Eternal Choices: The Reality of Heaven and Hell
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we delved into a profound and sobering topic: the reality of heaven and hell. We began by emphasizing the importance of faith, as stated in Hebrews 11:6, which tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. This sets the stage for our discussion on the eternal consequences of our choices.
We explored the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the eternal destinations that await us based on our earthly lives. The rich man, who lived in luxury, found himself in torment in Hades, while Lazarus, a beggar covered in sores, was comforted in Abraham's bosom. This story illustrates the reality of hell as a place of unending torment, thirst, and separation from God, while heaven is depicted as a place of comfort, peace, and eternal joy.
We discussed the misconceptions many have about hell, noting that a significant portion of people, including some Christians, do not believe in its existence. This disbelief leads to a life devoid of the fear of God and the consequences of sin. We highlighted that our understanding of eternity shapes how we live today. If we believe in the reality of hell, it should compel us to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency.
The sermon also touched on the deceptive strategies of Satan, who aims to convince people that hell is not real or not to be taken seriously. This deception leads to a life of self-centeredness, comfort-seeking, and a lack of spiritual urgency. We must recognize these lies and live in the truth of God's Word.
Finally, we offered hope. Despite the grim reality of hell, there is a way to avoid it. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. By accepting Him as our Savior and living a life surrendered to Him, we can secure our place in heaven. The story of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder that our choices today determine our eternal destiny. Let us choose wisely and live in the light of eternity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith is Essential: Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must believe in His existence and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. This foundational belief shapes our relationship with God and our eternal destiny. [17:02]
2. The Reality of Hell: The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 vividly illustrates the torment and separation from God that characterize hell. This narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of a life lived without Christ. [57:34]
3. Misconceptions About Hell: Many people, including some Christians, do not believe in the existence of hell. This disbelief leads to a life devoid of the fear of God and the consequences of sin. Our understanding of eternity shapes how we live today. [41:48]
4. Satan's Deception: Satan aims to convince people that hell is not real or not to be taken seriously. This deception leads to a life of self-centeredness, comfort-seeking, and a lack of spiritual urgency. We must recognize these lies and live in the truth of God's Word. [50:27]
5. Hope in Christ: Despite the grim reality of hell, there is hope in Jesus Christ. By accepting Him as our Savior and living a life surrendered to Him, we can secure our place in heaven. Our choices today determine our eternal destiny, so let us choose wisely. [01:24:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:02] - Importance of Faith
[17:59] - Seek After God
[18:41] - Nothing Too Hard for God
[19:20] - Take a Step of Faith
[19:49] - God is Our Rescuer
[34:32] - Prayer and Blessing
[37:55] - Introduction to Heaven and Hell
[41:48] - Misconceptions About Hell
[47:44] - The Narrow Gate
[50:27] - Satan's Deception
[55:14] - God's Judgment
[57:34] - The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus
[01:03:05] - Description of Hell
[01:11:01] - Consequences of Hell
[01:24:53] - Hope in Christ
[01:46:31] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
2. Luke 16:19-31: The story of the rich man and Lazarus.
3. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: "He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what are the two essential beliefs required to please God? [17:02]
2. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), what are the contrasting fates of the two men after they die? [57:34]
3. What does 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 say about the fate of those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel? [55:14]
4. What are some misconceptions about hell that were discussed in the sermon? [41:48]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the belief in the reality of hell influence a Christian's daily life and decisions? [41:48]
2. What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus teach us about the consequences of our earthly choices? [57:34]
3. How does Satan's deception about the reality of hell affect people's spiritual urgency and lifestyle? [50:27]
4. What is the significance of faith in shaping our relationship with God and our eternal destiny, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:6? [17:02]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith. Do you truly believe in God's existence and that He rewards those who seek Him? How does this belief shape your daily actions? [17:02]
2. The rich man in Luke 16 lived a life of luxury but ended up in torment. Are there areas in your life where you prioritize comfort over spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus? [57:34]
3. Misconceptions about hell can lead to a lack of fear of God and the consequences of sin. How can you ensure that your understanding of eternity aligns with biblical teachings? [41:48]
4. Satan aims to convince people that hell is not real or not to be taken seriously. How can you guard yourself against such deceptions and live with spiritual urgency? [50:27]
5. Despite the grim reality of hell, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Have you accepted Him as your Savior and are you living a life surrendered to Him? If not, what steps can you take to do so? [01:24:53]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the gospel with urgency. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share the message of salvation with them this week? [41:48]
7. Reflect on the choices you make daily. Are they leading you towards a closer relationship with God and securing your place in heaven? What changes can you make to ensure you are living in the light of eternity? [01:24:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Our Relationship with God
Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. This means that our belief in His existence and His rewards for those who earnestly seek Him is fundamental. Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises and His character. It shapes our actions, decisions, and ultimately, our eternal destiny. When we live by faith, we align ourselves with God's will and open ourselves to His blessings and guidance. [17:02]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to exercise more faith in God's promises today? How can you take a step of faith in that area?
Day 2: The Sobering Reality of Hell
The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 provides a vivid illustration of the reality of hell. The rich man, who lived a life of luxury, found himself in torment in Hades, while Lazarus, a beggar, was comforted in Abraham's bosom. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. Hell is depicted as a place of unending torment, thirst, and separation from God. Understanding the reality of hell should compel us to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency, knowing that our choices today determine our eternal destiny. [57:34]
Luke 16:23-24 (ESV): "And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'"
Reflection: How does the reality of hell influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? What steps can you take to share the gospel more urgently with those around you?
Day 3: Misconceptions About Hell and Their Consequences
Many people, including some Christians, do not believe in the existence of hell. This disbelief leads to a life devoid of the fear of God and the consequences of sin. When we fail to acknowledge the reality of hell, we risk living a life of complacency and self-centeredness. Our understanding of eternity shapes how we live today. If we truly believe in the eternal consequences of our actions, it should drive us to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love and truth to others. [41:48]
Matthew 25:46 (ESV): "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Reflection: What misconceptions about hell have you encountered in your own life or in the lives of others? How can you address these misconceptions with biblical truth?
Day 4: Recognizing and Resisting Satan's Deception
Satan aims to convince people that hell is not real or not to be taken seriously. This deception leads to a life of self-centeredness, comfort-seeking, and a lack of spiritual urgency. Recognizing these lies is crucial for living in the truth of God's Word. We must be vigilant and discerning, understanding that Satan's goal is to lead us away from God and His truth. By grounding ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's guidance, we can resist Satan's deception and live a life that honors God and reflects His truth. [50:27]
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (ESV): "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."
Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to believe Satan's lies about hell or other spiritual truths? How can you strengthen your discernment and reliance on God's Word to resist these deceptions?
Day 5: Hope and Assurance in Christ
Despite the grim reality of hell, there is hope in Jesus Christ. By accepting Him as our Savior and living a life surrendered to Him, we can secure our place in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and through Him, we have the assurance of eternal life. The story of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder that our choices today determine our eternal destiny. Let us choose wisely and live in the light of eternity, embracing the hope and assurance that Christ offers. [01:24:53]
John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Reflection: How does the hope of eternal life in Christ influence your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus and live more fully in the light of eternity?
Quotes
1. "Take a step of faith. That means you're going to go from where you are to an expected location that's going to carry you further than you ever dreamed possible. So this morning, take a step of faith and trust that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you could ever think or imagine." [19:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What you believe about eternity will determine how you live today. Let me say that again. What you believe about eternity determines how you're going to live today. Many are living like there is no hell. But I've got news for you today. This book declares without doubt that there is a hell." [41:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you were the devil, what would your strategy be this morning to kill, steal, and destroy? Well, I'm going to tell you exactly what I'd do if I were the devil. First thing I'd do is I'd try to convince you that there's no hell. Oh, wait a minute. That's what we already believe, isn't it? So many believe that there is no hell." [50:27] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you reject the word of God. I was in a discussion just a few days ago and Ellen and I were conversing and I was on the way home and before I got home, she could hang the phone up because I had gotten so jacked up and was talking to her and telling her I believe she could have heard me in Williamsburg from here without the telephone because we were in a discussion about well, the Bible's just written by me and it can't be accurate." [01:15:34] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What can we glean from this story that Jesus tells? One, that there is truth to be discovered from the word of God. If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets. Let me tell you something. If you reject the word of God... Jesus said if they won't believe this, they're not going to believe a man that comes back from the grave." [01:15:06] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Heaven's going to be a place where there is a party going on. In fact, there's going to be a banquet. Amen. There's going to be the marriage supper of the lamb. We get there and we get to eat all we want and we won't get fat. I mean, I'm going to eat ice cream every day. Come on." [01:21:33] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Your choices will determine where you spend eternity. What will you do? What will you do? What will you do with this man named Jesus? Your tomorrow is not promised. And I'm looking around and I'm saying Lord, we just all regular folk. We know each other. But there's a consuming hail. There's a Satan. That's after your soul. And his greatest tool is deception." [01:34:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And I know you'd rather hear me talk about the love of Jesus right now, but there's a fear, a holy fear that is a right kind of fear that you're not afraid of but an understanding of the judgment that's going to come one day." [01:12:20] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The grace that saves you is strong enough to keep you. Amen. And it's also strong enough to change your life. In fact, a life without grace is an unchanged life, but a life with grace is a transformed life. So we can't use grace as an excuse to sin because the Bible is clear that grace saves, cleanses, and keeps us." [46:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you've got the heart of God, you can't walk past someone in need and turn a blind eye. Oh boy, this dog don't want to get out of the pen in right now. Then he'll say to those on the left. Depart from me. You who are cursed into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." [01:28:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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