July 1994
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The middle weeks of June brought a heat
wave unparalleled in Michigan history.
Record high temperatures were noted, and
the sustained hot weather broke all
records for the month of June. Needless to say, many folks were uncomfortable. Fans were selling briskly, and air conditioner repairmen had long lists of customers waiting for their services. Sleeping conditions were difficult, and some working conditions were nearly unbearable. The heat was the leading topic of conversation, and peoples lives and attitudes were controlled by it.
Hell is a real place. The Bible tells us that it is a place of intense heat and torment. In fact, the final abode of those who reject Christ is called the Lake of Fire. In that awful place, there will be no rest or sleep for all eternity. No water or fresh air will be available to cool the tongues or bodies of those who have been condemned there. Those conditions in this life which were considered unbearable will be greatly desired, but will not be forthcoming. For all eternity, the flames of fire will torment the wretched souls who did not come to God for salvation through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
So, can somebody tell me why this is not the leading topic of conversation among Christians today? It is not preached from the pulpits, and not proclaimed from house to house. Why is it that we can easily converse with perfect strangers about something as insignificant as a hot week in June, but we will let loved ones and friends go blindly on their way without so much as a hint of warning about the eternal wrath of God in Hell.
My friend, are you saved? Do you have Biblical assurance that when you die you will spend eternity in Heaven? If not, today needs to be the day that you repent of sin and trust in Christ's finished work on Calvary. For those of us who are saved, are we faithful in spreading the news that God has provided an escape from the Lake of Fire? Or are we so shortsighted as to think that hot weather is a more important topic of discussion. May this be the day that we determine to warn all that we come in contact with that the wages of sin is still eternal death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
Your Pastor,
Mark J. Montgomery
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