Hell: It Isn't a Joke or Party
 
 

 
It has been interesting watching the world speculate, pontificate, and get it all wrong; that is, the issue with this week's date of 666--June 6, 2006. I have tuned into secular talk radio and some television intentionally to hear what both credible Bible scholars and also fools have been saying about it. I was on two secular talk shows briefly to give the truth and the hosts received my words with interest.
The good news is that the secular world is curious. Many are open to hearing the truth and what they will do with it is up to them. The sad news is that at church services this week, very few will offer a sermon of prime importance: Jesus is coming again, likely sooner rather than later. Are you ready? And while the "feel good gospel" is so popular today, the greatest "feel good" message is that God has prepared a Home for us if we claim Him as Savior and Lord; nonetheless, you won't hear this in 95% of today's church.
But this week, and particularly on June 6, parties were thrown, even in Hell, Michigan. The occult made a big deal out of it, but they know it isn't a joke. But the number 666 has nothing to do with a date--rather, with a man. It has to do the number of the Antichrist, and since six is the number of man in the Bible, "Mr. 666" is the personification of man and all of man's sin nature. "Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six" (Rev. 13:18).
I was on air briefly with Dr. Mark Hitchcock today (June 6) and asked him a favorite question of mine. I believe the devil has always had an Antichrist waiting in the wings as the devil doesn't know the date of the end of the age. That person undoubtedly is walking the earth today, but won't be empowered by the evil one until the Tribulation. He likely hasn't a clue who he is. Dr. Hitchcock concurred with me.
Hell is no joke. Consider II Thessalonians 1:8-9, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power."
In Mark 9, the term, "and the fire is not quenched" is used three times. When the Bible repeats itself, we should pay attention. Jude 13 reveals hell is a place of eternal darkness. The story of the rich man reveals hell to be a place of consciousness and of eternal remorse. There is no hope, only wailing and gnashing of teeth, and of eternal flame.
That's why it's no laughing matter. It's not party time. It's time for believers to get out the "good news" of the gospel and it's time for our pastors to tell their congregations that the hour is late.
I don't like secular talk show hosts focusing more on prophecy-related issues than today's preachers and teachers because the secular hosts will never get the facts straight.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
The King is coming. Tell someone today, and ask them if they're ready. Tell them hell is not a party just because all their friends will be there.
RADIO THIS WEEKEND: Pastor Bob DeWaay, former New Age medium Brian Flynn, and I discuss the issues of "judging" and "naming names." Should the false teachers be discussed and identified or should we try to all get along? "Understanding the Times" is live every Saturday from 9 to 11 AM CST with a complete rebroadcast Sunday from 12 Noon to 2 PM on my home station, AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. You can listen live at their Web site, www.kkms.com. Check my Web site for other listening options including our "radio archives," and podcasting. Last weekend's two hours were highly informative on the "crime of the 21st Century", identify theft, and "Islam Rising: The Never Ending Jihad Against Christianity" with Dr. Jim Murk. Both hours are posted. We are heard in several cities available on the "Radio Show" page of the Web site.
Awaiting His return, Jan Markell