Matthew 25:46  “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” (NLT)

—

It’s October, the month that ends with All Hallows Eve before November begins with All Saints Day. What began as a time of remembering the dead, the saints, and the martyrs has turned into a holiday celebrated by retail stores beginning in August, after the Back-to-School sales. 

Halloween is fun for small children and those who love them enough not to allow them to eat the full bag of candy they collect from friends, neighbors, and church friends at Trunk or Treat. 

This month also features at least one more installment in one of several horror movie franchises. One of those movies with sequels that just won’t die is called Final Destination. I think they are rolling out another set of dismembered heads again this year. 

This is where we pivot to talk about Jesus and heaven and hell, in case you were wondering. Author and speaker Jon Acuff refers to this as a “Jesus Juke.” 

Jesus tells us about the real Final Destination series finale in Matthew chapters 24 and 25. He gives us the bottom line here in 25:46. There really are places of punishment and a place of eternal life. Each one of us will go to one or the other. 

Popular songs on the radio often talk about going to hell for the party. This sells a lot of records and generates a lot of money for the performers. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? There is no laughter in hell. There is no singing. Jesus sums it up by calling it a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. In other words, eternal regret. (See 25:30.)

There is good news, however. Really good news. No one has to go to hell. Heaven is real, ready, and reachable. (This sermon outline follows the flow of John 14:1-6.) 

Heaven is a long Hello for separated loved ones. Heaven is a party where laughter reigns. Heaven is a place of perfect peace and ultimate joy. Nothing we leave behind can compare to what we receive. 

Saints and martyrs and departed loved ones who committed their final destinations to Jesus will be there. There will be nothing evil or hurtful. One last tear is wiped away as we enter. No More Tears will cease being a commercial for shampoo and begin describing the effervescent delight of everything we see, feel, and touch. Yes, there is a heavenly place called Home.

How will you comfort the little ones who are frightened beyond fun this Halloween? Most likely with a hug and a special treat. This, my friends, is evidence of heaven. This is the positive alternative to those who lean too far into horror. 

Heaven and hell are truly final destinations. The good news is that we get to choose. Here’s a heavenly recommendation: Choose life. 

—

I will choose life and laughter now and forever. 

—

Our Father, thank you for a Final Destination of No More Tears. Thank you for a place of perfect peace and endless love. Thank you for drawing us to yourself that we may enjoy all of your goodness forever and ever, Amen.