With the above image in mind, this morning I sent my church family the following email. I hope it encourages you, as well.
GFC Family,
This image is circulating on social media. It is a picture, taken from a plane, of the current California wildfires, from above the clouds.
After staring at this remarkable image for a few moments, my thoughts turned to the untold billions of people who, as the just punishment for their sins against God, will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
Such thoughts should compel us to communicate the gospel with people whenever we can, as often as we can.
But are we even thinking this way?
Even though I am sent out onto the streets by our church, almost daily, to engage in evangelism, there are times when I think too little of the plight of the lost. Sometimes my thoughts are too focused on me and my little segment of the world—too focused on my own concerns, cares, and comforts. Other times I can be so focused on communicating the gospel and searching for opportunities to do so that I lose sight of the spiritual condition and eternal destiny of those without Christ—the very people I am trying to reach. While my desire, my goal is to compel every person with whom I have the opportunity to speak to come to Christ, to repent and believe the gospel, in doing so I think there are times when I fail to beg them just as earnestly to flee from the wrath to come and to graphically, vividly, realistically paint the picture of what eternity will look like for them, apart from Christ.
My beloved brethren, are we thinking this way?
Do we picture in our mind’s eye our family members, friends, co-workers, and the stranger with whom we cross paths as we meander through life being placed, one-by-one, in the inferno of eternal hellfire? Are our passing thoughts of such a terrible reality likely to produce in us a gasp or a yawn? Do such thoughts produce in us tears of concern or smirks of indifference?
You will live life today. In doing so, you will likely come in contact with lost people. You may have to go no farther than your dining room table. Will you communicate the gospel to them? Will you lovingly call them to repent and believe the gospel? Will you, if necessary with tears, beg them to flee from the wrath to come?
Brothers and sisters, are we thinking this way?
I hope this convicts you. I hope this encourages you. I hope this compels you to be a witness for our Savior today—right where you are, in the context of where you find yourself in life, according to the personality, strengths, and weaknesses with which He has blessed you.
With the love of Christ,
Tony
To whom will you communicate the gospel today?
Well said brother Tony. I was just praying for you this morning as you minister in Davenport. I was born and raised in Iowa. Living in LA the past 37 years. Not sure if you remember we had you and your wonderful family over for lunch after church one Sunday while you were at Faith Community. Now ministering at Lake Hills where I understand you’ve had some connection.
Hi, Kelly!
Glad the post encouraged you. Yes, I remember you. 🙂
Interesting that you started in Iowa and ended up in California and we are just the opposite. 🙂
My family and I were members of Lake Hills Community Church (1998-2000) until I was sent out be the church to plant a church in Valencia. That was a lifetime ago. 🙂
Good to hear from you!
Wow I can see how this looks like a lake of fire. Not only does this day September 11th we should think about our own mortality but also as people on social media are looking at a picture as such. I plan on reading some of what you wrote on my program for tonight unless I’m able to get it all in in two and a half minutes. Thank you as always for your insight and your ministry.
This is encouraging. Thank you, Tony, for sharing.