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Concluding the book of Revelation

My youth group has journeyed through the book of Revelation with me for the last 6 months or so--week after week. We are coming to the conclusion of the book and to the conclusion of time as we now know it.

Last night I did part 2 of our study on hell: "The Shrieking Cries of the Tormented in Hell Manifested." (I have to give it some title to seize the reader's attention.)

Here was my outline (it was more or less a topical study on hell):

1. Hell will be conscious torment in the presence of God (Rev 14:9-10)
2. Hell will be everlasting, unending torment without rest (Matt 25:46; Rev 20:11)
3. Hell will be shameful and conscience-stricken torment (Luke 16:24-28; Isa 66:24)
4. Hell will be black darkness, a bottomless pit, and awful fire (Matt 5:22; 13:50; Jude 7; Rev 19:20; 20:10; Jude 13; Rev 9:1-2)
5. Hell will be where God is glorified to destroy unrighteous sinners (Rom 9:22-23)
6. Hell will be where sinners will think about the opportunities they had to repent (Luke 16:24-26)
7. Hell will be angry and furious hatred toward God and all of God's Sovereign holiness (Matt 11:22-24).
8. Hell will be an infinite punishment because of offending an infinitely Holy and Righteous God (Rev 14:10; Hab 1:13; Ps 7:11-13)
9. Hell will be a lonely abode without friends, relationships, respite, or deliverance (Matt 8:12)
10. Hell will be the most severe punishment that it is possible for the Almighty and All-Powerful God to possibly bring upon sinners (Rev 14:10)

I concluded the message with a clear gospel presentation.
1. Acknowledge that God is holy and hates sin--YOUR sin!
2. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and fall short of God's perfect standard for holiness.
3. Acknowledge that you are in need of a perfect Savior who died for you on Calvary's cross--Jesus Christ!
4. Acknowledge and believe in Jesus Christ with saving faith which evidences itself after conversion with a life of obedience and holiness to bring God the greatest glory!

After the gospel presentation, I ended with this sobering reminder and challenged my hearers to take action and believe:

Hebrews 10:26-31 26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

You can listen to the sermon here.

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