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Well,
I'll Be Damned!
That Little Bible
Study Was True
by Pastor John Hamel
“And Jesus said
unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature. He that believeth … shall be saved; but he
that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16)
Normally in
writing, preaching, teaching and counseling, I like to stay positive.
Having spent many years as a Pastor, I often find myself in the
position of having to correct
someone. Even then, as much as possible, I try to keep things
positive. I call it “keeping my strokes upward.”
Unfortunately, some
folks are just so stubborn and so
disrespectful towards the things of God that the positive approach will not
work. Some folks are bullheaded and unbelieving, requiring a stronger
approach. Whenever that’s necessary, I willingly adopt a more “hard
line” position. In someone’s best interest I will take this
approach. As a result, often eyes are opened and lives are changed.
In the above verse
of Scripture, Jesus definitely takes a hard line position towards those who
“believeth not”. He pulls no punches. He offers no
apologies. He’s not concerned with someone taking offense. He
plainly, clearly and without excuse states, “… he that believeth not
shall be damned.”
There’s not a whole
lot more that I can add to that statement. It lends itself to perfect
clarity. Reject who He says He is, what He
came to do and what’s required of you in it and … well – you’ll be
damned.
Jesus made some
other pretty clear statements concerning damnation and offered no apologies
for them either, particularly concerning religious hypocrites.
“Ye serpents, ye
generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matthew 23:33)
Jesus also warned
against ridiculing the Holy Spirit’s
working in the Earth through signs, wonders and miracles.
“But he that shall
blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger
of eternal damnation:” (Mark 3:29)
Young Pastor
Timothy, by the Holy Spirit’s leading, warned that throwing away faith in Christ’s redemptive work will lead
to damnation.
“Having damnation,
because they have cast off their first faith.” (1Timothy 5:12)
Now I’ve never been
one for straight out, 24/7, Hellfire and brimstone preaching. God is a good God and it’s His love that
most often leads to repentance. (Romans 2:4) However, some folks are
just stubborn and willful enough to resist all that’s reasonable and they
require stronger measures. Hellfire
and brimstone preaching is designed just for them.
If that’s you, God
loves you enough to speak to you strongly today. Either you say, from
a sincere heart, “Jesus, You’re my choice” or you will
face pending judgment – spirit, soul and body.
Listen to what Jesus said.
“Marvel not at
this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall
hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection
of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28-29)
If one day you find
yourself being raised from the dead in the “Resurrection of Damnation” there will be
no mercy offered. Mercy is offered on this side of the grave only.
(Hebrews 9:27) You’ll simply have to stand there and take the heat,
literally. (Revelation 20:15)
Prior to being
banished to the Lake
of Fire this thought
will come to you, “WELL I’LL BE DAMNED! That little Bible study was
true!”
However, you can
avoid that here today. Just say, “Jesus, You’re my choice.” (Romans
10:13)
That’s the first step towards appearing at Christ’s Judgment Seat of reward.
There’s a Hell to shun and a Heaven to
gain.
Why not settle your
eternal destiny today? No one ever promised you a tomorrow.
Be Blessed ... John
and Barbara Hamel
How
to Be Born Again (Receive Christ as Your Savior)
How
to Receive The Holy Spirit & Power
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