Editor’s note: The following commentary does not necessarily reflect the views of The News Courier and its staff. We welcome editorial submissions from area church leaders for our weekly Faith page. Those who would like to submit a column, story or photo should email submissions to adam@athensnews-courier.com. Submissions should be kept to no more than 500 words and not be considered inflammatory to the faith or values of others. We reserve the right to edit submissions for space and content.

What would you do if you saw a friend, a family member or even a stranger heading toward a dangerous scenario?

If you saw a person doing or about to do something you knew was not right, would you speak up or sit by idly, saying nothing? If you could save someone from going through heartache, would you give them the loving advice you know they need to hear?

This article is directed to those Christians who have called upon Jesus Christ as their lord and savior.

In John 3:3, the scripture tells us, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” If you have put your full trust in Jesus Christ, congratulations, when you pass away from this earth you will spend eternity with Christ. Your name is found written in the Book of Life since you have received the free gift of salvation.

This article is not about you but rather what are you going to do concerning those friends, family members and even strangers you encounter who do not have the blessed assurance of where they will spend eternity

The truth is, many people will die and go to hell, Yet, sadly, some people deny the mere existence of this place. The realities of the Bible prove to us it is real with Luke 16:19-31, in which we see the story of the rich man and Lazarus. In verses 23 and 24, “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

There will be many people surprised of their final destination because they either trust in the wrong thing or do not trust at all. I have been thinking about the realities of hell, and my heart has become burdened upon the subject. There are several pulpits throughout America today in which this subject is never touched upon. Instead the preachers want to go a less direct route preaching prosperity, wealth and health, and deny the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

The burden upon my heart has led me to write this article in which I urge you to take the time to read Luke chapter 16:19-31. The next thing I want you to do is sit down and make a list of those individuals who come to mind who you want to see receive the gift of salvation. After you have made your list of your family members, next go through your friends and write their names down. Now, it is time to start praying over these names that God gives you the ability to witness to these individuals.

The Great Commission calls us to go tell every creature about the gospel, and now is your chance. We all agree if we knew someone was going down a slippery slope we would want to prevent it if we could. Here is your opportunity to prevent someone you care about from spending eternity being in the torments of hell. It is going to take effort on your part.

Too often, we become scared of what we are going to say, but God will direct our words. It is up to us to present the gospel but it is up to the Holy Ghost to convict and convince.

— Slinkard is the manager of Staples in Athens. He and his family are members of Madison Baptist Church. He can be reached at da.slinkard@gmail.com.