September 13, 2025 Issue, Page 4 of 12

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RELIGION 4• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 The Elk City News The Problem of “Christian Universalism” ous passages that clearly con- less of belief, then the cru- tradict Universalist claims: cifixion of Christ becomes Matthew 25:46 – Jesus unnecessary. The urgency of speaks of the final judgment: evangelism is lost, and moral “Then they will go away to accountability is diminished. eternal punishment, but the Paul’s missionary zeal, driven righteous to eternal life.” The by the conviction that people parallelism here shows that are lost without Christ (Ro- the duration of punishment mans 10:14–15), would be ir- is as eternal as the reward. rational under a Universalist John 3:18 – “Whoever framework. believes in him is not Moreover, Universalism Area Church Directory condemned, but whoever misrepresents God’s jus- does not believe stands tice. A holy God cannot Sunday School 9:15, Worship 10:30 Dixie Yoder condemned already.” This overlook sin without con- Assembly of God Wed Prairie View Troops 3:30 580-225-2266 verse emphasizes the sequence. The cross is not Wed Prayer Meeting 6:30 “Christian Universalism” Assembly of God Seventh-Day Adventist is the belief that all people necessity of belief in Christ merely a symbol of love—it 115 W. 5th St., Erick Seventh-Day Adventist Pastor: Gary Griffin Retrop Baptist Church will ultimately be saved and for salvation. is the place where justice Intersection Hwy 6 and 55 11375 N. 1990 Rd., Elk City reconciled to God, regardless 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 – and mercy meet. As Isaiah 580-303-0791 580-472-3472 Assembly of God Service times: of their faith, actions, or re- “He will punish those who 53:5 declares, “He was pierced 7th and Locust St., Sayre Catholic 2:00 pm Bible Study sponse to Jesus Christ. While do not know God and do not for our transgressions...the 580-928-4296 2:50 pm Church Service obey the gospel of our Lord punishment that brought Jimmy Blanken, Min. Queen of All Saints this view appeals to the de- 914 N. 5th St., Sayre sire for divine mercy and Jesus. They will be punished us peace was on him.” 580-928-2385 Methodist with everlasting destruction.” If sin carries no eternal First Assembly of God inclusivity, it stands in stark 2701 S. Randall , Elk City Rev. Danny Grover This passage affirms both the consequence, then Christ’s United Methodist contrast to the core teachings 580-225-1167 702 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk reality and permanence of suffering was gratuitous. St. Mathews Catholic of Scripture regarding judg- Kevin Akins, Min. 3001 E. Hwy 66, Elk City City ment, salvation, and the ne- divine judgment. While “Christian Univer- 580-225-0262 Grandview Assembly of God 580-225-0066 cessity of faith in Christ. Revelation 20:15 – salism” may seem compas- Rev. Danny Grover Scott Rodgers, Rev. “Anyone whose name was not sionate, it ultimately contra- Pioneer and Country Club, Elk City The very nature of Uni- 580-225-7742 Christian found written in the book of dicts the clear teachings of United Methodist versalism, at its heart, asserts Bryan Herrick 320 S. Magnoliea St., Erick life was thrown into the lake Scripture. The Bible affirms Antioch Christian that God’s love is so encom- 3200 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City 580-526-3949 passing that eternal punish- of fire.” The imagery of final both the depth of God’s love Baptist 580-243-0066 ment is incompatible with judgment is unmistakable and the reality of eternal Jeff McDowell United Methodist and not symbolic of judgment. Salvation is offered Great Plains Baptist Assn. 802 N. 4th St., Sayre • 580-928-2146 His character. Proponents of- 1902 Watts St., Sayre temporary correction. to all, but it must be received Christian Church Sun School: 9:30 AM/Worship:10:45 ten cite verses like 1 Timothy 580-928-2585 These verses demonstrate through faith in Jesus Christ. 1 S. Walnut, Erick Nazarene 2:4 (“[God] desires all people 580-526-3284 to be saved and to come to clearly that salvation is offered To claim that all will be saved Bible Baptist Church First Church of The Nazarene to all, but is not automatically regardless of their response 1018 W. B Avenue, Elk City the knowledge of the truth”) 580-225-5344 First Christian Church 816 W. 6th St., Elk City and Romans 5:18 (“...so also applied to everyone, regard- to the gospel is to reject the (Diciples of Christ) 580-225-2026 less of their religion or faith. very foundation of Christian 1500 N. Randall, Elk City Rev. Andrew Dages through one righteous act Central Missionary Baptist There is the requirement that doctrine. 580-225-7801 there is justification leading 1205 W. B Avenue, Elk City to life for all people”) to argue each individual acknowledg- The message of Scripture 580-225-0212 Pentecostal First Christian that salvation is ultimately es and receives the beautiful is not universal salvation, but 1601 N. 4th St., Sayre Grace Temple gift that Jesus offers to every- universal invitation. As Jesus Eastside Baptist 601 W. 20th St, Elk City universal. 421 N. Booth Avenue, Elk City 580-928-3639 one. Eternal separation from said in John 14:6, “I am the Lindell & Nequita Brown, Pastors However, these verses 580-225-0742 Church of Christ must be interpreted in light God is a real consequence for way and the truth and the Chase Brower, Min. Iglesia Evangelica Cristo Es La those who reject His Son. life. No one comes to the Fa- Church of Christ of the broader Biblical nar- 216 N. Adams Ave., Elk City Pena Why is this important? ther except through me.” This Fairview Baptist rative. Scripture consistently 312 S. Lusk Avenue, Elk City 580-225-0718 600 W. Main, Elk City affirms both God’s love and On the surface, Universal- exclusive claim is not a barri- Gantt Carter, Min. Pastor, Jose Reyes 580-225-0203 580-799-2964 His justice. Universalism, by ism may seem like a minor er to love—it is the pathway area of disagreement among to it. 301 S. Magnolia Ave, Erick denying eternal separation First Baptist Douglas Holland, Minister Presbyterian from God, undermines the Christian denominations. Call Infinite Grace Minis- 1600 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City 580-225-7951 816-726-6988 seriousness of sin and the ne- However, Universalism dis- tries, 580-774-2884, to learn Bible Study 10am Sunday First Presbyterian cessity of repentance. torts the gospel message that more about the grace, mercy, Worship 11am Sunday 217 N. Washington Ave., Elk City First Baptist 580-225-3130 The Bible contains numer- is the core of the Christian and justice of our loving Fa- 400 S. Sheb Wooley, Erick Ladies Bible Study 10am Wednes- faith. If all are saved regard- ther God. 580-526-3375 day Jason Klechner, Min. Evening Open Bible Study 7pm Non-Denominational Wednesday The Way Church First Baptist 201 S. Jefferson Ave., Elk City 504 N. 4th St., Sayre Church of Christ Elk City 580-928-5518 Meets at Pioneer & Bell 580-225-5295 Elk City Community 120 S. Randall Ave., Elk City First Hispanic Baptist 580-225-1184 919 W. 8th St., Elk City Northeast Church of Christ 580-225-7901 616 N. Locust Avenue 580-225-4395 Gateway 4227 W. 3rd St., Elk City Main Street Baptist 580-225-1184 1101 N. Main St., Elk City Westside Church of Christ 580-225-3052 Curtis Newton, Min. 580-225-2938 Church of God The Link Mt. Carmal Baptist 200 S. Main, Elk City 1801 W. A Avenue, Elk City 501 W. 1st, Elk City 580-225-2061 580-225-0227 Joe Thompson, Min. Trinity Fellowship Sayre One Church Jehovah’s Witnesses 580-928-2345 200 East Broadway, Elk City 580-210-8881 Jehovah’s Witnesses 402 E. Washington Ave., Sayre Christ Ministiries Kevin Brosius (pastor) 804 W. 6th St., Elk City 580-928-9330 580-243-9708 Prairie View Baptist Lutheran I-40 & S Hwy 34, Elk City Pastor Tod Thornton Christ Lutheran 1023 W. 2nd St., Elk City Call today to support the church page! 580-225-3000