The Truth about Hades and Hell Fire

The Truth about Hades and Hell Fire

The Truth about Hades and Hell Fire

The Truth about Hell

Here is one very hot topic that would be one of the most misunderstood in scripture. So many people in the past have turned their back on God because they concluded that He must be some evil tyrant that would burn the wicked in hell for all eternity. And yet most people in the world today would not do what so many think God is going to do. That would make our God less loving than us and yet He gave His only son to save the world. Some of the greatest theological confusion centres around the biblical topic of Hades and hell fire. As always, the truth can only be found in the Bible.

The word Hell in the Bible

The word “hell” is found 54 times in the King James Bible. It is translated from several different words with various meanings as indicated below:

In the Old Testament:
 31 times from the Hebrew “Sheol,” which means “the grave”

In the New Testament:
10 times from the Greek “Hades,” which means “the grave”
12 times from the Greek “Gehenna,” which means “a place of burning”
1 time from the Greek “Tartarus,” which means “a place of darkness”
“Tartarus” is used once, in 2 Peter 2:4, and means “a place of darkness or restraint.” “Tartarus” is where Satan and his demons reside now. It isn’t a place of punishment or flames.
“Gehenna” means a place of fire, brimstone, and punishment (see Matthew 5:29-30, described in Matthew 13:40-42 and 2 Peter 3:7.) Note these flames are still in the future at the end of the world.
“Hades” means “the grave” (Acts 2:31; 1 Corinthians 15:55; Revelation 20:14). The body of Jesus rested there and His saints are resting there now awaiting the resurrection.
The Greek word “Hades” is translated as “Hell” in many English Bibles such as the King James Version. In Revelation 6:8, the King James Version refers to “Death and Hell.” It does the same in Revelation 20:14. Yet some English Bibles use the word “Hades” itself, such as the New International Version, which translates both Revelation 6:8 and 20:14 as “Death, and Hades.” Now here is the point; In Revelation 20:14 “Hades” is eventually “cast into the lake of fire.” So as you can therefore see, “Hades” itself is not a fiery place, but is cast into “the lake of fire.”

So Biblically speaking, Hades means the grave. This is easy to prove from 1 Corinthians 15:55, which in the King James Version states, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave [Hades], where is thy victory?” If you look in the Strong’s dictionary, you will find that the Greek word here translated “grave” is “Hades.” By looking at the context, it is obvious that it means “the grave” because it is God’s saints who rise out of “Hades” when Jesus Christ returns. See 1 Corinthians 15:50-55.

Therefore, “Hades” cannot mean a place of burning, for who can imagine God’s people writhing in flames as they await the resurrection? That would be absolutely ludicrous! Additional proof this word means “the grave” is the fact that “Hades” was the place Christ’s body rested right after His death. Acts 2:31 reads, “His [Christ’s] soul was not left in hell [Hades] neither [did] his flesh see corruption.” (Italics added.)

Does Hell burn forever?

To discover the real truth about hell fire, we must accept what the Bible says above the opinions of men. That said, this subject requires close examination for some texts appear contradictory. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus Christ warned that unsaved sinners will enter “the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Many read this and say, “The lost will sizzle forever. Don’t even try to convince me otherwise.” But in John 3:16 Jesus also declared, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” So which is it? Will the damned roast eternally in “everlasting fire” or finally “perish,” and thus cease to exist?

Revelation 20:9 says, “And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” This verse describes the “actual event” of hell fire and is NOT symbolic, and like John 3:16, it declares that the wicked will be devoured and perish, yet the very next verse appears to totally contradict which says, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Note that this verse has symbolism and says that “the devil” and “the beast” (beast is symbolic) will “be tormented … forever” in the lake of fire. But Ezekiel chapter 28 reveals a totally different picture. While initially discussing the ancient “king of Tyre” (Ezekiel 28:12), God’s prophet then looks behind the scenes and identifies Lucifer himself, “the anointed cherub” (verse 14), who inhabited “Eden the garden of God” (verse 13), and who was originally “perfect in [his] ways from the day [he] was created,” until “iniquity was found in [him]” (verse 15) Moving on to Satan’s final fate, God declares, “I bring forth a fire from the midst of you, it shall devour you, and I will bring you to ASHES upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold you… You have become a horror, and shall be no more forever” (verses 18 and 19.) So which is it? Will Satan be “tormented day and night” throughout endless ages, or will he become “ashes” and “be no more forever”?

The Bible DOES NOT contradict itself. These are only APPARENT contradictions. The solution is to examine what the whole Bible says about the fate of the lost, discover its overall teaching, and then to closely analyse the difficult verses until you understand them correctly. Once you do, you will find that everything fits and makes perfect sense and that God is NOT an unmerciful tyrant that tortures the lost forever.

First we will look at a breakdown of all the relevant verses and passages and then conclude with a summary.

Hell Fire Is Real

Matthew 13:42 Jesus Christ said the lost will finally be cast “into a furnace of fire.”
Matthew 3:12 John the Baptist said the lost will end up in “unquenchable fire.”

Punishment for Sin and “Hell” Is Future - Not Now

Matthew 13:40 “As the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of this world.”
Matthew 25:41 Jesus Christ sends the lost into the fire after His Second Coming.
2 Peter 2:9 God will “reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.”
Revelation 20:11-13 The day of judgment occurs at the end of the 1000 years.
Revelation 20:5a, 13-15 The “lake of fire” occurs at the end of the 1000 years.

The Final Hell Fire Will Be On Planet Earth

2 Peter 3:7 “The heavens and the earth which are now ... are reserved unto fire.”
2 Peter 3:10 “The earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”
Revelation 20:8-9 At the end of the 1000 years, “They [the lost] went up on the breadth of the earth ... and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.”

Hell Will Totally Destroy All the Wicked, Even Satan!

Psalms 37:20 “The wicked shall perish ... they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.”
Psalms 37:38 “Transgressors will be destroyed together.”
Ezekiel 28:15, 18-19 Even Satan will become “ashes” on the “earth” as a result of the fire.
Malachi 4:1, 3 The “day cometh” when the lost “burn up” and become “ashes.”
John 3:16 Those who are lost will “perish.”
Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is “death,” not eternal life burning in hell.
Matthew 3:12 “Unquenchable fire” will totally “burn up” the wicked.
Matthew 10:28 “Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Revelation 21:8; 20:14 “The lake of fire ... is the second death.”

Even The Lake of Fire Will “Pass Away”

Revelation 20:7-9 At the end of the 1000 years, the lost are “the earth.”
Revelation 20:9 God’s fire falls on them, and they are “devoured.”
Revelation 20:14-15 The earth becomes one big “lake of fire” as God purifies it from sin. The lost suffer the “second death” in that lake.
Revelation 21:1 Then there is a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth (where the lake of fire was) has passed away.
Revelation 21:4 In the New Earth, there will be no more pain, suffering, sorrow, or death.

Note: If the lake of fire burned forever, there would always be pain and sorrow somewhere in the universe and Revelation 21:4 could never come true. But it is true. Sin will be gone forever and pain will cease to exist throughout God’s entire universe!

Where Did The Doctrine Of Eternal Burning Originate?

Genesis 3:4 The doctrine of souls burning forever is rooted in the idea that “the soul can’t die.” That idea originated with the serpent who told Eve that if she sinned, she would “not surely die.” But God said she would die (Genesis 2:16-17). God of course told the truth.
1 Corinthians 15:50-55 Only true Christians receive “immortality” at the Second Coming.
1 Timothy 6:16 God “alone has immortality.”
Revelation 20:11-15 The lost finally suffer the “second death” at the end of the 1000 years.

The Character and Justice of God Will Be Vindicated

1 John 4:8 “God is love.” He is not a tyrant who will burn people forever.
Revelation 20:13 Each person will be judged fairly, “according to his works.”
Revelation 20:14-15 After God’s just judgment, the lost will suffer the “second death.”
Revelation 15:3 Then the universe will say of God, “Just and true are Your ways, 0 King of the saints!”

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes,
And there shall be no more death, neither sorry, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things
[including the lake of fire] have passed away.
And He that sat upon the throne said,
“Behold, I make all things new.”
And he said to me,
“Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:4-5

So far we have discovered Bible passages which teach that the lost, instead of consciously suffering in fiery flames throughout eternity, will “burn up” (Malachi 4:1), become “ashes” (Malachi 4:3), “perish” (John 3:16), “consume away” (Psalms 37:20), and finally suffer “the second death” (Revelation 20:14) at the end of the world. But what about other passages describing “eternal fire” (Jude 1:7) and “torment day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10)? It’s time to closely examine these latter verses, comparing Scripture with Scripture.

Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man And Lazarus?

Special Note: This is the only place in the entire New Testament that seems to teach the doctrine of lost souls descending into fire at the moment of death. Shockingly, this concept is not taught anywhere in the writings of Matthew, Mark, John, James, Peter, or Paul. A careful analysis of the Luke 16:19-31 reveals it is actually a parable which, while teaching many powerful truths, is not meant to be taken literally in every detail.

Luke 16:19 “There was a certain rich man.” This is exactly the way Jesus often started His parables (See Luke 12:16; 13:6; 14:16; 15:11; 16:1;19:11-12; 20:9 (KJV).

Is it possible for anyone who is literally burning in fire to carry on a normal and rational conversation?
Luke 16:22 The beggar went “to Abraham’s bosom.” Did he enter his chest? This is obviously symbolic and not possible as Christ described.

Luke 16:23 Can the “lost” and the “saved” literally see and talk to each other? Would heaven be enjoyed if it involved watching people we loved suffer like this. What if it was a son or daughter or a mother or father, could that person even for a moment enjoy there stay in heaven seeing this every day?

Luke 16:24 The rich man is described not as a “disembodied soul,” but rather as “in the body” with eyes, mouth and a tongue, etc. Hence this is symbolic. If you dug up a real rich man's grave, wouldn't his body be there? Of course!

Luke 16:24 Can a tiny drop of water on a tormented man’s tongue bring real comfort? A real burning man would not request just a drop of water, which would also not survive the flames to get to his tongue.

The context of this parable reveals Jesus Christ was talking to the Pharisees who were “lovers of money” and who “derided him” with their tongues (verse 14).

The reason why Jesus spoke of the rich man asking for water on his tongue was to teach the Pharisees that their “tongues” were going to lead them into hell-fire. These Pharisees also believed riches were a sign of God’s favour while poverty represented His curse. Jesus exposed this false theory. The story also counteracts the idea of a second chance after death. At death there is “a great gulf fixed” (verse 26) which cannot be bridged. Our destiny will be decided by our decisions in this life. Many want to see a miracle before they will believe. Jesus said, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.” (verse 31).

Why did Jesus use the name Lazarus? This story was a prophecy. Jesus did raise a real man named Lazarus (John 11), yet the Pharisees were not convinced and chose to “put Him to death.” John 11:53.

Revelation 20:10 - “Tormented ... Forever”?

Revelation 20:9 says the lost are “devoured” by the fire that “came down from God out of heaven” at the end of the 1000 years. Yet then verse 10speaks of “torment” forever. Which is it? If you look closely, verse 9 uses no symbolism, yet verse 10 does. Verse 9 is a literal account of what happens to the lost, while verse 10 speaks symbolically of the “beast.” In fact, every time the book of Revelation speaks of the lost burning “forever,” those verses are ALWAYS connected with symbolism (see Revelation 14:11 and 19:3).

And the word “forever” in this verse does not necessarily have to translate forever. Considering the many misunderstandings we have already seen, did the translators get it right? The Greek word used “forever” in this verse is aion - Meaning literally “unto the ages of the ages.” “An unbroken age,” “perpetuity of time,” “eternity,” “period of time,” “age.” 57 times the word is used for a period of time that comes to an end. Jonah was in the fish “forever” before he came out (see Jonah 2:6). Samuel’s mother wanted him to serve God in the temple “forever” which really meant “as long as he lives.” 1 Samuel 1:22, 28.

Revelation 14:11 - “The smoke of their torment”?

Revelation 14:11 says, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever:” At least half of the verses in Revelation are taken from the Old Testament and so many verses need to be looked at in the light of all other scripture. The verse says it is the “smoke of their torment” that ascends forever and this is actually drawn from Isaiah 34:10 where the desolation of Edom is described. Isaiah 34:10 “It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.” It can be plainly seen that Isaiah did not envisage unending fires from the fact that following the conflagration in which he says, “The smoke thereof shall go up for ever,” the country becomes a desolate waste inhabited by wild beasts. (v 10–15)

Jude 1:7 - “Eternal Fire”?

In Jude 1:7, the city of Sodom is described as being destroyed by “eternal fire.” Is Sodom burning today? No. Therefore the “eternal fire” has gone out. The phrase, “eternal fire,” means it was a fire from God with eternal consequences. It was “unquenchable” by man (see Matthew 3:12; Jeremiah 17:27; Isaiah 66:24). The destruction of Sodom was also an “example” of what will happen to the wicked at the end. According to the Bible, God’s eternal fire turned Sodom into “ashes” (2 Peter 2:6) “in a moment.” Lamentations 4:6. This is similar to what will happen to all the lost at the end of the 1000 years when they are cast into the lake of fire, “which is the second death.” Revelation 20:14.

Matthew 25:46 - “Everlasting Punishment”?

Jesus warned that He will someday declare to lost sinners, “Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” Matthew 25:41. Is this fire the same type of fire mentioned inJude 1:7, which is one that destroys completely? We know it is because five verses later Jesus clarified “everlasting punishment” would come upon the lost, not “everlasting punishing.” This is the same as “everlasting destruction” 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Matthew 25:46 contrasts everlasting punishment with “eternal life” which is given only to those who believe in Jesus. John 3:16; 1 John 5:12. The wicked will not live forever, but will finally die the “second death.” Revelation 20:14. See alsoEzekiel 18:4. Hence we can see that the lost experience “everlasting punishment,” not punishing, just like the Sodomites.

“Behold, the day is coming, that will burn as an oven.
And all the proud, yes, and all who do wickedly, shall be stubble,
and the day that is coming shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, That it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

Summary and Conclusion

It would normally be considered bad practise to take into account feelings when it comes to studying the Word of God, however there is one area involved in this topic where feelings cannot be avoided. Take for instance this example: You had a dearly loved family member, whether brother, sister, son or daughter, who had lived an extremely righteous life. They devoted their time to the sick and the poor and the needy. They gave most of their wages to help others in need and when they weren’t productively earning their wages, their life was devoted to loving and helping others. If this person ever accidentally wronged anyone their first response would be to apologise and ask for forgiveness. Their love was so great for others that they could not bear the thought of hurting another person in any way, shape or form. However this person had seen other family members hurt severely by Christians that were not walking the Christian walk and as a result this person never accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

The above verse refers to the time when a new Heaven and Earth are created, which takes place after the millennium at which time judgement and the lake of fire occurs. So just prior to this the wicked have just been burnt up or by some people’s misunderstanding of this topic, the eternal burning of the wicked has just commenced. How will this eternal burning be?

God would have to make the wicked immortal, so that they could burn and burn, but never burn up. If a person was burning in the excruciating pain of fire how long would it take before they would pass out from shock, or would God make it so they couldn’t pass out from shock so that they could be suffering excruciating pain for every second of every minute of every hour for billions of years, and even then their suffering would be barely beginning. Since some believe this is for all eternity then a trillion years would not even be a microscopic spec on the time scale. Would you consider it just and merciful punishment to have your loved one burn for all eternity like this in horrendous never ending excruciating pain just because they chose not to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour? Take into account that they never deliberately wronged anyone and if they ever accidentally did, they repented and apologised and asked for forgiveness? In other words they did the best they could to live a sin free life and love others with all their heart, might and soul as the Bible teaches we should.

If it was at all possible for this person to live a sin free life they would have, but since the fall of Adam and Eve we have taken on their sinful nature and so now there is only One that is perfect. I don’t believe that anyone would consider even for a moment that for ever burning in excruciating pain is just and merciful punishment. The question is: Is anyone on the face of this planet more just and merciful than God, who is Himself love? The following scriptures are just a few of hundreds that could be quoted to answer this.

1 John 4:8 “He that loveth not knows not God; for God is love.”
Nehemiah 9:31 “Nevertheless for your great mercies' sake you did not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and merciful God.”
Ephesians 2:4 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,”
Psalms 86:15 “But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
Psalms 136:26 “O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercyendureth for ever.”

Now let’s consider this dearly loved family member again. This is where human feelings unavoidably come into the equation. Is it humanly possible for us to now go through eternity with “neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:” (Revelation 21:4) I personally would find this utterly impossible to do knowing that every second of my eternal existence that my loved one is burning in agonizing pain. How can there be “no more pain” if all these people are burning in the unbearable pain of hell fire? Also, the latter part of Revelation 21:4 says, “for the former things are passed away.” How can they be all passed away if they are still burning and burning and forever burning, but never burning up?

There have been many people through history who have chosen to reject God and Christianity as they claimed they did not want anything to do with a God who could be so cold, cruel and heartless in His punishment. They cannot accept the thought of eternal punishing even for the smallest of crimes just.

Which of the following pair of scriptures is correct? Note very significantly also, that the true meaning of the Greek word for “perish” (apollumi) in John 3:16. The Strong’s Dictionary says the word means to “destroyfully” (reflexively to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: - destroy, die, lose, perish.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not have everlasting life in hell, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is eternal life in hell; but the gift of Godis eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The following verse is extremely significant as firstly it says Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the vengeance of “eternal fire” and secondly, we are told this is “an example” of what is going to happen in the end. Did you hear the media reports about Sodom and Gomorrah being a tourist attraction because they are still burning? No, neither did I. That is because Sodom and Gomorrah are not burning today. So why does it say they are burning with eternal fire? Clearly this eternal fire is NOT forever and neither is hell.

Jude 1:7 “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

In the following two verses Jesus gives an example of hell and what is meant by eternal fire. Three times in this chapter we are told that the fire will not be quenched, i.e., it will not be extinguished and will burn until everything is burned up. There are fifty seven things in the Old Testament that were said to last forever but have all ended. Forever in these cases was for as long as those things should last. Forever for fire is as long as fire lasts, which is when it has burned itself out. This is consistent with other scripture.

Mark 9:43-44 “And if your hand offend you, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell[gehenna], into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”

So what is the example of hell fire we are given with Sodom and Gomorrah and what was the final result?

2 Peter 2:6 “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ASHEScondemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”

Fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them with eternal fire, that is, they burnt until they were totally devoured and nothing was left but ASHES. When something is devoured it is gone. Have you ever devoured a piece of chocolate cake? What was left? Keeping this in mind, the next verse describes the final and ACTUAL event that happens after the judgement when the unsaved are burnt in the lake of fire. This next verse is NOT symbolic and alone describes the real truth about the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:9 “And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.”

We are told that Sodom and Gomorrah are an example of hell and as we can see from the above verse, it is indeed a perfect example and the lake of fire is exactly the same situation, except everything on earth is totally burnt up except for the saints who are safe in the “beloved city” of the New Jerusalem.

With Sodom and Gomorrah, fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them, and with the lake of fire, fire also comes down out of heaven and devours them. Exactly the same thing! We are told that after the eternal fire burns Sodom and Gomorrah, only ashes are left. So what is left if the wicked are devoured in the lake of fire and this is the perfect example? The same as what was left after Sodom and Gomorrah. Ashes! This is undoubtedly confirmed by Malachi 4:1-3 which informs us that the wicked are totally devoured in hell fire that is not quenched and burns until there is nothing left but ashes.

Malachi 4:1-3 “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yes, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. … And you shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.”

The truth about Hades and hell is indeed a very hot topic and one that is grossly misunderstood. I am not surprised that so many struggle here, especially if one puts all their emphasis on one of the symbolic verses that say forever burning, or eternal fire as it says in Jude 1:7 speaking of Sodom and Gomorrah.

When one truly searches for the truth with an open mind, one will find that in fact eternal fire is fire that burns forever in the sense that it is not quenched and so the results of the fire are eternal. We are told that the unsaved are in fact devoured, and that they are ashes under the soles of our feet.

The Bible does not contradict itself. We do indeed serve a merciful God that burns the wicked only according to his or her works and both body and soul are destroyed in hell. Matthew 10:28. In regards to the example of the loved one that lived a very righteous life but did not quite get around to accepting Christ, they would be burned in an instant. If all the wicked burned forever then there would be no point in judging them on their works as to what the consequences would be, as burning forever would be the same for all.

Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

So the truth about hell is that the unsaved are judged and fire comes down from heaven and devours them in times according to their works and they shall then be ashes under the soles of our feet. I feel so blessed to know that God is far more merciful and loving than us and His justice is in fact just and fair.

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How Do I Recognize My Own Gift?

How Do I Recognize My Own Gift?

How Do I Recognize My Own Gift?

Review: Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Thoughts for Today:

I believe the Lord is looking for His church to focus upon the work He has given us, and for us to say individually, "This is where I'm going to serve." We need to make the development and exercise of our spiritual gifts our passion and practice. So how do we know which gift is ours? The answer is a lot simpler than you may think. Ask yourself this question: If you were the pastor of your church, what changes would you make?

If your first response would be to:

* Stand before the congregation to share a new direction the Holy Spirit had placed upon your heart, then your gift is probably prophecy.

* Begin a cooking ministry to provide meals, or gather clothes and other essentials for people in need, then your gift would seem to be serving.

* Lead an in depth Bible study to promote greater understanding of God's Word, then you probably have the gift of teaching.

* Having heard good teaching you now feel compelled to call the congregation to action, then you probably have the gift of encouragement/exhortation.

* Provide tangible financial or material support for the disadvantaged, then your gift is centered upon generosity.

* Organize the financial and administrative affairs of the church so things operate more smoothly, then your gift appears to be leadership.

* Spend more time with those who are hurting (whether physically, emotionally or spiritually), then you probably have the gift of mercy.

What would you do if you were in charge? Your answer will tell you a lot about the gifts God has given you personally. The problem is many times we evaluate others in light of our own gift. One of the most important things to understand about gifts is they are given to us individually, not collectively. Sure we might share some of the same gifts, but keep in mind, God has made each of us uniquely to serve Him and perform our role within the body. God is glorified when we maturely say, "He may be different, she may be different, but we're all working together because that is the way God made us and intended for us to function within His church."

Questions to Ponder:

Have you found your gift? Unfortunately, we oftentimes spend so much time trying to classify our gifts we never place them into practice. Paul's guidance, and my examples, are just that -- guidelines and illustrations. Worry less about the category of your gift and get busy in God's work. That is Paul's simple point -- just do it! Have you placed your gift in practice? Are you consciously allowing God to develop it within you? Yield to His will. Begin now. How will you become actively involved in ministry? Take a step of faith.

YOUR TONGUE: How Do You Use It?

YOUR TONGUE: How Do You Use It?

YOUR TONGUE: How Do You Use It?


Almost every moment of our lives the tongue is used either consciously or unconsciously. For whatever and whenever the tongue is used, do you have control over it? James 3:8 makes us to understand the power that lies therein in the tongue.

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” “The power of life and death lies in the tongue. ”Proverbs 18:21.

Do you understand these passages? Be sincere to yourself, do you profess life as commanded in Matthew 28:19 by being His witness with the tongue he has given to you or do you engage in idle (death) talk with same tongue? James 3:10 says, “out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, it ought not to be so.”It is really amazing how this can be. Imagine a church service leader on Sunday evening at home quarrelling with his neighbors and saying “God punish you”. Just imagine it.
           
Some Christians not knowing the power in the tongue are so fond of saying negative things. ‘Nigeria will never change.’ ‘He will never make it in life,’ ‘she will never get a husband,’ etc. You may be one of those in this category. Let me tell you, unless you stop being apessimist and change your attitude and start saying positive things knowingfully well that there is a Lord that cares, that problem you have may press you to your grave. When I say positive confessions, I mean those that are in line with God’s word. For example, the Bible says that we should say we are strong even in our weaknesses and that we are rich even in our poverty, but not a lazy person that has refused to work claiming that God will provide his or her every financial need. That is completely way off the mark because the word of God clearly spells out that the lazy should not eat.
         
At home how is your tongue used? As a husband, wife and child how do you use your tongue? As one who professes Christ, how can you handle a crisis in your home? Simply try to prevent it from escalating. How do you achieve this? By guarding the tongue! When used to make sarcastic and insulting remarks, this small member can be very dangerous. Remember James 3:8? More so, Proverbs 15:1 say “a soft answer turneth away wrath” but grievous word stir up anger.”
           
In your marriage or relationship how do you use your tongue? Are you always criticizing you partner and hardly ever appreciative? From the marriage seminars and messages I have attended and heard respectively, appreciation is always spelt out as one of the key ingredients of a sweet marriage or relationship.Appreciate your partners’ shortcomings, making the necessary correction with your tongue but at the appropriate time (never in public). You should also celebrate your partner’s strength with the same tongue. Marriage and relationships have crumbled just because one of the partners refused to say the most important three words in restoring a union. A simple “I am sorry” with the tongue God has given to you has become too difficult for the single reason of pride inherent in the person. I can’t understand why this is so because even when you are right and say it, the tongue does not stop its function neither does it hurt.
           
What is your conduct like in your place of work? Some Christians, especially in the north are not known to be Christians at their places of work because unfortunately they never talk about Christ. A friend of mine told me that one day he was discussing with colleague and mentioned that he went to church. The colleague being a Muslim asked him if he went to check on somebody and was shocked to discover that after more than a year in the same office, he was a Christian. I was even more shocked because I know the tongue is given for “profitable discussion” and to profess Christ.
In church settings, people still dishonor God with their tongue. Somebody has offended you in the church and instead of calling the persons attention in love, you decide to go and give the person a ‘piece of your mind’ thereby misusing the tongue… “Correct in love” Ephesians 4:2, so that peace may reign. People under the guise that ‘me I dey speak my mind one time.’ misuse this beautiful instrument that God has given to us.
           
Some of us would have been better off practicing law considering the manner and frequency with which we judge and condemn others with reckless abandon. We condemn people who sin as if the Bible does not state that there is none righteous and also as if we are better off and above temptation to sin. Checkout the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) after everyone with sin had left, Christ asked her “who condemeth you?” there was no one of course.This is a good lesson from Christ to you. “Condemn not, ye shall not be condemned...” Luke 6:37.
           
Some condemn other people’s tribes and cultures as if there is none without its faults. God created tribes and cultures in Genesis 11:6 to stop the people then from dishonoring Him. The same God brought back a unifying and perfect language which is Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:11). Verse 10 of the passage says after putting on a new self (i.e. after receiving Jesus) what we should know, do and become, is in verse 11. The message is very clear; there should not be any distinction amongst tribes and people. Why then do we judge and condemn? It is simple! The mind of Christ is not in us as Philippians 2:5 demands. In that your situation or encounter with people would Christ have judged the way you did? More often than not we select the areas of our lives that are good and try to use them as a yardstick for judging others forgetting our own shortcomings.

Why do we exhibit positive and negative characteristics with our tongues? “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). It is only what you have inside that will eventually show up on the outside. If you are fond of unwholesome talk, gossiping and backbiting, know it today that it is exactly the stuff you are made up of. For you to be able to come out withe difying, encouraging and comforting words, your inside (heart) must be decked up with godly things. (Psalms 119: 9, 11). If your inside is corrupt but always when in the presence of brethren your words are edifying, you are a first grade hypocrite. It is only a matter of time before the true you show up.

A brother was giving a testimony in one church service one day. In the course of the testimony he said “walahi” (in Hausa interpreted as ‘I swear to God’). The entire congregation started laughing and the brother not realizing his folly (because he is fond of using God’s name in vain) was also seriously laughing as he continued with his testimony. For many of us, our inside is so full of rubbish that we find it difficult to control our tongue even inside the church; where many pretend without much ado.
           
When you approach a lady to ask her out or as a lady you are in a relationship, how does your tongue come into play? Do you speak so fluently and eloquently coating your lies (we don’t call it lies these days- it is called yarns) with icing sugar? You say all sorts of things to boost your status while in the beginning you had said God spoke to you concerning the sister. How dare you associate God with your lies? You are of the devil because he is the father of lies. (John 8:44)
           
Asa sister, you tell lies to make your upbringing or family background look like it is made in heaven. You go to the extent of making yourself so artificial with your lies. This is why many relationships suffer. They are built on so much artificiality and lies spoken with the tongue that is supposed to glorify God at all times. Have you ever been found encouraging someone in need or the opposite is always the case? Some people go to visit a family that has been bereaved and instead of the encouragement they are supposed to receive, the visit worsens the situation and leaves the family in more pain.
Proverbs 15:2 says, “the tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Are you a wise person that handles matters wisely like King Solomon in 1 Kings 3:16-28 or do you take side’s unnecessarily leaving people unsatisfied and unhappy and the situation unpleasant? When you use your tongue how do people react?
           
The earlier we begin to have control over our tongue and tame it, the better for us. We should begin to understand that every word we speak should show Christ because that is exactly what it was given for and not for all others mentioned. The use of the tongue can be summoned up thus: It should be used for singing praises and not for reigning curses; it should be used for professing Christ and not for disgracing Him; it should be used for making peace and not for declaring war. Above all as Christians, it should be used for building up rather than tearing down.
           
How do you use your tongue? Going through all these, is there an aspect in which you have failed the Lord? Our God is a God of a second chance.

 You can still ask for forgiveness and end it up with this prayer;

“Set a watch, O Lord on my mouth; keep the door of my lips,” Psalms 141:3...And the Lord will do it in Jesus name. Amen.

I am an embodiment of talents – Beauty Aghedo

I am an embodiment of talents – Beauty Aghedo

I am an embodiment of talents – Beauty Aghedo:::

Fast rising singer, Beauty Aghedo  with the stage name B’Dash earned her stripe as a member of D’Beats, which won the Star Quest contest in 2011. She has since released a second single titled,Oruko Jesu. She talks about her career, family and why she sings pop in this interview withangeladaviesmag, ADM.

What’s new in your kitty and how has your music career been?

I just dropped my new single titled, Oruko Jesu. A song which talks about the various things the name of Jesus can do for us. And as for my music career, it has been growing. Before Oruko Jesu, I dropped a single titled, God Bless Me for Your Eyes. I gave it the title because after D’Beats, winners of Star Quest 2011 was disbanded after our one-year reign, a lot of people thought that I would not want to sing again. So that was what prompted the song. But I am very passionate about my musical career.

What were your formative years like?

Growing up had its ups and downs. My dad died when I was about eight or nine years old and my mother have been there all the way to support us. I come from a family of seven. I and my twin brother are the last born. Right from childhood, I have always loved singing. When I was still in the church choir, every Saturday which is choir practice she would ask me if I was not going for rehearsal if she saw me at home. I will say my mother has always taken an interest in my music career. Also, my brothers and sisters have been very supportive as well.

What is the relationship with your twin brother like?

We are very close and it has been nice all the way though he is married now. I feel a little bit jealous because he wouldn’t have time for me anymore. But he is growing and I am happy for him. He sings too, but he is a pastor.

What was the motivation when you to entered for the 2011 Star Quest musical show?

I heard that the last band was signed on to Kennis Music and I love that record label so much. However, I went into the competition determined to win as an individual but thank God my band, D’Beats won. During our one-year reign, we were able to come out with an album titled, D’Beats Goes On and we were signed to Now Muzik label for one year. During the audition, I didn’t know that I was going to make it into the house. When I went for the audition in Benin City I had almost lost my voice and I prayed to God to help me make it through. In the end, I made it through because the judges saw behind my cracked voice.

Tell us about your experience at the reality show and lessons you took away

I had times when I cried and sometimes I laughed as well. But it was exciting all the way and it is still exciting right now. I was not interested in anybody’s perfection as long as we could work as a team. The lesson I learnt was that everyone comes from different homes but when you meet, you should be able to blend and work together or do given task together.

What is your kind of song?

For me, I sing Christian songs but I love pop music as well. My brand of music is pop. There is this enjoyment behind it whenever you listen to pop songs. It has nice rhythm and sound. I knew I was not going to be a gospel artiste even though I started singing in the church.

What does music mean to you?

If music were a man I will get married to him straight away because I love music.

How do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from people’s experience, life experience, my personal experience and the word of God I hear as well.

As a young musician, how would you rate the Nigerian music industry?

I will say it is growing and I am growing along with it.

Who are those you look up to in the music industry?

Outside Nigeria, I look up to Chris Brown and Beyonce. In Nigeria, I like Tiwa Savage and Omawumi because they are hardworking women. And for the late Kefee, I really looked up to her because of her kind of songs. They are simply unique.

How do you relate with your male fans?

I love them and they love me too. I can peck and hug them but there is a limit anyway. The limit is that you should not touch me the way you would touch your girlfriend.

Aside music, do you think you want to do something else?

Yes, of course. I would want to go into acting if the opportunity presents itself. Nevertheless, I am an embodiment of talents.

You are the brand ambassador for Healing Wings Foundation. What is your responsibility?

Healing Wings Foundation is a non-governmental organisation saddled with the responsibility of empowering youths, women and the vulnerable. My pet project as its brand ambassador is to create cancer awareness among women in the society and Africa as well.  It also entails helping to give free education to the poor in the society. I will be working with some organisations and individuals as well.

Greatest fear in life

I don’t think I have the spirit of fear in me. God has not given me the spirit of fear but the spirit of boldness and a sound mind.

Is there a man in your life?

The truth is that a lot of guys come around me and they want to hang out with me. But nothing serious.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself being a household name in the Nigerian music industry, Africa and the world at large.

Why did you write a victory poem for the Super Eagles instead of composing a song?

I am a big fan of the Eagles and I love football. I used to be a footballer although I look fragile.  I played football while I was in secondary school and I was the captain of my school team, Garrick Memorial School in Benin. I organize the girls whenever we had friendly matches and inter-school matches. After my WASC, I joined a female football team but it is no longer in existence. Also, some artistes had already sang some songs, so I felt that I should write a victory poem because I really wanted to do something for the Eagles. I am a big fan of Osaze Odemwingie, he plays football with so much passion whenever he is on the field of play.

How would you describe yourself?

Beauty is a very fantastic, enthusiastic and happy person to be around with. She is interesting and exciting as well.

Every Leader Needs to Take This Character Test

Every Leader Needs to Take This Character Test

So how are you really doing when it comes to your character development?

It can be a bit difficult to tell, can’t it?

Character, like so many things, seems hard to measure. It would be great if you could get a simple reading like you would for your cholesterol or blood pressure. Then you’d know.

Over my time in leadership, I’ve discovered a simple test that tells me more than anything where my character is truly at.

And often, I’m not thrilled with the results.

It’s so simple you could do it in less than a minute.

Let me explain.

The Test

The best way I know to assess the state of my character is to simply analyze how I responded during the last crisis I found myself in.

It could be a crisis at home, at work, in my family—or any situation in which I had to respond quickly to conflict or less than ideal circumstances.

The test?

Watch how you responded to the crisis. It will tell you exactly where your character is at.

So, how did you react the last time …

Your kids melted down in the back seat?

Your spouse got defensive when you suggested some things to do on Saturday?

Your ideas got shot down at the meeting?

You showed up Sunday, and a key element for the service was missing because someone else messed up?

Your computer crashed, and you lost the last 30 minutes of work?

You got stuck in the longest line at the grocery store, and it made you late for your next meeting?

You read that email criticizing your leadership?

Be honest.

What did you think?

What did you say?

What did you do?

Boom. There’s the true state of your character.

Now you can see why I don’t like what this test reveals.

But the principle is hard to dismiss:

Crisis reveals character.

In fact, nothing reveals the true state of your character better than how you handled your last crisis.

Wouldn't It Be Great If the Opposite Was True?

I would like to believe the opposite.

I would like to believe that the true state of my character is revealed when I’m prepared for a meeting, a Sunday, a work day, a family day. And to some extent, it is.

But the truth is, I can usually pull myself together quite nicely for those occasions. And that can lead me to believe I’ve got my character under control when maybe I haven’t.

So go ahead and live in denial. But you will stunt your growth. You will stunt your opportunity to be truly transformed.

Nothing reveals character like a crisis.

But remove the margin, introduce some surprise, test my limits, and I go back to my default.

Sure, if you’re not flying off the handle like you used to with every minor issue—kudos.

But don’t convince yourself you’ve arrived just yet. Let your last crisis show you what still needs care and attention.

After all, as I outline here, it’s your character, not your competency, that determines your true capacity as a leader.

Let Your Last Crisis Be Your Clue to a Better Future

You will be tempted to convince yourself that your reactions under pressure are the exception to the rule (you were under stress … it happened so quickly). But they reveal more about us than any of us care to admit.

What if those crisis points were a window into what God wants to do next in our lives? What if we didn’t dismiss them but saw them as a huge window for growth.

I find that when I’m under pressure, I learn more about myself—my cracks, my weaknesses, my true motivations—than at almost any other time.

Don’t treat your bad reactions as defeat, though.

Apologize.

Get through it.

Treat it as an opportunity to grow.

Those crisis points will show you what God wants to work on next.

God’s motivation, of course, is good. He wants to move us from this to this.

Your last crisis is your clue to a better future—if you leverage it.

Avoid the Critical Mistake Too Many Leaders Make

So if you really want to grow as a person and as a leader, what do you do when you’ve seen your character in all of its ugliness?

I’ll tell you what you’ll be tempted to do.

Ignore it.

You will live through the crisis and simply move on.

That’s what most people do. And that’s why most people never really grow.

They just keep making the same mistake over and over again.

Sure, you’re not spiteful now. But that’s because there’s no crisis now. You were spiteful yesterday. And you will be spiteful as soon as the next crisis hits, unless you drill down.

Now, you will resist drilling down.

You will think, “I got through this. The crisis is over. I’m just going to ignore it.”

HUGE mistake.

It’s a recipe for perpetual emotional immaturity. It’s a strategy perfectly designed to stunt your growth.

So have the courage, when things are ‘normal’ again, to do the soul work

Try This at Home

So how do you learn after your last crisis?

Start by trying to isolate how you felt and how you behaved.

This list is nowhere near complete, but here’s what I look for in me:

Blame

Accusation

Defensiveness

Anger

Jealousy

Boastfulness

Envy

Spitefulness

Denial

Resentment

Divisiveness I caused

And the list goes on.

When I spot those in myself—as horrible as they are—I need to work through them.

How do I work through them? How should you work through them?

1. Pray.

Get down on your knees and confess your sin to God. He’s the one who heals, restores and makes hearts new.

2. Read the Scripture through a fresh lens.

Too many people read the Bible because they’re supposed to. I read it sometimes as a character study in what to do and what not to do.

For example, I just finished reading through the life of Kings Saul and David. Neither was perfect, but Saul consistently displayed emotional immaturity in his leadership. He shrank from his responsibilities as king. He was perpetually insecure to the point of paranoia.

David, while imperfect, showed incredible self-discipline and clearly understood delayed gratification in his early days, refusing to lift his hand against the Lord’s anointed.

I can learn from that.

3. Get some help.

Yep. Go see a counselor. Talk to close friends. Confess your sins to each other. Process your shortcomings with a mentor.

It’s essential that you do this not just when you’re in crisis but when you’re not in crisis. You will grow the most then. And you will prepare yourself proactively before your next crisis hits.

4. Read, listen, grow.

I am constantly reading, listening to podcasts and growing in the area of emotional maturity.

Classic sources like Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence can help you a lot.

Pete and Geri Scazzero have an amazing ministry on emotional and spiritual health in ministry. Reading Pete’s book The Emotionally Healthy Church a decade ago was a game changer for me.

And finally, if you want a simple cheat sheet to get you started today, listen to Andy Stanley’s free four-part “Enemies of the Heart” podcast. In about 90 minutes total, Andy will walk you through how to deal with anger, jealousy, guilt and greed. Incredible. And of course, you can pick up his book on those subjects as well. Exceptionally practical and helpful advice.

So what’s the bottom line?

Crisis reveals character.

You can write it off as instinct or proof you’re human. But you won’t grow from it.

Your character is proof you’re still sinful and that Christ would like to take over more territory in your life.

What are you learning about crisis and character?

Article by Carey Nieuwhof

In addition to serving as Lead Pastor at Connexus Community Church north of Toronto Canada, Carey Nieuwhof speaks at conferences and churches throughout North America on leadership, family, parenting and personal renewal.Learn more »

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