A Hard Truth

A Hard Truth
Pastor Terry Wilcox

Matthew 13:14-51

God’s call on my life is anchored in Matthew 25; I Corinthians 1:27-29; and II Corinthians 5:14-15
Matthew 25:35
Matthew 25:46

The Truth About Hell

Matthew 13:47-51

1. Everyone will be judged by God
   Hebrews 9:27-28

   Paul wrote about those who deny the gospel saying, “…they will be punished with everlasting destruction and be shut out from the presence of God.”  II Thessalonians 1:9

2. There will be culling – Matthew 13:48
   

   There is no doctrine which I would more willingly remove from Christianity than this (hell) if it lay in my power.   -C.S. Lewis

   Luke 16:26

   More than any other New Testament writer, Jesus tells of judgment. 
   Matthew 13:37; Matthew 13:47-50; Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 21:33-44; Luke 19:11-27

Questions About Hell

1. How can a good God justify hell?
2. Does the punishment fit the crime?
   Hebrews 10:28-29

   The unbeliever has:
   a. Trampled God underfoot.
   b. Treated Christ’s blood with disdain.

3. Do you believe people consciously choose to reject Jesus?
   Romans 1:18-32
   a. They know of God’s wrath.  Matthew 13:18
   b. They consciously suppress the truth.  Matthew 13:18
   c. They are without excuse.  Matthew 13:21

Hell Is

1. Emotional agony.
   No self-worth; no more opportunity.
2. Physical agony.
3. Relational agony.
4. Spiritual agony.

How Do We Respond?

1. As an unbeliever? Repent
2. As a believer? Show others the way to heaven.
3. As the church? Be restorative.
   Love in actions.

Personal Notes