Friends Don't Let Friends Go To Hell!

Kirk Cameron, you may remember him as the good looking guy from Growing Pains, has initiated a campaign called, The Way of The Master. A teaching series dedicated to saving the lost and helping others communicate the truth of the gospel. Their methods are amazing, and solely focused on warning people about the consequences of sin. In one of the video sessions Cameron said, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Go To Hell!” Sounds pretty cliché but very true. 


As much as we would like to think many would consider our efforts applaud-able, there are just as many who find our love offensive.  
Cameron explains in the series, that he has experienced it's easier to share the truth with a total stranger, then a friend. He said,  "A friend is easily offended when you suggest they are heading down the wrong path. They resist correction, because they feel accountable to your words, unlike a stranger who will never see you again."


Torrey and I, on a few occasions have been attacked, unjustly slandered, and wrongfully accused, simply on the basis of defending God’s word. Whenever you are in disagreement over a biblical principle with someone who doesn’t believe the word of God or harder yet, mis-interprets the word, you can expect opposition.  How can we not expect opposition, when Jesus warned us in n John 15:18, “if the world hated me, surely they will hate you.” 

Being hated isn’t easy; regardless it is our responsibility to continue to share the truth!

Look around at the behavior of society, moral downfall is not only evident outside the church, but it is equally as evident inside the church. Today, in most Christian circles, holiness isn’t a popular word. As a matter of fact, many of our so-called “Christian peers” are laughing and mocking those of us who are determined to remain faithful. (John 15:19, 17:16)

Their philosophy is to solicit as many lukewarm Christians as they can to side in their defense. They have played right into the hand of the enemy! They twist and construe the word of God and call it discernment, they argue and debate against absolute truth and call it justified.  Their conscience has been seared and as a result their hearts have hardened towards the truth and the messenger. The battle to defend the word of God requires committed Christians who have a strong will and determination to shut out the negative voices of opinions, pushing through the circles of indifference, to continue warning people of the judgment that lies ahead.

It's not going to get any easier to share the gospel. God foretold us long ago that “scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts…denying biblical truths”. The Apostle Paul also warned that many would be swayed from the truth, because of their “itching ears”, creating in their minds vain imaginations, which would lead to their own destruction.

MY GOD -------I CAN BARELY SIT HERE WITHOUT GETTING ANGRY AT THE DEVIL AND HIS DIABOLIC SCHEMES TO TAKE MY LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS TO ETERNAL DAMNATION. MY HEART IS BROKEN FOR THOSE WHO ARE DECEIVED, CAUGHT UP IN THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD AND WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER.

When I think about judgment day and what it will be like for my friends and loved ones who have denied the truth, it motivates me beyond my natural ability to continue, regardless of the opposition, regardless of how many are offended. My hurt feelings are menial in comparison to what awaits them if they do not receive the truth. 

Polly

In closing I want to leave with you an illustration from Kirk Cameron’s series. The Way of The Master. Please read it, it may change your mind about judgment day!

Material Written & Published by "The Way of The Master"
Obviously, those who flippantly say such things and act according to their flesh, don’t believe in the biblical concept of hell. Their understanding of the nature of God is erroneous. They make statements like God is a God of mercy and grace and they believe this justifies their behavior. Yes God is a God of mercy and grace, but He is also known as THE JUDGE.

Let me put it to you this way… "If a judge in Florida turns a blind eye to the un-lawful dealings of the Mafia, if he sees their murderous acts and deliberately turns the other way, is he a good or bad judge? He’s obviously corrupt, and should be brought to justice him-self. If he is a good judge, he will do everything within his power to bring those murderers to justice making sure that they are justly punished.

"If Almighty God sees a man rape and strangle to death your sister or mother, do you think He should look the other way, or bring that murderer to justice? It makes sense then, that if God is good, He will do everything in His power to ensure justice is done. The Bible tells us that He will punish murderers punish murderers and rapists. However, God is so good, he will also punish thieves, liars, adulterers, fornicators, and blasphemers. He will even punish those who desired to murder and rape but never took the opportunity. He warns that if we hate someone, we commit murder in our hearts. If we lust, we commit adultery in the heart, etc."

The reality of sin is eminent, hell! Jesus said that it is a place of torment, where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched (Matthew 9:45-47). We tend to forget what pain is like when we don’t have it. Can you begin to imagine how terrible it would be to be in agony, with no hope of relief? Hell isn’t just a place with an absence of God’s blessings; it is literal torment, forever.

God has given His Law to convince men of their sins, and unless a sinner is convinced that he has sinned against God, he won’t see that hell is his eternal destiny. He may consider it a fit place for others, but not for himself. That’s why we mustn’t hesitate to open up the Law and show people they are responsible for sin, and that God’s wrath abides on him because of it. There are depiction's in the bible of what Hell will actually be like, Luke 16:24, Matt 13:42, 25:41, Ephesians 4:9, Revelation 20:15, Ezekiel 32:18-21, Isaiah 66:22-24)