Jeremiah 7:31, Hell Never Crossed God’s Mind
They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind.
//Today in Christian circles, a great debate rages about whether God plans to banish the majority of his creation to the fires of hell. Along these lines, here is a fascinating verse that I never paid any attention to, until Crystal St. Marie Lewis, in her little booklet about hell, happened to mention it.
The verse is about the tribe of Judah, which, says God, has done evil, setting up idols, and had even begun sacrificing sons and daughters in the fires of Ben Hinnom.
Do you know where Ben Hinnom is? It’s the valley of Gehenna, south of Jerusalem. It was a perpetually burning garbage dump in the first century, and had become a symbolic figure of speech by Jesus’ time. Today, some versions of the Bible translate the word Gehenna into hell, thinking the symbolism describes God casting sinners into fiery torment.
However, God says something very interesting to Jeremiah. Read today’s verse again. God says it never crossed his mind to cast anyone into the fires of Gehenna! Indeed, he condemns those who do such a thing. What are we to make of this?
Fantasy Football, Anyone?
Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
(Bloggers: you may be eligible for a free review copy! Just contact us.)
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The God Show
Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
Contact me here.
About Leslie
Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
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