Podcasts about Father Abraham

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) One question people ask when a loved one dies is whether the person will still be aware of what’s happening on earth. The Bible suggests that the answer is yes, although not in the ways some people believe. Some grieving people cling to the belief that their departed loved ones watch over them, guide them, and even communicate with them. But that’s not what the Bible tells us. What the Bible does suggest is that people in Heaven are aware of loved ones who aren’t saved. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a poor man named Lazarus and a rich man. Both men died. Lazarus went to a place of comfort where he sat beside Abraham at a heavenly banquet. The rich man went to a place of torment. The rich man was fully aware of the people he had left behind. He asked Abraham to send the righteous Lazarus on a mission to them. “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment’” (verses 27–28 NLT). The Bible also suggests that when people on earth receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, it becomes public knowledge in Heaven. In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable about a lost sheep and a parable about a lost coin. When that which was lost is found—that is, when those who were lost come to Christ—there is great rejoicing. Jesus said, “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (verse 7 NLT). He also said, “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents” (verse 10 NLT). The Bible suggests that people in Heaven may be aware of the time and place of earthly events. Revelation 6 talks about a group of believers who are martyred for their faith. “They shouted to the Lord and said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?’” (verse 10 NLT). The martyrs know that they were killed for following Christ on earth. They’re aware of the passing of time. And in verse 11, they’re aware that other people on earth will join them. Finally, Hebrews 12:1 suggests that people in Heaven are cheering us on. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (NLT). Your Christian loved ones have a vested interest in your spiritual well-being; death will not change that. Reflection question: What do you want your loved ones in Heaven to see? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke 16:19-31Jesus said to the Pharisees:"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linenand dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scrapsthat fell from the rich man's table.Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died,he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.The rich man also died and was buried,and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far offand Lazarus at his side.And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,for I am suffering torment in these flames.'Abraham replied,'My child, remember that you receivedwhat was good during your lifetimewhile Lazarus likewise received what was bad;but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is establishedto prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to gofrom our side to yours or from your side to ours.'He said, 'Then I beg you, father,send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,so that he may warn them,lest they too come to this place of torment.'But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.Let them listen to them.'He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Luke 16:19-31Jesus said to the Pharisees:"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linenand dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scrapsthat fell from the rich man's table.Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died,he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.The rich man also died and was buried,and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far offand Lazarus at his side.And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,for I am suffering torment in these flames.'Abraham replied,'My child, remember that you receivedwhat was good during your lifetimewhile Lazarus likewise received what was bad;but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is establishedto prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to gofrom our side to yours or from your side to ours.'He said, 'Then I beg you, father,send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,so that he may warn them,lest they too come to this place of torment.'But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.Let them listen to them.'He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Luke 16:19-31Jesus said to the Pharisees:"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linenand dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scrapsthat fell from the rich man's table.Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died,he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.The rich man also died and was buried,and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far offand Lazarus at his side.And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,for I am suffering torment in these flames.'Abraham replied,'My child, remember that you receivedwhat was good during your lifetimewhile Lazarus likewise received what was bad;but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is establishedto prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to gofrom our side to yours or from your side to ours.'He said, 'Then I beg you, father,send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,so that he may warn them,lest they too come to this place of torment.'But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.Let them listen to them.'He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Luke 16:19-31Jesus said to the Pharisees:"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linenand dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scrapsthat fell from the rich man's table.Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died,he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.The rich man also died and was buried,and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far offand Lazarus at his side.And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,for I am suffering torment in these flames.'Abraham replied,'My child, remember that you receivedwhat was good during your lifetimewhile Lazarus likewise received what was bad;but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is establishedto prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to gofrom our side to yours or from your side to ours.'He said, 'Then I beg you, father,send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,so that he may warn them,lest they too come to this place of torment.'But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.Let them listen to them.'He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

A sermon for September 28, 2025 Luke 16:19-31 Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Luke 16:19-31 (ESV)The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'”

Luke 16:19-31   Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Jesus said to the Pharisees:"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linenand dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scrapsthat fell from the rich man's table.Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died,he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.The rich man also died and was buried,and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far offand Lazarus at his side.And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,for I am suffering torment in these flames.'Abraham replied,'My child, remember that you receivedwhat was good during your lifetimewhile Lazarus likewise received what was bad;but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is establishedto prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to gofrom our side to yours or from your side to ours.'He said, 'Then I beg you, father,send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,so that he may warn them,lest they too come to this place of torment.'But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.Let them listen to them.'He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

September 28, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 16:19-31Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:1-18; Matthew 5:1-20 “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' … [Abraham] said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'” (Luke 16:22-24, 31) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This telling of Jesus is missing a key marker. St. Luke doesn't introduce it as a parable. “So He told them this parable…” (Luke 15:3a). The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, the loving father, and the dishonest manager are all connected under that introduction. But the Rich man and Lazarus is set apart by a rebuke of the Pharisees and a command concerning divorce. This nameless rich man, whom the Pharisees might even know, has no repentance. He still begs Abraham to command Lazarus to serve him. In perfection, both of them certainly would, but they cannot cross over. The rich man also demands a greater effort by God to save his brothers; someone raised from the dead, like the parables of loss. Here, Jesus is showing an unending love. They may not be convinced, but Jesus IS going to die for the sins of those brothers. And He'll rise again from the dead. Jesus' death and resurrection is even for the brothers of that rich man. We won't know on this side of the resurrection on the Last Day. Still, I like to think that they did receive repentance and faith. Baptized into Jesus and hearing His Word, you have received His Gifts of repentance and faith. He has turned you from the unbelief and unrepentance that were yours once before. He has and continues to forgive your sin, and the sins of all believers. He is showering you with the promise of Lazarus, to be carried off to the bosom of Abraham. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord let at last Thine angels come, to Abraham's bosom bear me home, that I may die unfearing; and in its narrow chamber keep my body safe in peaceful sleep until thy reappearing. And then from death awaken me, that these mine eyes with joy may see, O Son of God, Thy glorious face, my Savior and my fount of grace. Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend, and I will praise Thee without end. Amen. (LSB 708:3)Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, Texas.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

Luke 16:19-23a, 24-25a, 26b-31 - [Jesus said] “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, … he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, ‘Child, … between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'”

Hagar and Sarah's Bad Plan Believe-Stories of Faith from Father Abraham part 7

Covered with sores, a poor man named Lazarus lay at the gate of a rich man who dressed in fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day. The roles are reversed in death with Lazarus on one side of the chasm with Abraham and the rich man calling out for mercy on the other side. Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us how this is election. God is unfairly choosing who will receive his promise of eternal life. This may sound threatening depending on how the Word hits your ears: you don't want to be the rich man on the wrong side of the chasm. But faith comes through hearing. God elects through the Holy Spirit, naming and forgiving sins in the name of Jesus Christ. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONA mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - Addiction SING TO THE LORD To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

God will break the standing laws of the universe, before He will break a promise to you! Father Abraham had heard God give a promise. Then he heard God tell him to kill that promise. And he concluded that the Lord must be planning a resurrection! That's faith! And from it grows hope, the quality we were studying last week. Let's spend a few minutes hoping today. We'll join Jim at 1 Corinthians chapter 13, verse 12. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS09222025_0.mp3Scripture References: Various Scriptures

Jesse Cope explores the tension between denominational differences and Christian unity, examining how our founding fathers navigated religious diversity while maintaining commitment to shared Christian principles. Through historical examples and scripture readings, he demonstrates that what matters most is faith in Christ, not denominational labels.• Scripture reading from Titus 2:1-8 on teaching sound doctrine and appropriate conduct• Reading from 1 Timothy 2:1-15 on prayer, faith, and the roles of men and women• Exploration of Psalm 87 and Proverbs 25:18-19 on citizenship in Jerusalem and harmful speech• Medal of Honor tribute to William Bensinger, Civil War hero• Story of Samuel Adams advocating for prayer at the Continental Congress despite denominational differences• Discussion of George Whitefield's "Father Abraham" sermon on Christian unity• Reminder that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity• Warning against putting faith in denominations rather than in ChristCheck out my middle-grade fantasy series "Countryside" for clean, wholesome family reading along the lines of Narnia or The Hobbit.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Daily Dose of Hope September 8, 2025   Scripture - Luke 16:19-31   Prayer: Heavenly Father, We come to you today rejoicing in your holy name.  You are such a good God.  It's so hard for us to conceive that the God who put the stars in the sky and put the planets into motion is the same God who loves us and has numbered the hairs on our heads.  We thank you so much for your love and care.  Open our minds and hearts as we approach your Word today.  Help us hear a word from you.  How we yearn to hear from you, Lord.  We need you.  Over and over again, we need you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts and today we are deep diving into the second half of Luke 16.  Let's get to it.   Today's text is not an easy one – the parable of destitute Lazarus and the rich man.  It follows a series of parables – the lost coin, the lost son, and the shrewd manager - which deal with some aspect of money and how money affects our relationship with God and other people.  Today's parable focuses on how wealth comes great responsibility.    A brief review: Lazarus is impoverished with sores all over his body.  He lays at the rich man's gate but never receives anything from the rich man.  The only mercy shown to him is by the dogs who lick his wounds.  Both men die.  Lazarus ascends to Abraham's table, which we can assume is heaven, where he is cared for and finally eats well.  The rich man is doomed to spend eternity in Hades, where he will be in eternal torment.  The rich were not normally tortured while living; they lived well, ate well, dressed well, and had a comfortable roof over their head. In life, it was the poor and enslaved who suffered torture.  In fact, the legal testimony of an enslaved man was only received and considered truthful under torture.    The rich man gets a glimpse of Abraham in heaven and begs for mercy, the mercy that he denied Lazarus and Abraham refuses.  And when the rich man asks Abraham to warn his family so their fate wouldn't be the same as his, he refuses as well.  According to Father Abraham, they should know the right way to live simply by listening to the prophets.    There are many different directions we could go with this parable.  A lot of people want to understand what is meant by rich and poor in this story.  How rich is considered rich?  Are we rich? Compared to Lazarus who has nothing, we are all rich.  And the reality is that there are many with nothing in our world.  They may not sit by our personal gates, but they exist.  They are real human beings.  The parable implies that the rich man should have done something different to avoid his fate.  He should have helped.  He should have offered the man something.  There is plenty of room for imagining what a faithful response would have been for this man.   Regardless of whether we fall into the rich or poor category, we need to remember to keep Lazarus at the center.  This rich man saw Lazarus every single day.  He was laying outside his gate.  But he never saw him until it was much too late.  Who represents Lazarus in our life?  Do we see them?  Do we really see them?   The danger here is not really in our wealth, but in becoming complacent, self-righteous, or unloving in our wealth.  All we have is a gift from God.  But our resources can become a huge snare for us if we fail to remember where our gifts come from.  And the one who has blessed us with the resources has an expectation for how we use them.    This reminds me of Jesus' visit to Zaccheaus, the wee little man who was also a rich tax collector.  In Jesus' discussions, Zaccheaus is convicted and decides to give away half his possessions to the poor and to make restitution to the people for whom he took advantage. Salvation came to Zacchaeus while he was still alive and he shows himself to be a son of Abraham.    Jesus came to call people to repentance.  “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near,” was one of the earliest parts of his message.  Repentance is always possible during one's lifetime.  To those who earnestly repent, there is hope.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

1. Abraham's Righteousness Came Through Faith (v.6) 2. Abraham's Children are Those of Faith (v.7-8) 3. Abraham's Blessing is for Those with Faith (v.9)

This week we continue the sermon series titled, “Back to Sunday School.” For the next four-weeks we will be looking back at key bible stories that get covered in Sunday school but that not everyone may know the full story. Join us as we look at the creation story, Noah's ark, the story of Abraham, and Joseph and his coat of many colors. Tune in as Pastor John Shughart continues this series with the message, “Father Abraham Had Many Sons.” Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

In ancient times, the city gate was the place where justice was done, decisions made, and strangers welcomed or turned away. Today, our “gates” are less visible but just as real: the doorways of our workplaces, our communities, and even the screens where we decide whether to scroll past or stop and listen. Proverbs 21:3 (ESV) teaches us, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” In Hong Kong, we know what it feels like to live in a city of gates with our crowded streets, MTR turnstiles, estate entrances, and invisible social boundaries. Yet the question remains: Who is at your gate? If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Luke 16:19-31 (NIV) // The Rich Man and Lazarus “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'”

Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kelley shows us that the Old Testament is a collection of pointers, types, and shadows of the prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. God has had a plan from the beginning. We are not stumbling through life; we are on a journey of faith.

Nothing God does is by accident. Nothing catches God off guard. He had it all planned from the beginning. We often think of the New Testament as modern and the Old Testament as the former. In some respects, that is true; however, today, Brother Kelley shows us that the Old Testament is a collection of pointers, types, and shadows of the prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. God has had a plan from the beginning. We are not stumbling through life; we are on a journey of faith.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches a verse-by-verse sermon series through the entire book of Romans. This sermon covers chapter four. Romans 4 describes the Old Testament evidence of justification by faith, specifically through the life of Abraham. Salvation in the Old Testament is the same as in the New Testament, which is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Listen in as Pastor Zach wraps up our 'Father Abraham' series in Genesis 22!

Sermon Series | Father AbrahamTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW

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Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comRomans 4 Righteousness before God comes through faith in Jesus, not through perfect adherence to the Old Law or any law separate from Christ. Paul illustrates this with the example of Abraham, who was justified by faith before both circumcision and the Law of Moses. God's promises have always flourished among those who believe in Him and obey Him out of trust in His power. This message was true for Abraham and remains true for all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile. Abraham's faith in God's promise of a son, despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness, was credited to him as righteousness. Paul connects this to believers in Christ, explaining that righteousness is similarly credited to those who trust in God, the One who raised Jesus from the dead for our justification.  “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” If we follow in the footsteps of Father Abraham, we too are justified and blessed by our heavenly Father. Unlike other New Testament chapters concerning Abraham, this passage says little about acts of obedience. The emphasis is on trust. When God spoke, Abraham believed Him. In “hope against hope,” he trusted in God's promises. As a result, Abraham glorified God with his life, showing immediate and complete obedience. While this text was written to demonstrate that salvation comes through Christ and not through the Law of Moses, the message remains powerful for us: we are justified by faith in the resurrection of Jesus, not by perfect law keeping.  God of enduring promises, we praise You for Your kindness and love. Thank You for the promises of justification and eternal life through Jesus Christ. We believe in His life, His resurrection, and His kingship in heaven. Father, help us strengthen our faith in the days ahead. Lead us to urgent faith like Abraham, trusting in Your promises and Your power, even in “hope against hope.” We are not righteous on our own; however, by Your grace, we are saved as we trust You and strive to follow Your will. We rejoice in being justified as righteous through Your beloved Son.   Thought Questions: -       What does it mean to say that “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness”? Do you trust God as Abraham did? -       If we are justified apart from the works of the law, does that mean there are no laws for us to follow in Christ? Why must we still obey His law? -       When have you had to trust in God “in hope against hope”? What have been the outcomes when you have held strong in belief?

Sermon Series | Father AbrahamTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW

Join us as Pastor Zachary walks us through Genesis 21 and highlights God's faithfulness through His promise-keeping and that He is truly Everlasting.

Pastor Gabriel Hughes preaches from Romans 4:1-8 where the Apostle Paul uses the example of Abraham for how we are justified by faith and not by our works. Visit providencecasagrande.com for more info about our church!

So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus…

A Sermon for the First Sunday after Trinity St. Luke 16:19-31 & 1 St. John 4:7-21 by William Klock Jesus stopped in another town along the route of his final trip to Jerusalem.  Or maybe the people in the town stopped him.  They all wanted to see, to touch, to hear, to experience that walking bubble of God's future for themselves.  A chance to encounter the long-promised and long-awaited kingdom.  And as things settled down, Jesus sat down and started to preach.  He told them a story—our Gospel today that begins at Luke 16:19.  He said: “There was once a rich man.  He was dressed in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every day.”   This man wasn't just rich.  He was filthy, stinking rich.  No one was that rich in this town, but there were some Pharisees standing over there and some eyes wandered that way as Jesus spoke.  They weren't feast-every-day or dressed-in-purple rich.  Almost no one was.  But they did wear fine clothes and you had to be pretty well off to live like the Pharisees did with their scruples and rules about everyday things.  Jesus continued: “A poor man named Lazarus, who was covered with sores, lay outside his gate.  He longed to feed himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man's table.  Even the dogs came and licked his sores.”   Jesus paints a picture of extremes.  First there's the rich man.  Super rich.  Ostentatiously rich.  He lived like a king.  And then there's Lazarus.  He's destitute.  He's covered in sores, which means he's unclean.  He's probably lame.  Jesus describes him as having been deposited at Lazarus' gate.  He couldn't get there on his own.  He watched the rich man and his friends come and go.  He heard the music and laughter from the other side of the wall.  He smelled the meat roasting.  He would have been happy with the bread the rich people used to wipe their hands.  But there was nothing for poor Lazarus.  And to make his life worse, as he lay there helpless, the feral dogs of the town would come to lick his oozing sores and leave him stinging. Jesus puts a new spin on an old story the rabbis told.  There was a story—it's been preserved in the Talmud—that originated in Egypt and was brought back to Judah by Alexandrian Jews.  It was a story about a rich tax collector and a poor torah scholar.  They both died.  Of course, everyone attended the rich man's funeral, but no one could be bothered to show up at the funeral of the poor man.  But then few days later, a friend of the poor man had a dream of paradise, and there in the middle of paradise was the poor torah scholar enjoying everything he'd sacrificed in life for the sake of God's law.  And not far away was the rich man, parched and in torment, struggling to reach the stream, but forever held back.  When the story was told that way, everyone had sympathy for the poor torah scholar and hated the rich tax collector.  But Jesus changes the details—something he liked to do to make a point.  The rich man in Jesus' version is just a rich man—maybe even a Pharisee.  And the poor man's just a poor a man.  And when it's told that way, given the thinking of the day, most people would have had their sympathies reversed.  Riches—so long as they weren't gained from collecting taxes for the Romans—riches were a sign of God's favour.  And the poor man?  Well, think of the disciples' question to Jesus about the blind man.  “Who sinned?  This man or his parents?”  A lot of people would have chalked up the poor man's state to his sins.  He was out of favour with God and deserved his miserable lot in life. But that's not the only change Jesus makes to the story.  In the typical telling, it's the rich man who has a name.  As he tells the story his way, Jesus gives a name to the poor man instead.  He calls him Lazarus, which means “God helps”.  More importantly, Lazarus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Eliezer.  Jesus would have said “Eliezer”, but remember that Luke is writing in Greek.  So I suspect that Jesus was making a deliberate connection with Abraham's servant, Eliezer of Damascus.  If we go back to Genesis 15 we read how Abraham lamented to the Lord that he was childless and that his only heir was Eliezer of Damascus.  In response, the Lord promised that he and Sarah would have a son.  When Isaac was born he displaced Eliezer, a gentile and an outsider, as Abraham's heir.  In Jesus' parable, the rich man is one of Abraham's sons.  Again, people would have seen his riches as a sign of his election and a sign of God's blessing on him.  Even though Lazarus was a Jew, people treated him like an outsider: he was unclean and destitute, so obviously God was punishing him.  He was an outsider, like Eliezer of Damascus, and undeserving of Abraham's inheritance. And yet look at what happens.  Verse 22: “In due course the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.  As he was being tormented in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.” Both men died.  The rich man was buried.  That was really important in Jewish society.  He had all the funeral rites and a parade of mourners through the streets of the city.  He was honoured in his death.  But Lazarus?  He had no one.  The dogs ate his body and carried away his bones in the night and no one was the wiser.  Except for the Lord.  He saw.  He'd been watching all along.  And he sent his angels to escort Lazarus into paradise—to Abraham's bosom. The Jews described the Messianic age to come as one in which God's people would feast and banquet in the kingdom, but in the meantime the dead would rest in the fellowship of Father Abraham.  Lazarus was probably as surprised as anyone, not only to be carried by the angels into paradise, but to be seated at the table right next to Abraham, in the place of highest honour.  That was the place reserved for someone like the rich man—not the place for a poor, lame, unclean beggar.  And yet there he was. Again, with stark contrast, Jesus describes the situation of the rich man.  Despite his high status in life, he wakes to find himself being tormented in hades.  Where Lazarus finds himself feasting at Abraham's side, the rich man finds himself on the far side of a great gulf that separates him from that banquet and from Abraham and from any hope of knowing God's age to come.  The tables have been turned.  In life the rich man feasted and a great gulf kept Lazarus away and starving. Now, it needs to be emphasised that Jesus' parable is not meant to give us teaching about the afterlife.  A lot of people down through the ages have gone to this parable assuming that Jesus' point was to teach us about the intermediate state or about heaven and hell.  That highlights the danger of pulling portions of Scripture out of context.  Jesus was using a well-known folk tale to make a point.  Think of it this way.  We tell jokes and stories about people being met at the pearly gates by St. Peter with his list, but St. Peter and his list are never the point of those stories.  We don't believe that this is what actually happens when we die—it's a popular folk tale in our culture.  The point is usually what happens to the people in the joke when they get there.  Jesus is telling a story like that here.  He's using the elements of a common folk tale, not to teach about the afterlife, but to rebuke the people for their love of money and for their failure to truly live out the law and the prophets—to truly live as Abraham's heirs.  As the Lord had been generous to Israel with his grace and his provision, the people of Israel should have been generous with their grace and provisions with each other—and especially with people like Lazarus.  That bubble of God's future in the present that they all came to Jesus to encounter?  That's what Israel was supposed to be—for each other and for the nations.  Instead, Israel had been like the rich man in the story. So back to the story.  The rich man and Lazarus have their places reversed when they die.  And yet the rich man still doesn't get it.  He sees Lazarus seated at the table with Abraham and he calls out in verse 24: “‘Father Abraham!  Have mercy on me!  Send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue!  I'm in agony in this fire!'”   The rich man calls out to “Father Abraham”.  His entire life he had deceived himself into thinking that Abraham was his father simply because he was one of Abraham's biological descendants.  Like so many others in Israel, he was convinced that his genetics, his circumcision, his diet, his sabbath observance, his separation from gentiles and from all things unclean, and all his sacrifices and offerings made at the temple guaranteed him a seat at the great banquet.  And yet he feasted away his days while poor Lazarus starved at his gate.  We should be reminded again of the Lord's rebuke through the prophet Hosea: I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,          the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6) Or as Jesus puts it in Matthew 9:13, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” The rich man doesn't understand Lazarus' position either.  Not only is he still calling out to Abraham as if he has a claim on Abraham, but he calls out to Abraham to send Lazarus to him with some water.  He sees Lazarus at Abraham's side and misreads the situation.  It never occurs to him that Lazarus is there to be honoured.  He thinks that Lazarus is there as Abraham's servant: a waterboy in hades.  Abraham has to explain the situation to him.  Look at verses 25-26: “My child, remember that you in your life received good things, and in the same way Lazarus received bad things.  Now he is comforted here, and you are tormented.  Besides that, there is a great chasm standing between us.  People who want to cross over from here to you can't do so, nor can anyone get across from the far side to us.”   The same thing happens in the folktale as it was usually told.  Abraham puts the rich man in his place.  Lazarus wasn't taken by the angels to be Abraham's servant—or the rich man's for that matter.  And the rich man hasn't landed in a place of torment by mistake.  The rich man, too late, realises that the way he lived his life was wrong—he'd been presumptuous about God's grace and favour.  Again, Jesus' point isn't to teach us the geography of the afterlife.  He's warning his people, he's warning Israel: Judgement is coming and the role reversal that happened in this folk story could very well happen to them.  They'd better watch out.  The kingdom was at hand, judgement was coming soon, and they had little time left to repent. But then, in the last verses of the chapter, Jesus changes the story again.  The way people were used to hearing it, the rich man realised the error of his ways and asked for warnings to be sent to his brothers lest they suffer the same fate—and the Lord or Abraham obliged.  As Jesus tells the story, just the opposite happens.  The warnings have already been sent.  Look at verses 27-31: “‘Please, then, Father,' the rich man said, ‘send Lazarus to my father's house.  I have five brothers.  Let Lazarus warn them, so that they don't come into this place of torment.'  But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets.  Let them hear them.'  And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone went to them from the dead, they would repent.'  ‘And if they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,' came the reply, ‘neither would they be convinced, even if someone rose from the dead.'”   “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither would they be convinced, even if someone rose from the dead.”  That's pretty ominous.  With the coming of Jesus, the kingdom of God was breaking into the world.  God sent Jesus to lead his people out of their long exile.  He sent his son to conquer sin and death and to lead his people out of their bondage to both.  And so with every sickness healed, with every demon cast out, with every sin forgiven Jesus was showing that the kingdom had come, that God's new future was beginning.  This is why tax collectors and sinners were celebrating.  Jesus was setting them free.  Imagine the joy of Lazarus as he was carried by the angels to feast at Abraham's side.  This is the reality that Jesus was making known to the poor and the outcast and to sinners. And yet so many grumbled, especially the Pharisees, every time they saw Jesus doing these things.  The men who were sons of Abraham and who spent their lives in devotion to God's law, they couldn't accept what Jesus was doing.  He was inviting all the wrong people to the banquet!  And so Jesus is rebuking them; he's calling them to repentance just as he called the tax collectors and sinners to repent.  And here he warns them: They're like the rich man who refused poor Lazarus even the bread thrown under his table.  They've been entrusted with the light, but they refuse to share it with those living in darkness.  They've been entrusted with the law and the prophets—God's Word and the means of redemption for the nations—but they'd rather keep it to themselves and see the nations, the poor, the unclean tormented in hades.  And at the end of the day, it's just that attitude towards the poor and towards sinners and towards all those on the outside—it's their refusal to celebrate as Jesus heals and forgives and makes new—that reveals that while they have the law and the prophets, they've never truly understood them and they've never truly lived them.  They're supposed to be little bubbles of God's future in the present, but instead they've been little bubbles of darkness.  And because of that, they may be surprised to find themselves, just like the rich man, on the receiving end of God's judgement.  If they don't repent and recognise that in Jesus the kingdom has come, they will have forfeited their inheritance and it will be given to others.  They will have no share in the kingdom. This is where Jesus' choice of the name Lazarus or Eliezer comes back into the story.  When Isaac was born, the gentile Eliezer lost his inheritance.  The Pharisees—and the rest of Israel—are the nation born of Isaac.  They are the inheritors of God's promises to Abraham.  But with those covenant promises come covenant obligations—not just circumcision, avoiding unclean food, and sacrifices at the temple, but a seeking after justice and mercy and truly living out the lovingkindness of God in the world.  If Israel refuses to fulfil those obligations and if she refuses to acknowledge that in Jesus they are being fulfilled, she will lose those covenant promises—she will lose her inheritance and it will be given to others, to outsiders grafted into Jesus who is the true Israel and the one truly faithful son of Abraham.  Eliezer will inherit the promise after all. This is one of the key themes of Luke's gospel—ever since Mary sang out: He hath put down the mighty from their seat,          and hath exalted the humble and meek; He hath filled the hungry with good things,          and the rich he hath sent away empty. (Luke 1:52-53) This was the message that John the Baptist was preaching: “You'd better prove your repentance by bearing the proper fruit!  Don't start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father'; let me tell you, God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones!  The axe is already standing by the roots of the tree—so every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:8-9).  This was the warning that Jesus gave when he told the people to strive to enter through the narrow door before it's shut, before it's too late: “He will say to you, ‘I do not know where you people are from.  Be off with you, you wicked lot.'  That's where you'll find weeping and gnashing of teeth: when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in God's kingdom, and you yourselves will be thrown out.  People will come from east and west, from north and south, and sit down to feast in God's kingdom.” (Luke 13:27-29). The rich man and his brothers, just like the Pharisees and just like unfaithful Israel, all had the law and the prophets.  They didn't need any more witnesses.  Jesus' rebuke that even if someone should be raised from the dead they still wouldn't believe is a prophetic look ahead at Israel's fate.  They refused to listen to the law and the prophets.  Jesus came to renew Israel, and she refused to hear him, she cried out for his crucifixion, and she continued to reject him even when he rose from the dead.  And so others are being grafted in: unclean people, sinners, and gentiles are being grafted in and through Jesus are being given the inheritance that Israel forfeit. Now, what does this mean for us?  Brothers and sisters, we have Moses and the prophets, but more importantly we have Jesus and the Spirit, too.  We've been renewed.  The Spirit has given to us the one thing that the old Israel lacked: he's inscribed God's law on our hearts.  He's made it a part of us.  He's made it such a part of us that St. John can say in our Epistle today: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God, and all who love are born of God and know God.  The one who does not love has not known God, because God is love….If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is completed in us.  That is how we know that we abide in him, and he in us, because he has given us a portion of his Spirit.” (1 John 4:7-8, 12-13) Maybe this is why the Spirit appeared as tongues of fire on the heads of the disciples at Pentecost.  They became light in the Spirit—very visibly those little walking bubbles of God's light-filled future, God's new creation, pulled into the present for the sake of the world.  That's the day when, through his Spirit, God made his people to truly be what he'd intended them to be all along. Brothers and Sisters, it was easy for those First Century Judeans to take their convent status for granted.  It should not be so for us.  They were the natural sons of Abraham, but we are the dead wood that has been grafted into the living vine—by the Spirit, into Jesus.  We're the ones who have received an inheritance that was not naturally ours.  The Table we come to this morning, the bread we eat and the wine we drink, remind us of our own poverty and the amazing grace and generosity of God towards us.  In so many ways and for so many reasons, we do not deserve his invitation to this table, but he has been gracious and merciful to us.  He's given his own son to die so that we can be a part of this family.  May we never take his grace or our position before him or his table for granted.  May we, redeemed by his blood and filled with his Spirit, embody his love for the sake of the world.  May we always be faithful and living witnesses of God's new creation—light in midst of darkness, love in the midst of hate; hope in the midst of fear. Let's pray: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Sermon Series | Father AbrahamTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW

Listen in as Pastor Frank preaches further on on our 'Father Abraham' series through Genesis 19 & 20

Sermon Series | Father AbrahamTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW

Listen in as Frank dives further into our Father Abraham in Genesis 18!

Sermon Series | Father AbrahamTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW

Listen in as Pastor Frank dives deeper into our Father Abraham series in Genesis 17!

Listen in as Pastor Trae preaches through Gen. 16!

Sermon Series | Father AbrahamTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW

Sermon Series | Father AbrahamTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link:  http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW