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Sermon Notes For 7-6-25 Called, “Is That Right,” Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Of Our Times. (Part 1)

Let’s turn to The Gospel of Luke Chapter 16. And today, let’s return back to our ongoing series that we have entitled, “Is That Right Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Among Some Who Are Saved Or Unsaved During These Times.” (Part 1).

Now, today with God’s help, we start the final area of our series in which we will consider, and address the Concerns that both Christians and non-Christians

#1. Why Would A Good God Send People To Hell! And a 2nd Concerns that both Christians and non-Christians have which has caused some people to think or say and that is, *How Good Enough Do You Have To Be To Go To Heaven?

But today, we will consider & address the concerns that both Christians and non-Christians have, which has caused some people to think or say, Why Would A Good God Send People To Hell!

(Question) But is that right? Is That Biblical? And Is That True? Is The God of the Bible Who Is Good, is He sending people to Hell?

Well, let’s notice The Gospel of Luke 16: 22 So it was, that the beggar Lazarus died, and was carried by The Angels unto Abraham's bosom. But also, The unnamed rich man died and was buried. 23 But being in torments in Hades, The unnamed rich man lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus with Him. (Stop here)

Now, the Bible primarily uses several different words, translated as "hell" in most English Bibles to refer to the afterlife or a place of confinement.

Sheol/Hades
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology.
Old Testament. The word "Sheol, " refers to the grave or the abode of the dead ( Psalms 88:3 Psalms 88:5 ). Through much of the Old Testament period, it was believed that all went one place, whether human or animal ( Psalms 49:12 Psalms 49:14 Psalms 49:20 ), whether righteous or wicked ( Eccl 9:2-3 ). No one could avoid Sheol ( Psalm 49:9 ; 89:48 ), which was thought to be down in the lowest parts of the earth ( Deut 32:22 ; 1 Sam 28:11-15 ; Job 26:5 ; Psalm 86:13 ; Isa 7:11 ; Ezekiel 31:14-16 Ezekiel 31:18 ).

Unlike this world, Sheol is devoid of love, hate, envy, work, thought, knowledge, and wisdom ( Ecclesiastes 9:6 Ecclesiastes 9:10 ). Descriptions are bleak: There is no light ( Job 10:21-22 ; 17:13 ; Psalms 88:6 Psalms 88:12 ; 143:3 ), no remembrance ( Psalm 6:5 ; 88:12 ; Eccl 9:5 ), no praise of God ( Psalm 6:5 ; 30:9 ; 88:10-12 ; 115:17 ; Isa 38:18 ) — in fact, no sound at all ( Psalm 94:17 ; 115:17 ). Its inhabitants are weak, trembling shades ( Job 26:5 ; Psalm 88:10-12 ; Isa 14:9-10 ) who can never hope to escape from its gates ( Job 10:21 ; 17:13-16 ; Isa 38:10 ). Sheol is like a ravenous beast that swallows the living without being sated ( Prov 1:12 ; 27:20 ; Isa 5:14 ). Some thought the dead were cut off from God ( Psalm 88:3-5 ; Isa 38:11 ); while others believed that God's presence reached even to Sheol ( Psalm 139:8 ).

Toward the end of the Old Testament, God revealed that there will be a resurrection of the dead ( Isa 26:19 ). Sheol will devour no longer; instead God will swallow up Death ( Isa 25:8 ). The faithful will be rewarded with everlasting life while the rest will experience eternal contempt ( Dan 12:2 ). This theology developed further in the intertestamental period.

The New Testament. By the time of Jesus, it was common for Jews to believe that the righteous dead go to a place of comfort while the wicked go to Hades ("Hades" normally translates "Sheol" in the LXX), a place of torment ( Luke 16:22-23 ). Similarly, in Christianity, believers who die go immediately to be with the Lord ( 2 Cor 5:8 ; Php 1:23 ). Hades is a hostile place whose gates cannot prevail against the church ( Matt 16:18 ). In fact, Jesus himself holds the keys of Death and Hades ( Rev 1:18 ). Death and Hades will ultimately relinquish their dead and be cast into the lake of fire ( Rev 20:13-14 ).

The fact that theology develops within the Old Testament and between the Old Testament and the New Testament does not mean that the Bible is contradictory or contains errors. It only indicates progressive revelation, that God revealed more of himself and his plan of salvation as time went on. That some Old Testament saints believed in Sheol, while the New Testament teaches clearly about heaven and hell, is nor more of a problem than that the Old Testament contains a system of atonement by animal sacrifice now made obsolete in Christ ( Heb 10:4-10 ) or that the Old Testament teaches God is one (Deut 6:4 ) while the New Testament reveals a Trinity.

Tartarus
This Greek word appears only once in the New Testament (2 Peter 2:4), and it refers to a specific place of imprisonment for fallen angels.

Gehenna
This is a Hebrew word referring to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem where refuse and carcasses were burned.

In the New Testament, it is often translated as "hell" and used to describe a place of punishment for the wicked after death. (Matthew 5:29; 23:33).

The word is derived from the Hebrew which designated a cursed place that had been the site of human sacrifice (2 Chronicles 28:3; 33:6).

Jesus referenced Gehenna as a symbol of the place of judgment after death, alluding to prophecies in Jeremiah 19:6 and Isaiah 30:33.

The Bottomless Pit.
Bottomless pit” is one word in the Greek of the New Testament and is literally the “abyss,” which means “bottomless, unbounded, the pit, or the immeasurable depth.” The bottomless pit of Revelation 9:1-12 holds a unique type of demon. It is also the home of the beast who makes war against the two witnesses (Revelation 11:7-8). At the beginning of the millennial kingdom, the bottomless pit is the place where Satan is bound (Revelation 20:1-3). At the end of the thousand years, Satan is released and promptly leads an unsuccessful revolt against God (Revelation 20:7-10).

The bottomless pit may be associated with a place called Tartarus. This Greek word is translated as “hell” and is used only once in Scripture, in 2 Peter 2:4. It refers to the place where “angels who sinned” are reserved in chains of darkness for judgment. The NIV says these angels in Tartarus are held in “gloomy dungeons.” These same angels are also mentioned in Jude 6 as the angels who “abandoned their own home” (cf. Genesis 6:2).

If Tartarus is the same as the Abyss, then the inhabitants of the bottomless pit are the same angels who sinned and left their first habitation. God uses the bottomless pit as a holding place for the most evil of angels, including Satan himself and those who tried and failed before the Flood to thwart God’s plan to bring the Seed of the woman into the world (Genesis 3:15). The inhabitants of the Abyss are released for a very short time during the last three and a half years of the tribulation to fulfill God’s purpose, namely, to torment the wicked (Revelation 9:5). These prisoners of the bottomless pit hate humanity and seek to destroy them, but God controls their terror and limits their power.

The Lake Of Fire Only in Revelation 19:20 and 20:10, 14-15, is the final hell, the place of eternal punishment for all unrepentant rebels, both angelic and human (Matthew 25:41). It is described as a place of burning sulfur, and those in it experience eternal, unspeakable agony of an unrelenting nature (Luke 16:24; Mark 9:45-46).

Here is a helpful article regarding “Transubstantiation” which is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines this doctrine in section 1376.

"The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: ‘Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.’"

In other words, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that once an ordained priest blesses the bread of the Lord’s Supper, it is transformed into the actual flesh of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of bread); and when he blesses the wine, it is transformed into the actual blood of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of wine). Is such a concept biblical? There are some Scriptures that, if interpreted strictly literally, would lead to the “real presence” of Christ in the bread and wine. Examples are John 6:32-58; Matthew 26:26; Luke 22:17-23; and 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. The passage pointed to most frequently is John 6:32-58 and especially verses 53-57, “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life … For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him … so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.’”

Roman Catholics interpret this passage literally and apply its message to the Lord’s Supper, which they title the “Eucharist” or “Mass.” Those who reject the idea of transubstantiation interpret Jesus’ words in John 6:53-57figuratively or symbolically. How can we know which interpretation is correct? Thankfully, Jesus made it exceedingly obvious what He meant. John 6:63 declares, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Jesus specifically stated that His words are “spirit.” Jesus was using physical concepts, eating and drinking, to teach spiritual truth. Just as consuming physical food and drink sustains our physical bodies, so are our spiritual lives saved and built up by spiritually receiving Him, by grace through faith. Eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking His blood are symbols of fully and completely receiving Him in our lives.

The Scriptures declare that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial to the body and blood of Christ (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25), not the actual consumption of His physical body and blood. When Jesus was speaking in John chapter 6, Jesus had not yet had the Last Supper with His disciples, in which He instituted the Lord’s Supper. To read the Lord’s Supper / Christian Communion back into John chapter 6 is unwarranted. For a more complete discussion of these issues, please read our article on the Holy Eucharist.

The most serious reason transubstantiation should be rejected is that it is viewed by the Roman Catholic Church as a "re-sacrifice" of Jesus Christ for our sins, or as a “re-offering / re-presentation” of His sacrifice. This is directly in contradiction to what Scripture says, that Jesus died "once for all" and does not need to be sacrificed again (Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18). Hebrews 7:27declares, "Unlike the other high priests, He (Jesus) does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins ONCE for all when He offered Himself.

Here is a helpful article regarding The Holy Eucharist Catholic Mass is considered the most important and highest form of prayer. In fact, attending Mass is an obligation, under penalty of mortal sin, each Sunday and on certain other Holy Days of Obligation. The Mass is divided into two sections, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word consists of two readings (one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament), the Responsorial Psalm, the Gospel reading, the homily (or sermon), and general intercessions (also called petitions).

The center of the Mass is its second part, the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist. During this time, Catholics share in the body and blood of Jesus in the form of the bread and wine passed out to the congregation. According to the Bible, this is done in remembrance of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-25; cf. Luke 22:18-20 and Matthew 26:26-28). However, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1366, "The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, because it is its memorial and because it applies its fruit." The catechism continues in paragraph 1367:

The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist are one single sacrifice: "The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different." "And since in this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner . . . this sacrifice is truly propitiatory."

In the book of Malachi, the prophet predicts elimination of the old sacrificial system and the institution of a new sacrifice: "I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts" (Malachi 1:10-11). This means that God will one day be glorified among the Gentiles, who will make pure offerings to Him in all places. The Catholics see this as the Eucharist. However, the apostle Paul seems to have a different slant on it: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1). The Eucharist can only be offered in select places: churches consecrated and blessed according to Catholic canon law. The idea of offering our bodies as living sacrifices fits better with the language of the prediction, which says that the sacrifices will be offered "in every place."

The Roman Catholic Church believes that the bread and wine of the Holy Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Jesus. They attempt to support their system of thought with passages such as John 6:32-58; Matthew 26:26; Luke 22:17-23; and 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. In A.D. 1551, the Counsel of Trent officially stated, "By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation" (Session XIII, chapter IV; cf. canon II). By sharing in the Eucharistic meal, the Church teaches that Catholics are fulfilling John 6:53: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you."

What does that really mean? Jesus goes on to say that "it is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63-64). So, if "the flesh is of no avail," why would we have to eat Jesus’ flesh in order to have eternal life? It does not make sense, until Jesus tells us that the words He speaks are "spirit." Jesus is saying that this is not a literal teaching, but a spiritual one. The language ties in perfectly with the aforementioned statement of the apostle Paul: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1).

In Jewish thought, bread was equated with the Torah, and "eating of it" was reading and understanding the covenant of God (cf. Deuteronomy 8:3). For example, the apocryphal book of Sirach states, "'He who eats of me will hunger still, he who drinks of me will thirst for more; he who obeys me will not be put to shame, he who serves me will never fail.' All this is true of the book of Most High’s covenant, the law which Moses commanded us as an inheritance for the community of Jacob" (Sirach 24:20-22). Quoting from Sirach here is not endorsing it as Scripture; it only serves to illustrate how the Jewish people thought of Mosaic Law. It is important to understand the equating of bread with the Torah to appreciate Jesus’ real point.

In John 6, Jesus is actually telling the crowd that He is superior to the Torah (cf. John 6:49-51) and the entire Mosaic system of Law. The passage from Sirach states that those who eat of the Law will "hunger still" and "thirst for more"; this language is mirrored by Jesus when He says, "He who comes to Me will never be hungry, he who believes in Me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). Jesus is not commanding people to literally eat His flesh and drink His blood. He is telling them the core of all Christian doctrine: belief in Jesus Himself ("The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent," John 6:29, emphasis added). Therefore, the Catholic interpretation of John 6 is unbiblical.

Second, there is a very clear analogy in John 6to the days of Moses and the eating of manna. In the days of Moses, manna was God’s provision for food for the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness. In John 6, however, Jesus claimed to be the true manna, the bread of heaven. With this statement Jesus claimed to be God’s full provision for salvation. Manna was God’s provision of deliverance from starvation. Jesus is God’s provision of deliverance from damnation. Just as the manna had to be consumed to preserve the lives of the Israelites, so Jesus has to be consumed (fully received by faith) for salvation to be received.

It is very clear that Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Life and encouraged His followers to eat of His flesh in John 6. But we do not need to conclude that Jesus was teaching what the Catholics have referred to as transubstantiation. The Lord’s Supper / Christian communion / Holy Eucharist had not been instituted yet. Jesus did not institute the Holy Eucharist / Mass / Lord’s Supper until John chapter 13. Therefore, to read the Lord’s Supper into John 6 is unwarranted. As suggested above, it is best to understand this passage in light of coming to Jesus, in faith, for salvation. When we receive Him as Savior, placing our full trust in Him, we are “consuming His flesh” and “drinking His blood.” His body was broken (at His death) and His blood was shed to provide for our salvation. 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

Whether the Catholic definition of Holy Eucharist is a "re-sacrifice" of Christ, or a "re-offering" of Christ’s sacrifice, or a “re-presentation” of Christ’s sacrifice, the concept is unbiblical. Christ does not need to be re-sacrificed. Christ’s sacrifice does not need to be re-offered or re-presented. Hebrews 7:27 declares, "Unlike the other high priests, He (Jesus) does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins ONCE for all when He offered Himself." Similarly, 1 Peter 3:18 exclaims, "For Christ died for sins ONCE for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God..." Christ’s once-for-all death on the cross was sufficient to atone for all of our sins (1 John 2:2). Therefore, Christ’s sacrifice does not need to be re-offered. Instead, Christ’s sacrifice is to be received by faith (John 1:12; 3:16). Eating Christ’s flesh and drinking His blood are symbols of fully receiving His sacrifice on our behalf, by grace through faith.

Sermon Notes For 7-13-25 (Part 2.) “Is That Right, Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Among Some Who Are Saved Or Unsaved During These Times.

Let’s turn to The Book of Numbers Chapter 16. And today, let’s continue with our ongoing series that we have entitled, “Is That Right, Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Among Some Who Are Saved Or Unsaved During These Times. (Part 2.)

Now, these 2 questions will be our final areas for our series, as we address 2 major (concerns) that both Christians and non-Christians have, and which have causes some people to think or to say, “Why Would A Good God Send People To Hell!” Or a 2nd question that also causes some people to think, or to say or to wonder, “How Good Enough Do You Have To Be To Go To Heaven?”

Now, let’s come back again and address the first major concern that both Christians and non-Christians have that would caused some people to think or to say, “Why Would A Good God Send People To Hell!

(Question) But is that right? Is That Biblical? And Is It True That The God Of The Bible Who Is Good, That He Would Send People To Hell? •Sheol / Hades שְׁאוֹל ᾅδης •Tartarus Τάρταρος •Gehenna γέεννα

So, what about this word “ Hell”? What does the Bible really want us to know? Well, you might recall that last Sunday that the Lord led us first to address this important question about “Hell” and what the Scriptures reveal.

In fact, in the Bible there are at least 5 different places which are translated in most of our English Bibles as “Hell”. However, in the original language of The Old and New Testaments there are actually 5 different words!

Now, please listen carefully because according to currently, right now, there is a place where Unsaved Human Beings are confined unto. And this place in most of our English Bibles is translated “Hell,” or “Sheol/ Hades.”

However, in the original language of The Old and New Testaments, it is actually 2 different words compared to our 1 English Word “Hell!”

Next, right now, there is a place where Fallen Angelic Beings are confined unto, and this place in most of Our English Bibles Is Translated “Hell,” However, In The Original Language Of The New Testament it is actually a different word than “Hell,” Tartarus Τάρταρος. •The Bottomless Pit / Abyss ἄβυσσο•The Lake Of Fire λίμνη πῦρ

Next, there are some Fallen Angelic Beings who will be some day, but not yet. But some day, they too will be confined unto a place which is translated in most of our English Bibles as “Hell.” However, in the original language of The New Testament it too is actually a different word, The Bottomless Pit/ Abyss, ἄβυσσος.

And finally, there is a place where both Fallen Angelic Beings and where Unsaved Human Beings will be some day, but not yet. But some day, they too will be confined throughout all of eternity, to a place which is translated in some of our English Bibles as “The Lake Of Fire.

However, in the original language of The New Testament, it too is actually a different word than our English words, The Lake of Fire, it is the word, Gehenna, γέεννα.

Now, see Matthew 25:41. Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me you cursed into the everlasting fire = Gehenna, γέεννα.) Prepared for the devil and his angels:

So once again, according to the bible there are at least 5 different places which are translated in most of our English Bibles As “Hell!” But in the original language of the Old and New Testaments there are actually 4 different Greeks words.

And in The Old Testament there is 1 word in Hebrew called “Sheol,” and sometime in our English Bible, “Sheol” is translated as the Grave, the Pit, or, Hell!

But either way, whether in The Greek New Testament Language or The Old Testament Hebrew Language. They can help us to understand that each one of these places of confinement, they serve a divine purpose and they usually identifies their occupants.

So then, when the question is asked, Why Would A Good God Send People To Hell, it really depends upon what “Hell” are you talking about?

Now, let’s see The Book of Numbers Chapter 16:31. Now it came to pass as Moses finished speaking (all these words),

Notice Numbers 16:28. And Moses said: By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. 29 If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. ***30 But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all their belonging and they go down alive into (the Pit) Sheol then you will understand that these people have rejected The Lord!

Now, notice Numbers 16:31 Now it came to pass as Moses, finished speaking all these words, That the ground split apart underneath Them, Them Who?

Now, notice Numbers 16:27. The tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; came out and stood at the door of their tents with their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

Now, notice Numbers 16:32 And the earth or ground opened it’s mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people with Korah with all their possessions .*33 So They and all Those with Them, Went down alive Into The Pit. And afterwards the earth closed up over them and they all perished from among the assembly 34 Then all Israel who were around them ran at their cry, and they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also! 35 And a fire came out from The Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense. (Stop Here)

Psalms 42:1 To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

Psalms 44:1 To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, The deeds You did in their days, In days of old.

Psalms 46:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

******************************************************************** An insightful biblical article the sons of Korah in the Old Testament. The story of the sons of Korah in the Old Testament is truly a tale of two fathers and two destinies. The story begins with the Israelites of Moses’ time as they journeyed through the wilderness just after leaving Egypt. In Numbers 3, God set aside the Levites, out of the tribes of Israel, for full time service to Him. They were ordained to take care of the tabernacle and all of its implements, as well as the Ark of the Covenant. Only the descendants of Aaron, however, were allowed to serve as priests.

The three sons of Levi were Gershon, Merari, and Kohath. The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use. The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. They were under the direct supervision of Eleazar, son of Aaron.

Unlike the Gershonites and the Merarites, who were allowed to transport the items under their care on carts, the Kohathites had to carry their items, the holy things of the tabernacle, on their shoulders. They had the arduous burden of transporting these items from place to place as the camp moved, but they were not allowed to actually touch the items or they would die. The priests had to wrap the sacred objects in special coverings before they were transported (Numbers 4:15). Many of the Kohathites began to disdain this task and to covet the role of the priests.

Korah was the grandson of Kohath, and he began to run with another group of Reubenite malcontents, namely, Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On, son of Peleth. In pride, they roused a group of 250 men together to challenge the right of Moses and Aaron to the priesthood (Numbers 16). Moses summoned the rebellious men to stand before God and burn incense. God warned Moses to let the assembly know to get away from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, their households, and the other rebels. Then a remarkable and terrifying event happened.

“Moses said, ‘This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: If these men die a natural death and suffer the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.’ As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, ‘The earth is going to swallow us too!’ And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense” (Numbers 16:28–35).

Although this clearly marked the end of Korah, we discover that Korah’s sons, perhaps too young to understand their father’s uprising or maybe too cognizant of God’s authority to join in the revolt, were spared (Numbers 26:9–11). God judged those who turned against Him in active rebellion and purified His people, but He still had a purpose and plan for even the line of Korah. After seven successive generations, the prophet Samuel arose from the line of Korah, the genealogy of which is recorded in 1 Chronicles 6:31–38 and 1 Samuel 1:1, 20. The Korahites became doorkeepers and custodians for the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:19–21; 1 Chronicles 2.) One group of Korahites (1 Chronicles 12:6) joined King David in various military exploits and won the reputation of being expert warriors. However, the most remarkable thing to note about the sons of Korah is that during the time of King David, they became the great leaders in choral and orchestral music in the tabernacle. Heman the Korahite had a place of great importance as a singer, along with Asaph (a Gershonite) and Ethan or Jeduthan (a Merarite). These individuals played an important role in the thanksgiving services and pageantry when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David formed an elaborate organization for song, instrumental music, and prophesying through these men.

Of all of the psalms in the Bible, eleven are attributed to the sons of Korah. These beautiful psalms express a spirit of great gratitude and humility to an awesome, mighty God. They express a longing for God and deep devotion. These poetic songs include Psalms 42, 44—49, 84—85, and 87—88. Psalm 42:1contains the beautiful line, “As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” Psalm 84:1 states, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O God.” Psalm 46:1–3conveys the powerful message, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

One wonders if the poet who penned these lyrics was remembering his ignoble beginnings, his distant ancestor who perished in an earthquake for his pride and rebellion. Perhaps it was that reflection that prompted the following words of the same psalm: “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’” (Psalm 46:10). For each of us, our own songs of renewed purpose and redemption should flow out of a heart of humility as we remember the fallen state from which He raised us and the redemption that we experience through His grace. This was certainly the case for the sons of Korah. ********************************************************************

Now, back to our question, Why Would A Good God Send People To Hell!” But when you think about it, we are actually asking the wrong question! Instead, we should be asking & seeking the answer to this question, “Why Would A Good God Save Sinners So That They Can Go To Heaven?”

Now, see Romans 3:10. As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one!11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one!13 "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips"; 14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." 15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood;16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;17 And the way of peace they have not known." 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

See The Gospel of John 8:24. Therefore, I said unto you that you will die in your sins; For or because if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

See The Gospel of John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

See Romans 5:8. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

See 1st Timothy 2:3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4. Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

See 2nd Peter 3: 9. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Sermon Notes For 7-20-25 (Part 3.) “Is That Right, Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Among Some Who Are Saved Or Unsaved During These Times.

Let’s turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 19.

And today, let’s continue with our ongoing series that we have entitled, “Is That Right, Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Among Some Who Are Saved Or Unsaved During These Times. (Part 3.)

Now, these are the final 2 questions that will be dealing with in our series. And these 2 major concerns has cause some people to think or to say, “Why Would A Good God Send People To Hell!” Or, Has Cause Some People To Think, Or To Say, Or To Wonder, “How Good Enough Do You Have To Be To Go To Heaven?”

So today, and next Sunday with God’s help, we want to address this second major concern that both Christians and non-Christians have that would cause some people to think, or to say, or to wonder, how good enough do you have to be to go to Heaven?”

(Question) But is that right? Is that Biblical? And is it true, that a person can be good enough to go to Heaven? And if so, how good enough would you have to be in order to go to Heaven?

Now for us to be able to answer this important question and concern, we need to closely look at a true story that is recorded for us in 3 of the 4 gospels, in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

And for some of you, you are familiar with this story, with this encounter that a young man had with Jesus thinking that he was already good enough to earn eternal life, and therefore, gain Heaven as well.

Now I would highly recommend that you would take the time to read for yourself in Matthew, And In Mark, And In Luke, These Corresponding Chapters And Verses •The Gospel Of Matthew 19: 16-26. •The Gospel Of Mark 10: 17-27. •The Gospel Of Luke 18: 18-27.

Because in order to get the complete picture of what’s really going on between Jesus and this self-righteous young man who is convinced that he is good enough to earn eternal life,

And therefore, gain Heaven as well. because if you think about it, this young man represents a lot of people today who are very religious, sanctimonious, and feel spiritually superior when compared to others.

For they truly believe that their efforts and works are sufficient and admirable in the sight of God, that they too think that they are good enough to earn eternal life, and therefore gain Heaven as well.

However, our Lord Jesus is not moved by such pride and arrogance that any one of us can sometimes have about ourselves.

But neither is he unconcern for us when we are spiritually ignorant regarding God’s plan of salvation, in order for us to receive eternal life, and therefore gain Heaven as well!

Now let’s notice The Gospel of Matthew 19:16. Now, behold there was One who came and said unto Jesus, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do or perform, that I may have eternal life, and gain Heaven?

So then, who is this Person? Well, according to Matthew 19: 22 But when the young man heard what Jesus said unto him, he walked away sorrowful, for or because he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said unto His disciples, Assuredly I say unto you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

And lastly, see Luke 18: 18. Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do, to inherit eternal life?

Now, let’s go back to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 19. And let’s notice again The Gospel of Matthew 19: 16 Now behold there was One who came and said unto Jesus, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do or perform, that I may have eternal life, and gain Heaven? 17 So Jesus said unto the rich young ruler, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, and that is God. (Stop here) First, no one is Good but God!

Now see Romans 3: 10 As it is written: There is none righteous, no not one; 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does Good, no not one.

And let’s notice again The Gospel of Matthew 19:17. So, Jesus said unto the rich young ruler, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, and that is God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments. (Stop here)

Secondly, Keeping the commandments are impossible apart from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and being transformed and enable by The Holy Spirit both in our attitudes and in our behaviors and actions. Also, remember Galatians 3: 11. But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident that the just shall live by faith.

And see James 2: 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, they are guilty of all. 11 For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, then you have become a transgressor of the law.

Now, let’s go back to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 19. And let’s notice again The Gospel of Matthew 19: 18 And the rich young ruler said unto Jesus, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and your mother. And lastly, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Now, see Exodus 20: 12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Now, see Leviticus 19: 18. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, *But you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord!”

Now, let’s go back to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 19:20. But Then The young man said unto Jesus, all these commandments You mentioned, I have kept or observed from my youth, His Bar Mitzvah! Stop here Say something briefly about the word ,“Bar Mitzvah.” “Bar Mitzvah” literally means, "Son of the commandments."

Jewish law considers a boy to be obligated to fulfill the commandments (mitzvot) of Jewish law starting at age 13. While the bar mitzvah is traditionally for boys, a similar ceremony for girls, called a Bat Mitzvah, has become increasingly common, particularly in Reform and Conservative Judaism

Now, let’s notice again The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 19:20. But then the young man said unto Jesus, all these commandments You mentioned, I have kept or observed from my youth, (Stop here) And by the way, the word ‘kept’ in this context does not mean to perform or obey. Instead, kept means to observe Like the precepts of the Mosaic law.

Now, here are 3 different English translations that use the word ‘observe’ instead of the word “ (Note) Matthew 19:20 (RSV) says, “The young man said to him, all these I have observed, what do I still lack?" (Note) Matthew 19:20 (ASV) Says, “The young man saith unto him, all these things have I (observed), what lack I yet?” (Note) Matthew 19:20 (HNV) “The young man said to him, all these things I have ‘observed’ from my youth. What do I still lack?"

Also, there are at least 2 ways to observe something. We can be a passive observer. Or, we can be an active or involved observer. Question, which one of the two do you think The rich young ruler was? a passive observer. Or an active or involve observer. Question which of the two do you think you are? a passive observer. or an active or involved observer.

Sermon Notes For 7-27-25 (Part 4.) “Is That Right, Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Among Some Who Are Saved Or Unsaved During These Times.

Let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 19. And today, let’s finish up with our ongoing series that we have entitled, “Is That Right, Regarding Some Of The Clichés, The Criticisms, And The Concerns Among Some Who Are Saved Or Unsaved During These Times. (Part 4.)

Now, let’s come back one last time and address the last major concern that both Christians and non-Christians have that would cause some people to think, or to say, or to wonder, how good enough do you have to be to go to Heaven?” (Question) But is that right? Is that Biblical?

And is it true, that a person can be good enough to go to Heaven? And if so, how good enough would you have to be in order to go to Heaven?

Now, let’s notice The Gospel of Matthew 19: 16 Now behold there was (One) who came and said unto Jesus, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do or perform, that I may have eternal life, and gain Heaven? 17 So Jesus said unto the rich young ruler, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, and that is, God! But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 And the rich young ruler said unto Jesus, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder,You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and your mother, And lastly, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 20 But then the young man said unto Jesus, all these commandments You mentioned I have kept or observed from my youth, So what do I still lack or I am Missing? 21 Jesus said unto the rich young ruler, if you want to be ‘perfect’. Go, and sell what you have and give it unto the poor. And you will have treasure in Heaven. And come and follow Me! (Let’s stop here)

Now, let’s notice again The Gospel of Matthew 19:21. Jesus said unto the rich young ruler, If you want to be ‘Perfect’ - Stop here This word ‘perfect’ used here is not referring to being sinless or flawless. But the word ‘perfect’ used here in Matthew 19:21. Is referring to completeness! And Spiritually speaking, none of us have experience completeness yet!

But also, the word ‘perfect’ used here in Matthew 19:21. Is referring to wanting or lacking nothing. And Spiritually speaking, none of us have experience wanting or lacking nothing apart from God.

We are totally incapable of meeting our own needs completely and correctly. Instead we find ourselves in a process, or under development, or maturing, or moving from one level to another.

Now, notice again Matthew 19:21. Jesus said unto the rich young ruler, if you want to be perfect - admit, recognize and be truthful with yourself, that you are not perfect.

Perfection eludes us no matter how hard we try to do right, we cannot quite in ourselves attain a flawless perfection, because we will slip up in some way or another. *Either by pridefulness, or boastfulness, or a haughtiness. *Or wrong motives, self-centeredness an arrogancy *or unforgiveness, anger, malice, hatred or revenge. Envy, jealousy, or covetousness.

Think about it, no matter how hard we try to do right, we can not quite in ourselves attain a flawless perfection, and therefore neither you or anyone else is good enough to enter into God’s Heaven on their own merit?

But praise the Lord, God has made a way that we can enter into his heaven by the merit and perfection of another. God has made a way that we can Spiritually speaking we can experience to a certain degree in this life, completeness. God has made a way that we can Spiritually speaking, we can experience to a certain degree in this life wanting or lacking nothing because we’re in Christ Jesus. God has made a way that we can Spiritually speaking, we can experience to a certain degree in this life, being Godly and being holy, by means of The Holy Spirit who indwells us.

See 2nd Corinthians 5:21. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

See Matthew 5: 17. Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

See Galatians 5: 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Now, notice again Matthew 19:21. Jesus said unto the rich young ruler, If you want to be Perfect.Go, and sell what you have and give it unto the poor. And you will have treasure in Heaven. And come and follow Me! (Stop here)

Also, see Mark 10:21. Then Jesus look at the rich young ruler, and He loved him, and He said unto him, One thing you lack! Go your way sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. And come take up the cross and follow Me. (Stop here)

In Luke 18:22. So, when Jesus heard these things and He said unto the rich young ruler, You still lack one thing! Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. And come follow Me. (Stop here)

Now, let’s notice again The Gospel of Matthew 19:22. But when the young man heard what Jesus said unto him, he walked away sorrowful, for or because he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said unto His disciples, Assuredly I say unto you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And also, I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. 25 But when Jesus’ disciples heard this, (vs.23&24). The disciples were greatly astonished saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus looked at them, and Jesus said unto them, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!

Now, let’s finish with Luke 19: 1. Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and Zacchaeus was rich. 3 And Zacchaeus sought to see who Jesus was but could not, because of the crowd, and because Zacchaeus was of short stature. 4 So Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to that place, And The Lord looked up and saw Zacchaeus, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down for today I must stay at your house . 6 So Zacchaeus made haste and came down and received Jesus joyfully. 7 But when the Pharisees saw all this, they all complained saying, Jesus has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner. 8 But then Zacchaeus stood and said unto the Lord. Look Lord, I give half of my goods or possessions unto the poor. And if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation. I will restore unto them fourfold or four times as much. 9 And then Jesus said unto all, Today salvation has come to this house, because Zacchaeus also is a son of Abraham; 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save them that are lost.