Replying to Avatar Willy Cooper

"Jesus talked about hell more than any other person in the Bible. "

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-uncomfortable-subject-jesus-addressed-more-than-anyone-else/

It should be a focus because it is true. If someone is about to walk into a burning building you should try to stop them.

Jesus is the God of the old and new testament.

Sounds like your friend might not be using good tact in what he is doing but it is not up to us to convert anyone. We are commanded to preach, not convert. At least he is warning people. Of course most won't listen. It is a narrow road and not many follow it.

We want the same things. We want to bring people to Christ. Christ came to heal the sick and embody the love of the father.

We are commanded to become one with one another and to become one with Christ. In doing so, we become one with the father as well. The point of the gospels are not condemnation and hell.

Christ did not come and preach condemnation of the sinner. That is not our role either.

A better analogy would be of health vs. sickness. Modern medicine focuses on eradicating sickness, but not encouraging health. The result is a nation of sick people, because they've not learned what it takes to be healthy.

Similarly, a church that focuses on sin and wrath, end up a very judgemental bunch. The epitome of having a beam in their eye.

It is important for the whole gospel to be taught but the focus should always be on the mercy and grace of Christ and how he strengthens us. Love is a stronger motivator than fear or shame. As one comes to know Christ, they will feel those things at the right times in their journey, but that is between them and our heavenly father. Not at condemnation by our hand.

I find it interesting that of all those that will fall, the fearful are listed first. Fear of consequence is not discipleship.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

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Discussion

The Bible certainly tells us not to fear a lot but it also says

Matthew 10:28

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,

For this is man's all.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Isaiah 66:2

For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,"

Says the LORD.

"But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.

It's funny that you would use these verses. The phrase "Fear God" does not mean "to be afraid" . It means to revere God and to put all faith in him.

In fact 1 John 4 16-18 tells us explicitly what I'm telling you now.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Again, fear of consequence is not discipleship which is why, though the consequences of sin are true, the focus of teaching should be considered in love and faith.

We just need to be careful how we teach and be sure that we're teaching in the Lord's pattern. When we teach, we represent him. The only times that Christ was critical was when calling out false teachers such as the Pharisees. He did so precisely because,

although they knew the words, they missed the spirit.

Warning someone of hell is loving. If you are a sinner and don't fear God that is a huge problem.

* meaning if you are not saved and don't fear God