While Hearts Harden, the Fires of Hell Remain Hot!

Preached by Pastor Terry, 04/11/2025

I come before you today not with polished words or clever phrases but with a burning message that the Lord laid heavy on my heart as I awoke this morning. I couldn’t shake it. In fact, I believe this may be one of the most urgent sermons I've ever been called to preach. It’s a message of thankfulness and warning. A message that acknowledges the undeniable move of God in our land—but also reminds us, with trembling clarity, that the fires of Hell have not cooled.

Let me say this plainly: I believe God is answering the cries of His people. The prayers of 2 Chronicles 7:14—"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray..."—are being answered. We’re seeing it! We're witnessing a national shift—miraculous reversals, bold stands for truth, and yes, a leader rising up who is confronting evil head-on like few we've seen in our lifetimes. I support him, I pray for him, and I believe the Lord is using him mightily.

But church… hear me now: Let us not be so focused on the man that we forget the One who made the man.

Point 1: God Uses Vessels, But the Glory Is Always His

Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." Leaders rise, and leaders fall, but the Lord reigns forever. The good that we see unfolding? It’s God. The courage that one man shows against wickedness? That’s God. The exposure of corruption? Still God.

But oh, how quickly hearts can harden. Like Pharaoh, who witnessed signs and wonders but refused to bow his knee. Like Nebuchadnezzar, who praised himself until God humbled him. If we praise the clay and forget the Potter, we are headed for the same prideful fall.

Point 2: The Glory Belongs to God Alone

Isaiah 42:8 declares, "I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another."

Church, we are living in a time where political rallies resemble revivals and campaign slogans are echoed louder than Scripture. But let me be clear: No man, no matter how bold or brave, can save a nation without the hand of God upon him.

If we turn our praise from the Cross to the crowd, we are already in danger. Heaven help us if we ever elevate a servant over the Savior.

Point 3: Hell Has Not Cooled

While we rejoice in national breakthroughs, we must not forget that the fires of Hell are still burning for the unrepentant.

Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Yes, our nation may be turning a corner—but souls are still hanging in the balance. The same God who answers prayers is the same God whose wrath abides on the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)

Hell is not a metaphor. It is not folklore. It is real, and it is forever. And I say this not to scare, but to awaken. We must not become so nationally blessed that we spiritually rot.

Present-Day Illustration:

We watched this week as evil was exposed on global stages. Headlines are finally calling sin what it is: sin. Darkness is being dragged into the light. Leaders are making bold proclamations of justice, righteousness, and truth.

But listen to me: when was the last time those same voices pointed to the Cross? When did the news thank Jesus? When did they lead a nation in repentance?

That’s our job, Church.

Final Appeal: Return to the Altar

Yes, thank God for the leader He’s raised. Yes, stand up for what’s right. Yes, speak boldly against evil. But do not forget: it is not the president who saves; it is the Prince of Peace.

This morning, I invite every hardened heart to soften in the presence of God. Every cold soul to be rekindled. Every proud voice to fall silent in worship.

Come back to the altar, America. Come back to the Cross.

🙏 “Lord, forgive us for placing our hope in flesh. Remind us that You alone are our Deliverer. Use whom You will—but let our praise rise to You alone.”

With trembling thanks and a heart ablaze,

—Pastor Terry

One Truth at a Time.