Behind the Scenes No. 2a

Received a comment from someone curious about the goings-on at camp:

I read the blog "The Camps, and a Prayer Request" and then I read the comment posted by anonymous. Wow! I don't think two people could have beliefs/opinions any different than these two. I'm curious...did the kids have to be forced to sit and listen to the preaching or were they there because they wanted to be there? Does God really want to send everyone to hell? Were the kids hyped up about what they heard, forced or not? How do people know where to find a passage in the Bible that suits their situation? Where do I turn to find help?

I'm curious...did the kids have to be forced to sit and listen to the preaching or were they there because they wanted to be there?

The kids and staff were sent rules and schedule and what's going to happen at the camp. Everybody knew way ahead of time that coming to the camp means they would hear some preaching. We did keep a schedule on when things happened. They weren't forced though, and many stayed around in small groups discussing what they'd just heard.

Does God really want to send everyone to hell?

Of course not. This is why He sent Jesus for us to take the punishment on His behalf. Up until Jesus' crucifixion, people were responsible for providing for their own sacrifices. The reason for this is that God told the people these sacrifices were just a shadow of a perfect Sacrifice that would come later on. They were told to excercise faith in God's promise, that it would be fulfilled, and if they did their sins would be forgiven. Jesus was that perfect Sacrifice.

How do people know where to find a passage in the Bible that suits their situation? Where do I turn to find help?

If you're looking for a particular type of passage, a Nave's Topical Bible should help. Verses and chapters can be found based on subject matter. If you're looking for help, and you're not a Christian, please don't waste time. The Bible says that if you seek after God with all your heart, soul and mind, He will be found. If you have a healthy fear of Hell then I would say you're probably pointed in the right direction.

Hope this helped.