Choosing Eternity: The Reality of Heaven and Hell
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. It's a joy to see you all here today, especially on this Memorial Day weekend. As we gather, let's remember those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Today, I want to talk about a topic that is often avoided but is crucial for our understanding of faith: hell. Last week, we discussed heaven, and today we will delve into the reality of hell.
We began by reflecting on the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving God. There's nothing greater than living for Him. I've experienced life on the other side, and I can tell you that one day in God's courts is better than thousands elsewhere. This joy is something we should share with others, as we have been given a mandate to minister and bring the gospel to everyone. We must prioritize telling our loved ones about God's love and what He has done in our lives.
We then moved on to discuss the reality of hell, a topic that many avoid. Hell is a place of torment, memory, and crying. It's a place where people know who they are and why they are there. The fire is never quenched, and the worm does not die. It's a place of eternal separation from God. This is why it's so important to share the gospel now, while we have the chance. There is no second chance after death.
We read from Luke 16, the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived a life of luxury, while Lazarus suffered. When they died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom, while the rich man found himself in hell, tormented. The rich man begged for relief and for someone to warn his brothers, but it was too late. This story illustrates the eternal consequences of our choices in this life.
We also discussed the Great Commission, where Jesus commands us to go into all the world and make disciples. This includes teaching about the reality of hell. Many people question how a loving God can send people to hell. The truth is, God doesn't send anyone to hell; people choose it by rejecting Him. Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his fallen angels, not for people. But those who reject God end up there by their own choice.
We must understand that God is not only loving and merciful but also just. His justice requires that there be a place of punishment for those who reject Him. This is why it's so important to share the gospel and snatch people from the fire, as Jude 1:23 says. Some can be reached with compassion, while others need to be snatched from the fire.
In conclusion, we have a choice to make in this life. We can choose to accept Jesus and spend eternity in heaven, or we can reject Him and face eternal separation in hell. The good news is that we have the opportunity now to choose life. Jesus died for our sins, and by accepting Him, we can be saved. Let's make the most of this opportunity and share the good news with others.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Joy of Serving God: Serving God brings unparalleled joy and fulfillment. One day in His courts is better than thousands elsewhere. This joy is something we should share with others, as we have been given a mandate to minister and bring the gospel to everyone. We must prioritize telling our loved ones about God's love and what He has done in our lives. [51:13]
2. The Reality of Hell: Hell is a place of torment, memory, and crying. It's a place where people know who they are and why they are there. The fire is never quenched, and the worm does not die. This is why it's so important to share the gospel now, while we have the chance. There is no second chance after death. [52:06]
3. The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus: The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 illustrates the eternal consequences of our choices in this life. The rich man lived a life of luxury, while Lazarus suffered. When they died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom, while the rich man found himself in hell, tormented. This story underscores the importance of making the right choices now. [37:33]
4. The Great Commission and Hell: Jesus commands us to go into all the world and make disciples, which includes teaching about the reality of hell. Many people question how a loving God can send people to hell. The truth is, God doesn't send anyone to hell; people choose it by rejecting Him. Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his fallen angels, not for people. [40:59]
5. God's Justice and Our Choice: God is not only loving and merciful but also just. His justice requires that there be a place of punishment for those who reject Him. This is why it's so important to share the gospel and snatch people from the fire, as Jude 1:23 says. We have a choice to make in this life: accept Jesus and spend eternity in heaven, or reject Him and face eternal separation in hell. [59:54]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:11] - Opening Remarks and Greetings
[32:19] - Memorial Day Reflections
[33:51] - Encouragement for Men’s Challenge
[34:24] - Importance of Fellowship and Iron Sharpens Iron
[34:56] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[35:24] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
[35:55] - Personal Reflections and Sabbatical Announcement
[36:27] - Introduction to the Topic of Hell
[36:58] - Reading from Luke 16
[37:33] - The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus
[38:20] - The Great Gulf Fixed
[39:00] - The Importance of the Word of God
[39:42] - The Reality of Eternal Punishment
[40:16] - The Great Commission
[40:59] - The Consequences of Rejecting Jesus
[41:39] - God Knows Us by Name
[42:18] - The Importance of a Relationship with Christ
[43:00] - The Story of the Seven Sons of Sceva
[43:41] - The Rich Man’s Self-Centeredness
[44:31] - The Beggar’s Desire for Crumbs
[45:21] - The Death of Lazarus and the Rich Man
[46:12] - Death is Not the End
[46:49] - Jesus is the Resurrection
[47:32] - The Rich Man’s Attitude in Hell
[48:13] - The Eternal Consequences of Our Choices
[49:03] - The Importance of Making the Right Choices Now
[49:47] - Our Purpose in This Life
[50:29] - God’s Desire for Everyone to Repent
[51:13] - The Joy of Serving God
[52:06] - The Reality of Hell
[52:39] - Sharing Your Testimony
[53:25] - The Importance of Talking About Hell
[53:59] - The Consequences of Rejecting Jesus
[54:54] - The Reality of Hell
[55:31] - God’s Love and Justice
[56:09] - The Right to Defend Our Faith
[56:51] - The Importance of Justice
[57:27] - The Right to Protect Our Homes
[58:13] - The Impassable Separation
[58:48] - Encouraging Yourself in the Lord
[59:54] - Snatching People from the Fire
[01:00:10] - Hell Was Not Prepared for People
[01:01:38] - The Blessing of the Father
[01:02:40] - The Consequences of Rejecting God
[01:03:37] - Scriptures on Hell
[01:04:07] - The Fear of God
[01:04:35] - The Condemnation of Hell
[01:05:07] - The Everlasting Nature of Hell
[01:06:09] - The Only Way to Remove Sins
[01:06:40] - The Urgency of Salvation
[01:07:13] - The Promise of Eternal Life
[01:07:40] - The Relief in Heaven
[01:08:04] - God’s Mercy is Now
[01:08:34] - The Opportunity to Accept Christ
[01:09:05] - The Horror of Hell
[01:09:32] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
[01:09:58] - The Call to Salvation
[01:10:30] - The Power of Choice
[01:11:01] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:11:27] - The Love of Jesus
[01:11:44] - Call to Raise Hands for Salvation
[01:11:59] - Prayer for Salvation
[01:12:15] - Rejoicing in Salvation
[01:12:38] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 16:19-31 - The story of the rich man and Lazarus.
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission.
3. Jude 1:23 - Snatching others from the fire.
### Observation Questions
1. What are the main differences between the lives of the rich man and Lazarus as described in Luke 16:19-21?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the rich man recognizing Lazarus in hell? [37:33]
3. What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 command us to do, and how does it relate to the topic of hell discussed in the sermon? [40:16]
4. How does Jude 1:23 describe the urgency and method of saving others from hell? [59:54]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used the story of the rich man and Lazarus to illustrate the reality of hell? What message was He trying to convey?
2. How does the concept of eternal separation from God in hell challenge or reinforce your understanding of God's justice and mercy? [55:31]
3. In what ways does the Great Commission emphasize the importance of teaching about hell? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the urgency of sharing the gospel? [40:59]
4. What does it mean to "snatch others from the fire" as mentioned in Jude 1:23, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? [59:54]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving God. How can you share this joy with others in your daily life? [50:29]
2. The sermon emphasized the reality of hell and the urgency of sharing the gospel. What steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone who may not know Christ? [52:06]
3. The rich man in Luke 16 was self-centered and failed to help Lazarus. Are there areas in your life where you might be neglecting to help others? How can you change this? [43:41]
4. How can you incorporate the Great Commission into your personal mission? What practical actions can you take to make disciples and teach others about the reality of hell? [40:59]
5. The sermon mentioned that some people need to be reached with compassion, while others need to be "snatched from the fire." How can you discern the best approach for different individuals in your life? [59:54]
6. Reflect on the idea that God is both loving and just. How does this understanding affect your view of evangelism and the urgency of sharing the gospel? [55:31]
7. Think about a loved one who does not know Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with them, keeping in mind the eternal consequences discussed in the sermon? [52:06]
Devotional
### Step 1: Themes
1. The Joy of Serving God
2. The Reality of Hell
3. Eternal Consequences of Our Choices
4. The Great Commission and Hell
5. God's Justice and Our Choice
### Step 2: Descriptions
1. The Joy of Serving God: Serving God brings unparalleled joy and fulfillment. One day in His courts is better than thousands elsewhere. This joy is something we should share with others, as we have been given a mandate to minister and bring the gospel to everyone. We must prioritize telling our loved ones about God's love and what He has done in our lives. [51:13]
2. The Reality of Hell: Hell is a place of torment, memory, and crying. It's a place where people know who they are and why they are there. The fire is never quenched, and the worm does not die. This is why it's so important to share the gospel now, while we have the chance. There is no second chance after death. [52:06]
3. Eternal Consequences of Our Choices: The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 illustrates the eternal consequences of our choices in this life. The rich man lived a life of luxury, while Lazarus suffered. When they died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom, while the rich man found himself in hell, tormented. This story underscores the importance of making the right choices now. [37:33]
4. The Great Commission and Hell: Jesus commands us to go into all the world and make disciples, which includes teaching about the reality of hell. Many people question how a loving God can send people to hell. The truth is, God doesn't send anyone to hell; people choose it by rejecting Him. Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his fallen angels, not for people. [40:59]
5. God's Justice and Our Choice: God is not only loving and merciful but also just. His justice requires that there be a place of punishment for those who reject Him. This is why it's so important to share the gospel and snatch people from the fire, as Jude 1:23 says. We have a choice to make in this life: accept Jesus and spend eternity in heaven, or reject Him and face eternal separation in hell. [59:54]
### Step 3: Bible Passages
1. Psalm 84:10 (ESV): "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."
2. Mark 9:48 (ESV): "Where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched."
3. Luke 16:22-23 (ESV): "The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side."
4. Matthew 25:41 (ESV): "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'"
5. Jude 1:23 (ESV): "Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
### Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. Think of a time when you felt the joy of serving God. How can you share that joy with someone in your life today?
2. Reflect on the reality of hell. How does this understanding impact your urgency to share the gospel with others?
3. Consider the choices you are making in your life right now. Are they leading you closer to God or further away from Him?
4. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission this week? Who is someone you can share the reality of hell and the hope of heaven with?
5. Reflect on God's justice and mercy. How does understanding both aspects of God's character influence your relationship with Him and your actions towards others?
### Step 5: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: The Joy of Serving God
Serving God brings unparalleled joy and fulfillment. One day in His courts is better than thousands elsewhere. This joy is something we should share with others, as we have been given a mandate to minister and bring the gospel to everyone. We must prioritize telling our loved ones about God's love and what He has done in our lives. [51:13]
Psalm 84:10 (ESV): "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt the joy of serving God. How can you share that joy with someone in your life today?
Day 2: The Reality of Hell
Hell is a place of torment, memory, and crying. It's a place where people know who they are and why they are there. The fire is never quenched, and the worm does not die. This is why it's so important to share the gospel now, while we have the chance. There is no second chance after death. [52:06]
Mark 9:48 (ESV): "Where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched."
Reflection: Reflect on the reality of hell. How does this understanding impact your urgency to share the gospel with others?
Day 3: Eternal Consequences of Our Choices
The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 illustrates the eternal consequences of our choices in this life. The rich man lived a life of luxury, while Lazarus suffered. When they died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom, while the rich man found himself in hell, tormented. This story underscores the importance of making the right choices now. [37:33]
Luke 16:22-23 (ESV): "The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side."
Reflection: Consider the choices you are making in your life right now. Are they leading you closer to God or further away from Him?
Day 4: The Great Commission and Hell
Jesus commands us to go into all the world and make disciples, which includes teaching about the reality of hell. Many people question how a loving God can send people to hell. The truth is, God doesn't send anyone to hell; people choose it by rejecting Him. Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his fallen angels, not for people. [40:59]
Matthew 25:41 (ESV): "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Great Commission this week? Who is someone you can share the reality of hell and the hope of heaven with?
Day 5: God's Justice and Our Choice
God is not only loving and merciful but also just. His justice requires that there be a place of punishment for those who reject Him. This is why it's so important to share the gospel and snatch people from the fire, as Jude 1:23 says. We have a choice to make in this life: accept Jesus and spend eternity in heaven, or reject Him and face eternal separation in hell. [59:54]
Jude 1:23 (ESV): "Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
Reflection: Reflect on God's justice and mercy. How does understanding both aspects of God's character influence your relationship with Him and your actions towards others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are here for a reason. We are here for other people. We are here because the Bible is adamant that God doesn't want anybody to perish. But that everybody should go to heaven. That everybody should repent." [49:47]
2. "Death is not the end. Death is just a brand new beginning. For the child of God. That's all. I mean, we are transformed. And as Christians, we don't have to fear death. Jesus said in John chapter 11 and verse 25 and 26, As Martha came up to him when he was standing at the tomb of Lazarus and said, Lord, if you would have been here, my brother would not have died. Jesus looked at her and said, I am the resurrection. Praise God. I am the resurrection. And he that lives, I want you to catch that. And he that lives. And believes in me shall never die." [46:12]
3. "Hell was not prepared for, you know, for people, originally for people. Heaven was. Heaven was prepared for believers and Christians. Hell was prepared for the devil and his fallen angels and demonic spirits. That's what hell was prepared for. God does not send anybody to hell. They send themselves. They walk over every, every witness. They walk over the word. They walk over every gospel song. They step over everyone who tries to testify to them. Everything that God deals with them about in their heart, the Holy Spirit continually there. They push all of that aside. They push all the witnessing aside. Every gospel song that comes on, they turn it off. They don't want to get that. They have to walk over all of that. And push him away. And that's because they have made up in their own minds. That's what they're going to do." [01:00:10]
4. "You may have a bad situation in life. But I would rather go through bad situations with the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior than to have the best life here on this earth and to die without Christ. You cannot compare this life with what hell is going to be like. The Bible said the rich man in hell opened up his eyes, being in torment. He was being tormented. Hell is real. My sermon title, Hell is Still There. And if it's, you know, what we are seeing, that it's the option that is faced when people, you know, won't accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. That's what the option is, hell. Because there's only two. Either you're going to heaven or you're going to hell. There is no in between. There's nothing there." [53:59]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have this mandate that has been given unto you and I to minister unto everyone. And bringing the gospel and encouraging them to dedicate their life in serving God. There's nothing greater than serving God. There's nothing greater than living for God. I'm just telling you. This is the joy to me. The joy. I've been on that other side. I did all of that mess. I got involved in all of that. I can tell you one day in the courts of God is better than 10,000 times 10,000 times 10,000. Whoo! Man, I didn't know preaching on hell could feel this good. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [51:13]
2. "We live in a world today that people don't talk about it. Church don't talk about it. Christians don't talk about it. They just don't talk about it. Christians don't want to talk about it. Many Christians say, well, I really don't believe it exists. They're out there. There's a group of people. There's a group of Christians in this world that says, I don't think that it exists. It's just an analogy." [53:25]
3. "And have mercy on those who doubt. Save others by snatching them out of the fire. Oh, there are those, I'm telling you, that has to be snatched out of the fire. There are those you can reach with compassion. And you can speak softly. And you can talk to them. And you can just, you know, share with them what you. But there's others that are in such trouble right now. I'm telling you, their destination is hell. And they are just so out there. You've got to snatch them, you know, from the fire and say, hey, you know, you need Christ. You need your life. Anybody know what I'm talking about? Thank God. Thank God. Thank God. Thank God. So, so we see this. And I want you to get this, get this right here." [59:54]
4. "We come through a time when everybody said, well, you know, hell's too negative and you can't talk about it. You can't get up and just begin to preach on that particular subject matter because it'll drive people away. But people have to understand that if you reject Jesus Christ, there is an eternal punishment. It's in the book. It's in the Bible. It's what God, has given unto us and great blessings. We know are for those who receive Christ, but there is eternal condemnation for those who don't. We have what is called the Great Commission and Jesus talks about it in Matthew chapter 28, beginning at verse 19. And he talks about to go into all the world and make disciples and teaching them." [39:42]
5. "The rich man opens up his eyes. And the Bible said he's in hell. He is in hell. The rich man still had an attitude even when he got there. Almost like commanding and speaking it out. You, Abraham, you go tell Father Abraham. You go tell Lazarus to dip his finger in the water. And come and cool my parched tongue. Have him come and do that. He had been used to telling people what to do and how to act and all of that. Because he was a rich man. And he called out that command. But still self-centered and still thinking only of himself. I'm not quite sure. I'm going to be honest here. I'm not quite sure when people leave this world without God that their attitude ever changes. We find no remorse. There's no remorse in this story. There's no remorse in what this man did. He was thinking of himself and even tried to order Abraham around. And Abraham brings up the fact and says, Hey, look, there's a great separation here. You know, these two can't be joined together. There is a great separation that is here. And, you know, we can't come to you and you cannot come to us. Here's what I want you to get. Once you die, you enter into eternity. Once the breath leaves your body, you enter into eternity. And this life is the opportunity for you to make choices. For you to begin to make the right choices." [48:13]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 27, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?