Get OUT of the cities

[Sonny]

We too have a duty to warn others, if it causes fear, that is not our concern. We still have a job to do, a warning to give.

Fear-baiting produces nothing....There's no true repentance in fear. It is the love of God that produces real change.

[ClubV12]

Fear baiting,,, I'm not sure what that means. One possible answer might be "bible thumping hell and damnation" type preaching. There IS a time and place for that of course, but I've seen enough of it to conclude it's over used, "fear based" evangelism.

Never the less, it is a valid argument and a compelling reason to understand more about the issues of life and death. There has to be a balance. Preaching only love and smooth sayings is also out of balance. People need to know there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. It is not always going to be a nice, easy flowing, everything is going to be alright message. Nineveh undertood it, the "or else" part of the message. No doubt their initiall reaction was fear, but they turned from their evil ways and were spared. Fear, in time, gives way to love. I know in my case, it was initally fear, the recognition that I am a sinner, doomed to eternal death. That changed over time as I beheld the love of God in the plan of salvation! For some folks, love alone is enough. A mother's love is a good example, you respond to that positive input, wanting to please her in all things. But mother is not always smooth and easy flowing, discipline must also accompany her message, because she loves and wants to protect you from evil.

[Sonny]

For some folks, love alone is enough.

Then nothing will work....Fear doesn't change the heart...it only temporarily changes the outside. Love changes everything. Preach fear and you'll get legalism. Preach God's love and you experience genuine agape. Your choice.

[ClubV12]

Can you not see the balance required in both aspects of the message?

Mothers warning is given out of love, "Do that ONE more time and...".

I certainly agree that fear won't change the heart, only love can do that. But fear is the beginning of wisdom. I thank God for His counsel to "get out of the cities", that you not be partakers of the plagues that are sure to come. Or the temptations that may result in your fall from grace.

Pilgrim, in Pilgrims Promise, did not know which way to run! He only recognized, at first, that he was a doomed man and needed to do something. So, he began to run, as instructed by Evangelist, toward the light at the gate. It was not an easy journey and fraught with peril along the way. His motivation was a "prize", at first, a nice home, a wonderful city.

As I grow in an understanding of God's love, I no longer look for that city as my "prize". I want only to share time and be close to the One that has saved me from myself, because I love Him. After that, a mansion, glorius travel and all the trappings of heaven are secondary.

I feel compelled to spread the message, sometimes I fail in finding that balance, but I will push forward with God's help.