When We Become Cold Inside

When We Become Cold Inside

Jer. 17:9; Mk 16:14

SUBJECT: Evangelism and Personal Work

THEME: It is vital we maintain a correct attitude toward God and His work. We must keep our hearts respectful, clean, compliant, and obedient towards the duties, tasks, and responsibilities of evangelism.

INTRODUCTION:

Even though the Word of God is incredibly clear on the Great Commission and personal evangelism, there is still a great deal of reluctance among believers to invest, involve themselves, and share their faith. This perspective did not come from God…. 

Jeremiah 17:9, says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” You see our human nature is so fallible, broken, and deceptive…it cannot be trusted to respond to God or His priorities appropriately! 

God frequently refers to “heart surgery” as influential imagery pointing to spiritual rejuvenation, where He cleans our sin and replaces our stubborn, unenthusiastic, and sinful ‘hearts’ with spiritually compliant ‘hearts.’ As a result, we become far more spiritually minded then carnal minded.

When it comes to sacrificial service to the Lord…giving of ourselves, strength, gifts, skills, opportunities, and resources to God’s ministry…there is again excessive reluctance among God’s children. Maybe it is fear or a lack of self-confidence, but there is an incredible necessity for hardworking and steady Christian servants.

Additionally, there is an unsettling discomfort that grips the heart of the average believer whenever aggressive service to our Lord is dealt with. Maybe…we value our comfort and this world far more than we prize Him and eternity!

MESSAGE:

As God’s Servant, Use His Word to Examine Your Heart

We are susceptible to contracting various unhealthy heart conditions, but God’s word can be trusted to help us sort out our real condition. 

THE HARDEN HEART (Cold-hearted)

Mark 16:14, Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Jesus appeared to His remaining disciples while they ate, rebuking them for their stubborn doubt and refusal to believe the eyewitness accounts of His resurrection before giving them the Great Commission.

• Jesus “Upbraided them” tells us Jesus firmly scolds and reproves them. The truth of the gospel was so full of evidence, that those first disciples should have been rebuked for their persistent unbelief.
• “Unbelief and hardness of heart” point to the disciple’s stubborn reluctance to trust that Jesus rose from the dead, despite reports from trusted witnesses.

This is the condition in which a Christian is unresponsive to the Word of God, the truth of God, the Will of God and the Things of God. We have refused to conduct ourselves in the fashion that God desires and has instructed us. We have allowed ourselves to become cold towards the Lord!

               1)   This Coldness Is Also Referred to as Blindness of Heart

Eph 4:18, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

This refers to the spiritual blindness, moral ignorance, and separation from God experienced by people who live apart from Christ.

                2)   This Coldness Can Also Be Referred to as Dullness of Hearing

Heb 5:11-14, Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12, For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13, For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14, But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

This is spiritual laziness and stagnancy, and failing to grow up in our understanding of God’s word.

Summarily hardness, blindness, and dullness all point to a cold-hearted—unreceptive, non-feeling, imperceptive, non-discerning, and an unwilling individual! Such people have deliberately closed themselves off from spiritual truths, compassion or empathy.

Beloved, we must Overcoming Our Mental and Emotional Doubts! The disciples’ initial skepticism highlights that they did not easily invent or hallucinate the resurrection; they required concrete proof before becoming bold believers. But they were rebuke for their lack of openness to the facts pointing to the truth that Jesus is the Son of God resurrected!

Also, we must make the Necessary Transition to God’s Mission! Again, our Lord Jesus scolds them for their hard hearts and refusal to believe those who saw Him risen. This rebuke clears the air of their doubt right before Jesus transitions into commissioning them to preach the gospel to the entire world. The immediate solution (Mark 16:15–18) is the Great Commission through the preaching the gospel. The execution will require their full investment of their entire selves…there was no room for doubts, insensitivity, and imperception. Beloved, coldness towards God had to go! God adequately addresses their spiritual doubts! 

Finally, all these conditions are the direct result of a weighted down heart, a choking heart and a harden heart!  Leaving us worried, overwhelmed, and cold-hearted! Consequently, we are stagnant, indifferent and inactive. We seriously stand in need of a thoughtful ‘heart’ surgeon. Somebody, go get the Lord Jesus!

Witnessing Justice Like Never Before

“Witnessing Justice”

Matt. 28:19-20; Rev. 20:11-15

 

SUBJECT: HELL/EVANGELISM

THEME: Perhaps a better understanding of Hell will stir us to become more consistent evangelists for our Lord.

RELEVANCE: Our compassion for the perishing multitudes must be informed and aroused by the realities of Hell, to encourage us to become involved or remain with the task of evangelism. Multitudes are dying without Christ and going to Hell, who will give themselves to consistently point them to Christ?

INTRODUCTION:

The dreadful final future of the unsaved is distinctly outlined for all to witness! Rev. 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why we need to be motivated to share the Gospel and send out missionaries! Our neighbors and the world are destined for a Devil’s Hell forever! We must be concerned to reach them for Christ before it’s too late.  

MESSAGE:

What Should We Do Now with This Information?

Two facts present actions we must take in obedient submission to Christ and the Great Commission….

A. FIRST, WE WILL BE THERE TO WITNESS THIS JUGDMENT!

Matthew 12:41-42, The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. [42] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

·       Jesus rebukes the religious leaders of His day for demanding more miraculous signs. He warns that the repentant men of Nineveh (who heard Jonah) and the Queen of Sheba (who sought Solomon’s wisdom)—will stand at the final judgment to condemn Jesus’ unyielding generation. Historically, Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba repented. Yet, Jesus’ contemporaries rejected God standing right in front of them. Instead of responding with humility to even small glimpses of God’s truth, these proud Jewish leaders rejected physical proof and Christ Himself. But not in the final judgment of the unsaved!

·       Likewise, the Great White Throne Judgment is the final, ultimate judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15. Jesus Christ presides as the judge sitting on the great white throne, as God has given all judgment to the Son. The unregenerated dead, both great and small, stand before God after being raised from the dead. Unbelievers from all eras are judged by their deeds recorded in the books. Anyone not found written in the Book of Life is cast into the lake of fire, which scripture calls the “second death”. “Death and Hell” are also thrown into this fire. Again, unbelievers are sent into the lake of fire.

·       We will witness the judgment of the eternally lost, observe the proceedings to witness the vindication of God’s holiness, and we will witness their final sentencing to be cast into the lake of fire! Some of these individuals will be people we know! Every person will be there without even one exception. Beloved, this event will be colossal!

·       Believers will not face condemnation or sentencing at the Great White Throne Judgment because it is specifically designated for the unredeemed dead. However, believers will be present as witnesses to God’s ultimate justice and righteousness.

God’s standard of justice remains uncompromised. Remember Christ’s blood demonstrates God’s righteousness, proving that He does not ignore evil. Through this judgment, God remains perfectly just proving His moral consistency despite previously overlooking past sins in human history.

B. SECONDLY, WE MUST PROCEED AGRESSIVELY WITH THE GREAT COMMISSION! This magnificent authorization is our Lord Jesus Christ’s closing directive to his disciples and to us by application to make disciples of all peoples worldwide, baptize, and train them to obey his commandments. Regarding His continuing spiritual presence throughout all time! Christ promises and reassures us we are never alone as we undertake his final instructions seriously crossing whatever human boundaries that may exist to execute His expectations.

·       Matthew 28:19-20, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

·       Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

·       Luke 24:46-49, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things. [49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

·       John 20:21, Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

·       Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

·       Acts 8:4, Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

o   So, tell somebody in some manner about Jesus’ saving grace every week.

o   Financially support missions and missionaries who are doing the same work or have similar priorities in other locations.

o   Belong to and support churches who take the Great Commission and the Kingdom of God seriously submitting yourself to Christ’s authority in that institution. Many ‘churches’ unfortunately have forgotten these words of Christ in pursuit of greater attendance, entertainment, novelty, selfish goals, religious experiences, personalities, and monetary affluence!

o   Devote yourself personally to being a faithful witness of the Lord Jesus by sharing the everlasting hope of Christ.

o   If possible, go out on visitation and outreach to follow up, express compassion, and evangelize regularly.

o   Tell all your family members about the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord immediately or as soon as possible.

o   Arrange a discipleship relationships sharing the importance of obedience to God, daily walking with the Lord, prayer fellowship, Bible reading/direction, and adherence to the Spirit’s guidance.

o   God will not be mocked or disregarded forever…people are accountable to Him as Creator!

Submitting to this commission involves aligning with Christ’s authority to share the gospel worldwide, fostering fellowship through baptism, and teaching believers obedience to Christ’s directives.

CONCLUSION:

Beloved, we need compassion for the perishing multitudes stirred by the reality of Hell! Such reflections encourage us to become involved or remain committed to the tasks of evangelism and discipleship. Sometimes we grow indifferent towards this area of ministry, we can even prize our relationships with a lost person more than we cherish their soul’s salvation. We can even respect people more than we respect the Lord…. Multitudes are dying and will go to Hell all over the world…. Who will give themselves to consistently get in their way and point them to Christ? Often, we miss the important work of showing God will vindicate His righteous nature…perhaps we never really realize this significant ministry, but people are accountable to the Creator Himself. He will judge finally one day…. Beloved, it’s guaranteed!

Hell’s Shocking Realities

“Hell’s Shocking Realities”

Rev. 20:11-15

 

SUBJECT: HELL/EVANGELISM

THEME: Perhaps a better understanding of Hell will stir us to become more consistent evangelists for our Lord.

RELEVANCE: Our compassion for the perishing multitudes must be informed and aroused by the realities of Hell, to encourage us to become involved or remain with the task of evangelism. Multitudes are dying without Christ and going to Hell, who will give themselves to consistently point them to Christ?

INTRODUCTION:

The dreadful final future of the unsaved is distinctly outlined for all to witness! Rev. 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why we need to be motivated to share the Gospel and send out missionaries! Our neighbors and the world are destined for a Devil’s Hell forever! We must be concerned to reach them for Christ before it’s too late.  

MESSAGE:

I.  What Is Meant by “Hell”?

Hell is the place of imprisonment and punishment for those who revolt against God.

A. HELL WAS ORIGNALLY CREATED FOR SATAN AND THE REBELLIOUS ANGELS. Matthew 25:41

B. UNSAVED PEOPLE WILL BE COMMITTED TO HELL ALSO (Mt. 25:41-46).

C. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TAUGHT AND WARNED PEOPLE MUCH OF AN ENDLESS HELL.

D. IN THE O.T. THE WORD HELL (SHEOL) HAS TWO MEANINGS WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND. Hell in common usage designates the grave and the place of future punishment for the unbelieving.

II. What Is Hell Really Like? (N.T.)

We need not be confused or vague about our perceptions of Hell. God afford us reliable insight into this subject in the Bible, especially the New Testament.

A. IMAGERY WE MUST PAY ATTENTION TO!

Hell is a place of conscious and everlasting punishment, judgment, and fiery torment for the wicked, the devil, and his angels.  

1. A Place of Punishment.

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Hell is described as a real and final place of conscious torment, fire, and everlasting punishment for unrepentant sinners who reject God.

A.   The Idea of Punishment in Hell is Evident!

·        Revelation 20:15, And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

·        2 Thessalonians 1:9, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

·        Matthew 13:42, And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

B.   God Warns of the Eternal Punishment of Hell.

·        Everlasting Punishment is Depicted: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matthew 25:46).

·        Fire and Brimstone are Mentioned: And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Revelation 20:10).  

·        The Fiery Furnace is Declared: The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:41-42).  

When referring to the final place of permanent punishment and fire, God uses imagery of unquenchable fire and eternal separation from God’s presence.  

2. A Place of Banishment.

2 Thes. 1:9, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

They Shall Experience Everlasting Destruction, Vs 9   “....with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

A.   The phrase “Everlasting Destruction” is not a reference to total annihilation or a ceasing to exist.  Once a life begins it will last forever; the soul and spirit of a person will never cease to exist, they are everlasting in their nature.

B.   It actually means to be eternally separated from the presence of God—banished. This is just what the verse said.  It means complete and final ruin and loss from all that life and eternity could have been. It means being excluded from all the joy, pleasure, companionship, peace, and satisfaction of Heaven. Cut off, banished, separated from God and His glory forever! Everlasting destruction in HELL!

C.   Rev 21:8, 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.

Leon Morris said, “If there is any truth in scripture at all, this is true---that those who stubbornly refuse to submit to the gospel, and to love and obey Jesus Christ, incur . . . .   an infinite and irreparable loss.  They pass into a night on which no morning ever dawns.”

3. A Place of Fire.

Mark 9:44-48, Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [45] And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [46] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [47] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: [48] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (See also Mt. 13:42,50; Mk. 9:44-48; Re. 20:15; 14:10)

1. Everlasting Fire is Defended: Matthew 25:41 declares eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
2. The Lake of Fire is Delineated: Revelation 20:15 tells us anyone not found in the book of life will be cast into a lake of fire.
3. A Fiery Furnace is Described: Matthew 13:42 points to a furnace of fire where there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Hell is often described using fiery imagery to convey ultimate judgment, ongoing destruction, or eternal separation from goodness. These descriptions representing literal physical flames are powerful and profound indicators for spiritual anguish, darkness, and loss.

4. A Place of Darkness.

2 Peter 2:17, These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. These false religious charlatans are fake! They promise spiritual help and wisdom but offer nothing real or sustaining. These deceivers are completely useless and face a final judgment of eternal darkness in Hell showing they lead people into spiritual blindness and will end up separated from God.

We are warned to watch out for corrupt leaders. These individuals use smooth words, appeal to carnality, and false promises of freedom to trick new believers, but they are really just chasing money and pleasing their own carnal desires.

“The mist of darkness is reserved for ever” points to their perpetual destination. Despite their boasting and manipulation, eternal gloom and divine blackness—judgment are safely stored up “reserved” as their certain punishment (Compass Bible Church). God describes aspects of final punishment using this imagery of “darkness.”

A.   There are Clear References to Darkness

·       “Outer Darkness”: Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, and Matthew 25:30 explicitly use the phrase “outer darkness” where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

·       The “Mist of Darkness”: 2 Peter 2:17 and Jude 1:13 both speak of the “mist of darkness” or “blackness of darkness” reserved for the unrepentant.

B.   Resolving the Apparent Contradiction of Light and Darkness Imagery

·       Merged Ideas are the Correct Focus, not Contradictory: Many view these descriptions as complementary or literally multiple facets of separation from God, conveying total ruin, distress, and the absence of God’s light rather than a mere physical contradiction.

By “outer darkness,” we mean a state of intense separation, deep anguish, sorrow, and regret. Separation from God’s light involves complete detachment from God, who is the Source of light, goodness, and life. Beloved, we are referring to powerful and profound, multifaceted spiritual and physical torment.

B. DESCRIPTIONS THAT ARE HEART GRIPPING!

Visuals of Hell often evoke deep fear because of raw human suffering and psychological terrors. These haunting depictions warn people, enforce moral convictions, and explore the absolute depths of despair. To say the least, these depictions are nothing short of heart gripping!

1. There will be Consciousness and Feelings.

Luke 16:23, And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Also see Matt. 25:30)

The Bible views conscious feelings and emotions as an essential, designed part of human personhood. Because people are made in God’s image, experiencing emotions reflects God’s own capacity for love, grief, joy, and anger. Rather than ignoring feelings, Scripture teaches us to acknowledge, process, and align them with his truth.

A.   Hell is a Space of Awaken and Active Perception. The Bible portrays hell (Gehenna or the lake of fire) as a place of active, conscious awareness. Rather than a state of extinction, the lost will have experiences involving specific emotional and physical reactions like sorrow, pain, and distress.

B.   Note these Wide-Awake Expressions of Conscious Sufferings:

·        Deep Weeping: Jesus repeatedly uses the phrase “weeping” to denote intense sadness, grief, and crying out.

·        “Gnashing of Teeth”: The associated phrase “gnashing of teeth” points to severe physical pain, anger, frustration, or profound regret.

·        Torment and Anguish: When we examine Revelation 14:10 closely we note individuals being “tormented with fire and brimstone (sulfur),” implying an ongoing, conscious sensory and psychological burden.

·        No Rest Ever: Revelation 19:3 and 14:11 state there is “no rest day or night,” indicating an unbroken, alert state of suffering rather than unconsciousness or sleep.

The imagery of hell acts as a gripping, hyper-conscious awakening. These are stark, terrifying visuals—like unquenchable fire, dark pits, and eternal separation—they jolt the human conscience, forcing a sudden, acute awareness of mortality, moral accountability, and the heavy weight of earthly choices.

2. There will be Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth.

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus uses this powerful imagery to describe the profound anguish, sorrow, and ultimate rejection experienced by those excluded from the Kingdom of God. –Bible Gateway

A.   The Bible, phrase “gnashing of teeth” appears seven times used only by Jesus in the Gospels (six times in Matthew, once in Luke) to describe the intense anguish, sorrow, and despair of those shut out from the kingdom of God. The phrase portrays extreme pain, agonizing grief, and bitter regret or frustration over eternal loss. (See Matt. 8:12; 13:50; 22:13; 24:51; Luk. 13:28)

B.   Often when Jesus uses this phrase “gnashing of teeth”, it also symbolizes intense anger, rage, and bitter resentment rather than mere physical pain. These actions reflect bitter fury instead of humble repentance! People in outer darkness feel indignant rage and resentment toward God and the righteous because these individuals missed out on their expected rewards. The “gnashing of teeth” captures the defiant responses, outraged frustrations, rebellious attitudes, angry reaction to final judgment and eternal separation from God…an unyielding irritation towards God and His kingdom.

The Bible also uses many other descriptions of Hell! A place of remorse (Lk. 16:27-28), torment (Lk. 16:23; Re. 20:10), a place of worms (Mk. 9:44, 46, 48; Is. 66:24), thirst (Lk. 16:24), a place without hope of escape (Lk. 16:26), and a place of unfulfilled desires and unanswered prayers (Lk. 16:27-31). Beloved, these are heart breaking realizations regarding real people’s forever experiences. We need selfless courage to reach and warn them of the wrath to come!

 

The Motivation of Hell

“The Motivation of Hell”

Rev. 20:11-15 

SUBJECT: HELL/EVANGELISM

THEME: Effective evangelism is hard work and many grow weary in this area of ministry. Even though we have a command to reach the lost with the gospel, we sometimes require additional insight to motivate us to the work. Perhaps a better understanding of Hell will stir us to become more consistent evangelists for our Lord.

RELEVANCE: Our compassion for the perishing multitudes must be stirred by the reality of Hell, to encourage us to become involved or remain with the task of Evangelism. Sometimes we become cold towards this area of ministry, sometimes we treasure our relationship with a lost person more than we cherish their soul’s salvation. Multitudes are dying and going to Hell, who will give themselves to consistently get in their way and point them to Christ.

INTRODUCTION:

This scene in Revelation 20 portrays the grand event of the Great White Throne judgment! This event occurs just prior to the establishment of the new heaven and new earth (Re. 20:11-15). Only the unsaved are resurrected to this judgment. The saved will already have been resurrected and would have reigned and served with Christ for a thousand years on the earth (Re. 20:1-5).

This judgment is for the evil works of the unsaved (Re. 20:12-13). Since everyone’s works are sinful before God, and since these unregenerated individuals did not receive Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin during their earthly lives, they will be judged and suffer eternal punishment for their evil deeds and rejection of God.

Notice the final destiny of the unsaved person is unmistakenly spelled out for everyone to see! Rev. 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why we need to be motivated to share the Gospel and send out missionaries! The world and our neighbors are destined for a Devil’s Hell forever! We must be stirred to reach them with the gospel of Christ. Does not God deserve the worship, obedience, honor, and service of these people also? Are not the gravity and weight of sin more incredibly significant than we could ever imagine or quantify? Does not a love for our fellow man compel us to engage them with the hope of the gospel? Isn’t it right for the Supreme Judge of the entire world to hold everyone accountable for their deeds?

MESSAGE:

I.  What Is Meant by “Hell”?

Hell is the place of imprisonment and punishment for those who revolt against God.

A. HELL WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED FOR SATAN AND THE REBELLIOUS ANGELS. Matthew 25:41, Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

1.    This fire was prepared for the devil and his angels, not originally for people. God’s initial intention was not for people to suffer this fate, but rather that those fallen creatures who choose a lifestyle of rebellion and indifference effectively align themselves with the devil and evil share this ultimate destination.

2.    We must emphasize that people are not passively ‘sent’ to Hell; rather, by continually rejecting God, people ultimately choose to distance themselves from God’s presence, which results in eternal separation. God respects and accepts their choices!

B. UNSAVED PEOPLE WILL BE COMMITTED TO HELL ALSO (Mt. 25:41-46). Luke 16:22-24, And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

1.    The Lord Jesus authoritatively describes the stark reversal of consequences after death for a poor beggar named Lazarus and an unnamed rich man. We witness the concepts of the afterlife, conscious torment, and the finality of earthly choices.

2.    Abraham’s bosom is a symbolic expression to denote the place of bliss. To any Jew, the thought of enjoying fellowship with Abraham would suggest inexpressible bliss. We take it that Abraham’s bosom is the same as heaven.  

It must have come as a shock to the disciples when Jesus said that this rich Jew went to Hades. They had always been taught from the OT that riches were a sign of God’s blessing and favor. An Israelite who obeyed the Lord was promised material prosperity. How then could a wealthy Jew go to Hades? …They are a test of a man’s faithfulness in stewardship. To whom much is given, of him will much be required.^[1]

3.    The idea that non-believers go to Hell is one of the most heavily debated concepts and beliefs varying widely; perspectives on this topic differ significantly. We emphasize that salvation requires definite faith in Jesus Christ. So, we reject any notion that God still accepts people even if they did not hear the gospel. We believe even these individuals will face eternal separation from God because of our inherent sin, the sheer gravity and seriousness of offenses, and the just nature of God. One additional note is significant, there is NO Bible evidence to contradict or even modify these conclusions.

C. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TAUGHT AND WARNED PEOPLE MUCH OF AN ENDLESS HELL.

Yes, Jesus taught a place of final judgment and punishment for the unrepentant, using imagery like Gehenna, eternal fire, and outer darkness. The Lord Jesus was not passive or inactive about this important matter! See Matt. 5:22; 12:23; 13:42, 50; 18:8-9; 23:33; 25:41, 46; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:19-31. 

1.    “Outer Darkness”: A place of final judgment, crying, and a definitive split with God. Jesus describes Hell as a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” away from God’s company…a total departure from God’s light and joy. Cast out into dark night is another revealing portrayal of Hell outside where a rejected guest is thrown accompanied by deep sorrow in the heart and sharp pains or regret. See Matt. 8:12; 22:13, and 25:30.

2.    “Everlasting Punishment” (Matt. 25:46): Jesus during the Olivet Discourse, describes a judgment separating the nations into two groups. Also in Matthew 25:41, Jesus speaks of “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”. See Mark 3:29.

Jesus most often referred to the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem when speaking of Hell. Historically, this valley was a trash dump where fires burned constantly, serving 1st-century Jews as a stark symbol for God's judgment and destruction.

3.    So, the Lord Jesus was completely bold enough to Teach on Hell and Judgment!

·        Yes, Jesus did speak about hell using vivid imagery to warn listeners about spiritual danger and final judgment as direct warnings.

·        When emphasizing these same warnings today we must note that Jesus spoke of judgment directly to urge immediate repentance and to recover people from spiritual ruin, rather than out of an obsession with punishment.

4.    Bible students estimate that Jesus spoke about heaven or the Kingdom of God about 3 to 4 times more often than Hell. He mentioned heaven, eternal life, or the Kingdom over 160 times in the Gospels, while His direct references to hell (or Gehenna) range from roughly 12 to 30 times.

Jesus described a real place of endless, conscious torment for those who reject God. He like John the Baptist warned about an “unquenchable fire” (Matt. 3:12; Mark 9:43) and a “fiery furnace” (Matt. 13:42) where people would experience unimaginable anguish—God’s severe punishment of the unrepentant!

D. IN THE O.T. THE WORD HELL (SHEOL) HAS TWO MEANINGS WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND. Hell in common usage designates the place of future punishment for the unsaved unbelieving. The word has other meanings we must differentiate to prevent mistakes and confusion.

    1. The Grave Itself—Sometimes it Refers the Place Where the Bodies of the Dead Are Laid—the Grave. Psalm 6:5, For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? (Ec. 9:10; Is. 38:18,19). 

In some cases, it refers to the grave, in others to the place of disembodied spirits without any necessary implication as to their happiness or unhappiness. 

     2. The Realm of Departed Spirits—Usually, Though, it Means the Place Where Departed Spirits go to Reside. This is commonly called the afterlife, the underworld, or Sheol/Hades. This neutral, shadowy resting place or the grave where all the dead go…the subterranean realm of the dead. (See Ge. 37:35; De. 32:22; Ps. 9:17; 16:10; 55:15; 30:3; Pr. 9:18; 15:24; 23:14; Is. 5:14; 14:15; Eze. 31:16; 32:21,27).

 

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1433.

Listening With Your Heart 1

Listening With Your Heart 1

Jer. 17:9; Ps 119:18 and Rom. 10:17

SUBJECT: Evangelism and Personal Work

THEME: It is vital we maintain a correct attitude toward God and His work. We must keep our hearts respectful, clean, compliant, and obedient towards the duties, tasks, and responsibilities of evangelism.

INTRODUCTION:

Even though the Word of God is incredibly clear on the Great Commission and personal evangelism, there is still a great deal of reluctance among believers to invest, involve themselves, and share their faith. They also are hesitant concerning any aggressive Christian activity. This perspective did not come from God…. 

Jeremiah 17:9, says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” You see our human nature is so fallible, broken, and deceptive…it cannot be trusted to respond to God or His priorities appropriately! We need to maintain or obtain the correct ‘heart’ posture to become responsive to the Lord.

Passages like these help us understand we need to experience a special form of ‘heart’ surgery rendering us more obedient to God.

Ps 119:18, Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Rom 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

God frequently refers to “heart surgery” as influential imagery pointing to spiritual rejuvenation, where He cleans our sin and replaces our stubborn, unenthusiastic, and sinful ‘hearts’ with spiritually compliant ‘hearts.’ As a result, we become far more spiritually minded than carnal minded.

MESSAGE:

As God’s Servant, Use His Word to Examine Your Heart

We are susceptible to contracting various unhealthy heart conditions, but God’s word can be trusted to help us sort out our real condition.

A.  THE WEIGHTED DOWN HEART (Worried)

Luke 21:34, And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Our Lord Jesus warns us to remain spiritually alert. He cautions against letting worldly distractions, overindulgence, or everyday anxieties dull our spiritual senses. He wants to ensure we are not caught off guard by the sudden, unexpected arrival of “that day” (the return of Christ).

1.     “Overcharged with surfeiting” portrays the ‘heart’ as being weighed down or dulled by overindulgence, specifically gluttony or excessive eating.

2.    “Cares of this life” refer to the distracting, consuming anxieties and worries about day-to-day survival and earthly pursuits.

If we are not careful, we will end up ‘overcharged’ and weighed down with the many concerns of life.

·       Too disturbed with making ends meet financially

·       Too anxious about our professional pursuits and the work-related environment

·       Too worried about family or home related crisis or matters

·       Too concerned with friends, relatives and other matters of that nature

·       Too troubled with our health, eating habits/diet, and health insurance

3.    Remember, worry is an ineffective strategy for the future! God tells us not to worry as a matter of policy, emphasizing that life is more than material needs and reminding us of our immense value to Him. Instead of stressing, He invites us to pray and cast our burdens on Him, promising to replace our anxieties with a supernatural peace that guards our hearts and minds.

4.    Take these Bible thoughts very seriously because they afford wisdom and comfort to alleviate the weighted down heart condition:

·        Remember Your Value to God. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus reminds us to look at the birds and flowers; if God cares for nature, He will certainly provide for us. He assures us, we do not need to worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself.

·        Change your Anxieties into Prayers. Philippians 4:6-7 commands to refuse to be anxious about anything, instructing us to present our prayer requests to God with a heart of thanksgiving so He can grant us His brand of peace.

·        Release Your Burdens to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:6-7 encourages us to throw all our anxiety on the Lord because He deeply cares for us.

·        Take Comfort in and Trust God as a Habit. Psalm 23 reminds us that even when walking through the darkest valleys, we do not need to fear because God is with us, providing rest, restoring, assurance, and comfort to our souls.

Worries and more ‘bothers!’ God say, “No”! Avoid this condition making some godly priorities instead and sticking with them. Put God first, your family next, and then work it out from there with the rest of your priorities.  Place a precedence on the most important things first.