I returned back to my home church on Sunday. It was nice to be back. It’s going to be an adjustment not going there each Sunday next year, but I know that God has more things in store for me. This past Sunday our pastor spoke about hell (something that isn’t often talked about in today’s churches.) He said that salvation implies a “clear and present danger” and that that “clear and present danger” is hell. He challenged us to look at how, we as America and the church, often ignore the existence of hell. He challenged us to look at the things in lives of Americans today such as pornography, adultery, addictions, etc. Are we willing to spend an eternity in hell for the small immediate gratification of these things? My pastor said, “In Jesus’ consistent teaching, hell is always the fate of those lives characterized by sin, unbelief, and unfruitfulness.” How many of us live in this state of sin, unbelief, and unfaithfulness? This message was a good heart check for many. There was a quiet, contemplative attitude among the congregation after the sermon. It was obvious that minds were reeling and hearts were being touched. I am glad for this good reminder and so thankful and forever grateful that Jesus Christ came to die for us and safe us from an eternity of hell. May we always be mindful of the reality and closeness of hell.
