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Vol. 56 No 41 October 8, 2017 1600 Bell—Amarillo, TX 79106 (806) 355-2351 Speaking the Truth In Love ASSEMBLY TIMES Sunday Bible Study..................................9:00 am Worship AM………….……………...........10:00 am PM………..……………………….5:00 pm Wednesday Ladies Bible Class……………....10:00am Men’s Prayer Group……………..10.00am Bible Study………..……………. 7:00 pm Ministers Stephen LupPlace—Pulpit [email protected] Doug Martin—Youth & Family ([email protected]) Dean Whaley—Senior Minister ([email protected]) Secretary Beverly Hays ([email protected]) Church Office Phone: 355-2351 Email: [email protected] www.bellavenue.org MISSIONS Amarillo College Bible Chair Panhandle State Bible Chair WTAMU Bible Chair ([email protected]) Prison Ministry (Comanche Trail Church of Christ) Brazil (Ovilla Church of Christ) High Plains Children’s Home In Search of the Lord’s Way Northern New Mexico (Jerry Lawlis) South America Preacher Training School (Ecuador) Spanish Literature Ministry New Mexico Christian Children’s Home Elders Cled Click *Eddie Hankins Gene Mayfield * indicates current contact person for the month Deacons & Ministries David Gustin Fellowship/Visitation David Howell Missions Colby Patterson Transportation Bryan Turvaville Technology & Song Leaders Casey Wall Building Maintenance Other Ministries Cled Click Adult Education Gene Mayfield Finance Richard Mayfield Contribution Counters & Tract Rack Mural Worthey Amarillo Bible Chair Director Gene Mayfield World Bible School Bell Avenue Church of Christ Beacon Believe It or Not! During the first half of the 20 th century, an entrepreneur by the name of Robert Ripley began writing a syndicated newspaper panel for the New York Evening Post called, “Believe It or Not.” The panel often featured illustrations of rare oddities and descriptions of bizarre events, and its popularity led to its adaptation into multi- ple formats including radio, television, comic books, and even a chain of museums that is still in operation today. One reason for Ripley’s success was that people are much quicker to believe in the evidence of their own eyes than in things they cannot see. For instance, they willing- ly acknowledge the existence of ghosts because they be- lieve they have seen them, but they write off the creation narrative and the flood as farcical tales. This attitude isn’t anything new. In John 20, Thomas heard all kinds of fantastical reports about how Jesus had risen from the grave, but he determined that he would not believe these stories until he could see and touch the nail scars on Jesus’ body. Once he did, he ex- claimed, “My Lord and My God!” to which Jesus re- plied, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have be- lieved” (v. 29). Today, society casts a lot of doubt on the legitimacy of the Bible, but we need to remember that our job isn’t to prove the Scriptures, it’s to have faith in them (2 Corin- thians 5:7). In the end, it won’t matter whether we be- lieve in the Loch Ness monster, but it will matter whether we believe in (and obey) Jesus. Sermon Outline Outer Darkness Matthew 8:10-12 Introduction: Darkness is a theme that runs deep throughout the nar- rative of the Bible. Not only does it prevent people from seeing clearly in a literal sense, but it shrouds their hearts and minds from seeing the light of God spiritually. Ultimately, Jesus explains that those who are disobedient to the will of God will be sent to “outer darkness”, which is a metaphor for Hell. Although the concept of eternal punishment is very unpopular these days, a study of the Scriptures will reveal its existence. 1. How Do We Know Hell Exists? • Because sin demands it. 1 John 3:4 says that sin is lawlessness, but if there is no punishment or consequence for breaking the law of God, then there is no point in having laws. • Because Jesus died to save us from it. Romans 5:8 says that “… while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If sin and Hell do not exist, then Jesus died in vain. 2. What Is Hell Like? • Hell is eternal (Matthew 25:46). The Greek word for eternal is “aionios”, and is used elsewhere in the New Testament to de- scribe the nature of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. • Hell is utterly dark. Three times in Matthew, Jesus said that those who are disobedient will be sent into the “outer darkness”, where there isn’t a trace of God’s presence and light. • Hell is a place of unquenchable fire (Mark 9:44-45). There will be no rest or relief for its inhabitants. 3. Who Will Be Sent to Hell? • In Revelation 21:8, Galatians 5:19-20, and other verses through- out the New Testament, we are told who will not inherit eternal life in Heaven. • Ultimately, anyone who chooses to remain indifferent to the gospel, or to disobey it, will not find their names written in the Book of Life. Conclusion: Many people wonder how a loving God could ever send someone to a place as terrifying as Hell, but they forget that He is also a God of justice. Sin must be punished, and unless we are obedient to the gospel unto death, we will be among those who are sent to the “outer darkness”.
