Hell? Yes!

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OK. So I know that's a book title, but I've never read the book. I did preach on the parable of the dragnet tonight, from Matthew 13:47-52.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”  51 Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?”  They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 52 Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (NKJV)

Hell is a very real place and very sobering concept. I like to mingle humor into my messages, but not on this one. Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, "No minister should preach on Hell with dry eyes." It is a sobering thought.

I read today where C.S. Lewis' secretary saw a grave stone that read:

"Here lies John Smith, an Atheist. All dressed up and nowhere to go."

Lewis did not chuckle when told about the humorous sight. Said Lewis, "I'm sure Mr. Smith wishes that were true right about now."