Christian Message Boards: Is 'hell-fire' preaching effective?

This is topic Is 'hell-fire' preaching effective? in forum Favorite Devotions at Christian Message Boards.

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Posted by David (Member # 1) on :

"We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
~ Acts 24:5-6 (NIV)

Preaching the reality of hell, without using the Law to bring the knowledge of sin, can do a great deal of damage to the cause of the gospel. A sinner cannot conceive of the thought that God would send anyone to hell, as long as he is deceived into thinking that God’s standard of righteousness is the same as his. Paul
“reasoned” with Felix regarding righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come (Acts 24:25). This is the righteousness that is of the Law and judgment by the Law. Felix “trembled” because he suddenly understood that his intemperance made him a guilty sinner in the sight of a holy God. The reality of hell suddenly became reasonable to him when the Law was used to bring the knowledge of sin.

Imagine if the police burst into your home, arrested you, and shouted, “You are going away for a long time!” Such conduct would probably leave you bewildered and angry. What they have done seems unreasonable.

However, imagine if the law burst into your home and instead told you specifically why you were in trouble: “We have discovered 10,000 marijuana plants growing in your back yard. You are going away for a long time!” At least then you would understand why you are in trouble. Knowledge of the law you have transgressed furnished you with that understanding. It makes judgment reasonable. Hell-fire preaching without use of the Law to show the sinner why God is angry with him will more than likely leave him bewildered and angry—for what he considers unreasonable
punishment.

From: The Evidence Bible - Ray Comfort
http://www.wayofthemaster.com

Posted by Ripp (Member # 3832) on :

Thanks for the post David, however I have a question.

What do you tell the people here that preach there is NO HELL at all? We have a couple on this site preaching that. They claim that EVERYONE is going to heaven and hell is some kind of 'correctional facility' where they go and get 'fixed'. Yes, Hitler, Osama, The antichrist and false prophet (they are human too), they are ALL going to go to heaven. So what do you tell them?

Posted by David (Member # 1) on :

You keep telling the the truth, and pray for them.

[cool_shades]

A lot of people believe what they want, but the truth is in the bible.

People that say there is no hell, are creating their own God. Those who say that are right: their "god" would never create hell, because he couldn’t. He doesn’t exist. He is a figment of their imagination, a god they have created to suit themselves. It’s called "idolatry," and it’s the oldest sin in the Book. Idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of God. The one true God, however, could and did create hell for those who reject His mercy. They will reap His just wrath.

Posted by TEXASGRANDMA (Member # 847) on :

Heard a preacher say that in order to be saved, we have to be saved from something. People who don't believe in hell, in essence don't see a need for salvation.
Jesus mentions hell many times because it does exist. Too many people are tearing at the fabric of our faith pealing off layer by layer. I believe this is very dangerous.

Posted by Ripp (Member # 3832) on :

David wrote:

quote:
You keep telling the the truth, and pray for them.

Well, it's not working. We have been on this topic for a month now and we haven't made a dent. Their argument continues for:

No free will
No hell
Universal salvation
Tithing is bad
Etc.

I guess I underestimated the apostacy in these days. But, I won't give up. I will keep praying!

Betty wrote:

quote:
Heard a preacher say that in order to be saved, we have to be saved from something. People who don't believe in hell, in essence don't see a need for salvation.

Defies logic doesn't it. I guess some are too blind to see the Truth no matter how it is presented. [Frown]

God bless. [Prayer]

Posted by RioLion (Member # 1875) on :

I used to tell people that I disliked to 'go to hell', but after becoming a Christian, I found that in some cases, telling people that was really a waste of time, as they were already going there anyhow.
[Razz]

Posted by SciptureAndPrayers (Member # 3633) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Ripp:
David wrote:

quote:
You keep telling the the truth, and pray for them.

Well, it's not working. We have been on this topic for a month now and we haven't made a dent. Their argument continues for:

No free will
No hell
Universal salvation
Tithing is bad
Etc.

I guess I underestimated the apostacy in these days. But, I won't give up. I will keep praying!

Betty wrote:

quote:
Heard a preacher say that in order to be saved, we have to be saved from something. People who don't believe in hell, in essence don't see a need for salvation.

Defies logic doesn't it. I guess some are too blind to see the Truth no matter how it is presented.
God bless.

Ripp,

Don't get discouraged. It's one thing to hear about all the false teachings and apostasy in the world, but another thing entirely when you're directly confronted with it. Don't be surprised that you have to argue til blue in the face, and still not results. Remember that Jesus told us that some people would hear His Father's voice and others would hear their father's voice, the devil, the liar from the beginning. Remember also that we are told to correct a brother gently two or three times and then have nothing to do with them. I think Satan uses these false believers to keep us distracted from the real work at hand, Jesus' comission.

I think David provided some very good advice. Do that and let God do the rest.

Posted by Crusader (Member # 4035) on :

I enjoy Hell fire preachings more than anyother kind. They keep me in line where others dont. In fact my favorite web site is http://www.av1611.org/hell.html

As for the people who dont belive in Hell or dont think its forever, there is really nothing we can do for them. They have the Bible, and the words of Jesus. They know that its real and forever, it just seems that some/most want to convince themselves that they can get into heaven no matter how they act.