For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. II Corinthians 5:10-11
I remember as a child hearing fiery hell fire and brimstone messages. They were the kind of messages that caused me want to run to the altar and make sure everything was alright between me and God. I admit that I have rarely preached messages like that. I can really only remember two or three. I would much rather preach something about faith or blessing. Who wouldn't rather hear a message on God's love than on judgment. Yet both messages are necessary and the latter is sorely lacking in our day. It seems that the "old-fashioned " salvation messages have been replaced with pep talks on how to be a better person and how to love oneself. Although these "pep talks" aren't entirely wrong, they are not salvational. My job as a minister is to help people see the way to salvation through the cross of Calvary.
I once asked an older minister why no one wanted to preach on hell now days. His answer has stuck with me. "It takes a certain consecration to preach on hell. If the lifestyle isn't consistent with the message then the message seems hollow. Sadly, not many people are willing to live the kind of consecrated life it takes to convict people." Since that time my prayer has often been, "Lord, don't let my messages sound hollow. Help me to live what I preach."
I am thankful for God's mercy and his grace. Without his willingness to forgive we would all be lost. Yet there is a day of judgment coming and I want to be ready for it. I have dedicated my life to preaching the gospel so that others will be ready as well. Hell is a real place and we can't even begin to imagine its horrors. I echo the words of the Apostle Paul: Because I know God's judgment I must do everything I can to persuade men (and women) to get right with God while there is time.
No sacrifice is too great. No missions offering too big. No price is too much to pay to save a soul from hell. I am not pessimistic. I don't preach a gospel of doom and gloom. I believe God wants to bless his people with abundant life, good health, and prosperity. But I also realize that all of these things are for naught if we are not ready for that final day of judgment. None of us would want to see a dog burn forever. I don't want see my worst enemy go to hell.
God help me to save as many as I can. Eternity is a long, long time.
Prayerfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
