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{Addendum_8} WHY YOUR HEART KEEPS BEATING - Divine Encounters with God's Sustaining Power
- Jan 22
- 25 min read
Updated: Jan 23
Chapter 20: The Shadow of Death - Walking Without Fear
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me." — Psalm 23:4 (NASB)
I walked through the shadow of death.
I was descending toward hell, spinning in the vortex, heading into darkness. By all rights, I should have been terrified.
But I wasn't.
Why?
Because Jesus was with me.
This chapter explores what it means to walk through dark valleys without fear, and how God's presence transforms our experience of death, danger, and trials.
Psalm 23:4 — The Valley
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
This is one of the most famous verses in the Bible, but it's often misunderstood.
The valley of the shadow of death doesn't necessarily mean literal death. In Hebrew, the phrase is gay' tsalmaveth, which can mean:
A valley of deep darkness
A place of danger and shadow
The experience of facing death or mortal threat
Any dark, difficult season of life
We all go through such valleys:
Illness
Loss
Betrayal
Financial collapse
Spiritual attack
Grief
Depression
The promise is not that we won't go through valleys. The promise is that we won't go through them alone.
"Even Though I Walk Through"
Notice the verse says "walk through"—not "stay in" or "get stuck in."
Valleys are not permanent. They are passageways—difficult terrain you must traverse to get to the other side.
God doesn't promise to remove the valley. He promises to walk through it with you.
"I Fear No Evil"
Why can David say "I fear no evil" while walking through the valley of the shadow of death?
"For You are with me."
God's presence removes fear.
Not because the danger isn't real. Not because the valley isn't dark. But because God's presence is greater than any threat.
Isaiah 41:10 — "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God."
Deuteronomy 31:6 — "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble... for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."
Matthew 28:20 — Jesus: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
God's presence is the antidote to fear.
My Experience in the Vision
When I asked the Lord why I wasn't afraid during the vision, He said simply: "Because I was with you."
I was experiencing something terrifying—descending toward hell, spinning in darkness—but I felt no fear because Jesus' presence was stronger than the terror of the experience.
That's what Psalm 23:4 means. You can walk through the darkest valley without fear if you're aware of God's presence.
The Rod and Staff
"Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
The rod was a shepherd's weapon—a club used to fight off predators (lions, bears, wolves). It represents God's protection and power to defend.
The staff was a shepherd's tool for guiding sheep—a long stick with a curved end used to gently direct or rescue sheep. It represents God's guidance and care.
Both comfort the sheep.
Why?
Because the sheep knows:
If danger comes, the rod will defend me
If I wander, the staff will guide me back
God's power and God's gentleness work together for our good.
Understanding Death
The Bible presents death as:
1. An enemy
1 Corinthians 15:26 — "The last enemy that will be abolished is death."
Death is not natural or good. It's an enemy, a consequence of sin (Romans 6:23).
2. A defeated enemy
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 — "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
Jesus defeated death through His resurrection. Death no longer has ultimate power over believers.
3. A transition, not an end
2 Corinthians 5:8 — "We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord."
For believers, death is simply the doorway from physical life to eternal life with God.
Philippians 1:21 — Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Death is gain for believers because it brings us into God's presence.
Revelation 20:13-15 — Death is a Demon
One of the revelations God gave me is that death is a demon.
Revelation 20:13-14 — "And death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire."
Death is personified as a being that will be thrown into the lake of fire.
Death is not just an event—it's a spiritual force, a demon, an enemy.
But Jesus has defeated this enemy:
Hebrews 2:14-15 — "Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives."
Jesus rendered powerless the one who had the power of death (the devil).
Believers don't have to fear death because Jesus has conquered it.
Living Without Fear of Death
Psalm 23:4 promises we can walk through the valley of the shadow of death without fear.
How?
1. Know that death has no power over believers
Romans 8:38-39 — "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Death cannot separate you from God if you belong to Christ.
2. Know that to die is to be with Christ
Philippians 1:23 — Paul said he desired "to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better."
2 Corinthians 5:8 — "Absent from the body... at home with the Lord."
Death is not the end. It's coming home.
3. Know that God controls the timing of your death
Job 14:5 — "Since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; and his limits You have set so that he cannot pass."
You won't die one second before God's appointed time.
Psalm 139:16 — "Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them."
Your days are ordained—planned, appointed, set by God.
You can't be killed until God says it's time.
That's what I experienced during the week of the vision. Even though my heart was failing, even though the enemy may have been attacking, I couldn't die because my time wasn't finished.
4. Live in God's presence
The key to fearlessness is awareness of God's presence.
When you know God is with you, you fear nothing.
Practical Application: Walking Through Your Valley
What valley are you in right now?
Health crisis?
Financial struggle?
Relational breakdown?
Spiritual attack?
Grief and loss?
Here's how to walk through without fear:
1. Acknowledge God's presence
Say out loud: "Lord, I know You are with me in this valley. I am not alone."
2. Declare God's protection
Pray Psalm 91 over your situation. Claim God's promises of protection and deliverance.
3. Refuse to give in to fear
2 Timothy 1:7 — "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline."
When fear rises, reject it. Say: "I will not fear. God is with me."
4. Focus on God's presence, not the circumstances
Hebrews 12:2 — "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith."
Don't stare at the problem. Stare at Jesus.
5. Walk through, don't camp in the valley
Remember: the valley is a passage, not a destination. Keep moving. Keep trusting. Keep walking.
God will bring you through.
The Testimony
I walked through the shadow of death—literally, in the vision, I was descending toward hell.
But I didn't stay there. Jesus' hand stopped the descent. I came through.
And now I have a testimony: God is faithful. His presence removes fear. He walks with us through the darkest valleys.
If I can walk through the valley of the shadow of death without fear, so can you.
Reflection Questions:
What "valley" are you walking through right now? How aware are you of God's presence in it?
Read Psalm 23:4. What does the "rod and staff" represent, and how do they comfort you?
Do you fear death? Why or why not? How does knowing that Jesus defeated death change your perspective?
What would it look like to "walk through" your current valley instead of camping in it?
How can you cultivate greater awareness of God's presence in difficult seasons?
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You that even in the darkest valleys, You are with me. I will not fear evil because You walk beside me. Your rod defends me. Your staff guides me. Thank You that death has no power over me because Jesus defeated it. Help me to walk through this valley with courage and faith, fixing my eyes on You, not on my circumstances. And Lord, bring me through to the other side for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Chapter 21: Bearing Fruit Through Writing
"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain." — John 15:16 (NASB)
I am a writer by nature and by calling.
God designed me to bear fruit through the written word. I write what He says to write. You read it. The message takes root in your heart. That's fruit.
This chapter is about understanding your calling, using your gifts for God's glory, and bearing fruit that remains.
John 15:1-8 — The Vine and the Branches
Jesus said:
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit... Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:1-2, 4-5)
Key truths:
1. The Father is the vinedresser — He plants, tends, prunes, and oversees the entire process.
2. Jesus is the vine — The source of life, nutrients, energy.
3. We are the branches — Designed to bear fruit, but only in connection with the vine.
4. Our job is to abide — Stay connected, remain in Christ, draw life from Him.
5. Fruit-bearing is the result of abiding — Not striving, not earning, just abiding.
6. Without Christ, we can do nothing — No fruit, no life, no purpose apart from Him.
What is "Fruit"?
The Bible describes several kinds of fruit believers should bear:
1. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. This is character fruit—who we're becoming.
2. The fruit of good works (Colossians 1:10) — acts of service, ministry, compassion. This is action fruit—what we're doing.
3. The fruit of souls (Romans 1:13) — people coming to Christ through our witness. This is evangelism fruit—who we're reaching.
4. The fruit of praise (Hebrews 13:15) — worship, thanksgiving, glorifying God. This is worship fruit—what we're offering.
5. The fruit of gifts (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11) — using our God-given abilities to serve the body of Christ. This is ministry fruit—how we're contributing.
All of these are "fruit." And all of them come from abiding in Christ.
My Calling: Writing
From childhood, I've been drawn to words. Reading, writing, storytelling—it's always been natural to me.
But it wasn't until I surrendered to Christ that I understood: This isn't just a talent. It's a calling.
God designed me to communicate His truth through writing.
I write testimonies that encourage believers
I write teaching that helps people understand Scripture
I write warnings that call people to repentance
I write worship that glorifies God
This is my fruit.
When you read this book and are drawn closer to God, that's fruit.
When someone reads my testimony and gives their life to Christ, that's fruit.
When a believer is encouraged to keep going through a trial, that's fruit.
I'm just the branch. Jesus is the vine. The fruit comes from Him flowing through me.
Discovering Your Calling
How do you know what God has called you to do?
1. What has God given you?
Gifts — What abilities, talents, skills do you have?
Passions — What burdens your heart? What do you care deeply about?
Opportunities — What doors has God opened for you?
Experiences — What have you been through that equips you to help others?
1 Peter 4:10 — "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Your gifts are not for you. They're for serving others.
2. What brings you alive?
When are you most fulfilled? When you're using your gifts for God's glory.
For me, it's when I'm writing and someone says, "Your words helped me." That's when I know I'm in my calling.
For you, it might be:
Teaching children
Serving the poor
Leading worship
Counseling the hurting
Building or creating
Administering and organizing
Whatever brings you alive while serving God—that's probably your calling.
3. What does the body of Christ need?
1 Corinthians 12:7 — "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Your gifts are given for the common good—to meet needs in the body of Christ.
Ask: "What need can I meet? What gap can I fill? What service can I provide?"
4. What has God confirmed?
Has God spoken to you through:
Scripture that jumps off the page?
Prophetic words from others?
Open doors and opportunities?
Peace and confirmation in your spirit?
God confirms calling. If you're unsure, keep seeking Him. He'll make it clear.
Bearing Fruit vs. Striving
There's a difference between bearing fruit (abiding) and striving to produce (working in our own strength).
Bearing fruit is:
Natural (branches don't strain to produce grapes—it's what they do)
Effortless (when connected to the vine, fruit comes naturally)
God-powered (the life flows from the vine, not the branch)
Sustainable (you can do it for a lifetime without burning out)
Striving is:
Forced (trying to make things happen through human effort)
Exhausting (leads to burnout and frustration)
Self-powered (relying on your own strength, not God's)
Unsustainable (can't keep it up long-term)
The key is abiding.
When you're connected to Christ, fruit happens naturally. You don't have to force it.
Pruning
John 15:2 says: "Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit."
Pruning is painful but necessary.
God cuts away:
Distractions that pull you from your calling
Habits that hinder fruitfulness
Relationships that drain life instead of giving it
Activities that are good but not God's best
Pruning hurts. You lose things you valued. But the result is greater fruitfulness.
I've experienced pruning:
Friendships that ended so I could focus on writing
Opportunities I had to decline to protect my calling
Comforts I had to sacrifice to fulfill God's purposes
Every time, it hurt. And every time, I bore more fruit afterward.
Trust the Vinedresser. He knows what He's doing.
Fruit That Remains
John 15:16 — Jesus said: "I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain."
Fruit that remains is fruit that lasts beyond your lifetime.
Temporary fruit:
A meal you cook (eaten and gone)
A car you fix (eventually breaks down again)
Money you earn (spent and gone)
Eternal fruit:
A soul saved (lasts forever)
A disciple made (multiplies through generations)
Truth written (read by future generations)
Character formed (carries into eternity)
This book is fruit that remains. Long after I'm dead, people will read it and be impacted.
That's the kind of fruit God wants us to bear.
The Instruction to Write
After the vision, the Lord gave me specific instructions (some public, some private) about writing.
Public instruction: Write this testimony. Share it. Let it bear fruit.
Private instructions: Specific assignments about future writing projects, books to write, messages to deliver.
I won't share the private instructions because they're between the Lord and me. But I'm obeying them, step by step.
When God gives you an assignment, obey it—even if it's difficult, even if you don't feel ready, even if it seems impossible.
God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called.
The Challenge
What is your calling?
What gifts has God given you?
What fruit is He calling you to bear?
Don't bury your talent (Matthew 25:14-30). Don't waste your life on things that don't matter eternally.
Use what God gave you for His glory.
And remember: You can't bear fruit apart from Christ.
Stay connected to the Vine. Abide in Him. Let His life flow through you.
Then fruit will come—naturally, abundantly, eternally.
Reflection Questions:
What gifts, talents, or passions has God given you?
Read John 15:1-8. What does it mean to "abide" in Christ?
Have you experienced "pruning"? What did God cut away, and what was the result?
Are you trying to bear fruit through striving, or are you abiding and letting fruit come naturally?
What would "fruit that remains" look like in your life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Vine, and I am a branch. I cannot bear fruit apart from You. Help me to abide in You—to stay connected, to draw life from You, to let Your life flow through me. Show me my calling. Reveal the fruit You want me to bear. Prune away everything that hinders fruitfulness. And let my life produce fruit that remains—fruit that glorifies You and blesses others for generations to come. In Your name, Amen.
Chapter 22: The Anointing That Keeps You Young
"Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." — Psalm 103:5 (NASB)
I'm about to turn 55, but I look like I'm in my 30s.
People are shocked when I tell them my age. They don't believe me. They think I'm lying or that I've had plastic surgery.
But it's neither. It's the anointing—the presence of God on my life that preserves, renews, and sustains.
This chapter explores the relationship between God's presence and physical vitality, and how walking with God can literally slow the aging process.
Psalm 103:1-5 — God's Benefits
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
God's benefits include:
Pardon for sin
Healing for disease
Redemption from death
Lovingkindness and compassion
Renewal of youth
"So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
Eagles are known for their strength, vitality, and longevity. They can live 30+ years in the wild, and they go through a renewal process where they molt old feathers and grow new ones, emerging with restored strength.
Isaiah 40:31 echoes this imagery: "Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
God promises to renew our strength like the eagle's—not just spiritually, but physically.
The Anointing and Physical Preservation
The "anointing" refers to God's presence and power resting on a person.
In the Old Testament, priests, prophets, and kings were anointed with oil—a physical symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment.
1 Samuel 16:13 — "Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him [David] in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward."
The anointing oil symbolized the Spirit's presence. And when the Spirit came upon David, everything changed—he was empowered for his calling.
For believers today, the anointing is the Holy Spirit dwelling in us:
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 — "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge."
1 John 2:27 — "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you."
The Holy Spirit abides in believers, and His presence has both spiritual and physical effects.
Romans 8:11 — The Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
The Holy Spirit doesn't just save our souls—He gives life to our mortal bodies.
This life-giving power includes:
Healing from disease
Strength for daily tasks
Energy and vitality
Slowing the aging process
When God's presence rests on you powerfully, it affects everything—including how you age.
Moses — 120 Years Old, Eyes Not Dim
Deuteronomy 34:7 — "Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated."
Moses lived to 120, but he didn't experience the typical frailty of old age:
His eyes were still sharp
His strength was still intact
He climbed Mount Nebo without difficulty
Why?
Because he walked in God's presence for 40 years. He spent time on the mountain with God. The glory of God literally shone on his face (Exodus 34:29-30).
God's presence preserved him physically.
Caleb — 85 Years Old, Strong as Ever
Joshua 14:10-11 — Caleb declared: "Now behold, the LORD has let me live, just as He spoke, these forty-five years... and now behold, I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in."
Caleb was 85 years old but had the strength of a 40-year-old.
Why?
Because he wholly followed the LORD (Joshua 14:14). His devotion to God preserved his physical strength.
The Pattern
Throughout Scripture, those who walked closely with God often experienced supernatural preservation:
Enoch walked with God and didn't see death—God took him (Genesis 5:24)
Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind without dying (2 Kings 2:11)
Daniel survived the lion's den unharmed (Daniel 6:22)
The three Hebrew boys emerged from the fiery furnace without even the smell of smoke (Daniel 3:27)
God's presence protects and preserves.
Why I Look Younger
I don't have special genetics. I don't use expensive skincare products. I haven't had surgery.
I look younger than my age because of the anointing—God's presence on my life.
I've walked with God for decades:
Daily prayer and worship
Constant communion with the Holy Spirit
Living in obedience to His will
Allowing His presence to saturate my life
The result? My body has been preserved in ways that defy natural aging.
This isn't pride. I didn't earn this or make it happen. It's grace—the unmerited favor and presence of God.
The Science of Stress and Aging
Medical science confirms that stress accelerates aging:
Stress produces cortisol, which damages cells
Chronic anxiety shortens telomeres (the protective caps on DNA)
Fear and worry weaken the immune system
Lack of peace disrupts sleep and healing
Conversely, peace slows aging:
Peace reduces cortisol levels
Joy strengthens the immune system
Rest allows the body to repair and regenerate
Trust in God reduces anxiety-related damage
Proverbs 17:22 — "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
Proverbs 14:30 — "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bones."
The presence of God produces peace, joy, and tranquility—which literally preserve the body.
Living in God's presence reduces the physical toll of stress, which slows aging.
Not Guaranteed for Everyone
I need to be clear: God's presence doesn't guarantee long life or youthful appearance for everyone.
Some godly people age normally. Some die young. Some suffer illness despite deep faith.
Why?
Because God's purposes are different for each person.
Paul had a "thorn in the flesh" that God chose not to remove (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
Timothy had frequent stomach problems (1 Timothy 5:23)
Epaphroditus was sick to the point of death (Philippians 2:27)
God heals whom He chooses. He preserves whom He chooses. He takes home whom He chooses.
The anointing doesn't guarantee physical preservation—it can produce it when God wills.
The point isn't to seek youthfulness for vanity's sake. The point is to recognize that God's presence has real, tangible effects on our physical bodies.
2 Corinthians 4:16 — Outward Decay, Inward Renewal
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day."
Even if your outer man (body) ages and decays, your inner man (spirit) can be renewed daily.
Ultimately, it's the inner renewal that matters most.
Physical preservation is a bonus, not the goal. The goal is intimacy with God, which transforms us from the inside out.
Eternal Youth
One day, all believers will experience the ultimate renewal:
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 — "Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality."
Our bodies will be resurrected and glorified—immortal, imperishable, perfect.
Philippians 3:21 — Christ "will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory."
We'll have bodies like Jesus' resurrected body:
Physical, but no longer subject to decay
Capable of eating (Luke 24:42-43) but not requiring food
Recognizable (John 20:16) but glorified
Eternal, imperishable, perfect
That's the ultimate "renewal of youth"—bodies that never age, never decay, never die.
The Lesson
The anointing—God's presence on your life—can have real, physical effects:
Healing
Strength
Energy
Preservation
Slowed aging
But the presence is the prize, not the effects.
Seek God, not youthfulness.
Seek intimacy, not physical benefits.
And if God chooses to preserve your body as a side effect of His presence, give Him glory for it.
Reflection Questions:
Read Psalm 103:5. What does it mean that God "renews your youth like the eagle"?
Have you experienced physical benefits from walking closely with God? What have you noticed?
How does knowing that the Holy Spirit "gives life to your mortal body" (Romans 8:11) change your perspective on health and aging?
Why is it important to seek God's presence for its own sake, not just for physical benefits?
How can you cultivate more peace, joy, and tranquility in your life to reduce stress and promote health?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that Your presence has the power to heal, strengthen, and preserve. Thank You for the promise that You renew our youth like the eagle's. I don't seek youthfulness for vanity, but I do ask that Your presence would give life to my mortal body. Help me to walk closely with You all my days. And whether You preserve my body or not, let my inner man be renewed daily. Prepare me for the day when this mortal puts on immortality and I receive my glorified body. In Jesus' name, Amen.
PART SIX: THE CALL TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
Chapter 23: Hell Is Real - The Urgency of Salvation
"And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire." — Mark 9:43 (NASB)
Hell is real.
I know because I saw the beginning of the descent toward it. I experienced the terror of being pulled down into that realm.
And I'm telling you with absolute certainty: Hell is real, and you don't want to go there.
This chapter is about the reality of hell, the urgency of salvation, and the gospel message that can save you from eternal judgment.
The Reality of Hell
Hell is not:
A metaphor for suffering in this life
A myth invented to control people
A temporary place of purification (purgatory)
Annihilation (ceasing to exist)
Hell is:
A real place prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41)
Eternal conscious torment (Revelation 14:11)
Separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
Fire and darkness (Matthew 8:12; 25:41)
The destination of all who reject Christ (John 3:18, 36)
Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. He described it in vivid, terrifying terms:
Matthew 13:42 — "And will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Mark 9:48 — "Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched."
Luke 16:23-24 — "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment... 'I am in agony in this flame.'"
Revelation 20:15 — "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Hell is real. Jesus said so. And Jesus doesn't lie.
My Non-Graphic Vision
Some people have been given visions of hell that are intensely graphic—filled with descriptions of torment, demons, suffering souls, flames.
My vision was not graphic.
I didn't see the depths of hell. I didn't experience the heat. I didn't witness the torment.
Why?
Because Jesus didn't let me go that far. He said, "I'm not letting you go any further."
God showed me enough to understand the reality and urgency, but not so much that I'd be traumatized.
But make no mistake: Just because my vision wasn't graphic doesn't mean hell isn't real or isn't terrible.
The descent I experienced—the spinning, the darkness, the sense of being pulled away from light and life—was terrifying enough.
And I only saw the beginning.
Why God Shows People Hell
God doesn't show people visions of hell to scare them (though fear is a natural response). He shows them to warn them.
Ezekiel 33:11 — "Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die?'"
God doesn't want anyone to go to hell. He takes no pleasure in judgment. His desire is that people turn back and live.
2 Peter 3:9 — "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
God is patient. He delays judgment because He wants people to repent.
But patience has limits. Eventually, time runs out.
Hebrews 9:27 — "It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment."
After death, there's no second chance. No reincarnation. No opportunity to repent.
Death → Judgment → Eternity (heaven or hell).
That's why the gospel is urgent.
The Gospel: Good News
The word "gospel" means good news.
What's the good news?
You don't have to go to hell.
Romans 6:23 — "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We all deserve hell because we've all sinned (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is death—eternal separation from God.
But God, in His mercy, provided a way out.
John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
Jesus took the penalty we deserved.
2 Corinthians 5:21 — "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Jesus, who was sinless, took our sin upon Himself. He died in our place. He endured the wrath of God that we deserved.
And then He rose from the dead, defeating death, hell, and the grave.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 — "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Because Jesus died and rose again, we can be forgiven, saved, and given eternal life.
How to Be Saved
Salvation is not earned. It's received by faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9 — "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Salvation is a gift. You can't work for it, earn it, or deserve it. You simply receive it by faith in Jesus Christ.
Here's how:
1. Acknowledge you're a sinner
Romans 3:23 — "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Admit that you've sinned against God and that you deserve judgment.
2. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again
Romans 10:9 — "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose from the dead.
3. Repent and turn to Christ
Acts 3:19 — "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away."
Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God. It's a change of mind that leads to a change of direction.
4. Confess Jesus as Lord
Romans 10:9-10 — "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
Declare that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.
5. Call on the name of the Lord
Romans 10:13 — "For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Pray to God, asking Him to save you through Jesus Christ.
A Prayer of Salvation
If you've never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can do it right now.
Pray this prayer (or use your own words):
"Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I have broken Your laws and deserve judgment. But I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn away from my sin and turn to You. I confess You as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, save me, and give me eternal life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Make me a new creation. I surrender my life to You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are saved.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
You are now a child of God. Your sins are forgiven. Your name is written in the Book of Life. You will not go to hell—you will spend eternity with God.
Welcome to the family.
What Happens After Salvation?
Salvation is the beginning, not the end.
Now you need to:
1. Get baptized (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38) — a public declaration of your faith
2. Join a Bible-believing church (Hebrews 10:25) — you need fellowship with other believers
3. Read the Bible daily (2 Timothy 3:16-17) — God's Word is your spiritual food
4. Pray regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) — maintain communion with God
5. Share your faith (Matthew 28:19-20) — tell others about Jesus
6. Live in obedience (John 14:15) — follow Jesus, not just believe in Him
Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything.
Jesus said in Luke 9:23 — "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
The Urgency
Why am I emphasizing urgency?
Because:
1. You don't know when you'll die
James 4:14 — "You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away."
Life is fragile. You could die today. Don't put off salvation.
2. There's no second chance after death
Hebrews 9:27 — "It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment."
There's no purgatory. No reincarnation. No opportunity to repent after death.
Once you die, your eternal destiny is sealed.
3. Jesus could return at any moment
Matthew 24:42, 44 — "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming... For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will."
Jesus' return will be sudden and unexpected. When He returns, it will be too late to repent.
4. Hell is real and terrible
I've glimpsed it. I'm telling you: You don't want to go there.
Do whatever it takes to avoid hell. Cut off your hand if necessary (Matthew 5:30). Gouge out your eye if necessary (Matthew 5:29). Nothing in this life is worth eternal torment.
The Plea
I'm pleading with you as someone who has seen the edge of the pit:
Don't ignore this message.
Don't put off salvation.
Don't assume you have more time.
Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Call on Jesus. Surrender to Him. Be saved.
Hell is real. But so is heaven. And Jesus is the way to heaven.
John 14:6 — Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
Choose Jesus. Choose life. Choose eternity with God.
Reflection Questions:
Do you believe hell is a real place? Why or why not?
If you died today, where would you spend eternity? How do you know?
Have you ever surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? If not, what's stopping you?
Read Romans 10:9-13. What does this passage say is required for salvation?
If you're already saved, who do you need to share the gospel with? Will you do it this week?
Prayer (for those who are already saved):
Father, thank You for saving me from hell. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that covers my sins. Thank You that my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Lord, give me a burden for the lost. Open doors for me to share the gospel. Give me boldness to speak the truth in love. Let me be a faithful witness until You return or call me home. In Jesus' name, Amen.
