to His love.”

(Homily, March 25, 2007)

 

Judge Robert H. Bork

 

“Those of us used to the soft, therapeutic religions of the present day forget how rigorous religion used to be, Protestant as well as Catholic. As life became easier and diversions more plentiful, men are less willing to accept the authority of their clergy and less willing to worship a demanding God, a God who dictates how one should live and puts a great many bodily and psychological pleasures off limits.” 

(From Slouching Towards Gomorrah: Modern Liberalism and American Decline)