Fire & Brimstone Messages: Warnings Abhorred by some in the Church but Appreciated Everywhere Else—From Planes to Amusement Rides to Surgery.
Let’s take a look at the urgency expressed through the Word of God concerning the phrase, “fire and brimstone.” Here are just a few scriptures referencing the hot phrase. It was the burning of sulfur that emitted a very offensive odor. These passages of scripture reference the wrath and judgement of God concerning sin and how sin smells to His nostrils. The Bible is His Love Letter to prevent us from being eternally separated from Him! It would seem like there would be a great appreciation for the Warning, since it speaks to being given another chance.
Genesis 19:24 (KJV)
“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven.”
Psalm 11:6 (KJV)
“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.”
Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
“...the fearful, and unbelieving... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
From the Early Church with leaders like Tertullian and Augustine, to the Reformation Era with Martin Luther to what was termed as the “Great Awakening” during the 1700’s with Jonathan Edwards, men have been used to warn the Church of divine judgment and eternal punishment. Edwards preached a sermon entitled, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Where he said, "The bow of God’s wrath is bent... and justice bends the arrow at your heart." There was such a conviction in the hearts of these men to warn the Believers in Christ about the ensuing end of sin!
Then here comes the Modern Era (late 20th–21st centuries) shifting towards grace, love, and therapeutic messages, and avoiding judgment sermons. What was it about a Message that made us mindful of eternity, now becoming an abhorrent one? What has made many go to church conferences to see Motivational Speakers over those who rightly divide Word of Truth; exegete scripture; and prepare pilgrims for their permanent residence?
People are leaving church with a Pep Rally experience over a Soldier enlisting into the Army of the Lord encounter! The danger associated with our Walk is just as important as the Blessings we love to receive and talk about! The Cost of the Yes is important so that we will not stand before Him hearing the Ultimate “No!” Hearing God say “Depart from me for I never knew you” Goes far greater in its weight than anything anyone can attribute to a “fire and brimstone” Message!
Where are Warnings embraced? Glad you asked. Aircraft Staff have never pulled back their messages on the fact that in case of the aircraft going down, what the necessary steps are to try to maintain life after crashing. It does not matter if a person flies 365 days a year, that message will come across the intercom! No one questions it. Whether you tune out the message or not, It still goes forward! So, why are Pastors changing their Messages and omitting the needed reality of the judgment sin brings to our lives?
Let’s look at the Amusement Park. Even with a ride full of laughter and thrill, signs are posted and warnings are shared to convey the behavior needed to truly enjoy the ride. God’s Warnings convey what is required to thoroughly enjoy our New Life in Him! It speaks to boundaries that keep us from harm and danger. The decisions that could impede us from experiencing great joy on the journey! So, why are Pastors changing their Messages and omitting the needed reality of the judgment sin brings to our lives?
And lastly, going through the surgery process. The emphasis is not placed on how the hearer will take the information. It is more about the hearer being aware of what they are about to embark upon. Some doctor’s bedside manner may be more palatable than others, but they will all ultimately share the same Warning. Doctors realize that what you do not know, could actually kill you. Therefore, they do not choose to take on the liability of withholding life-threatening information from a patient.So, I ask for the final time…Why are Pastors changing their Messages and omitting the needed reality of the judgment sin brings to our lives?
If your palate over time has changed from hearing the Word in its entirety, it is essential to go back to loving the Basics. I leave you with this…
Matthew 24:44-51
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Divine Work & Pray:
Work:
Jot down in your journal your thoughts when you hear “Fire & Brimstone?” Do you automatically associate it to a harsh and negative message.
Pray:
Father God, your love for Man is truly beyond comprehension. The provision you have made to bring us back to you through your Son, Jesus Christ is beyond what we will ever really understand. May the Truth of all of your Word continue to lead us to obey and worship you in the very Truth that has Saved us! Oh God, may the urgency of your coming be at the forefront of our minds. May I be ready when you return, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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