Unfinished Sentences

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)

Hell and damnation Christians are "Christians" who quote unfinished sentences from the Bible.  They like to scare their listeners with the law verses, but never follow up with the next verse that brings grace, love and forgiveness.

They quote:
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 NIV)
But they fail to add:
and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24 NIV) 

They quote:
For the wages of sin is death,  (Romans 6:23a NIV)
But they fail to add:
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23b NIV) 

They quote:
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 NIV)
But fail to add:
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28 NIV)

We must be "Sentence-Finisher" Christians.  When we tell others about our faith, we must tell the whole story.  People are leaving the Christian faith because they never hear the rest of the sentences.  Though they may even read them themselves, the emphasis has been so strongly placed on the first part that their hearts don't pick up that second part.

The world needs God's love and grace more than ever.  So many are sure we are all condemned.  And don't we all act out what we believe ourselves to be?  What would the world be like if we all truly believed that we are loved and cherished by the Ruler and Creator of the universe?  What would the world be like if we really believed that "God SO loved the world (me... and you... and even that neighbor who sins in ways you or I have never been tempted to) that he gave his only Son... NOT to condemn the world, but to save the world?"  What would the world be like if we ALL knew the entire sentences of key Bible verses?

Father,
Help us to share the whole story with those who are hurting; with those who are so consumed by their sin that they don't believe you could love them.  Help us to actually love those who need love the most... the unlovable.  Amen.

Joys:  discussing politics and social issues with Daniel and easily "rattling his chains" :) ; a warm home on a cold morning; a church that always finishes the sentences