This powerful message confronts us with one of Scripture's most challenging topics: the reality of hell and the seriousness of sin. Drawing from Mark 9:42-50, we're reminded that Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible—not to frighten us, but because He loves us enough to warn us of real danger. The sermon uses vivid imagery from Jesus' own words about millstones, cutting off hands, and unquenchable fire to illustrate just how seriously God takes sin and how desperately He wants to protect us from its consequences. We're challenged to examine three critical areas: protecting others from sin through our influence, protecting ourselves by ruthlessly cutting sin out at its root, and protecting our witness by being salt and light in a dark world. The message doesn't leave us in despair, though—it points us to the beautiful truth that God takes no pleasure in anyone's destruction and has provided the way out through Jesus. We're reminded that the same Jesus who warns us about hell is the one who died to keep us from it, and that for those who trust in Him, this life is as close to hell as we'll ever get. The call to mortify sin isn't about earning salvation but about responding to the incredible love that has already saved us.