Sermon Central
-
Gehenna: The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 17, 2017 (message contributor)
The Hinnom Valley was the place Jesus had in mind when He talked about Hell. The Hebrew word for this valley is, "Gehinnom", and the Greek word is, "Gehenna." The Hinnom Valley was located on the south and west side of the city of Jerusalem. It was a very dark place and many believe it is the valley that David thought of when he wrote in Psalm 23:4 of the "valley of the shadow of death".
Hinnom Valley was a place where horrific things took place. Paqans worshipped the god, Molech, there and, as part of their worship, they would take their babies and children and sacrifice them. Molech was merely an evil spirit that was carrying out the scheme of Satan to "kill, steal and destroy" (John 10:9-10). This is the practice the Old Testament calls "passing through the fire" (Deut. 18:10) which Israel begin to fall into and evoked the hot wrath of God who loves children.
After the Jews returned from the Babylonian exile, the valley became a garbage dump where anything considered unclean was placed. Dead animals and bodies of executed criminals would be put there along with all trash. It was a sanitation dump because the city of Jerusalem was above the valley and the filth was allowed to flow into the valley. In fact, fires had to be burned there non-stop so the stench of the waste would not take over.
Because of the smoke and darkness, this valley was very scary to pass through. It was often so dark that one could not see their hand in front of their face.
Jesus thought of this kind of place when he talked about Hell. It was a place of death, darkness and, above a place of waste. It was the valley of the shadow of death, an evil place.
But David said that even when we place through a valley as dark as this.......we fear nothing because He is with us (Psalm 23:4).
Ironically, the one good thing that grew in Gehenna was MUSTARD TREES born from miniscule mustard seeds. Jesus said that we are to "have faith as a grain of mustard seed" which can mean that big things can grow from even a small faith. But, in addition, it may also mean that the smallest faith that grows in the darkest valley can find its way through the filth and death of this world and can shine as a light so that others may see His glory and not be afraid!
- Dr. Larry Petton
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Church Is Like Noah's Ark: The Stench Inside ... PRO
Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 29, 2003
“The church is like Noah’s ark: The stench inside would be unbearable if it weren’t for the storm outside. It’s true—sometimes we stink and the world is stormy. But as imperfect as we are on this side of heaven, the miracle is that God in fact chooses to ...read more
-
In 1829 A Man Named George Wilson Was Arrested ...
Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
In 1829 a man named George Wilson was arrested for robbery and murder in a US mail heist. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to obtain his pardon from President Andrew Jackson. But when told of this, Wilson refused it ...read more
-
I'm Told Of A Turkey Farmer Who Was Always ... PRO
Contributed by Pat Cook on Oct 7, 2005
I’m told of a turkey farmer who was always experimenting with breeding to perfect a better turkey. His family was fond of the leg portion for dinner and there were never enough legs for everyone. After many frustrating attempts, the farmer was relating the results of his efforts to his friends at ...read more
-
Like Bill Hybels, I Believe That There Is Nothing ... PRO
Contributed by Jim Kane on May 25, 2004
Like Bill Hybels, I believe that there is nothing like the local church when it is working right. In addition, I agree with what he says after that sentence: “Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the ...read more
-
Finding Nemo
Contributed by Darrin Hunt on Feb 5, 2007
Many of you have seen the movie, “Finding Nemo”. •It’s a powerful story of the love and determination of a caring father. •It’s the story of being lost, and then found. •It’s a story that can help us understand our Heavenly Father and His love for us. In the movie, Nemo’s father Marlin loved ...read more
Related Sermons
-
How To Win The Battles Of Life Series
Contributed by Tom Shepard on Feb 18, 2016
This sermon looks at seven principles to win the battles of life. 1. Identify Your ENEMY 2. Don’t Be Driven By EMOTION 3. Take Your Problems To The LORD 4. Admit You Need HELP 5. Rely On God’s POWER 6. Relax In FAITH 7. Thank God In ADVANCE
-
"How God Tests Our Faith?” (Paano Pinatatatag Ang Ating Pananampalataya?) Part_1 Series
Contributed by Ritchie Guerrero on Oct 15, 2020
James 1:3-4 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
-
God Of All Possibilities
Contributed by John Newbaker on Mar 15, 2020
I come today bringing good news. In a world full of bad news, could you use some good news?
-
Doors: Open Or Closed
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Aug 24, 2017
The majority of the body of Christ believes that God opens doors (a "yes" answer to prayer) and closes doors (a "no" answer to prayer) in their lives. Does scripture support such a belief?
-
Faith In Every Season Of Life Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 8, 2017
The natural seasons are winter, spring, summer and autumn; there are also spiritual seasons in our lives. What spiritual season are you experiencing now? Are you trusting God to help you in the season you are in?
