Lewis says, in effect, "I would give anything to be able to truthfully say, 'Everyone will be saved.' But my reason replies, 'Should God save people against their will?' The doctrine of hell says that God is so loving and merciful that He actually became a man and submitted Himself to death by torture to save us from eternal ruin—yet, when we refuse to accept the gift of salvation, God permits us to choose hell of our own free will.”

If you reject God’s love, demonstrated on the cross, then you will be judged by God's holiness, and you will receive God's judgment. And Jesus tells us in Revelation that those who reject His offer of salvation will suffer "the second death." But this warning of hell is coupled with an invitation to heaven and everlasting life: (read Revelation 21:6-7). Heaven or hell - it is a choice.

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:46

The Bible teaches that every soul was formed in the womb to live for eternity. Every soul is immortal, but not every immortal soul will live forever in heaven. In “The Problem of Pain,” C. S. Lewis lays out the logic of hell. Consider a paraphrase of Lewis' words to give you the idea of his think

Adapted from: https://www.ltw.org/read/my-devotional/2020/11/heaven-is-for-real-and-hell-is-too

But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. Matthew 26:29

 

During this Passover meal with His disciples Jesus has given them something new to practice after His death and resurrection (Luke 22:19). Today this is called the Lord's Supper or communion. He has commanded them to eat bread He has broken and to drink from a cup He has poured out. He called the bread His body and the cup of wine His blood. He said the blood is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

 

The practice of communion by Christians since that day is not only about remembering Christ's sacrifice. Nor is it merely about gratitude for His blood poured out for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus was clear that this practice of communion is also about looking forward. That is the focus of Matthew 26:29. There is a future feast every believer can anticipate, so as we gratefully partake and remember now, may we also anticipate what Christ has prepared for those who belong to Him as we join Him in the coming of the forever kingdom.

 

Adapted from: https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/26/Matthew-26-29.html

And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4
 

Today, Peniel Pentecostal Holiness Church celebrates its 101st year of continual ministry. Following two summer tent revivals in this community in 1920 and 1921, Reverend A. C. Correll and Reverend G.W. Stanley returned in August of 1922 and preached the biblical message of salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. A revival resulted and this revival birthed the formation and organization of the Peniel Pentecostal Holiness Church under Reverend G.W. Stanley.

Since its founding, there have been twenty-six pastors who have served this congregation and community and along with the faithful members who have sacrificed and committed themselves across the years.

We are thankful that ministry and missions is still going forth. As we look back with gratitude, let us also look ahead with expectation, praying and believing that men and women in this community will continue to encounter God face to face here at Peniel.