NO MORE PREACHING ON HELL

[joanfiz]

TRUE to some extent.....but if you are truly serving the Lord and truly following the leading of the Holy Spirit you do not let the "world" lead you. You preach the truth, not sugar coating it. I think thats kinda the problem today, all these (spoiled) kids that had no discipline and never heard that its a tough world out there and for sinning and never living for Christ the consequence is hell. It just seems to have all together vanished. I dont wanna hear that every week, but Im saying you NEVER hear it anymore......

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Our Lord is a consuming fire. In Christ the fire refines...outside of Christ the fire consumes and torments. True preaching and EvanGelism warns of the wrath to come and offers up the only true and living way in Christ. Can we truly be said to be loving if we cowardly omit this dire and eternal warning?

 

[LoveofTruth]

AND i DO NOT EVER WANT FEAR AS SALVATION....thats not the point, its love

Philippians 2:12
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Acts 2:43
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."

Acts 10:2
"A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."

Romans 3:18
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

2 Corinthians 7:1
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Ephesians 5:21
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."

Hebrews 10:31
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

1 Peter 1:17
"And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:"

1 Peter 2:17
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."

 

[dms1972]

Maybe it's because many pastors now know that the new rise of 'nones' in America has partially come about because of an intolerance among Millennials (and Generation X'rs) regarding preaching on Hell, among other things.

I wasn't sure what you meant by the rise of 'nones' but I looked it up = non-affliated to any religion. I would be classed as a Gen Xer I suppose, but I never understood these generational descriptions (Baby boomers, Gen Xers until recently). I have mixed thoughts about the whole hell thing. sometimes I buy books and read articles, and sermons by christians who obvious believe there is a hell such as CS Lewis, and try to persuade myself of the danger, but I had such difficulties and worries about it when young, that I don't like to think much about it.

Going back to the OP maybe the preaching has moved away from what happens after you die.

In Dallas Willard's book the Divine Conspiracy, he has a chapter called Gospels of Sin Management in which he gives the two must common versions of the Gospel. The Gospel on the Right (fundamentalism) and the Gospel on the Left (theological liberalism the social gospel). I would disagree with Willard if he was suggesting those two theologies constitute the whole picture.

But he seems to be saying one or other of these two understandings dominate the minds of many christians.

He says the fundamentalist understanding, what he calls 'Bar code faith', leads to a disjunction between faith and ordinary life.

 

[LoveofTruth]

Thank you I will check it out

When that message was read the people were climbing the walls in terror and repenting and shaking. It was a powerful moment in history as I understand

 

[stuart lawrence]

Not sure how much love someone would have for God, if their primary motive for accepting Christ was to avoid hell

 

[rjs330]

While it is true that not everyone is saved by hellfire preaching it is also true that not every one is saved by God is love preaching. What did Jesus say?

Matthew 13:41-42, 49-50 “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Now why would Jesus, who is the epitomy of love say something like this? Jesus also said,

"Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. (NAS, Luke 12:6-7)

Take a look at John 3:16. God loves us. BUT God also punishes the wicked. We as believers have to be able to preach the whole gospel, not just all of it. John 3:16 preaches the whole message. God loves us, but he also condemns us for our wickedness.

16 “For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes inhim should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into theworld to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe iscondemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.19 And this is the judgment: qthe light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who doeswicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should beexposed. 21 But whoevervdoes what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearlyseen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Some people will be saved, simply by hearing that Jesus loves them and died for them so they can have life and have it more abundantly. While others will be saved by hearing about their sin and wickedness and how it separates them from God.

Neither part of the message should be erased. Why did Jesus die for us? It was not JUST to give us eternal life, but it was also so that we could escape hell. There are two parts to this message. We are wrong to leave one of them out, even if it is uncomfortable.

 

[Mark Noo]

Here lately I have wondered why I do not hear ANY sermons preached on hell. I grew up Pentecostal and all those years I would hear preaching on hell fire, repent and give your life to Christ. Many times I saw the Holy Spirit convict people during these sermons and they would practically run to the altar. It seems here lately and has been happening for years now that preachers no longer preach on this matter. Why has everything turned into a pretty package, tickle your ears service?? Why have we strayed away from this? The preacher used to pour out his heart to the congregation, pleading the case of Jesus to turn from the wickedness of this world for there is a heaven and there is a hell, choose today who you will serve, repent for the time is drawing near. What happened to this teaching and preaching, it seems it has all but vanished?

Didn't Joel Osteen say he didn't preach on it because people did not like to hear they were sinners.

If you tell people they are no good, that their position is hopeless, how are you going to get them to come and sing songs and give money.

Of course, if you don't tell them how despicable they are then they don't know that they NEED Christ. And if they don't know they need Christ they have a huge problem.

I can't believe that more "big name" pastors aren't going after the health and wealth preachers harder. It is as if they do not care, after all, if you care you don't watch heresy hurt people. Or maybe that is OK for some people.

But the Spirit still says that anyone who preaches a doctine other than the one he has taught is anathema. And the Spirits doctrine says we are bad and we are lost without a Savior. I don't know of anyplace where the Bible says man is "OK" and he can reach the Kingdom of God on his own.

 

[Sine Nomine]

Here lately I have wondered why I do not hear ANY sermons preached on hell. I grew up Pentecostal and all those years I would hear preaching on hell fire, repent and give your life to Christ. Many times I saw the Holy Spirit convict people during these sermons and they would practically run to the altar. It seems here lately and has been happening for years now that preachers no longer preach on this matter. Why has everything turned into a pretty package, tickle your ears service?? Why have we strayed away from this? The preacher used to pour out his heart to the congregation, pleading the case of Jesus to turn from the wickedness of this world for there is a heaven and there is a hell, choose today who you will serve, repent for the time is drawing near. What happened to this teaching and preaching, it seems it has all but vanished?

I haven't read all the replies so apologies if I'm rehashing someone else's point.

I believe that traditional, duty-oriented individuals are aware that they are not meeting God's standards. Their approach to avoid God is to say they are good enough on their own merits. This disconnect is shattered by the "you are a sinner" and "repent or you'll end up in hell" type of sermon. It's actually what's needed.

However, many (perhaps most) people today are more likely to not fit this model. They are more aware of their failings, perhaps even hyperaware. Their approach to avoid God is to say that God is too holy, too good, to righteous to want anything to do with me. They avoid most Christians because Christians project the appearance of being good/holy when in fact they too are sinners. The solution to the disconnect here is the "all have sinned and fallen short" and "but not wanting that any should perish--God sent his Son" sermon. The response to this is also frequently not "rushing forward to get saved" instead it's continually growing into love of God and away from fear/terror of God.

Knowing the audience and their needs is critical for the pastor.

 

[joanfiz]

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Our Lord is a consuming fire. In Christ the fire refines...outside of Christ the fire consumes and torments. True preaching and EvanGelism warns of the wrath to come and offers up the only true and living way in Christ. Can we truly be said to be loving if we cowardly omit this dire and eternal warning?

Please do a search on amazon.com for "death to self joan Fisher" I have written a small but impassioned call. for Christians to die to self, take up the cross and thereby follow Jesus into eternal glory

 

[Clintos]

The Lord will separate the Sheep from the Goats. God Bless.

I like that

 

[akmom]

Blind post here.

I think we don't hear hellfire and brimstone preaching any more because as a society we place less value on fear as a motivator. Without trying to offend traditional culture, I want to say that I think we are improving in the way we think about the world and relate to each other, from using cheap manipulation to being more open and thoughtful in our discussions.

For example, we are moving away from simply spanking our kids to motivate their behavior, to disciplinary methods that involve more discussion, thought and appealing to internal motivation. I know some die-hards disapprove, but I find the latter more sensible and effective. With regards to hell, it is the same thing. If you want to teach about Christ, then teach about Christ and what he has to offer us. Instead of threatening people with hell if they don't choose Christ. As if He isn't good enough on His own, so we have to emphasize a scary alternative.

Personally I am somewhat skeptical about teachings on hell, but even if it is as literal and permanent as evangelicals assert, what is the purpose of teaching about it? What do you gain? Can you even be scared into a relationship with God that is meaningful? It seems more of a distraction.

 

[patdee]

Here lately I have wondered why I do not hear ANY sermons preached on hell. I grew up Pentecostal and all those years I would hear preaching on hell fire, repent and give your life to Christ. Many times I saw the Holy Spirit convict people during these sermons and they would practically run to the altar. It seems here lately and has been happening for years now that preachers no longer preach on this matter. Why has everything turned into a pretty package, tickle your ears service?? Why have we strayed away from this? The preacher used to pour out his heart to the congregation, pleading the case of Jesus to turn from the wickedness of this world for there is a heaven and there is a hell, choose today who you will serve, repent for the time is drawing near. What happened to this teaching and preaching, it seems it has all but vanished?

"Elementary Dr Watson!"

In a word: the more secular the man-made "church" becomes, the more it drifts from sound doctrine; while substituting false doctrines fomented by satan into all creeds and doctrines. Oh indeed yes.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (forgoing the truth and latching on to lies instead); 2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

That is the reason.

Sadly, it is going to get MUCH worse. The word Hell will be illegal to say OR to preach. Mark me words, it IS coming. Jesus will be made illegal and the mere mention of His name will bring on immediate imprisonment, torcher and/or death. Oh indeed yes. They will all be dubbed "hate speech". Etc, etc, and ETC!

He prophesied all of this in so many words.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Sad indeed.

 

[Original Happy Camper]

I also struggle to reconcile why God would create such a place of torment for mankind.

you evidently have been fed a lie about what hell is. A Loving God will not punish the lost with flames for eternity.

You may want to get a Biblical understanding of what Hell is and not this fire and brimstone stuff for ever.

Is The Devil In Charge Of Hell? | Bible Study Guides | Amazing Facts

 

[D2wing]

TRUE to some extent.....but if you are truly serving the Lord and truly following the leading of the Holy Spirit you do not let the "world" lead you. You preach the truth, not sugar coating it. I think thats kinda the problem today, all these (spoiled) kids that had no discipline and never heard that its a tough world out there and for sinning and never living for Christ the consequence is hell. It just seems to have all together vanished. I dont wanna hear that every week, but Im saying you NEVER hear it anymore......

I think part of it is the positive message that popular today is gets more donations. It is what people want to hear. And I think it is a valid message. But no one wants to hear about hell. and few want to be challenged in any way. Every one wants the easy inclusive gospel. I am not hearing take up your cross and follow me. I do not hear that we should have self control. That we should bring our flesh, mind and soul under the dominion of God. And certainly not about the broad path to hell and what is at the end of the path, or about the narrow road to heaven. I am concerned about this as you are.

 

[Solomons Porch]

I think part of it is the positive message that popular today is gets more donations. It is what people want to hear. And I think it is a valid message. But no one wants to hear about hell. and few want to be challenged in any way. Every one wants the easy inclusive gospel. I am not hearing take up your cross and follow me. I do not hear that we should have self control. That we should bring our flesh, mind and soul under the dominion of God. And certainly not about the broad path to hell and what is at the end of the path, or about the narrow road to heaven. I am concerned about this as you are.

AMEN......there is a great need today for us to get back on the straight and narrow path (in love) but not leaving any truth out of our message. I intercede for this and ask that WE have such a strong desire (as did Jesus) to see the lost truly saved. I pray we have a heart just as HIS.

 

[NotUrAvgGuy]

My solution is simple but not very popular today. Teach book-by-book, verse-by-verse through whole books of the Bible. In doing so you will end up preaching on everything. Hell will come up in the context of the book being preached and you preach on it just like the rest of the book. You won't be perceived as going out of your way to preach on hell but neither will you avoid it because it may not be popular. While I am not against topical preaching I much prefer expository preaching through whole books. It is the best way to cover all that Scripture covers. It is too tempting when preaching topically to focus on those topics you feel are "relevant" or uplifting. My pastor teaches through whole books. We are in 1 Corinthians now and by the time he's done it will probably be 9 months of preaching. A Gospel takes him about 1.5 years. It is not boring though! So many great topics are contained within those books and you really get them in context. God did not give us a topically arranged written revelation. He gave us books and letters written to specific readers in a context yet applicable to all of us. What better way to learn God's Word than in the way in which it was presented to us? Churches that void preaching on unpopular topics are not truly preaching the whole counsel of God. The message of the Gospel will be offensive to some. Church is the gathering of believers for corporate worship. While evangelism can and should take place at church it is principally conducted in our everyday lives with our friends, neighbors, and families. Evangelism is primarily outside of church and is not just inviting people to church. While the unchurched should always be made to feel welcome they are not the primary audience. Preach the whole counsel of God. There are no mistakes in Scripture or irrelevant teaching. Even some of the dry OT stuff is still valuable in understanding how God's revelation to His people progressed. You may not spend as much time on some of that but "all Scripture is valuable."

 

[Solomons Porch]

you evidently have been fed a lie about what hell is. A Loving God will not punish the lost with flames for eternity.

You may want to get a Biblical understanding of what Hell is and not this fire and brimstone stuff for ever.

Is The Devil In Charge Of Hell? | Bible Study Guides | Amazing Facts

We must always tell the truth, but always in love. Never putting one down until we have walked a mile in their shoes. God Bless !!!!

 

[NotUrAvgGuy]

A second point I will make is that modern churches get so in debt they worry about donations. The early church did not have that problem. I'd rather meet in a gym and have no compromise then have a huge facility but be worried about donations.

 

[Solomons Porch]

"Elementary Dr Watson!"

In a word: the more secular the man-made "church" becomes, the more it drifts from sound doctrine; while substituting false doctrines fomented by satan into all creeds and doctrines. Oh indeed yes.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (forgoing the truth and latching on to lies instead); 2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

That is the reason.

Sadly, it is going to get MUCH worse. The word Hell will be illegal to say OR to preach. Mark me words, it IS coming. Jesus will be made illegal and the mere mention of His name will bring on immediate imprisonment, torcher and/or death. Oh indeed yes. They will all be dubbed "hate speech". Etc, etc, and ETC!

He prophesied all of this in so many words.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Sad indeed.

I agree.....my heart is grieved for the things to come. May we stand strong and not waver!!

 

[Solomons Porch]

While it is true that not everyone is saved by hellfire preaching it is also true that not every one is saved by God is love preaching. What did Jesus say?

Matthew 13:41-42, 49-50 “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Now why would Jesus, who is the epitomy of love say something like this? Jesus also said,

"Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. (NAS, Luke 12:6-7)

Take a look at John 3:16. God loves us. BUT God also punishes the wicked. We as believers have to be able to preach the whole gospel, not just all of it. John 3:16 preaches the whole message. God loves us, but he also condemns us for our wickedness.

16 “For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes inhim should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into theworld to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe iscondemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.19 And this is the judgment: qthe light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who doeswicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should beexposed. 21 But whoevervdoes what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearlyseen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Some people will be saved, simply by hearing that Jesus loves them and died for them so they can have life and have it more abundantly. While others will be saved by hearing about their sin and wickedness and how it separates them from God.

Neither part of the message should be erased. Why did Jesus die for us? It was not JUST to give us eternal life, but it was also so that we could escape hell. There are two parts to this message. We are wrong to leave one of them out, even if it is uncomfortable.