Warning: Hell!
by Pat McIntosh
Warning labels are prevalent in our society. Sometimes we pay attention while at other times we
simply ignore them. Often, we ignore them to our own peril. Despite being warned of what
happens when metal comes into contact with a “hot sparkplug” I once attempted to pull a spark
plug wire off a lawnmower with a piece of wire. That got my attention! I had ignored a warning
and paid the price with a vengeance.
Hell is a real place and is described horribly in the Scriptures. It is a place of “weeping and
gnashing of teeth” where fire burns for eternity. We see it described with such phrases as “pain
and torment” and “eternal punishment.” There is simply no way to put a “positive spin” on the
language that is used to describe this horrible place.
We have been warned about this place throughout the Scriptures. Jesus had more to say about it
than any other Bible writer. Clearly God and His Son do not want us to be there and “warning
signs” have been provided. Do we take them seriously?
I know some deny that hell exists. I find it somewhat interesting that some of those same people
have no problem believing in heaven. If we are consistent, the same source provides descriptions
and gives credibility to the existence of both. Yes, heaven is described as a beautiful place. It is
my belief that it will be more beautiful than those words can express. I share the same belief
regarding the concept of hell. It will be more horrible than mere words can express.
May we choose a heavenly home with God. May we heed the many warnings provided in
Scripture. The choice is ours. Someone has well said that one can go to hell with no conscious
effort made. The same is NOT true of heaven.
Sunday A.M. Sermon – Why Preach on Hell?
- The Bible has much to say about it – Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; Rev. 1:3; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim.
3:16-17; Matt. 5:22, 29-30; Mk. 9:43-47; Matt. 10:28; Matt. 23:15, 33; 8:12; 13:42, 50;
Rev. 20:10; 14:11; 2 Thes. 1:9 - People need be warned – Matt. 7:13; 2 Thes. 1:8; Rev. 21:8; Matt. 7:21-23; 1 Cor. 10:12; Heb.
10:26-31; 2 Cor. 5:10-11 - God does not want anyone to go there – 2 Pet. 3:9
Sunday P.M. Sermon – But Now Profitable (Philemon 10-16)