Phil Fischer with Jesus Lives – A Devotion on “Heaven or Hell”
American history’s most famous sermon was written by Jonathan Edwards. Preached in 1741, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry (Holy) God had sinners repenting by the hundreds. Considered by some as the most powerful message ever preached in America, it fostered a spiritual renewal.
Jonathan Edwards did not hold back or omit the very real consequence of sin. He boldly preached about God’s disdain for wickedness. Only God’s will to cover mankind with His grace prevents everlasting death and eternal hell. Edwards did not preach a modern-day, tickle-the-ear message full of warm fuzzies and half-truths. His message made listeners uncomfortable but brought about true repentance and sincere conversion.
That world of misery, that lake of burning brimstone, is extended abroad under you. There is the dreadful pit of the glowing flames of the wrath of God; there is hell’s wide gaping mouth open; and you have nothing to stand upon, nor anything to take hold of; there is nothing between you and hell but the air; it is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up. Were it not for the sovereign pleasure of God, the earth would not bear you one moment, for you are a burden to it.
God warns us that there will be deceiving spirits and things taught by demons in the last days. We must be on watch because the devil is a prowling lion looking to deceive and devour souls. We can’t let our guard down! We must remain in fellowship because iron sharpens iron and through relationship, we are able to hold each other accountable.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3 (NIV)
The grace of God covers everyone up to a point, both the believer and non-believer. However, there comes a time when the Good Shepherd no longer cover us with grace. He withdraws His hand and lets us fall deeper and deeper into our depravity. His offer of salvation remains but He will give sinners over to their depraved mind. The meaning behind gave them over: delivering up to punishment, by betrayal to cause one to be taken, to deliver one to be taught.
“Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” Romans 1:28 (NIV)
A friend with a true heart for evangelism told me a sad but true story. Her daughter-in-law professes to be an agnostic. When a discussion about eternal life in heaven or hell came up the young woman spoke about her life philosophy. Live life for pleasure and sin as much as you want (If you want to call sexual immorality and selfish actions sin).When you are about to die, to cover your tracks, confess your sinful lifestyle and recognize Jesus as Lord. Without hesitation, my friend reminded her of the day somebody T-boned her car and nearly killed her in the accident. One might not have an opportunity to repent as life can be blown out like a candle wick. She did not mention her sincerity for repentance.
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)
It’s not easy to witness to our loved ones. Often, we don’t want to offend or cause a rift. Not all of us are called to evangelize like Jonathan Edwards, but we can pray for opportunities to share the truth about sin, heaven, and hell.
I have many loved ones who are non-believers. I praise God for opening my eyes to His saving grace. I ask Him to send others to share the Gospel with these family members. I pray that they have favor with my loved ones and that through the power of God, they break through the walls of deceit that has ensnared them.
I also ask God for a bold spirit to speak HIS words of truth to those He guides me to. Speaking about sin, heaven, and hell is not easy but necessary. May God open doors and give us opportunities to share the truth. Jesus came to save sinners. The world (nature) declares His existence. There is an afterlife, and it will either be in the presence of our Savior (heaven) or in hell. The wrath of God is holy and being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness. Put on the spiritual armor of God and step out in faith to share the Gospel. Speak truth in love. Don’t tickle ears but ask the Holy Spirit to give you the right words to penetrate souls and move the lost to true repentance. Pray for revival in America. Pray for your government officials. Ask God to guide you daily by making each hour count for His glory.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
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