Hell Fire & Brimstone - Troy Postelthwait

Today, I want to speak candidly about a topic that's often avoided in modern preaching: hellfire and brimstone. This phrase has come to represent a certain style of preaching, one that's fallen out of favor in recent years. Many preachers today shy away from invoking fear or even mentioning hell. Advertisements for churches emphasize comfort, avoiding topics like sin or damnation, focusing instead on being clever, informal, and positive.

But friends, this approach doesn't align with the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. So let's turn our attention to what the Bible actually says about hell. Firstly, hell is eternal. In Matthew 25:46, Jesus describes it as everlasting punishment. This eternity applies equally to heaven and hell. Our duration of sinning doesn't determine the length of punishment; rather, it's the nature of the sin itself.

Consider Mark 9:44, where Jesus warns of the unquenchable fire, symbolizing the ongoing, eternal nature of hell. Hell is also described as a place of darkness. In 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 13, it's referred to as "chains of darkness" and "blackness of darkness forever." Jesus, in Matthew 25:30, speaks of the "outer darkness," indicating a place far removed from God, the source of light.

Additionally, hell is a place of fire. Matthew 13:42 and Mark 9:44-45 depict it as a furnace of fire, an unquenchable flame. Revelation 20:10 further reinforces this image with the lake of fire and brimstone.

Moreover, hell is a place of pain. The weeping and gnashing of teeth mentioned in Matthew 25:30 and the eternal torment without rest in Revelation 20:10 depict a state of ceaseless suffering. Jesus, in Matthew 11:21-24, indicates that the degree of suffering in hell varies based on one's earthly life.

Lastly, hell is a place of no hope. It's an irreversible state of separation from God. The concept of eternity is difficult to grasp, but its endless nature means perpetual absence from God's presence.

In conclusion, the reality of hell is a critical part of Christian doctrine, not to incite fear, but to offer a choice. Your eternity is a result of your choices. Today, I urge you to choose heaven. Hear the gospel, believe, repent, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized. Remain faithful, and if you've strayed, repent. Choose the path of light and life.