Pastor Cho's Sermon Outline - Yoido Full
Gospel Church - Seoul, KoreaHeaven and Hell Luke 16:19 ~ 16:31 2009-05-17
Animals are not conscious of heaven and hell. Life in this world is all they know. People, likewise, who are unbelievers may mock and ridicule us. However, in their deep, subconscious mind, they have a concept of heaven and hell.
Heaven and hell do not only exist after death, but they also exist in this present world. We experience them throughout our history and daily life.
1. The heaven and hell that are experienced in our minds.
1) A life that is driven by lust and the desires of the flesh, and a life that indulges in lies, anger, fear, terror, disappointment, frustration and despair, is experiencing a living hell in one's mind (1Jn 2:16). - Tyrannical rulers such as Hitler, Stalin, and Mao Zedong (Jas 4:14; Heb 9:27).
2) If we accept Jesus by repenting of our sins, live in faith, hope, love, righteousness, peace, joy, truth, and holiness, then we already have heaven in our heart. We can also experience heaven when we give thanks to God through prayer with peace and joy, and come to church to have fellowship with believers (Lk 17:21).
2. The heaven and hell in society.
1) A breakdown in government authority, law, and order. Violence, fraud, corruption, and scuffles prevail between groups. There is also a gulf between rich and poor families, and there is social disorder, which is getting worse. Peace has disappeared, and there are thieves. There is no trust, and the social insurance system is broken. We call this "a living hell" (1Pe 5:8-9; Eph 6:12).
2) Political stability, government authority, law and order are firm and clear, social order is in perfect order, no injustice and corruption, narrowing the gulf between the rich and poor, and the social insurance system is solid. Recovery of credit, no scuffles between groups, ethics and morality are established, churches have become the light and salt of society by fulfilling the mission of the church, and people are at rest. Heaven has already come to a society that is filled with dreams and hope (1Co 14:33; Ro 15:13).
3. The eternal heaven and hell.
1) A seed sown in the life of this world - a rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-21) 2) Fruit of the world after death - heaven and hell (Lk 16:22-24; 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Rev 2:7; 1:18; 20:13-14). 3) Eternal suffering without hope (Lk 16:27-28; 2Th 1:8-9).
Conclusion: We experience heaven and hell in this world and after death. Those who have heaven in their heart on earth will go to heaven, and those who have hell in their heart on earth will go to hell after death.