Why I Must Preach On Hell
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: The Reality We Must Face
Devotional: We often avoid uncomfortable topics, preferring to focus on more pleasant aspects of faith. Yet Jesus never shied away from speaking difficult truths, especially about eternity. He knew that understanding what's at stake changes how we live today. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. During their lives, their circumstances couldn't have been more different. The rich man enjoyed luxury while Lazarus suffered. But after death, everything changed. The rich man found himself in torment while Lazarus received comfort. This story isn't just a parable—it's a window into the reality of eternity. Jesus is showing us that our eternal destination matters infinitely more than our temporary circumstances. The rich man would have gladly traded all his earthly wealth for just a moment's relief in eternity. Today, take a moment to consider eternity. Not as a distant, abstract concept, but as a reality that awaits each of us. This perspective doesn't lead to fear but to wisdom—helping us make choices today with forever in mind. When we grasp the permanence of eternity compared to the brevity of this life, our priorities naturally shift toward what truly matters.
Bible Verse: "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. " - Luke 16:19-21
Reflection Question: How might your daily decisions change if you consistently viewed them through the lens of eternity rather than just the present moment?
Quote: "Whenever they died, the rich man became a beggar, but the beggar became a rich man. Hallelujah. Listen, I'm going to tell you. We may not have much in the world's eyes on this side, but we don't know what we're worth over there. We've got Jesus."
Prayer: Lord, help me to see beyond the temporary and focus on the eternal. Give me wisdom to make choices today that align with Your eternal purposes. Open my eyes to the reality of eternity so that I might live with heaven in view. Amen.
Devotional: We often avoid uncomfortable topics, preferring to focus on more pleasant aspects of faith. Yet Jesus never shied away from speaking difficult truths, especially about eternity. He knew that understanding what's at stake changes how we live today. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. During their lives, their circumstances couldn't have been more different. The rich man enjoyed luxury while Lazarus suffered. But after death, everything changed. The rich man found himself in torment while Lazarus received comfort. This story isn't just a parable—it's a window into the reality of eternity. Jesus is showing us that our eternal destination matters infinitely more than our temporary circumstances. The rich man would have gladly traded all his earthly wealth for just a moment's relief in eternity. Today, take a moment to consider eternity. Not as a distant, abstract concept, but as a reality that awaits each of us. This perspective doesn't lead to fear but to wisdom—helping us make choices today with forever in mind. When we grasp the permanence of eternity compared to the brevity of this life, our priorities naturally shift toward what truly matters.
Bible Verse: "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. " - Luke 16:19-21
Reflection Question: How might your daily decisions change if you consistently viewed them through the lens of eternity rather than just the present moment?
Quote: "Whenever they died, the rich man became a beggar, but the beggar became a rich man. Hallelujah. Listen, I'm going to tell you. We may not have much in the world's eyes on this side, but we don't know what we're worth over there. We've got Jesus."
Prayer: Lord, help me to see beyond the temporary and focus on the eternal. Give me wisdom to make choices today that align with Your eternal purposes. Open my eyes to the reality of eternity so that I might live with heaven in view. Amen.
Day 2: The Urgency of Today
Devotional: Time moves quickly. Days turn into weeks, weeks into years, and suddenly we realize how fleeting life truly is. This reality should create in us a sense of urgency—not anxiety, but purposeful living. Jesus spoke clearly about the two eternal destinations that await humanity. There is no middle ground, no alternative option. We either spend eternity with God or separated from Him. This stark truth should motivate us to make the most of every opportunity we have today. When we truly grasp that people around us—neighbors, colleagues, friends, family members—will spend eternity somewhere, it changes how we interact with them. Every conversation becomes an opportunity. Every relationship holds eternal significance. The Bible reminds us that after death comes judgment. There are no second chances, no opportunities to change our mind. What we decide about Jesus in this life determines our eternal destiny. This isn't meant to frighten us but to focus us on what matters most. Today, consider the people in your life who don't know Jesus. Remember that tomorrow isn't guaranteed for any of us. Let this create in you a holy urgency to share God's love and truth while there's still time.
Bible Verse: "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." - Matthew 25:41
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus, and what is one step you can take this week to share God's love with them?
Quote: "The going to is often too late to tell somebody about eternity. That's why we got every day to tell somebody about the cross, tell somebody about grace, tell somebody about the love of God."
Prayer: Father, give me a sense of urgency without anxiety. Help me see the eternal value of each person I encounter today. Give me courage to speak truth in love and wisdom to know when and how to share Your good news. Amen.
Devotional: Time moves quickly. Days turn into weeks, weeks into years, and suddenly we realize how fleeting life truly is. This reality should create in us a sense of urgency—not anxiety, but purposeful living. Jesus spoke clearly about the two eternal destinations that await humanity. There is no middle ground, no alternative option. We either spend eternity with God or separated from Him. This stark truth should motivate us to make the most of every opportunity we have today. When we truly grasp that people around us—neighbors, colleagues, friends, family members—will spend eternity somewhere, it changes how we interact with them. Every conversation becomes an opportunity. Every relationship holds eternal significance. The Bible reminds us that after death comes judgment. There are no second chances, no opportunities to change our mind. What we decide about Jesus in this life determines our eternal destiny. This isn't meant to frighten us but to focus us on what matters most. Today, consider the people in your life who don't know Jesus. Remember that tomorrow isn't guaranteed for any of us. Let this create in you a holy urgency to share God's love and truth while there's still time.
Bible Verse: "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." - Matthew 25:41
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus, and what is one step you can take this week to share God's love with them?
Quote: "The going to is often too late to tell somebody about eternity. That's why we got every day to tell somebody about the cross, tell somebody about grace, tell somebody about the love of God."
Prayer: Father, give me a sense of urgency without anxiety. Help me see the eternal value of each person I encounter today. Give me courage to speak truth in love and wisdom to know when and how to share Your good news. Amen.
Day 2: The Urgency of Today
Devotional: Time moves quickly. Days turn into weeks, weeks into years, and suddenly we realize how fleeting life truly is. This reality should create in us a sense of urgency—not anxiety, but purposeful living. Jesus spoke clearly about the two eternal destinations that await humanity. There is no middle ground, no alternative option. We either spend eternity with God or separated from Him. This stark truth should motivate us to make the most of every opportunity we have today. When we truly grasp that people around us—neighbors, colleagues, friends, family members—will spend eternity somewhere, it changes how we interact with them. Every conversation becomes an opportunity. Every relationship holds eternal significance. The Bible reminds us that after death comes judgment. There are no second chances, no opportunities to change our mind. What we decide about Jesus in this life determines our eternal destiny. This isn't meant to frighten us but to focus us on what matters most. Today, consider the people in your life who don't know Jesus. Remember that tomorrow isn't guaranteed for any of us. Let this create in you a holy urgency to share God's love and truth while there's still time.
Bible Verse: "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels " - Matthew 25:41
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus, and what is one step you can take this week to share God's love with them?
Quote: "The going to is often too late to tell somebody about eternity. That's why we got every day to tell somebody about the cross, tell somebody about grace, tell somebody about the love of God."
Prayer: Father, give me a sense of urgency without anxiety. Help me see the eternal value of each person I encounter today. Give me courage to speak truth in love and wisdom to know when and how to share Your good news. Amen.
Devotional: Time moves quickly. Days turn into weeks, weeks into years, and suddenly we realize how fleeting life truly is. This reality should create in us a sense of urgency—not anxiety, but purposeful living. Jesus spoke clearly about the two eternal destinations that await humanity. There is no middle ground, no alternative option. We either spend eternity with God or separated from Him. This stark truth should motivate us to make the most of every opportunity we have today. When we truly grasp that people around us—neighbors, colleagues, friends, family members—will spend eternity somewhere, it changes how we interact with them. Every conversation becomes an opportunity. Every relationship holds eternal significance. The Bible reminds us that after death comes judgment. There are no second chances, no opportunities to change our mind. What we decide about Jesus in this life determines our eternal destiny. This isn't meant to frighten us but to focus us on what matters most. Today, consider the people in your life who don't know Jesus. Remember that tomorrow isn't guaranteed for any of us. Let this create in you a holy urgency to share God's love and truth while there's still time.
Bible Verse: "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels " - Matthew 25:41
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus, and what is one step you can take this week to share God's love with them?
Quote: "The going to is often too late to tell somebody about eternity. That's why we got every day to tell somebody about the cross, tell somebody about grace, tell somebody about the love of God."
Prayer: Father, give me a sense of urgency without anxiety. Help me see the eternal value of each person I encounter today. Give me courage to speak truth in love and wisdom to know when and how to share Your good news. Amen.
Day 3: The Path to Heaven
Devotional: Many people have misconceptions about how to get to heaven. Some believe good deeds will earn them entrance. Others think avoiding major sins is enough. Some trust in their religious activities or family heritage. But the Bible presents a different path entirely. Heaven isn't earned—it's received as a gift. No amount of good works can bridge the gap between our sinfulness and God's holiness. No religious ritual can cleanse our hearts. The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. This truth is both humbling and liberating. Humbling because it means none of us can boast about deserving heaven. Liberating because it means salvation doesn't depend on our performance but on Christ's finished work. Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. He rose again to defeat death. When we place our faith in Him—trusting His sacrifice rather than our own goodness—we receive eternal life. This isn't just about avoiding hell; it's about entering into relationship with the living God. Today, examine your heart. Are you trusting in Jesus alone for salvation? Or have you been relying on your own goodness? Remember, the path to heaven isn't about what we do for God, but about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
Bible Verse: "'And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." - Revelation 20:14
Reflection Question: If someone asked you how to get to heaven, could you clearly explain the gospel message? How might you practice sharing this truth in a loving, clear way?
Quote: "You can't buy your way out of eternity and you can't buy your way into heaven. You're not going to get to heaven because you did good things. You're not going to get to heaven because you never said a curse word."
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for making a way to heaven through Your sacrifice. Help me to trust completely in You rather than in my own goodness. Give me the words to share this amazing truth with others who need to hear it. Amen.
Devotional: Many people have misconceptions about how to get to heaven. Some believe good deeds will earn them entrance. Others think avoiding major sins is enough. Some trust in their religious activities or family heritage. But the Bible presents a different path entirely. Heaven isn't earned—it's received as a gift. No amount of good works can bridge the gap between our sinfulness and God's holiness. No religious ritual can cleanse our hearts. The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. This truth is both humbling and liberating. Humbling because it means none of us can boast about deserving heaven. Liberating because it means salvation doesn't depend on our performance but on Christ's finished work. Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. He rose again to defeat death. When we place our faith in Him—trusting His sacrifice rather than our own goodness—we receive eternal life. This isn't just about avoiding hell; it's about entering into relationship with the living God. Today, examine your heart. Are you trusting in Jesus alone for salvation? Or have you been relying on your own goodness? Remember, the path to heaven isn't about what we do for God, but about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
Bible Verse: "'And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." - Revelation 20:14
Reflection Question: If someone asked you how to get to heaven, could you clearly explain the gospel message? How might you practice sharing this truth in a loving, clear way?
Quote: "You can't buy your way out of eternity and you can't buy your way into heaven. You're not going to get to heaven because you did good things. You're not going to get to heaven because you never said a curse word."
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for making a way to heaven through Your sacrifice. Help me to trust completely in You rather than in my own goodness. Give me the words to share this amazing truth with others who need to hear it. Amen.
Day 4: A Heart for the Lost
Devotional: When we truly understand the reality of eternity, something profound happens in our hearts. We begin to see people differently—not just as neighbors, colleagues, or even friends and family, but as souls with eternal destinies. Jesus demonstrated this perspective perfectly. He didn't just teach about hell to frighten people; He taught about it because He loved them and wanted them to choose life. His warnings came from a heart of compassion, not condemnation. As followers of Christ, we're called to develop this same heart. This doesn't mean becoming judgmental or self-righteous. Rather, it means allowing God's love for humanity to flow through us. It means seeing beyond people's current choices to their eternal potential in Christ. When we have this heart, evangelism stops being an uncomfortable obligation and becomes a natural expression of love. We share the gospel not to win arguments but to win souls. We speak truth not to condemn but to rescue. Today, ask God to give you His heart for those who don't know Him. Ask Him to help you see people as He sees them—precious, valuable, and worth the sacrifice of His Son. This perspective will transform how you interact with everyone you meet.
Bible Verse: "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. " - Luke 15:10
Reflection Question: How might your approach to sharing your faith change if you truly saw each person as someone Jesus loves enough to die for?
Quote: "If I get my heart right and you get your heart right, we'll do a better job winning people to the Lord, we'll have a broken heart for lost souls. We'll shed tears for them. We won't hate them. We may hate their sin, hate their actions, but we'll love them."
Prayer: Lord, give me Your heart for the lost. Help me to see people through Your eyes of love and compassion. Remove any judgment or self-righteousness from my heart and replace it with Your perfect love. Use me to draw others to You. Amen.
Devotional: When we truly understand the reality of eternity, something profound happens in our hearts. We begin to see people differently—not just as neighbors, colleagues, or even friends and family, but as souls with eternal destinies. Jesus demonstrated this perspective perfectly. He didn't just teach about hell to frighten people; He taught about it because He loved them and wanted them to choose life. His warnings came from a heart of compassion, not condemnation. As followers of Christ, we're called to develop this same heart. This doesn't mean becoming judgmental or self-righteous. Rather, it means allowing God's love for humanity to flow through us. It means seeing beyond people's current choices to their eternal potential in Christ. When we have this heart, evangelism stops being an uncomfortable obligation and becomes a natural expression of love. We share the gospel not to win arguments but to win souls. We speak truth not to condemn but to rescue. Today, ask God to give you His heart for those who don't know Him. Ask Him to help you see people as He sees them—precious, valuable, and worth the sacrifice of His Son. This perspective will transform how you interact with everyone you meet.
Bible Verse: "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. " - Luke 15:10
Reflection Question: How might your approach to sharing your faith change if you truly saw each person as someone Jesus loves enough to die for?
Quote: "If I get my heart right and you get your heart right, we'll do a better job winning people to the Lord, we'll have a broken heart for lost souls. We'll shed tears for them. We won't hate them. We may hate their sin, hate their actions, but we'll love them."
Prayer: Lord, give me Your heart for the lost. Help me to see people through Your eyes of love and compassion. Remove any judgment or self-righteousness from my heart and replace it with Your perfect love. Use me to draw others to You. Amen.
Day 5: Living with Eternity in Mind
Devotional: Five minutes after we die, our perspective will change dramatically. The things we thought were so important—career achievements, material possessions, social status—will suddenly seem insignificant compared to the eternal reality we face. Living with eternity in mind doesn't mean we ignore our earthly responsibilities. Rather, it means we fulfill them with eternal perspective. We work not just for a paycheck but as service to God. We build relationships not just for companionship but as opportunities to reflect Christ's love. We use our resources not just for comfort but for kingdom impact. This perspective frees us from the tyranny of the urgent and helps us focus on the truly important. It reminds us that no earthly pleasure, relationship, or achievement is worth risking our eternal destiny or the destinies of those we love. Jesus taught that we should store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Every act of obedience, every sacrifice made in faith, every person pointed toward Christ—these are investments in eternity that will never fade or fail. Today, consider how your choices align with eternal values. Ask yourself: Will this matter five minutes after I die? Let that question guide your priorities, your relationships, and your use of the time God has given you.
Bible Verse: "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them." - Revelation 20:11
Reflection Question: What one change could you make today that would better align your daily life with eternal values?
Quote: "Five minutes after I die, Faces will sigh over my silent face, Dear ones will clasp me in sad embrace, Shadows of darkness will fill the place, Five minutes after I die."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to live today with eternity in mind. Guide my choices, my words, and my actions so that they reflect Your eternal values. Help me to invest in what will last forever rather than what will soon pass away. May my life count for eternity. Amen.
Devotional: Five minutes after we die, our perspective will change dramatically. The things we thought were so important—career achievements, material possessions, social status—will suddenly seem insignificant compared to the eternal reality we face. Living with eternity in mind doesn't mean we ignore our earthly responsibilities. Rather, it means we fulfill them with eternal perspective. We work not just for a paycheck but as service to God. We build relationships not just for companionship but as opportunities to reflect Christ's love. We use our resources not just for comfort but for kingdom impact. This perspective frees us from the tyranny of the urgent and helps us focus on the truly important. It reminds us that no earthly pleasure, relationship, or achievement is worth risking our eternal destiny or the destinies of those we love. Jesus taught that we should store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Every act of obedience, every sacrifice made in faith, every person pointed toward Christ—these are investments in eternity that will never fade or fail. Today, consider how your choices align with eternal values. Ask yourself: Will this matter five minutes after I die? Let that question guide your priorities, your relationships, and your use of the time God has given you.
Bible Verse: "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them." - Revelation 20:11
Reflection Question: What one change could you make today that would better align your daily life with eternal values?
Quote: "Five minutes after I die, Faces will sigh over my silent face, Dear ones will clasp me in sad embrace, Shadows of darkness will fill the place, Five minutes after I die."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to live today with eternity in mind. Guide my choices, my words, and my actions so that they reflect Your eternal values. Help me to invest in what will last forever rather than what will soon pass away. May my life count for eternity. Amen.
