Heaven or Hell?
- Stephan Kirby - Ekklesia
- May 1
- 2 min read
“Heaven or Hell? Why the Gospel We Preach Really Matters”
Good morning My Ekklesia Family
Imagine a doctor who discovers a deadly disease in your body—but instead of telling you the truth, they only prescribe vitamins, saying, “Let’s just focus on the good.” That doctor would be doing harm, not help. In the same way, preaching only the promise of Heaven while ignoring the reality of Hell is spiritual malpractice. The Good News of Jesus only makes sense when we understand what we are saved from.
Key Scriptures (NLT):
Matthew 10:28 – “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Deuteronomy 30:19 – “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. ... Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
Jesus did not shy away from speaking of Hell. He preached both the hope of Heaven and the danger of eternal separation from God. The Greek word "Gehenna", often translated Hell, speaks of a place of judgment. God is loving—but He is also just. The Gospel is an invitation to repent, not just to receive blessings. When we ignore Hell, we diminish the urgency of the cross.
In a world that prefers comfort over conviction, the Gospel must remain whole. Jesus didn’t come just to improve our lives—He came to save our souls. The cross only makes sense if there's something to be saved from. We all have a choice: eternal life or eternal separation. Heaven or Hell.
Life-Changing Applications:
1. Reflect: Have I been avoiding the hard truths in my witness to protect feelings instead of saving souls?
2. Repent: Am I living like someone who believes in the reality of eternity?
3. Renew: Share the whole Gospel in love—not just the pleasant parts.
4. Respond: Today is a chance to choose Heaven over the hell of selfishness and sin.
Prayer of Surrender & Encouragement:
Father God, Great I AM, today I repent for minimizing the weight of Your Gospel. Forgive me for focusing on comfort and ignoring conviction. I choose You—over the fleeting pleasures of this world. Awaken me to the truth of eternity. Make me bold in love, tender in truth, and fearless in faith. Fill me with compassion for the lost and a holy urgency to share salvation. I surrender my life to Your will. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Invitation to Christian Discipleship:
If today you’ve heard the call of Heaven knocking at the door of your heart, don’t ignore it. Choose life. Choose Jesus. He’s not just a Savior—He is your Savior, if you will receive Him. Join us at Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, where we preach the whole Gospel, because eternity is real—and so is your purpose in Christ.
LoveUmorethanUknow,
Pastor Stephän Kirby
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