[TruthTalk] More wisdom from Dallas Willard

[Judy Taylor]

From: "David Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Caroline wrote: What is the difference between saying #($&%^ you guys (in good KJV biblical lingo) and consigning us to hell? I thought I had captured the essence. DM: You are not even close to capturing the essence.  I think the fact that you were not spanked as a child makes it difficult for you to understand. You must start with the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of Christ first and not your personal experience, how righteous you are, how wonderful a person you are because your parents raised you contrary to the Bible and you turned out so great.  There are surely elements of self-righteousness and elitism that taint what you write here.  You are very much like the rich man in the story Jesus told in Luke 16:19 ff.  Your theology has persuaded you that all is fine, everything has been taken care of by God, and you feel satisfied, but you do not realize how destitute you really are.  This is the same problem the believers in Laodicea had (Rev. 3:17).  They thought works were unnecessary for salvation and became mediocre in their good works.   jt: I see wisdom in the above and still can't get over how some ppl think they are smarter than God.  If His inspired Word says "foolishness is bound in the heart of a child" and it takes the rod of correction to remove it then who are we to argue. I have learned over the years that the rod is so much more loving because a child forgets a spanking but words pierce and wound causing resentment and bitterness.   My mother used her tongue and she used to tell me "sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you" What a "whopper" that is.  Yesterday at BSF we were discussing the tongue - that little member that does so much damage and one of the ladies who worked for many yrs in a middle school counselling recalled how many of these children came to her wounded by something someone had said, even to the point of being suicidal.  My parents didn't understand God's discipline or His love.  A responsible parent will teach their child that disobedience/sin has consequences and in the long run this will deliver their soul ...   Warning people of the damnation of hell produces a godly fear in those called unto salvation.  It works a terror and agitation in those called to hell.  Considering such warnings to be cursing others reveals where your heart is concerning eternal judgment.  I would not want to be you when you fall on your face before the throne of God to be judged by Jesus  Christ for the works you have done.  Judgment is coming.  Make yourself ready for it. Peace be with you. David Miller.