Newsletter May 17th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

From the surveys I have seen, and from the interviews I have heard, I have come to this conclusion——-Most of the people in the USA have these beliefs: 1] If there really is a Heaven, then 2]they are going to that Heaven when they die, even if they are not very  religious. Also, 3] most do not believe there is a Hell, or that they could possibly go there. Despite all the Bible teaches about a place of eternal torment [Hell, Lake of Fire, Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 20:11-15, and 21: 7-8], people doubt such a place exists. Scholars say that Jesus talked more about Hell than He did about Heaven.. The doubt continues. Many consign those teachings to the level of myth or fable.

Allow me to share with you the very true life story of a man I knew. This man and his wife did not believe. They hated Christianity and all it taught. The wife contracted a disease and was in the process of dying. The last words she spoke to her husband were, “I will see you in Hell.” His reply to her was, “I will meet you there”.

This couple had no children or close relatives. When the man reached the life stage where he needed help managing his affairs, a loving Christian couple from my church stepped in to help him. One of the couple [I have forgotten which] was like a third cousin to the man. When the man became more feeble, they moved him into their home. He refused to attend church with them. He rejected their witness about Jesus, He would leave the room if Billy Graham, or another Gospel preacher came on the TV. He would not allow the Pastor who preceded me, or myself to witness to him.

Eventually, he had to be moved into a Nursing Home and was at the point of dying. Those in the room with him said that he suddenly blurted out, “Please get up and open the window so the smoke can get out. The room is filling up with smoke and I can’t see or breathe.” His next words, “I am getting hot.” His last words were, “I feel like I am on fire”. Evidently, before he took his final breath on earth, Hell was reaching out, drawing him into his final resting place. It was a difficult funeral for me to preach. I could not preach hope, when all hope was gone.

We often hear this comment, “I don’t see how a Loving God could send anyone to Hell”. God’s love gave this man many chances to choose Heaven. Instead, he deliberately chose to go to Hell. It was his choice. God did not send him. He chose:
   …Every time he rejected the witness of his caregivers
   …Every time he refused to attend church
   …Every time he closed his ears to a TV Preacher
   …Every time he would not allow the other Pastor or myself to share Jesus with him
   …Every time he missed an opportunity to put his faith in Jesus

Hell is real. Those who go there, go, not because God sends them there, but because of the choices they make. What choice have you made? Anyone that you know have a need for you to tell them about Jesus?

THE BIBLE SAYS:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, the whosoever believeth in Him, might not perish, but would have everlasting life.” [John 3:16]
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” [Romans 10″9]
“For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Romans 10:13]

So simple—–Believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Confess with your mouth that those facts are true. Ask Jesus to become your Lord and Savior. You will escape Hell and go to Heaven. It is your eternal choice. Please choose wisely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after  12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Boston Butt sale for missions, Order now—$45—Pick up May 23—Time to order is running out!

Please choose to join Jesus, and us, in Heaven
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church