Deus Misereatur

{ Here is the Audio File : Below is the manuscript. Mike} --- The Use of Hell: Matthew 18:1-9 Lord Jesus Christ, at your death you descended into the hellish wrath of the Father for our transgressions, and you were raised from the dead on the 3 rd day for our justification: Show us clearly why this subject of hell, which you revealed in detail profits us; so that we may gain deep, unending advantage. Amen. The truth about Hell, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures – and most often from the lips of Jesus – is intended to be enduringly advantageous for Christians and to advance our growth. Now you might be asking “Mike, how can that be? It’s such a frightening subject. How can it be for my maturation?” Good question and one that we should ask about most everything Scripture teaches. The answer to that question will be obvious with some topics, and not so obvious with others. This topic may be one where it’s not so clear. That’s the reason for this particular sermon. The truth ...

{Here is the second installment. You can go here to get the audio file . Mike} Hell Pt 2: What is Hell? Luke 16:19-31 We stand at the edge, Lord God, and we tremble! Dare we look into this subject? Should we risk it, and glance over the brink? O God, O our God! Have mercy on us, and show us the things we need to know, and make even clearer to us how deep is your love for us in Christ. Amen. Os Guinness once wrote: “Hell is nothing less than the truth known too late” (“The Dust of Death,” 358). On one hand, I would disagree. Jesus talked about hell more often than he talked about heaven so that we would know now and turn to him now. On the other hand, Guinness was right – the truth about hell will become personally real for many and truthfully experienced by many – but it will then be too late. This evening we will take a serious look into this terrifying truth to see what we can, for four reasons: (1) Because Jesus mentions hell more than any other person in the Scriptures...

{I'm taking a risk and posting this series on my blog as I preach them. I hope that it will be received properly. Here is the audio file . It would be best to listen to the sermon as you walk through the manuscript. May God bless your hearing and reading of this sermon. Mike} ---- Hell Pt 1: Matthew 5:27-30 Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal; we look to you to help us through this evening series we are beginning, and especially as we scrutinize what your Scriptures teach about the terrifying subject of hell. Have mercy on us, Lord; help us; and change in us what needs to be changed for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. [See Edward Donnelly’s “ Biblical Teaching on the Doctrines of Heaven and Hell ”] What in the world would possess me to do such an insane thing as to dive into this subject about hell publicly? Recently one of the teachers at my sons’ school asked me to talk about Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” As she explai...