Bring Your Bible to School Day

Bring Your Bible to School Day

The Brees Connection:

If you’re like me, this national holiday is one that I’d never heard of… that is until Drew Brees was caught up in its promotion last week. He issued a short video that showed him giving a ‘thumbs up’ to the organization behind the drive.

Here’s what Heavy.Com Sports blogger, Johnathan Adams, wrote: “Drew Brees found himself in controversy heading into Week 1 [of the NFL schedule] after appearing in a video for Focus on the Family as part of the ‘Bring Your Bible to School Day.’ The video clip is just 22 seconds long but raised some concerns about the organization putting on the event, Focus on the Family. Outsports.com referred to Focus on the Family as ‘one of the main anti-LGBTQ lobbying groups’ in the country. Brees emphasized he was only aware of the specific event when he agreed to do the video.”

Wow! Talk about ‘stepping in it’, Drew tried to extricate himself from the mess only to ‘promote’ the holiday even more.

Not going there:

Let’s just say, that’s another whole can of worms that I’m not opening up… in this article.

Nor do I want to focus on the organization behind the event. Focus on the Family, focusonthefamily.com, is a pseudo-religious group out of Colorado Springs, CO. It was founded by Darryl and Tracy Strawberry. He was an outstanding baseball player, lastly with the NY Yankees. And she is his 3^rd wife of 13 years. The goal of Focus on the Family is, as per their website, ‘To cooperate with the Holy Spirit in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible by nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide.’

While I may not agree with everything they teach and espouse, I do applaud their good intentions. 

What is Bring Your Bible to School all about?

According to the website, they answer this question with this statement: On Bring Your Bible to School Day— this year’s event is on Oct. 3, 2019 — students across the nation will celebrate religious freedom and share God’s love with their friends. The event is designed to empower you as a student to express your belief in the truth of God’s Word–and to do so in a respectful way that demonstrates the love of Christ.

I don’t have a problem with this national movement to promote God’s word. Obviously, one question arises out of this movement. What are the legal ramifications surrounding such a mass deployment of faithful believers of the Bible? They explain it this way:

1) First Amendment rights: As a student in a public school, you have First Amendment rights to engage in voluntary, free speech conversations in a way that does not interfere with or substantially disrupt classroom time and academic instruction.

2) Equal Access rights: Student clubs (including Christian ones) and individuals also have equal access rights to participate in the same free speech expressions and activities already allowed by the school for other clubs and individuals.

So, students have a legal right to bring their Bible to school and can comment on their faith in the Word of God. However, we all know that school districts across the country are gearing up for this onslaught of religious freedom. And their FAQ addresses these issues.

We are the Word of God:

However, whether you want to participate in this particular demonstration of faith on October 3^rd is totally up to you. Nevertheless, this brings to mind the countless attempts over the past 2000 years to quash God’s word. And yet, here we are in 2019 still faithful and true to His word. Hallelujah!!

First off, we are the light of the word, just as our Lord was.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. (John 8:12)

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matt. 5:14)

Furthermore, Jesus became the Word incarnate to illuminate the grace and truth of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-5 & 14)

In Romans 13:14 & Eph. 6:10-18, the apostle Paul instructs Christians to ‘put on Christ’ and His word as if it were body armor. And he further writes in Colossians 3 to take in Christ culminating in verses 16 & 17.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Therefore, any spear thrown at us by Satan’s disciples will bounce off this protective layer, the Word of God. And all they will see is the Living Word when they look at us.

So, when we are at school, work, the grocery store or anywhere we happen to be… others should see that we are not only carrying the Bible with us, but that we are the Word of God, incarnate. And that our lives are so much like Christ’s, we glow with the Glory of God. For, we are the Light of the World dispelling the Darkness of sin and doubt.

Michael Choate

The Role of Women in the Church, part 1

The Role of Women in the Church, part 1

The Bible says a great deal concerning women within the Old and New Testament, but the focus of this article is on the role that Christian women have within the church. The Gospel, literally the Good News, concerning Jesus Christ, declares that both women and men have been offered the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Duties and Responsibilities

When a person obeys the Gospel instructions for becoming a Christian, then that person becomes part of God’s family (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). God is now a Christian’s Father and other Christians are now brothers and sisters in Christ. Once a person becomes a Christian, that person needs to join with other Christians in a local church. This is important for several reasons.

First, it is required of all Christians to come together to worship God the Father on the first day of the week (Sunday). Not only on Sunday, but when Christians assemble, Christians have the responsibility to attend. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”   Christians must grow spiritually. Christians must grow in their knowledge of the Word of God. This is not an option! This is a command! Only attending assemblies without many further study or activity outside of the assembly is sharply criticized in Hebrews 5:12-14. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Personal and small group study must occur outside of the assemblies of the congregation, and this is one area where Christian women can play an important role.

As described in Acts 8, Saul of Tarsus (Later the Apostle Paul) began to attack the church in the misguided belief that he was attacking heresy. But on the road to Damascus, he saw the Lord, realized his terrible mistake, and turned his heart in submission to God. At Damascus he was baptized and throughout the rest of his life, he proclaimed the Gospel message. However, when the persecution first began in Jerusalem, the Christians were scattered. Many of them probably returned to their homes from whence they had come for the Day of Pentecost. Acts 8:4 described what happened as they left. “Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Clearly, this was not limited to just men telling others about Jesus Christ.

Several years later in Corinth, Paul met a couple, Aquila and Priscilla. They had lived in Rome but were ordered to leave Rome by the Caesar Claudius. Both became Christians, and Paul stayed with them for some time. When Paul left Corinth for Syria, Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him to Ephesus. When Paul left there on other travels, Priscilla and Aquila stayed in Ephesus. While there, a learned man Apollos arrived. While he spoke with great enthusiasm and taught Jesus, he only knew the baptism of John for repentance. Acts 18:26 described how Priscilla and Aquila invited him to their home and they taught him the way of God more adequately. Clearly, Priscilla was an important part of this. In fact, from this point forward Priscilla was named first and then her husband. She may have been the one doing most of the teaching in their home while Aquila looked to earning a living. However, she still would have followed he husband’s leadership.

Another command was also given specifically to Christian Women. 1 Timothy 5:16 states, “If any believing woman has widows, let them give aid to them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may give aid to those who are really widows.” When a husband died first during the days of the New Testament, there were no means of help for the widows other than to rely on their families, to remarry, or to turn to the local congregation for help (1 Timothy 5:3-16). Families were commanded to take care of their widowed parent or family member. This was commanded under the Law of Moses, and it was carried over to the New Testament.    

Second, Christians are told to encourage and help one another and others in need. This is one area where women can be very important. Most women have a caring heart for their children, their husband, and their families. Of course, there are exceptions. Jezebel being one example in the Old Testament…

End of Part 1

Jim Shelburn

Conviction of Sin

Conviction of Sin

Jesus said, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.  But if I go, I will send him to you.  And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…”  (John 16:7-8).  

The “Helper” is identified as the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17; 14:26).  Jesus is telling his apostles that God the Spirit is coming to assist them, to teach all things; remind them of that which Jesus had said to them (John 14:26); and to bear witness about Him (John 15:27).

Then, the remarkable statement of what the Helper would accomplish, when He is come: first, he will convict the world “concerning sin, because they do not believe in me” (John 16:9).  This is a simple proposition: sin, EVERY sin, is a sin of unbelief.  So, when we read that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we understand that, regardless of their specific transgression
(what they did or failed to do), their sin was unbelief – “they do not believe in me.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Do you find that hard to swallow?  Well, consider a case in point.  David and Bathsheba committed adultery.  She conceived and told David, “I am pregnant.”  To make a sordid story short, when it ended David, guilty of adultery, had added to his sin deceit and murder, of Uriah (Bathsheba’s husband).   His sinfulness, impressed on him by Nathan -- you can read about all this in II Samuel 11, 12 – motivated his prayer to God, Psalm 51:4, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight …”  Now look at it: against Bathsheba, against Uriah in multiple transgressions – but his prayer to God is, “Against you, you only, have I sinned.”  “You only”?? 

Perhaps the problem is our casual attitude toward sin, and temptation.

Yes, because, sin is of unbelief; and when one sins it looks at our relationship with our God and defies it.

Next Jesus said, because I go to the Father and you will see me no longer.” (John 16:10).  How will the world be convinced that Jesus is righteous?  He asserted that he was righteous, while breaking the Law of Moses concerning the Sabbath and more than that claiming to be God; “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father¸ making  himself equal with God” (John 5:18, 19). The Jews thought he was a blasphemer, a servant of Beelzebub”; but Peter said he was “a man approved of God” .  Tenney said “The return of Jesus to the Father was the ultimate proof that He was the perfect pattern for righteousness, accepted by the Father” (Merrill C. Tenney, The Gospel of Belief, p 236).

Then, Jesus said the Holy Spirit will convict the world “concerning judgment, because the ruler of the world is judged” (John 16:11).  There is not a lot said about “judgment”, in Scripture.  Probably the discussion in Acts 17 on judgment  is the fullest; here, in verses 30 and 31, Paul says “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in  righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

We have an example of the information of this passage in the preaching of Paul to Felix and Drusilla, in Acts 24;25.  When he reasoned with them about righteousness and self -control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, Go away for the present.  When I get an opportunity, I will summon you. 

Judgment is surely coming, we sing.  What we have read in Acts 17 tells us of our responsibility to repent because the judgment day draws steadily nearer (God has fixed a day in which he will judge,   but it is unknown to man);  the Judge is known; the standard of judgment (“in righteousness”) has been revealed.  Are you ready?

- Pat

“If God wants us to be Happy…”

“If God wants us to be Happy…”

“… why did He allow me suffer this physical debility?  If God wants me to be happy, why did He give me these financial struggles?  If God wants man to be happy, why does He allow wicked people to rule over the righteous?  If God wants me to be happy, why did He give me this particular sin with which I struggle?  There is a flood of these kinds of questions in the world, from the mouths of Christians and skeptics alike.  The general accusation is that God is contradictory: He wants us to be happy, but He puts us in situations and causes us to make decisions that make us unhappy. For one who does not believe in the word of God, the primary problem is not God’s allegedly self-contradictory nature, but their rejection of His word as a whole.  We as God’s people must do our best to first lovingly guide them to the understanding that the word of God truly is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  No scriptural answer given in response to accusations against the nature of God can be offered to one who does not accept scripture as inspired and authoritative.

However, for one who does believe God’s word contains eternal truth, the word offers plenty of teaching regarding happiness and trials, and why they are necessarily a two-for-one deal.

What does the Bible teach about happiness?  God certainly wants us to be happy in this world, but perhaps our understanding of the source of happiness is not always consistent with what the word teaches.  In Matthew chapter 5, the word “blessed” means to be “happy.”  Consider Matthew 5:3ff: “Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted; happy  are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth; happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…happy are the merciful…happy are the pure in heart…happy are the peacemakers…happy are they who are [persecuted, reviled, and spoken evil of for the sake of Christ]…”  Psalm 144:15 says, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”  Proverbs 3:13 says, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.”  Proverbs 29:18 teaches, “Happy is he who keeps the law.”  And, “Happy are they who do His commandments, that they might have the right to the tree of life…” (Revelation 22:14).

Now, if we were to go out into the streets and markets asking people, “What makes you happy?” we might get responses such as, “a good job, being in a loving marriage, spending time with friends, eating a good meal, spending time with my children…” etc.  Indeed, all these are sources of happiness, most to which the Bible makes direct reference, e.g., Psalm 127:5 which says, happy is he who has many children.  But notice the difference between happiness regarding eating our favorite foods, having children, having a loving spouse, etc. and the happiness of being obedient to the word of God or finding eternal wisdom: we can still be happy in the later without the former.  That is, if one’s spouse passes away, or if one is never married, or one gets a divorce, happiness can still be found in the Lord.  One can be happy or blessed in the Lord with or without a good meal, with or without children, with or without a good job, and so on.  Happiness in the Lord ought to be sought regardless of what is happening in our worldly lives, and is, in fact, the highest degree of happiness.  On the contrary, one can be happy in something regarding this world, but devoid of happiness in the Lord and in spiritual jeopardy.

Consider the following passages. “Happy [blessed] is he who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him,” (James 1:12) looking forward to a day when all earthly sorrows and joys are ended.  And, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,   that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 1:6,7)  And then, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (I Peter 4:12,13)  Obedience to the word of God and the worldly suffering that may result ought to be a cause for joy, but the sad truth is that many Christians do not enjoy suffering for Christ; when it comes to living according to eternal truth and the temporary joys of this life, many Christians see personal sacrifice for the Lord only as worldly loss, not as spiritual gain. 

When we feel like obedience to the Lord makes us less happy and increases our difficulty in this world, “look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For, consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself, less you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:1-3).  Jesus prayed in the Garden to His Father that the cup of suffering might be passed from Him, but His attitude and actions followed one great thought, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” Then, our Lord and Savior was crucified on the cross, with joy in His heart, knowing the temporary suffering would end in eternal triumph. 

God is not contradictory in desiring our happiness but putting us in situations that make us unhappy.  Life in this material world is a spiritual trial. James 1:2-4 teaches, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  Patience, brethren.  Patience.  We must continuously and patiently grow into a mature faith so that any decision to obey the Lord does NOT result in any form of unhappiness or discontentment, but rather gives us a spirit of rejoicing.

On a practical level, it can be very challenging to balance being happy in this world, in worldly relationships, in our careers, in material comfort, with keeping the commandments of God as we hope for heaven.  Let us meditate on the word, taking steps, setting daily goals for applying the knowledge of God as we look beyond the fleeting pleasures of this world.

“Seeing that you were raised with Christ, seek those that that are above, where Christ is at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth, for you died, and your life is hidden in Christ.   When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Jeremy Koontz

   

A Scripture-Based Prayer Life

A Scripture-Based Prayer Life

Let’s face it, without faith, prayer is senseless. Appealing to a higher power in times of distress or abandonment is nonsense, if there is not a God to listen and act on your behalf. Therefore, in order for prayer to be effective in any instance, it requires belief and trust on the part of the person praying. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6)

Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. (Mark 11:24)

But, can I pray for anything I want? What limitations are there on the kind of prayer I can offer up? Well, let’s see what the Bible has to say on this topic.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:3)

So, now that you know that you must pray, fully believing that God will answer you. And have a good reason for your request; let’s see how you can be more effective in your prayer life. 

Often times we are troubled and weary. We realize a prayer to our Heavenly Father will help us deal with the situation we are in. But how should we pray? What should we say?

One way to help is to first look to God’s Word for comfort and strength. For this purpose, it is best to have a collection of verses listed in your Bible that deal with various situations. That way, you can readily flip to the passage that gives you assurance and read it first.

Then, use the words of the scripture to amplify your own feeble words in a more powerful, meaningful prayer to God.

Let’s say you are feeling bullied or tortured by worldly people. You might turn to Matthew 5:12 for encouragement.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Then, you could pray with more confidence something like this:

O Lord, You are my God and my Rock. I need you right now to build my confidence. I know evil men persecuted your prophets in times past. So, as I endeavor to also spread Your gospel today, to be a Light for the World to see You, I pray that I will rejoice and be exceedingly glad for this opportunity, for I know that great is my reward in heaven. I will not be moved by their taunting words of hatred and anger. For when I am criticized or reviled for being a Christian, I know You will bless me. For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon me. While others may speak evil of You, I will always glorify You. And I will always be what you need me to be. Continue to use me in Your mission of saving souls. In Jesus’ beloved name. Amen.

There might be a time when it seems the whole world has come crashing down on you. So many bad things are going on around you that you feel overwhelmed. Fearful you might lose hope. I suggest you read James 1:2-4 for comfort.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing…

Now that your spirit has been buoyed, you can pray with the understanding that this is a good thing that you’re going through. It’s a test that you can accomplish. So, with renewed zeal for God and His charge to you, you might petition Him this way:

Oh, my eternal Father and Restorer of my soul, I realize that this fiery trial that I am experiencing is not an unusual event. But rather, an occasion to rejoice because I am counted worthy to suffer, because I believe in you. May Your glory be revealed in me. I will be glad with exceeding joy. I will be patient and happily endure this trial, this test of my faith. I want to be tested and ready when You need me most. I will praise You in all I do and say. Thank you for always being here beside me whenever I need you. In Your Son’s precious name I pray these words through Him unto You, Oh God. Amen.

Remember, when Jesus was tempted and tried by Satan, He prayed to His Father for strength and comfort. So, also, as His children, we should seek strength and comfort from Our Heavenly Father.

Michael Choate

S’posed to Do

S’posed to Do

Have you ever come into the church building a bit early and wondered what you’re supposed to do… before the worship begins? Prior to the opening prayer? Is it okay to chat a few moments with another member about his vacation cruise? Would it be better to ask a poignant bible question to stir your minds about scriptural things? Or should you just sit down on your assigned pew and meditate. Whatever that means. Perhaps you should find a passage in the bible that prepares your mind for worship. What chapter and verse would that be? Some congregations play hymns softly over the PA system. I guess you could hum along. How about saying a prayer for someone you notice is not in their assigned pew? Are they alright? Is it okay to watch the youngins play in the aisle and just be grateful they are ‘where they need to be’? Maybe you should read the latest bulletin. Got to be something there to prep you for worshiping God. What are you supposed to be doing… right before ‘church starts’?

Actually… perhaps you should consider the penultimate question. What would Jesus do? Or better yet… what would He have you do? While there are no instructional verses on how to ready yourself for worship, there are plenty about how to worship. Maybe we can we take a cue from one of these scriptures? 

David wrote in Psalms 95:6: Come, let us worship and bow down,

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

So, should we be limbering up our knees? When Jesus was talking to a woman at a well in John 4, He told her:

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Does that mean we need to ‘get in the spirit’ and ‘be really truthful’?

In Hebrews 13:15, we are encouraged to ceaselessly worship God:

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

Perhaps the Apostle Paul answered it best in Romans 12:1-8,

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

So, to answer our question, Jesus would have you do… what you do best. If that’s exhorting a weak, struggling sister… do that. If it’s instructing a member more perfectly on how to meet a challenge, then by all means, do that. Or if you can simply offer a smile to a weary brother, do that. If you can just be an ‘ear’ for a family that had a wonderful week of sun and surf, be an ear. And if you can lift another’s spirit by simply being where you’re supposed to be as a sign of your faithfulness, do that, as well. For, we are the family of God. Brothers and sisters showing love and kindness to each other. I think that’s what Jesus would have you do... to prep for worship. And above all, show mercy… with cheerfulness.

Michael Choate

Hell Ought to Scare You

Hell Ought to Scare You 

A young man I was talking to had been a Christian for several years. He had sinned a year or so before our discussion and had repented. Then about four months prior to our talk he had again yielded to the temptation that Joseph would not (Gen. 39). This time there was no repentance and seemingly no concern. Perhaps, no cessation of the sin either. 

One question kept coming to my mind before we had any discussion, “Does he ever think about hell?” I wondered if he understood that if he died in this condition that he would spend eternity in hell. So, I ask if he was afraid of hell. His answer: “I guess not as much as I ought to be.” I suggested that he wasn’t afraid at all! Why? I’m not certain. But one thing is sure: when one can lay his head down at night knowing that he is in sin and will go to hell if he dies and not be afraid, there is little hope.

The above story could be duplicated time and again. Perhaps because we have neglected the old hell fire and brimstone preaching. Let’s revisit this old subject that may be somewhat “new” to some. It oughta scare ya!

Hell Is Real.

Hell is not a fictitious story or myth. It is not a condition or state of mind. It is a real place. Luke 16, which speaks of the realm of departed spirits (Hades and not the eternal abode), is a foretaste of greater things to come. The rich man spoke of this “place” of torment (vv. 23, 28). He was in a real place. It is merely a foretaste of worse to come. 

Hell is just as real as heaven. They are often put on an equality as far as their nature goes (cf. Matt. 25:46). If Heaven is real, so is hell. If hell is a state of mind, so is heaven. Jesus said we ought to fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). In this we learn that (1) Hell should be feared. (2) It is beyond the grave. (3) It should motivate us to live so as to go to heaven. All of these point to the reality of hell. 

Hell Is Terrible.

It may be that some of those who believe in hell think that the biblical descriptions of it are overstated. Surely it could not be as bad as the old fashion preachers used to say it would be. The following points tell us how terrible hell really is.

1. Gehenna. The word hell (when referring to the eternal abode of the wicked) is from the Greek word Gehenna. When we understand how that word came to be used to describe the eternal damnation, we will appreciate how tragic hell is.

a. Gehenna points back to the Valley of Hinnom. “Originally the Valley of Hinnom, near Jerus, Gehenna became among the Jews the synonym for the place of torment in the future life” (ISBE 1371). “Gehenna is a transliteration from the Aram. form of the Heb ge-hinnom, “valley of Hinnom” (ISBE 1183). This valley was to the southwest of Jerusalem.

b. This valley was the seat of worship to the idol Molech. “That ‘the valley of Hinnom’ became the technical designation for the place of final punishment was due to two causes. In the first place the valley had been the seat of the idolatrous worship to Molech, to whom children were immolated by fire (2 Ch. 28:3; 33:6). Secondly, on account of these practices the place was defiled by King Josiah (2 K 23:10), and became in consequence associated in prophecy with the judgment to be visited upon the people (Jer 7:32)” (ISBE 1183).
The sacrifice that was made to Molech was awful. Many texts tell of parents burning the sons and daughters to honor this idol (cf. Jer. 7:30-31; 19:5-6; 2 Kings 23:10). “The image of Molech was a human figure with a bulls head and outstretched arms, ready to receive the children destined for sacrifice. The image of metal was heated red hot by a fire kindled within, and the children laid on its arms rolled off into the fiery pit below” (ISBE 2075).

c. The valley came be used to burn the city’s trash and rubbish. It was the city incinerator. Jeremiah spoke of the valley of dead bodies and of ashes (Jer. 31:40). “Into this valley dead bodies were probably cast to be consumed by the dogs…and fires were kept burning to consume the rubbish of the city. Such associations led to the Ge-Hinnom (NT ‘Gehenna’) becoming the ‘type of Hell'” ( ISBE 1393). 

2. Lake of fire. Hell is described as a lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). Imagine a literal lake that you know. Picture that every drop of water were a flammable substance (i.e. gasoline). If that were set aflame, what would it be like to be thrown into the middle of it?

Brimstone is perhaps sulfur that melts and runs in streams. It spreads and is sticky. Picture that some sticky substance is poured all over you (i.e. honey or molasses). What if that were a flammable substance set aflame? Can you image the intense pain, the agony and the suffering?
Other passages portray hell as a furnace of fire (Matt. 13:42, 50), a flaming fire (2 Thess. 1:7-9), a baptism of fire (Matt. 3:11-12), and an unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43).

3. Weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Those who are cast into hell will be howling, crying aloud and grinding their teeth (cf. Matt. 8:12; 13:50; 25:30). What a picture of punishment!

Hell Is Eternal. 

The above descriptions of hell would be bad enough if it only lasted for a day or even an hour. However, the pain and suffering of hell is eternal. Jesus equated “hell fire” (Matt. 18:9) with “everlasting fire” (v. 8). Jesus contrasted the “everlasting punishment” with “eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). Hell is as long as heaven is. The smoke of torment ascends “forever and ever” (Rev. 14:10-11).

It scares me to think about hell. It oughta scare you, too!

Donnie V. Rader