More Positive Sermons PleaseMy father-in-law shared with me about the time he preached a sermon on the reality of Hell. Following the service, one individual approached him and admonished him, contending that Pastors should preach “more positive sermons,” and that Christians need to focus on God’s Love…not God’s Wrath.
Arguably there are pastors who will pacify listening ears with soft-pedaled messages on God’s Love and Goodness…. I apologize: I am not one of them. (Neither is my father-in-law.) The reality is that the Bible has a great deal to say about Hell. In fact, it has more to say about Hell than about Heaven. There are more passages that teach about Hell than teach about Heaven; there are more verses that describe the conditions of Hell than there are verses relaying the glorious setting of Heaven. To discard the subject of Hell is to refuse a portion of God’s Word. To reject God is to accept Hell.
People need to wake up to the reality of Hell. It was John the Baptist who cried out to the religious crowd, “…Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath.” (Matthew 3:7) True Believers know that the Bible -- both the Old and New Testaments combined -- promises Hell for sinners. The Apostle Paul tells us that even those who say they are Christians but persist in sin with no remorse will not enter Heaven. And if you don't go to Heaven, the only place left is Hell! To reject God is to accept Hell.
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God.” - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV)
There are far too many people side-stepping the reality of hell. Some excuse themselves from the subject altogether – they simply deny the reality of Hell. Others theologically rationalize and declare, “God is too Loving to send anybody to Hell” -- they simply choose to see themselves as more wise than God. Still others choose to blame preachers for using “scare tactics” to unsettle people and force their repentance -- they simply refuse to acknowledge their own lost state. And there are -- of course -- those who mock the reality of Hell, turning the whole notion into comedic banter and unsettling jokes.
In today’s message, Christ offers a very vivid and dramatic story about a man who dies and wakes to find himself in Hell. In his utter misery, his one desire is for someone to go warn his five brothers about Hell so that they don’t also end up there when they die. His request is not granted. Even so, the man’s brothers are given the Scriptures. With God’s Word, they are fully equipped to understand the plan of Salvation, to accept it, and to avoid Hell altogether!
When you think about it, there is nothing more positive and loving than sharing the simple plan of Salvation. How is it anything but positive to steer people clear of this place called Hell? The Word of God is very plain. You must decide whether you believe the Bible or not. If you believe the Bible, you have to believe in Hell. To reject God is to accept Hell.
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God.” - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV)
There are far too many people side-stepping the reality of hell. Some excuse themselves from the subject altogether – they simply deny the reality of Hell. Others theologically rationalize and declare, “God is too Loving to send anybody to Hell” -- they simply choose to see themselves as more wise than God. Still others choose to blame preachers for using “scare tactics” to unsettle people and force their repentance -- they simply refuse to acknowledge their own lost state. And there are -- of course -- those who mock the reality of Hell, turning the whole notion into comedic banter and unsettling jokes.
In today’s message, Christ offers a very vivid and dramatic story about a man who dies and wakes to find himself in Hell. In his utter misery, his one desire is for someone to go warn his five brothers about Hell so that they don’t also end up there when they die. His request is not granted. Even so, the man’s brothers are given the Scriptures. With God’s Word, they are fully equipped to understand the plan of Salvation, to accept it, and to avoid Hell altogether!
When you think about it, there is nothing more positive and loving than sharing the simple plan of Salvation. How is it anything but positive to steer people clear of this place called Hell? The Word of God is very plain. You must decide whether you believe the Bible or not. If you believe the Bible, you have to believe in Hell. To reject God is to accept Hell.
-- Pastor Mark
No comments:
Post a Comment