Carmichael Ministries

Foundations pt8—A Healthy Understanding of Hell

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

[Mat 25:46 NASB95] 46 “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

“You can’t judge me. Only God can judge me.” He will definitely judge us.

There are two particular judgments we are going to deal with. Heaven and hell.

Dr. Sam Storms, “What you and I “like” is utterly and absolutely irrelevant. God doesn’t set his eternal agenda based on what we “prefer.” What we might “hope” to be true simply doesn’t matter. What does or does not make us “feel comfortable” has no bearing on the truth or falsity of this issue. The fact that we have an intuitive sense for what strikes us as “fair” or “just” plays no part whatsoever in coming to a conclusion on whether or not there is an eternal hell. The fact that we may not enjoy the thought of eternal conscious punishment doesn’t make it go away! The fact that you “feel” the existence of hell is inconsistent with your concept of God doesn’t mean there isn’t one. What we “want” or “hope” or “desire” has no relevance at all in this debate. The only important question is, “Does the Bible teach it?” And if the Bible does teach it (and Revelation 14 together with numerous other texts would indicate it does), our responsibility is to believe it and fervently and faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as the only hope sinners have for now and eternity.”

Jesus spoke about hell. Paul spoke about hell. John spoke about hell.

What is a healthy understanding of hell?

These Bible passages give us a healthy understanding of hell.

Second Thessalonians 1:6-10 gives us a healthy understanding of hell.

[2Th 1:6-10 NASB95]

God will deal out retribution.

[Rom 11:22 NASB95]

It is a mistake not to understand the severity of God. He is love, and He is holy.

To those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

C.S. Lewis: There are two kinds of people. Those who say to God, “Thy will be done.” Or those to whom God says, “Thy will be done.”

God, in His love and goodness, gives us the freedom to choose His way or ours.

NOT, good people in heaven and bad people in hell. It is those who are surrendered to Jesus who go to heaven, and everyone is in hell.

Why?

We have all sinned. [Rom 3:23 NASB95]

The wages of sin is death (hell) but life only in Jesus Christ. [Rom 6:23 NASB95]

Eternal destruction.

[Mar 9:46 NASB95]

Not annihilationism or conditional immortality.

Away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.

It will happen when He comes.

Matthew 25 gives us a healthy understanding of hell.

[Mat 25:30, 41 NASB95]

Hell will have darkness, weeping, and teeth gnashing. It is not a party.

Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels.

[Rev 19:20 NASB95]

[Rev 20:15 NASB95]

Hell was created for the devil. However, everyone who is not a Christian will be there, too.

We do the following when we have a healthy understanding of hell.

We live surrendered to Jesus. [Mat 10:28 NASB95]

We tell people how to avoid hell.

Jesus wants us to have a healthy, Biblical understanding of hell so that we live surrendered to Jesus and are motivated to tell people about Jesus.

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Foundations pt7—Facts About Heaven

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

[Mat 25:46 NASB95] 46 “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

“You can’t judge me. Only God can judge me.” He will definitely judge us.

There are two particular judgments we are going to deal with. Heaven and hell.

What do we know about heaven?

Here are 12 facts about heaven.

Heaven is a real place.

[Rev 21:15-17 NASB95]

[Act 1:6-11 NASB95]

Someone did the math. 1500-mile cube. 20 billion people with 75 acres each.

Heaven has dwellings.

[Jhn 14:6 NASB95]

Heaven has animals.

[Isa 65:17, 25 NASB95]

[Rom 8:20-23 NASB95]

[Psa 36:6 NASB95]

Heaven has food.

[Rev 22:2 NASB95]

[Rev 19:6-9 NASB95]

Heaven is populated with saved loved ones.

[1Th 4:13-18 NASB95]

Heaven is where you will be recognizable yet with a new body.

[Luk 24:39-40 NASB95]

[Mat 17:1-9 NASB95]

[Phl 3:20-21 NASB95]

Heaven is your immediate destination after death.

[2Co 5:8 NASB95]

[Phl 1:23 NASB95]

[Luk 23:43 NASB95]

Heaven will be where you fulfill your purpose.

[Rev 19:6-9 NASB95]

Heaven has no curse.

[Rev 22:3 NASB95]

Heaven has no sadness.

[Rev 7:15-17 NASB95]

[Rev 21:1-5 NASB95]

Heaven does not have equal rewards.

[Luk 19:11-27 NASB95]

[1Co 3:11-15 NASB95]

[1Pe 5:1, 4 NASB95]

Heaven will only be populated by people who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.

[Jhn 14:6 NASB95]

[Rev 21:27 NASB95]

[Rom 10:9-10 NASB95]

God wants us to experience the wonders of heaven with Him.

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Foundations pt6—Learn to Die; Learn to Live

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

[1Co 15:55-58 NASB95]

Death is brutal. We hate it. We don’t understand it even when we know it will happen. Not understanding how to deal with death will hurt us.

My experience with my father’s death and subsequent fear of death. Christ helped me. I am not afraid to die. Additionally, I know how to live.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is explaining to the Corinthians Christians about the death of those who have died (sleep: NT for a Christian death. 1 Cor 15:18; 1 Thess 4:13; Jn 11:11). He is saying that death is not the end. There is a resurrection of the dead.

He answers their question about what happens when a person dies before the return of Christ. [1Co 15:18 NASB95]

Note: the resurrection of the dead is not the same as raising someone from the dead. Raising someone from the dead is about this life. The resurrection of the dead is about life after death in the next life.

Note: Not dealing with [1Co 15:29 NASB95]

Paul did not confirm or condemn it. Makes no other mention of it.

A huge amount of theories. Two make sense to me: 1. People were baptized with the hope of seeing a dead loved one. 2. The “dead” is Christ, with Paul’s argument that some say Christ is not risen, but they are baptized for (or because of) Him. So they would then be baptized for Someone (Jesus) who is dead if they do not believe in the resurrection.

This is foundational to the Christian faith. There is life after this life. Death is an enemy; however, for the Christian, it is the door to the life God has for you.

What do we need to understand about the resurrection of the dead that will help us to live?

Here are three points about the resurrection of the dead that will help you to live.

The resurrection of the dead is based upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ resurrection is proof of the resurrection of the dead.

[1Co 15:3-19 NASB95]

Ask the Holy Spirit to make the resurrection of Jesus real to you. Not just information you agree with but a revelation that will affect you.

The resurrection of the dead looks forward to the rapture of Jesus Christ.

[1Co 15:23 NASB95]

[1Th 4:16 NASB95]

[Jhn 14:1-3 NASB95]

The resurrection of the dead affects our life in Jesus Christ.

Here are five ways the resurrection of the dead affects our lives.

We do not have to fear death.

Death must happen. [1Co 15:42-54 NASB95]

Death is not a defeat. [1Co 15:54-57 NASB95]

Death is an open door to the fulfillment of all God’s promises. [1Co 15:26-28 NASB95]

We can properly grieve for loved ones. [1Th 4:13-15 NASB95]

We learn to live soberly.

Our faith in Christ is not just for this world. [1Co 15:19 NASB95]

[1Co 15:33-34 NASB95]

Live with eternity in our hearts. Right perspectives. Right priorities.

We avoid sin.

[1Co 15:34 NASB95]

Understanding that what is done in this life affects the next one is a proper deterrent to sin.

We give ourselves fully to the call of God.

[1Co 15:9-11, 30-32 NASB95]

[1Co 15:58 NASB95]

God wants us to have a proper perspective about life after death so we can live in peace and victory as we pursue the call of God on our lives free of sin and grief.

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Foundations pt5—Ministry of Laying on of Hands

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

Mark Hankins recently said that this is a fundamental ministry that is a missing ingredient in the church today, and it is hindering the Holy Spirit from moving.

The ministry of the laying on of hands has several Biblical reasons: the act of ordination, healing and/or blessing, and impartation.

God told me to have Norvel Hayes lay his hands on me.

What instructions do we need to know about the ministry of laying on of hands?

Here are three reasons and implications for the ministry of laying on of hands.

The Act of Ordination

[Deu 34:9 NASB95]

[1Ti 4:14 NASB95]

[1Ti 5:22 NASB95]

[Act 6:6 NASB95]

[Act 13:1-3 NASB95]

This is an important aspect of ministry. (Ordination service at CGIA.)

Healing and/or Blessing

[Mat 19:13-15 NASB95]

[Mar 10:16 NASB95]

[Mar 5:23 NASB95]

[Mar 6:5 NASB95]

[Mar 8:23-25 NASB95]

[Luk 4:40 NASB95]

[Luk 13:13-14 NASB95]

[Mar 16:18 NASB95]

[Act 28:8-9 NASB95]

[Act 9:17-19 NASB95]

[Act 4:29-31 NASB95]

Impartation

[Act 8:14-17 NASB95]

[Act 19:6 NASB95]

[Rom 1:11-12 NASB95]

[2Ti 1:6 NASB95]

Implications of laying on of hands.

You need to be connected to the church for that ministry to happen. If you are not around the men and women of God, hands will not be laid upon you. You are missing this FOUNDATIONAL ministry in your life.

You do not need to be OVERLY afraid of “negative” transference. Every leader who is going to lay hands on you is a human. You do need to determine if they have a demonic spirit but understand the blessing on you is stronger than the curse.

Control your spirit.

Guard your tongue.

Carefully select your spiritual authorities.

Guard your senses (hearing, seeing, feeling).

You need to release faith in God for what happens when hands are laid upon you. According to Mark Hankins, Hagin would have people say, “When he lays his hands on me, I will receive.”

You need to take every opportunity to have hands laid upon you.

God uses the ministry of laying on of hands to ordain us into the ministry, to bless/heal us and to impart a gift to us.

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Foundations pt4—Water and Spirit Baptisms

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

[Jhn 3:5 NASB95]

It is hard to get away from our bias. “Washings” was possibly a biased translation. Greek (baptismon plural of baptismos) or baptisms. What baptisms?

Wesley Adams LITSNTC, “. . . water and Spirit baptisms under the new covenant.”

A deep mystery between symbols and reality. The true believer will seek both. Maybe it is not causal, but it is definitely symptomatic of salvation.

Paul explains water baptism. [Rom 6:4 NASB95]

Jesus teaches Spirit baptism.

[Luk 24:49 NASB95]

[Act 1:5, 8 NASB95]

What are some important instructions we need to know about WB and SB?

Here are 4 important instructions we need to know about WB and SB.

The importance of WB and SB.

WB

Repentance [Act 2:38 NASB95]

Public confession. Identification with Jesus.

Obedience. [Mat 28:19 NASB95]

SB

Empowerment [Act 1:8 NASB95]

Necessity [Luk 24:49 NASB95]

Initial evidence (tongues – 3 of the 5 specifically say tongues; the other 2 refer to something Paul and Simon) and ongoing evidence (Spiritual gifts/Christlikeness).

The disagreements of WB and SB.

WB

Sprinkle vs immersion.

In Jesus Name vs Father, Son & Holy Spirit. We see both in the Bible.

SB

Continuous vs Cessation. Only one verse speaks of cessation, clearly when Christ returns.

[1Co 1:7-8 NASB95]

[1Co 13:8-12 NASB95]

Initial Evidence vs No Tongues.

Water baptism: immersion is clearly taught, while the methodology is interchangeable.

Spirit baptism: continuous with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.

The connection of WB and SB.

In Acts, when SB is presented, so is WB.

Acts:

2:38 – WB then SB. [Act 2:38 NASB95]

8:13 WB then 8:15 SB. [Act 8:13, 15-16 NASB95]

9:17 SB then 9:18 WB. [Act 9:17-18 NASB95]

10:44-46 SB then 10:47-48 WB. [Act 10:44-48 NASB95]

19:5 WB then 19:6 SB. [Act 19:5-6 NASB95]

There is no set order. Both are needed and prioritized.

The agreement of WB and SB.

Both refer to the work of the Holy Spirit.

[Isa 44:3 NASB95]

[Eze 36:24-27 NASB95]

[Tit 3:5 NASB95]

Both WB and SB refer to the work of the Holy Spirit for

Regeneration (WB – conversion.)

Renewal (SB – empowerment.)

Holy Spirit, convert us and empower us!

WB and SB are important works of the Holy Spirit in our lives that are needed for today so we can become all that God has called us to become.

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Foundations pt3—Faith Expects Rewards

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

[Heb 11:6 NASB95] 6 And without faith it is impossible to please [Him,] for he who comes to God must believe that He is and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

A pastor questioned Kenneth Hagin, “Why do you preach on faith so much?” His answer is, “You can’t get saved without faith. You can’t please God without faith. You can’t get healed without faith. Anything that is not done in faith is sin.”

The faith message is not a generational message. It is a Gospel message. Learning how to use your faith will keep you protected and prospering in every environment.

What does Hebrews 11:6 teach about faith in God?

Here are four teachings about faith from Hebrews 11:6.

Faith is necessary to please God.

It’s a command. Jesus said we are to have faith in God. [Mar 11:22 NASB95]

It’s a lifestyle. The just (born-again believers) shall live by faith. [Heb 10:36-38 NASB95]

Its absence is a sin. Anything not of faith is a sin. [Rom 14:23 NASB95]

Faith has actions. [Jas 2:18 NASB95]

Faith is developed by the Word of God. [Rom 10:17 NASB95]

Faith is more than just worshipping Him.

Many times, the disciples did not have faith even though they were around Him. [Jhn 3:36 NASB95]

Demons believe in God. [Jas 2:19 NASB95]

We need to make a decision to have faith in God.

Faith is in His existence.

[Psa 19:1-2 NASB95]

[Rom 1:19-20 NASB95]

Nature proclaims the existence of God. Note: Eclipse (April 2024) – “Even though the Sun is about 400 times bigger than the Moon, it is also about 400 times farther away. This makes the Sun and the Moon appear almost exactly the same size in our sky.” (https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/geometry)

Stay focused on the existence of God.

Faith is in His nature to reward seekers.

Faith in God will produce powerful results. [Mar 11:22-24 NASB95]

Diligently seek Him:

Prayer life – [Mat 6:6 NASB95]

Bible reading – “When you engage in reading, various brain functions are activated, encompassing visual processing, comprehension, auditory perception, and more. However, when you read your Bible, these functions align with other regions of your brain as God intended, triggering the release of chemicals such as dopamine. This results in a profound emotional response to the content you are absorbing.” (https://www.therapyforchristians.com/blog/benefits-of-reading-the-bible) [Psa 1:2-3 NASB95]

Faithfulness to the church – [Psa 92:12-14 NASB95]

Fasting – [Mat 6:18 NASB95]

Giving – [Mat 6:4 NASB95]

God wants to reward you. It does not please God to not expect His reward.

God wants us to know that He rewards a genuine faith toward Him as we seek Him.

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