5th May 2026

5th May 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Luke 16v19-31) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


In John Milton's 1667 poem "Paradise Lost" Satan says "It is better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven." Popular wisdom imagines Satan as the king of Hell in his bright red suit holding a pitchfork swinging his forked tail. Unfortunately popular wisdom isn't always true and Milton's Satan has little in common with the real thing.


Much to be preferred is the wisdom of God with Jesus telling us in this parable that the rich man was in torment in Hell (v23) and in anguish in the flame (v24). Indeed, his trouble was so great that he longed for Lazarus to come with a wet finger to cool the rich man's tongue (v24). Isn't that an extraordinary change? The rich man had many great things in his life (v25) and didn't give two thoughts about Lazarus. However in eternity, the rich man longed for a drop of water from the man who used to long for scraps from the rich man's table.


My great focus in this summer season is Heaven - where is it? What is it? What will we do there? But briefly today I want to say two things about Hell. Firstly, Satan is not the King of Hell. That might be a big surprise to you but it is Biblical truth. If God is omnipresent and in all places everywhere, then He is not absent from Hell. Furthermore, Scripture tells us that Satan's punishment will take place in the presence of Jesus and His angels (Revelation 14v10).


At first glance this seems to contradict Paul who in 2 Thessalonians 1v9 says the punishment of eternal destruction takes place away from the presence of the Lord. There is no contradiction. When Jesus comes His followers will glorify Him and they will marvel at their Saviour (2 Thessalonians 1v10). Unbelievers will be "away" from this experience. They did not call upon Jesus in life and they will mourn on account of Him in death. Hell is where they will experience their punishment and it will be in the presence of God without any hope of the cross.


My final point is that there is no ruling or rejoicing in Hell from those who have rejected Christ. Friends, Hell is the most awful place and it awaits those who hate Jesus. It will not be an eternal party far from the gaze of Christ where you and those like you will reign. Run from Hell and flee to Jesus. He will save to the uttermost those who call upon Him.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q59 Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath? From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath; and the first day of the week, ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath.
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