WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.299 If you have your Bibles, turn to Romans chapter 2, Romans chapter 2. 00:00:08.199 --> 00:00:15.460 For the last several weeks, I've been preaching on hell, and I want you to know that I don't enjoy speaking of it. 00:00:16.839 --> 00:00:19.379 There's not a glimmer in my eye when I speak of it. 00:00:20.620 --> 00:00:29.900 It burdens me, actually, because it may sound negative or threatening, and I'm not a negative guy, and I pose no threats. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.259 However, I believe it, and I believe it is as awful as Scripture says it is. 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:54.159 It is too clear in the Bible, again and again, to ever deny if you believe the Lord and you believe in His Word. 00:00:54.159 --> 00:01:07.039 If you don't believe in God, I want you to know there will be no atheists in hell, because hell will make believers out of them. 00:01:08.340 --> 00:01:11.120 So how do you size up hell? 00:01:11.120 --> 00:01:14.760 It ought to horrify you. 00:01:15.800 --> 00:01:20.439 Romans chapter 2, beginning in verse 4, it says, 00:01:20.439 --> 00:01:50.420 It says, 00:01:50.439 --> 00:02:20.439 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:34.979 Today, I want us to look for just a moment, well, a few moments, at the length and the breadth and the depth of hell. 00:02:34.979 --> 00:02:47.000 But more than the cubic measurements or the degrees of Fahrenheit or Celsius, we need to spiritually size up hell. 00:02:48.120 --> 00:02:54.139 Because the length and the depth and the breadth of hell is unmistakable. 00:02:55.819 --> 00:02:58.959 How long is hell? 00:02:58.959 --> 00:02:59.039 Hell. 00:03:03.039 --> 00:03:03.919 It's eternal. 00:03:04.979 --> 00:03:11.739 The second death, as the Bible calls it, is not a fading away. 00:03:12.019 --> 00:03:12.979 It is not an annihilation. 00:03:13.739 --> 00:03:14.979 It is eternal. 00:03:16.899 --> 00:03:19.879 And when I say the second death, I want you to understand something. 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:24.259 That if you have been born twice, you'll only die once. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:28.919 Meaning that if you were born of your mother, and you were, in case you're wondering. 00:03:30.620 --> 00:03:37.199 And if you were also born again by the Spirit of God, you'll only die once. 00:03:38.019 --> 00:03:42.579 And that's a transition from this life into eternal glory with the Lord. 00:03:42.580 --> 00:03:47.300 But if you've only been born once, you'll die twice. 00:03:47.540 --> 00:03:56.439 If you've only been born of your mother and never been born again of Christ, when you leave this life, you'll go to hell. 00:03:56.439 --> 00:04:06.400 But in the future, if the Lord tarries, there'll be, I guess you could say, an official judgment as Scripture speaks of it. 00:04:07.199 --> 00:04:12.099 Where hell, as it presently is, will be cast into a lake of fire. 00:04:12.099 --> 00:04:15.359 I don't know the difference in the two. 00:04:16.500 --> 00:04:21.259 But I know that there'll be a statement of finality there that is beyond. 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:24.659 And Scripture calls that the second death. 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:28.980 The second death is not an annihilation. 00:04:29.500 --> 00:04:31.040 It is not a fading away. 00:04:31.259 --> 00:04:32.420 It is eternal. 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:40.319 I want you to imagine, if you would, if a bird were to go to the beach. 00:04:42.100 --> 00:04:46.000 Pick up a grain of sand and fly to the moon. 00:04:48.040 --> 00:04:50.439 Drop off that sand grain. 00:04:50.439 --> 00:04:54.879 And fly back to the earth. 00:04:55.660 --> 00:04:58.260 To pick up another grain of sand. 00:04:59.260 --> 00:05:02.720 And to fly back to the moon. 00:05:04.120 --> 00:05:07.320 And repeat that again and again. 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:15.360 When the sands of the beaches of the oceans and every grain of sand from the earth is gone. 00:05:15.579 --> 00:05:20.819 In that time span, hell would have just begun. 00:05:20.819 --> 00:05:26.360 All of time as we know it. 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:31.360 Whether that's roughly 6,000 years as I believe. 00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:34.399 Or whether it's millions of years as secular scientists believe. 00:05:35.699 --> 00:05:39.560 All of time as we know it is a snap of the fingers. 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:43.219 It is a blink of the eye compared to eternity. 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:47.079 James says this life is but a vapor. 00:05:47.079 --> 00:05:51.659 So if there's any doubt that hell is eternal. 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:53.019 The Bible is clear. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:55.159 In Matthew 25 verse 41. 00:05:55.399 --> 00:05:56.339 Christ said. 00:05:56.439 --> 00:05:59.740 And some people say the words to pay attention to are the red letters. 00:05:59.860 --> 00:06:00.800 Well this is red letter. 00:06:01.039 --> 00:06:01.199 Okay. 00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:03.339 I think you ought to pay attention to all of it. 00:06:04.180 --> 00:06:05.860 But this is red letters. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:07.099 The words of Jesus. 00:06:07.259 --> 00:06:11.319 He says the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 00:06:11.539 --> 00:06:14.019 With an emphasis on eternal fire. 00:06:14.019 --> 00:06:16.240 In Revelation 20 verse 10. 00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:17.319 John said that. 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:22.379 John said that we're tormented forever and ever. 00:06:23.399 --> 00:06:24.560 And then in Matthew 25. 00:06:24.779 --> 00:06:27.759 Jesus gives us a comparison of what happens in eternity. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:32.740 When he says then they will go away to eternal punishment. 00:06:33.560 --> 00:06:37.199 But the righteous to eternal life. 00:06:37.199 --> 00:06:40.060 And the context of that statement is. 00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:41.420 That he's comparing. 00:06:42.259 --> 00:06:46.060 Those believers that have lived out their faith for the Lord as sheep. 00:06:46.599 --> 00:06:49.000 And those who have no fruit of salvation. 00:06:49.259 --> 00:06:51.639 And have never known the Lord to be goats. 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:55.680 One will go to eternal punishment. 00:06:55.839 --> 00:06:58.159 While the other will go to eternal life. 00:06:59.139 --> 00:07:01.279 People love to talk about the reality of heaven. 00:07:01.579 --> 00:07:02.519 Makes us feel comfortable. 00:07:03.079 --> 00:07:03.860 We like that. 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:09.420 Hell is just as real and as long as heaven. 00:07:10.819 --> 00:07:14.060 Hell is as long as eternity. 00:07:15.240 --> 00:07:16.699 How deep is hell? 00:07:19.600 --> 00:07:25.460 It is deep enough for all sin to be justified. 00:07:26.939 --> 00:07:30.379 People often wonder if hell is equal for all people. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:35.300 I mean what about the good guys that never accepted Jesus? 00:07:36.279 --> 00:07:38.399 Or the guys that we interpret as good. 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:41.060 Scripture tells us none of us are good outside of Christ. 00:07:42.040 --> 00:07:44.480 But those fellas that look like they're good to us. 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:47.719 Versus those unrepentant mass murderers. 00:07:49.139 --> 00:07:52.040 Well remember hell is not by our standards. 00:07:52.219 --> 00:07:53.540 It's by God's standards. 00:07:54.300 --> 00:07:57.819 And as the rewards of heaven appear in different degrees. 00:07:57.819 --> 00:07:59.379 Or levels in scripture. 00:07:59.659 --> 00:08:00.500 It speaks of that. 00:08:01.579 --> 00:08:05.920 So hell is also described as incremental as well. 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:10.620 Christ put it this way in Matthew chapter 11 verse 20 and following. 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:12.860 He said then he began. 00:08:13.079 --> 00:08:13.579 Excuse me. 00:08:13.740 --> 00:08:19.379 It says that he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done. 00:08:19.779 --> 00:08:21.620 Because they did not repent. 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:24.139 Let me focus on that sentence for just a moment. 00:08:24.139 --> 00:08:28.139 So he's about to speak of different levels. 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:30.019 And I'm not talking about floors. 00:08:30.180 --> 00:08:33.360 I'm talking about states of punishment in hell. 00:08:33.779 --> 00:08:36.319 But how he gets there is to say. 00:08:37.439 --> 00:08:41.039 What about those who know so much about the Lord Jesus. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:43.720 And have seen so much evidence of it. 00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:46.679 And have heard so much of the gospel. 00:08:47.779 --> 00:08:49.139 Versus those who haven't. 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:52.220 And then he says this. 00:08:53.059 --> 00:08:53.980 Woe to you. 00:08:56.100 --> 00:08:57.360 Woe to you. 00:08:58.439 --> 00:08:59.039 Chorazin. 00:08:59.580 --> 00:09:00.580 Woe to you. 00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:03.480 Bethesda. 00:09:04.039 --> 00:09:09.439 For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon. 00:09:10.100 --> 00:09:13.500 They would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:15.659 But I tell you. 00:09:15.899 --> 00:09:18.120 It will be more tolerable on the day. 00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:23.279 Bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:25.100 And you Capernaum. 00:09:25.639 --> 00:09:27.419 Will you be exalted to heaven? 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:30.100 You'll be brought down to Hades. 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:33.360 For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom. 00:09:33.480 --> 00:09:35.240 It would have remained until this day. 00:09:35.299 --> 00:09:36.259 But I tell you. 00:09:36.539 --> 00:09:40.080 That it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom. 00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:41.419 Than for you. 00:09:41.419 --> 00:09:44.039 In the ministry of Christ. 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:45.860 Capernaum was his hometown. 00:09:46.620 --> 00:09:47.860 It was his home base. 00:09:48.199 --> 00:09:50.139 It's where his ministry came out of. 00:09:50.459 --> 00:09:51.099 As a matter of fact. 00:09:51.179 --> 00:09:52.240 At one point in the gospels. 00:09:52.339 --> 00:09:53.419 It says that when he came to Capernaum. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.779 They knew he was at home. 00:09:56.459 --> 00:09:59.679 They had seen so much of what Christ had done. 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:02.079 They had heard so much of the gospel. 00:10:03.019 --> 00:10:05.819 They knew the power that was found in Christ. 00:10:06.299 --> 00:10:08.259 But when they failed to acknowledge it. 00:10:08.259 --> 00:10:11.679 He said what you'll suffer in eternity. 00:10:12.179 --> 00:10:14.580 When you leave this life failing to acknowledge it. 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:17.159 Is different than even those who. 00:10:17.819 --> 00:10:20.000 Are wickedly in sin. 00:10:20.100 --> 00:10:23.399 But have not had the same kind of opportunity as you have. 00:10:24.299 --> 00:10:28.220 Romans 1 tells us that God reveals himself to all that live on the earth. 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:30.659 To some it is through nature. 00:10:30.779 --> 00:10:33.860 To others it's through the repeated message of Christ. 00:10:34.139 --> 00:10:35.519 Who will suffer more? 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:38.120 Surely those who had the opportunity. 00:10:38.500 --> 00:10:39.740 Again and again. 00:10:39.980 --> 00:10:41.039 And let that go. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:42.360 As a matter of fact. 00:10:42.439 --> 00:10:44.699 In Christ's parable of the unfaithful servants. 00:10:44.819 --> 00:10:46.039 In Luke chapter 12. 00:10:46.439 --> 00:10:50.000 It speaks of some receiving many blows. 00:10:50.559 --> 00:10:53.360 While others received few blows. 00:10:54.360 --> 00:10:55.279 And the punishment. 00:10:55.980 --> 00:10:57.159 In that parable. 00:10:57.340 --> 00:10:58.779 Is based upon the knowledge. 00:10:58.919 --> 00:11:01.039 Their knowledge of the master's will. 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:02.799 And how they responded. 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:05.079 To what they knew about the master. 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:06.779 That points. 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:08.240 To. 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:10.860 Different degrees of punishment. 00:11:11.179 --> 00:11:13.840 Not based on the amount of weight of your sin. 00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:17.360 But the rejection of the offer. 00:11:17.919 --> 00:11:18.759 Of Christ. 00:11:19.579 --> 00:11:21.840 The apostle Paul makes it even clearer. 00:11:21.980 --> 00:11:23.399 In Romans chapter 2 verse 5. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:24.100 Today's passage. 00:11:24.860 --> 00:11:25.579 That we speak. 00:11:25.939 --> 00:11:29.699 That speaks of a hard and shameless heart. 00:11:29.700 --> 00:11:32.080 Biblical theologian. 00:11:32.759 --> 00:11:34.240 Anthony Hokema. 00:11:34.500 --> 00:11:35.660 Explains it this way. 00:11:36.379 --> 00:11:36.940 And I quote. 00:11:38.060 --> 00:11:41.180 Not every lost person will undergo the sufferings of Judas. 00:11:42.300 --> 00:11:44.220 God will be perfectly just. 00:11:45.160 --> 00:11:47.800 And each person will suffer precisely. 00:11:48.300 --> 00:11:49.780 What he deserves. 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:50.980 End quote. 00:11:51.980 --> 00:11:52.620 Now you may say. 00:11:52.680 --> 00:11:53.379 Well that's not fair. 00:11:53.379 --> 00:11:56.639 It's not fair for somebody to go to hell. 00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:58.299 I thought God was a God of love. 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:00.480 Oh I got news for you. 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:02.559 He is a God of love. 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:04.600 Let me tell you about love. 00:12:05.679 --> 00:12:08.100 Love is sending your only son to die. 00:12:08.100 --> 00:12:09.399 In the place of sinners. 00:12:10.039 --> 00:12:12.320 So that they'll have the opportunity to respond. 00:12:13.720 --> 00:12:15.539 Love is giving the word of God. 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:16.480 To make it clear. 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:19.639 And the messengers to proclaim that. 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:20.879 With clarity. 00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:23.519 Love is coming to us. 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:26.240 When we are dead in our transgressions and sins. 00:12:26.639 --> 00:12:27.659 And awaken us. 00:12:28.899 --> 00:12:31.039 To sense his pull. 00:12:31.779 --> 00:12:33.320 And to realize our debt. 00:12:34.860 --> 00:12:37.139 Love is running into a burning house. 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:38.259 To awake the people. 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:39.600 And to tell them. 00:12:41.100 --> 00:12:42.419 The consequences come. 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:44.539 When they roll over. 00:12:45.519 --> 00:12:47.360 And pay no attention to the warning. 00:12:48.299 --> 00:12:49.779 And ignore their hope. 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:52.480 So how deep is hell? 00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:53.379 It's deep enough. 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:56.139 For all sin to be justified. 00:12:58.799 --> 00:12:59.399 How. 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:01.159 How wide. 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:02.559 Is hell. 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:06.600 It's wide enough. 00:13:07.720 --> 00:13:09.240 To hold all. 00:13:09.600 --> 00:13:10.899 Who reject God. 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:15.039 Hell was not made. 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:16.059 For us. 00:13:16.059 --> 00:13:18.539 Matthew 25. 00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:19.179 Verse 41. 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:19.759 Tells us. 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.819 That God created hell. 00:13:20.899 --> 00:13:21.419 To house. 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:22.399 The demons. 00:13:23.479 --> 00:13:24.159 And his host. 00:13:24.259 --> 00:13:25.319 Of fallen angels. 00:13:25.459 --> 00:13:26.399 Called demons. 00:13:27.279 --> 00:13:27.879 Who. 00:13:28.719 --> 00:13:29.279 Rebel. 00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:30.199 Against God. 00:13:30.359 --> 00:13:30.599 And. 00:13:31.239 --> 00:13:31.479 Fell. 00:13:31.659 --> 00:13:31.899 From. 00:13:32.419 --> 00:13:32.739 Heaven. 00:13:34.659 --> 00:13:36.739 And Isaiah chapter 14. 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:39.979 Describes for us. 00:13:40.479 --> 00:13:42.000 As best we can understand. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.559 How the devil. 00:13:43.720 --> 00:13:44.279 An angel. 00:13:44.279 --> 00:13:45.340 Fell from heaven. 00:13:45.340 --> 00:13:46.620 In prideful. 00:13:47.860 --> 00:13:48.500 Rebellion. 00:13:49.220 --> 00:13:50.100 It's written. 00:13:50.799 --> 00:13:51.279 Poetically. 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.259 But I encourage you. 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:54.320 To receive the message. 00:13:54.919 --> 00:13:57.059 It says in Isaiah chapter 14. 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:57.600 Verse 12. 00:13:58.019 --> 00:13:59.899 How you are fallen from heaven. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.820 Oh day star. 00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:01.639 Son of dawn. 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:04.899 How you cut down. 00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:05.539 To the ground. 00:14:05.679 --> 00:14:07.440 You who laid the nations low. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:10.480 You said in your heart. 00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:11.659 I will ascend to heaven. 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:15.420 Above the stars of God. 00:14:15.420 --> 00:14:17.259 I set my throne on high. 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:17.960 I will. 00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:20.139 Sit on the mount of assembly. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:21.659 In the far reaches of. 00:14:22.220 --> 00:14:22.680 The north. 00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:25.740 I will ascend above the heights. 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:26.340 Of the clouds. 00:14:26.440 --> 00:14:27.639 I'll make myself. 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.360 Listen to this. 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:30.279 I'll make myself. 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:32.279 Like the most high. 00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:37.519 No you won't. 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:38.420 I added that. 00:14:38.419 --> 00:14:40.799 But you are brought down. 00:14:40.939 --> 00:14:41.519 To Sheol. 00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:43.659 To the far reaches. 00:14:43.659 --> 00:14:44.299 Of the pit. 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:46.759 Those who see you. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:47.659 Will stare at you. 00:14:47.740 --> 00:14:48.599 And ponder over you. 00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:49.679 Is this the man. 00:14:49.759 --> 00:14:50.779 Who made the earth tremble. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:52.539 Who shook kingdoms. 00:14:52.699 --> 00:14:53.399 Who made the world. 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:54.199 Like the desert. 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:55.059 Like a desert. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.139 And overthrew its cities. 00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:57.860 Who did not let his prisoners. 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:58.459 Go home. 00:14:59.459 --> 00:15:00.839 All the kings of the nations. 00:15:00.839 --> 00:15:01.679 Lie in glory. 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.779 Each in his own tomb. 00:15:02.939 --> 00:15:04.399 But you are cast away. 00:15:04.500 --> 00:15:05.740 Away from your grave. 00:15:05.740 --> 00:15:07.639 Like a loathed branch. 00:15:08.060 --> 00:15:08.500 Clothed. 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.720 With the slain. 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:12.060 Those pierced by the sword. 00:15:12.120 --> 00:15:12.659 Who go down. 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:13.820 To the stones of the pit. 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:15.200 Like a dead body. 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:16.419 Trampled underfoot. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:18.519 You will not be joined. 00:15:18.560 --> 00:15:19.279 With them in burial. 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:21.139 Because you have destroyed. 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:21.659 Your land. 00:15:21.740 --> 00:15:22.320 You have slain. 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:22.779 Your people. 00:15:23.060 --> 00:15:23.860 May the offspring. 00:15:23.860 --> 00:15:24.680 Of evildoers. 00:15:24.680 --> 00:15:26.740 Never more be named. 00:15:30.060 --> 00:15:30.580 Satan. 00:15:32.019 --> 00:15:33.240 Cast out of heaven. 00:15:33.240 --> 00:15:35.220 Did not want to go alone. 00:15:36.360 --> 00:15:37.980 He wants you to join him. 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:40.580 Therefore I want to be clear. 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:43.279 He works overtime. 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:44.980 To lead us astray. 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:47.279 And to send us to hell. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:51.159 Satan's deception and lies. 00:15:51.320 --> 00:15:53.080 Along with the stubborn hearts. 00:15:53.180 --> 00:15:54.399 And hard heads of people. 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:56.840 Are filling the portals of hell. 00:15:57.060 --> 00:15:58.340 With the condemned. 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:01.879 And 2 Thessalonians 1.8. 00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:03.220 Tells us who goes to hell. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:06.399 2 Thessalonians 1.8. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:06.980 Says this. 00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:07.820 Those. 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:09.779 Who do not know God. 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:10.899 And those. 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:12.120 Who do not obey. 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:13.759 The gospel of our Lord Jesus. 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:17.000 So how wide is hell? 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:20.379 There's room for more. 00:16:22.059 --> 00:16:23.460 It's wide enough. 00:16:25.220 --> 00:16:26.299 Decades ago. 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:29.039 Off the shores of Massachusetts. 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:31.339 The submarine. 00:16:31.559 --> 00:16:32.240 S4. 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:33.039 Sank. 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:35.179 It had been rammed. 00:16:35.179 --> 00:16:36.219 By another vessel. 00:16:36.539 --> 00:16:37.159 And quickly. 00:16:37.799 --> 00:16:38.980 It bottomed. 00:16:39.199 --> 00:16:40.599 To the ocean floor. 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.679 The submarine. 00:16:42.959 --> 00:16:44.259 Became a prison. 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:45.019 To the crew. 00:16:46.319 --> 00:16:47.399 Rescue ships. 00:16:47.399 --> 00:16:47.919 Came in. 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:48.839 As soon as possible. 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:50.279 Divers went down. 00:16:50.319 --> 00:16:51.299 Attempting to rescue. 00:16:52.079 --> 00:16:53.459 And as they neared. 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:54.179 That vessel. 00:16:54.339 --> 00:16:55.360 They heard a tapping. 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:56.039 On the inside. 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:56.599 Inside. 00:16:57.719 --> 00:16:58.779 As they listened. 00:16:58.879 --> 00:16:59.519 To the tapping. 00:16:59.699 --> 00:17:00.480 They realized. 00:17:01.199 --> 00:17:02.839 It was a Morse code. 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:03.519 Message. 00:17:04.639 --> 00:17:06.119 It was a question. 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:08.859 Being tapped out. 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:11.059 On the side of that submarine. 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:13.680 And the question was. 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.460 Is there any. 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:16.379 Hope. 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:20.819 Thank God. 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:23.399 That there was somebody. 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.359 On the other side. 00:17:25.399 --> 00:17:26.859 Who had the capacity. 00:17:26.859 --> 00:17:28.980 To get them out of their situation. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:30.220 Who sent back. 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:31.000 To that person. 00:17:31.079 --> 00:17:32.079 Inside that submarine. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.319 A wonderful message. 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:34.220 When they tapped back. 00:17:34.679 --> 00:17:35.000 There. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:35.859 Is. 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:37.000 Hope. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:39.079 We are cutting. 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:39.799 Away. 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:40.579 For you. 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:41.379 To escape. 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:44.839 Can you imagine. 00:17:45.679 --> 00:17:47.639 The one who sent that message. 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:52.399 If there is no hope. 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:54.859 If there had been no answer. 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.899 You cannot escape. 00:17:59.799 --> 00:17:59.919 The. 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:02.460 The men and women in that sub. 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:04.619 Would have consumed the remaining oxygen. 00:18:05.079 --> 00:18:06.179 Waiting to die. 00:18:06.259 --> 00:18:07.579 With no hope of rescue. 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:10.319 My friend. 00:18:10.419 --> 00:18:11.720 That is a small. 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.460 Picture. 00:18:13.139 --> 00:18:13.659 Of hell. 00:18:13.659 --> 00:18:16.259 It is a place. 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.039 Of utter. 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:18.039 Misery. 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:20.200 Utter misery. 00:18:20.200 --> 00:18:20.720 Without. 00:18:21.619 --> 00:18:22.139 Relief. 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:24.539 No lessening. 00:18:24.639 --> 00:18:25.539 Of frustration. 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:28.139 No escape. 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:29.059 From reality. 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:31.440 No chance. 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:32.220 Of change. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:34.180 No hope. 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:36.920 The apostle Paul said. 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:37.680 In first Corinthians. 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:38.099 15. 00:18:38.139 --> 00:18:38.460 19. 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:39.680 If in Christ. 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:40.579 We have hope. 00:18:40.819 --> 00:18:41.420 In this life. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:41.720 Only. 00:18:41.899 --> 00:18:43.139 We are of all people. 00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:44.339 Most to be pitied. 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.319 But thank God. 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.619 There is eternal hope. 00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:50.659 But only. 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:53.180 To be grasped. 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:55.599 In this life. 00:18:56.879 --> 00:18:57.399 Claimed. 00:18:58.039 --> 00:18:58.339 Here. 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:00.700 And then enjoyed. 00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:01.579 For all of eternity. 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:04.639 The French author. 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.579 George. 00:19:08.099 --> 00:19:08.859 Bananas. 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:12.240 In his classic work. 00:19:12.859 --> 00:19:13.460 The diary. 00:19:13.659 --> 00:19:14.460 Of a country. 00:19:14.819 --> 00:19:15.299 Priest. 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:17.480 Put it this way. 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:19.599 He said. 00:19:19.660 --> 00:19:20.579 But just you wait. 00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:23.519 Wait for the first quarter. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:25.360 Of an hour's silence. 00:19:26.740 --> 00:19:27.680 Then the word. 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.819 Will be heard of men. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:31.400 Not the voice. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.360 They rejected. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:34.779 Which spoke so quietly. 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:35.500 I am the way. 00:19:35.620 --> 00:19:36.180 The resurrection. 00:19:36.319 --> 00:19:36.759 The life. 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:38.420 But the voice. 00:19:38.420 --> 00:19:39.500 From the depths. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:42.099 I am the door. 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:44.039 Forever locked. 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:45.039 The road. 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.659 The road. 00:19:45.659 --> 00:19:46.779 Which leads nowhere. 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:48.579 The life. 00:19:48.579 --> 00:19:49.579 The everlasting. 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.259 The everlasting. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:51.980 Dark. 00:19:54.139 --> 00:19:55.659 How long is hell? 00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:59.399 It is everlasting. 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:02.460 It is eternal. 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:05.139 How deep is hell? 00:20:05.140 --> 00:20:07.420 It is deep enough. 00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:08.440 For the most wretched. 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:08.520 Wretched. 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:09.400 Suffering. 00:20:11.520 --> 00:20:12.860 How wide. 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.040 Is hell? 00:20:16.560 --> 00:20:17.620 It is wide enough. 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:18.600 To capture all. 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:19.480 Who turn down. 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:21.160 The offer. 00:20:21.600 --> 00:20:22.220 Of God. 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.860 The good news. 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:25.240 Folks. 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:25.640 Is. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.700 And the only reason. 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:28.700 I share all that. 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:29.980 The good news. 00:20:30.060 --> 00:20:30.320 Is. 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:30.359 Is. 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:31.919 You don't have to go to hell. 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.279 You don't have to go to hell. 00:20:35.379 --> 00:20:36.279 Jesus died. 00:20:37.299 --> 00:20:38.599 So you don't have to. 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:40.759 And you can spend eternity. 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.339 With him. 00:20:42.859 --> 00:20:44.200 But that will only come. 00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:46.359 When you acknowledge. 00:20:46.359 --> 00:20:47.700 Your need for Christ. 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.740 Surrender your life. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.220 To him. 00:20:50.919 --> 00:20:52.039 Ask him to forgive you. 00:20:52.099 --> 00:20:52.599 And to cleanse you. 00:20:52.639 --> 00:20:53.519 And to come into your life. 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.339 And to save you. 00:20:55.339 --> 00:20:56.480 He will not only change. 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.399 Your life now. 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.119 He will change it. 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:58.859 For all. 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:00.459 Of eternity. 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:03.179 If you've never done that. 00:21:04.039 --> 00:21:05.279 Today's the day of salvation. 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:07.559 He'll save you today. 00:21:08.179 --> 00:21:09.919 If you answer that tugging. 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.339 Within your heart. 00:21:11.479 --> 00:21:12.779 That the Holy Spirit's giving you. 00:21:14.159 --> 00:21:14.959 With every head bowed. 00:21:14.979 --> 00:21:15.759 And every eye closed. 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:19.059 I asked this morning. 00:21:21.179 --> 00:21:22.399 Is there one here. 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:24.459 Who maybe have heard the message many times. 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.419 Maybe never heard it. 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:27.759 But in reality. 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.759 When you look at your life. 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:29.740 You can't go back. 00:21:29.740 --> 00:21:30.779 To a point in your life. 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:31.700 Where you know for certain. 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.559 You have eternal life. 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:33.160 And you'll go to heaven. 00:21:33.160 --> 00:21:33.740 When you die. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.660 Let's clarify that today. 00:21:39.879 --> 00:21:41.180 Let's take the opportunity. 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:42.920 To nail that down. 00:21:43.619 --> 00:21:44.799 To make that right. 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:47.220 Maybe you're here. 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:48.099 And you're like. 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:49.259 The three men. 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:51.640 That was just baptized. 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:53.940 There's been a time. 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.619 In your past. 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:55.379 When you've accepted. 00:21:55.379 --> 00:21:56.099 The Lord Jesus. 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:57.339 But you've never followed. 00:21:57.339 --> 00:21:57.819 The Lord. 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.919 In baptism. 00:21:58.919 --> 00:21:59.000 In baptism. 00:21:59.000 --> 00:22:00.240 I believe. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:00.759 Biblically. 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:02.359 It is the first step of obedience. 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:03.219 For the believer. 00:22:03.419 --> 00:22:04.299 And I believe. 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:05.519 You hinder your walk. 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.259 With the Lord. 00:22:06.419 --> 00:22:07.959 Until you follow him. 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:09.639 In obedient baptism. 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:11.719 If you've never been baptized. 00:22:11.719 --> 00:22:12.419 As a believer. 00:22:12.419 --> 00:22:14.059 But you know you're saved today. 00:22:14.439 --> 00:22:15.839 I encourage you to come. 00:22:16.219 --> 00:22:17.339 We'd love to guide you. 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:18.319 In that process. 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.599 We'll schedule you. 00:22:19.679 --> 00:22:20.139 In the future. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:22.180 Maybe you're here. 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.160 And God's drawing you. 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:23.900 To this church. 00:22:24.520 --> 00:22:25.900 God's doing a wonderful move. 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:26.840 In First Baptist Church. 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.880 And I'm thankful for that. 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:29.780 And I know that God. 00:22:29.780 --> 00:22:30.759 Is working in hearts. 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.300 And lives. 00:22:31.380 --> 00:22:32.259 Some of you have shared that. 00:22:32.340 --> 00:22:32.660 With me. 00:22:33.380 --> 00:22:34.120 God's leading you. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:35.180 To be a part of this congregation. 00:22:36.100 --> 00:22:37.380 I encourage you to come. 00:22:37.860 --> 00:22:38.820 We'd love to help you. 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:39.500 In that process. 00:22:41.080 --> 00:22:42.060 Maybe you're here. 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:42.940 And you know. 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:44.180 There's things in your life. 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:44.860 That are hindrances. 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:45.940 Between you and God. 00:22:46.380 --> 00:22:47.720 And you need to lay that down. 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.380 Before him. 00:22:48.380 --> 00:22:50.380 Maybe you're here. 00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:50.820 And you know. 00:22:50.900 --> 00:22:51.940 Of people who desperately. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:52.940 Need the Lord Jesus. 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:54.520 Whether they realize it or not. 00:22:54.920 --> 00:22:55.900 And God's laid them. 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:57.040 Upon your heart today. 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:58.080 And you want to lay them. 00:22:58.080 --> 00:22:58.760 At this altar. 00:22:59.060 --> 00:22:59.900 And ask God. 00:22:59.900 --> 00:23:01.020 To open up opportunities. 00:23:01.020 --> 00:23:01.660 For you. 00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:03.460 To share hope with them. 00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:05.600 I never pretend to know. 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.320 What God's doing. 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.280 In your heart and life. 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:09.440 I can't discern that. 00:23:09.740 --> 00:23:10.640 Only you can. 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:11.840 Between you and God. 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.460 But I can tell you. 00:23:13.520 --> 00:23:14.040 With a surety. 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.260 That you'll never be satisfied. 00:23:15.260 --> 00:23:16.120 Unless you're obedient. 00:23:16.120 --> 00:23:16.760 To the Father. 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:19.299 And so I encourage you. 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.539 As we stand in just a moment. 00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:21.039 To sing. 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:21.579 You come. 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:23.180 If you're not familiar. 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:23.879 With that process. 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.500 And don't have a whole. 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:25.559 And have a lot of questions. 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:26.079 You come. 00:23:26.379 --> 00:23:27.539 I'll be happy to guide you. 00:23:27.579 --> 00:23:28.200 In that process. 00:23:29.099 --> 00:23:29.980 We got time. 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:31.720 We'll talk about it. 00:23:32.140 --> 00:23:33.160 We'll pray about it. 00:23:33.559 --> 00:23:34.819 We'll set up a time for it. 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.160 If needed. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:37.319 I just want you to be obedient. 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:39.519 And follow the Lord Jesus today. 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:40.700 Lord Jesus. 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:41.319 I love you. 00:23:41.359 --> 00:23:41.920 And I thank you. 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:42.920 For your love for us. 00:23:43.359 --> 00:23:44.279 I ask your God. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.240 That you will work. 00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:45.899 And move. 00:23:46.059 --> 00:23:46.660 And are missed. 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.879 And help us to simply follow. 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:48.799 Your will and your way. 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.399 In all that we do today. 00:23:50.859 --> 00:23:52.259 In Jesus precious name. 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:53.059 Amen. 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:53.700 If you would stand.