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One night, a man who had been struggling for some time with his spirituals beliefs lay in bed with his thoughts. He had settled most of his questions in his own mind, and had now considered becoming a Christian. But there was one question burning in the balance- why, and how COULD a loving God, who loves unconditionally and died for all humanity, even send a single soul that he himself created to a terrible, literal hell to be damned and tortured forever. He wrestled with this thought over and over until he fell into a restless sleep and began to dream. Predictably, the questioning man was now, in his dream, in the presence of the Lord. He and his Savior were walking across Heaven, as if they were old buddies. "Jesus", he said, "The question of hell has been on my mind for some time, and it is really bothering me. I believe that hell is real because you say it is, but how can you send your creatures there? How is that possible with your eternal love?"

Jesus turned to him softly. "The answer, my son, can be traced back to your early years. From the time you were born, there were churches of many kinds on every street corner of your town. While not every one of them is truly in My Name, nonetheless, there were strong symbols of Christianity tugging at your heart at every turn. But, even having lived in this town most of your life, you did not acknowledge them.

When you were paid your first allowance, your daddy put a quarter into your hand that said, "In God We Trust". You even read it at the time. When you took a girlfriend on your first date, you paid with a bill bearing my name. And when you made the down payment on your first car, there I was again, my name in your hand!

During your school years, you said "One Nation Under God" in the pledge nearly 3,000 times, but even as the years went on, you did not acknowledge me.

As your parents did not yet know me, occasionally an aunt or uncle or a grandmother would take you to church. My words were spoken and my love made known whether in Sunday School or the sanctuary.

As you became an adult, you fell into despair and dissatisfaction, you turned more and more away from me, but at the same time desperately wanted to find true love and inner peace. Even your nights spent in the bars I was there- not only in spirit but in word! You said I did not exist- but you cursed my name continuously! You told your buddies there was no hell- but damn was your favorite cuss word!

I have been calling you in every imaginable way since I gave you life. Calling you softly, but strongly through beautiful sunsets, budding trees, a child's kiss, a wife's embrace, the mystery of sex, the wonder of technology, and even in hardships, too. The miracle of your grandmother's cancer remission gave you incredible joy. And a great event- the birth of your first child took your breath away. But in all this, your lips were void of praise.

In all those times, did you know I was there?" asked Jesus.

"I suppose i did," said the man, "deep down, but, being raised in a home with no religion, i did not have all the answers of how to seek you."

"It is the Holy Spirit's work to open a man's eyes, but you must want to come. I will help you understand when you are truly ready."

With this, the man awoke suddenly, and knelt quickly by his bed. He asked the Lord into his heart and life that very night!

"I must tell my buddies about this wonderful revelation!" said the man. "Once they see your love from this new perspective, they will bow at your feet as i have!"

"Your love for those you care for is deep", said the Lord. "Go and tell them. I will be here to answer any questions you might have."

That morning, the man was up and running to tell everyone he knew about Jesus.

To young adults, he pointed out the pledge and the print on the money but they simply sneered and turned away. To all his other loved ones he pointed out the beautiful sunsets, the budding trees, and the churches big and small, from the old stone cathedrals to the little country churches. But still nothing. The man was deeply hurt and frustrated and cried in his aching for the lost.

"I am at the end of my rope!" he cried to the Lord. "I have been trying for months, even years with some to show them your love, but nothing! Absolutely nothing!"

"My heart is heavy for them as is yours, said the Lord. Every facet of my evidence on earth is a plea that says 'I do not want you in hell. Believe and you will never go.' That is why there are billions of ways i reveal myself to humankind. I plead with every breath of the earth. You see, this is why I cannot be accused of sending anyone to hell. They choose to go. I have even heard some demand "Show yourself to me and I will believe!". Well, I have. But even as my word says, if, upon seeing me face to face, some would still not believe."

"I know now!" said the man. "This reminds of the story in the Bible of the rich man who lived in luxury all his life! He had a wonderful life, but he did not turn to you. He looked up from hell in his torment and begged Lazarus for a drop of water. But even his friend couldn't help him!"

"That's right", said the Lord gently. "I gave the rich man life but he did not give me his. That's why he has none. For it is written, "I am the way, the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except by me."

"I died on the cross for all. But that does not seem to be evidence enough for most. That's why I reveal myself through life. I would never choose for anybody to go to hell. Why do they?"


The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Psalm 19:1-3

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