Text: Luke 16:19—31

Topic: What Jesus says about hell

Introduction:

It is not easy to talk about hell, nor is it easy to hear about.

Even so, we need to be true to God's Word and feel free to talk about hell.

Illustration: A recent survey shows what Americans believe about hell and life after death.

(Transition: We need to answer three important questions about hell.)

Is hell real?

Illustration: Vance Havner once had to respond to criticism about preaching on the subject of hell.

Luke 16:19—31

The Bible presents hell as unending torment.

Matthew 25:46

Mark 9:47—48

The definition of Gehenna implies unquenchable burning.

Revelation 14:9—11

Revelation 20:15

Is hell necessary?

We need the doctrine of hell for civic virtue.

We need the doctrine of hell for final justice.

We need the doctrine of hell of impenitent sinners.

We need the doctrine of hell for the good of heaven.

We need the doctrine of hell for the glory of God.

Illustration: Charles Spurgeon's description of hell in a sermon 100 years ago is hard to listen to.

Illustration: R. C. Sproul says there is symbolism in the biblical descriptions of hell because the reality is too awful for words.

Conclusion:

We personally deserve to go to hell, but Jesus went there for us.

God has made it hard to go to hell and easy to go to heaven.

We should not be ashamed of the doctrine of hell.

We must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.