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Escaping the underworld may not sound like a marketing strategy until you look at how Hades turned it into a blueprint for success.Developed by indie studio Supergiant Games, Hades isn't just a video game, it's a critically acclaimed masterpiece thanks to its iterative development, rich storytelling, and a fanbase that helped shape the game in real time. In this episode, we dive into the lessons marketers can learn from this roguelike phenomenon with special guest Zoe Hawkins, Director, Content Marketing & Integrated Campaign Strategy at Sumo Logic.Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from fearless experimentation, community co-creation, and crafting content your audience can't help but share.About our guest, Zoe HawkinsZoe Hawkins is a former video game and tech journalist turned content marketer. She has over a decade of professional experience turning technical understanding into fluent communication. Working with a range of B2B tech companies, Zoe has helped create value across marketing and strategy. She also serves as co-lead for Sumo Logic's sustainability-focused ERG, the Planeteers. When not working, Zoe is usually absorbed in speculative fiction – video games, books, or streaming media. She's a mom to two cats and a grade-school-aged daughter, living with her husband in perpetually sunny Arizona.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Hades:Experimentation is the only way forward. In Hades, dying isn't a setback; it's part of the process. Zoe says, “You keep experimenting and you're gonna fail. And that's okay... Each time you learn and you grow and you do it better.” For marketers, it's a reminder that campaigns don't need to be perfect out of the gate. Failure isn't fatal. Failure is how you find what works.Build content with your community, not just for them. Supergiant launched Hades in early access, inviting players to shape the game as it evolved. Zoe explains, “They give feedback. It's almost like a co-design, co-development process with your fans.” B2B marketers can do the same by involving their audience early, whether through feedback loops, pilots, or beta content. Let your audience help build what they want. It not only strengthens relationships, but it also keeps them excited about what's coming next.Create content that people want to share. Hades isn't just a game people play, it's one they rave about. Zoe asks, “How do you make it that people are actually happy to use your product and excited to use it… not just customer loyalty, but advocacy? They wanna tell other people, ‘you will not believe how cool this thing is'.” That's exactly what Hades achieves through intentional design, standout storytelling, and undeniable personality. Marketers should aim for the same. Treat your content the way Hades treats gameplay, and your audience won't just consume it, they'll spread it.Quotes*“ You keep experimenting, and you're gonna fail. And that's okay. If I think about it, you come into a new team or you come into a new product launch or you come into a new organization, whatever it might be. And you think you know how to play the game, you think you know what it takes to succeed, to beat the boss, whatever that is. And you do the run according to the way that you've done it, maybe in other roles or other companies, and you die, you fail. It doesn't necessarily go a hundred percent to plan, and that's okay. And then you get to restart with a new weapon, a new strategy, a new approach, whatever that might be, and pull it back together. Bring it back in to say, ‘okay, let's, let's try it again. Let's run it again and see if we're successful this time.' And that just feels so liberating and then each time you learn and you grow and you do it better.”*“ I love the idea that they only make one game at a time, that they're so focused, and it comes through in the work. It's so polished, it's so well made, and clearly made with love, that transfers to me. And I think if we tie it back to that B2B marketing, I think about working in tech, working in SaaS, how do you give that moment of delight where it's not just like, ‘oh my gosh, your company saved me this amount of money or whatever, or this tool is worthwhile for me.' But how do you make it that people are actually happy to use your product and excited to use it, or have that sense of not just customer loyalty, but advocacy. They wanna tell other people, ‘you will not believe how cool this thing is.'”*“ One of my favorite kinds of content to make is case studies because we get to make our customer shine and tell their story… I know our story backwards and forward. What's your story? Why are you winning with this? Why are you succeeding with this? And being able to tell something cool that they figured out, a way they're using our product that we didn't even think about that's interesting or cool.”*“ Not being afraid to experiment, not being afraid to fail, I think, is such an important marketing lesson, because you're gonna have some risks that are gonna be great, and you're gonna take some risks that are gonna just completely flop. And that's okay. That's how we learn. That's how we try new things.”Time Stamps[0:55] Meet Zoe Hawkins, Director, Content Marketing & Integrated Campaign Strategy at Sumo Logic[02:20] Why Hades?[03:08] The Role of Director of Content Marketing and Integrated Campaigns at Sumo Logic[03:54] Origins of Hades[15:29] B2B Marketing Lessons from Hades[44:32] Importance of Humor in Branding and Content Strategy[49:47] Versatility of Video Content[54:11] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Zoe on LinkedInLearn more about Sumo LogicAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK.
Luke 16:19-23The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
Today our text comes from Luke 16:19-31. May God bless you as you hear his word. “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.'” This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, That awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep rest in his peace. May Almighty God bless, preserve, and keep us, this day and forevermore. Amen.
Send us a Text Message.““Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house— for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' But Abraham *said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!' But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.' ””—Luke 16:19-31 Support the Show.The American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe
Pastor Dana shares from Luke 16:19-31 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.'”
What Did Jesus And Some Of The Other Bible Scriptures Say About Hell Matthew 25:46 ESV And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Daniel 12:2 ESV And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Matthew 25:41 ESV “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Revelation 20:11-15 ESV Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Luke 16:22-24 NIV 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' Revelation 19:20 ESV And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Revelation 20:14-15 ESV Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Matthew 13:50 ESV And throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. John 5:29 ESV And come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Isaiah 66:24 ESV “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.” https://www.gotquestions.org/hell-real-eternal.html #hell #whatdidjesussayabouthell #heavenandhell #thelakeoffire --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/support
The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'”
I will share the Biblical scriptural story of the Rich Man and Lazarus NIV. There is also a debate among scholars if this a parable or an actual event that occurred. I am leaning more toward an actual event because of Abraham being mentioned and we know Abraham is an actual historical figure. I will also share the Bible verses as well. Luke 16:19-31 (NIV) Verse 19: “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. Verse 20: At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores Verse 21: And longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. Verse 22: “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. Verse 23: In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. Verse 24: 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.' Verse 25: “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. Verse 26: 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.' Verse 27: “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, Verse 28: For I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' Verse 29: “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' Verse 30: “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' Verse 31: “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.'” Photo is attributed to sweet publishing and freebibleimages.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/support
I will be sharing with you today, “Part One Of Why Would A Loving God Send People To Hell? First and foremost, if we are not alive upon Christ's return, our spirits or soul will be with Him in heaven until He returns and those who reject Him will be separated from Him awaiting judgement in Sheol, Hades, or Hell (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Also read Luke 16:19-31 in reference what happens to the nonbelievers 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.'27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “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.'” As well, the Resurrection Of The Body will happen for genuine Believers in Christ which is believed and called by many Christians the Rapture in correlation to being a separate event for believers apart from nonbelievers. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV) 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. #hell #devil #demon #art #satan #heaven #love #lucifer #dark #horror #goth #god #evil #death #metal #satanic #satanism #jesus #life #demons #bible #black #darkart #gothic #darkness #drawing #angel #occult #hailsatan #fire --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/support
Luke 16:19-31 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.'25 “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. 26 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.'27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abr aham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “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.'”
Teaching NotesThe Story Part 1There 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.'Luke 16:19-24 What is Hades like? A place of fire A place of “blackest darkness”. (Jude 13)A place of solitary confinement from God's presence They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.2 Thessalonians 1:9 ESVWhat is Abraham's Side like? A place that is restful & peaceful.A place for Old Testament believers.The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.Hebrews 10:1-4 Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!John 1:29 Today you will be with me in paradise.Luke 23:43 What is heaven like?A place in the very presence of God as we await our resurrected bodies and the life we were made to live. The Story Part 2“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.'”Luke 16:25-31How do we avoid hell and get to heaven?Call out and asked Jesus to forgive you and save you, not so much to save you from hell and banishment from his presence but to save you for life with him as he intended from the beginning! “God doesn't send anyone to hell; he merely honors a person's choice.”I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful, rebels to the end; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside…They enjoy the horrible freedom they have demanded and are therefore self-enslaved: just as the blessed, forever submitting to obedience, become through all eternity more and more free.C.S. Lewis SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereChild of Love- We The KingdomI Speak Jesus- Charity GayleAbide- The Worship Initiative Gratitude- Brandon LakeWFC SpeedwayWon't Stop Now- Elevation WorshipRaise A Hallelujah- Bethel MusicI Speak Jesus- Charity GayleI Surrender- Hillsong Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!
Matthew 9:24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. Luke 12:20,21 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' John 11:11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” John 11:23,24 esus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Luke 16:19-25 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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.
The Ultimate Proof. ( Matthew 12:42-45).I. The Pharisee's Ask for Another SignThe Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here. (Matthew 12: 42)II. The Impure Spirit.43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12: 43-45)III. The Sign of the Resurrection.IV. An Illustration from the 1st Century and an Example from the 20th Century. 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “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.'” (Luke 16: 19-31).......................................................................................The Bible Project Podcast (Daily - Monday-Friday)https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com.This podcast was brought to you by the generosity of my backers on Patreon.The Lady Hewley Trust, Hilary Tulloh, Adeline Israel, Stefanie Eichenberg, Stephen Longton, Bob Clough, Valerie Sims, Lisa Look, Robert Holloway, The Creative Fund, John Van Mulligen, Sergey Kochergan, Bobbi Pwww.youtube.com/@JeremyRMcCandlessThe LIFE Podcast - The Bible Project | FacebookJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreonlinkedin.com/in/jeremy-mccandless-68353b16soundcloud.com/bonadventurebonadventure.bandcamp.com
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE AFTER LIFE? WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY ? Luke 16:23 23 In Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom (paradise).
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 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 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.'"
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost | Harvest Festival Theme: Is there a future, guided by a spiritual hope COLLECT Holy God, from whom all good things come: unchain us from our desire for wealth so that we may release others from the prisons of poverty, hunger and oppression: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen. Collect for Harvest Festival Eternal God you crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season: Grant that we may use them to your glory for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being; Through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen READING Jeremiah 32: 1-3a, 6-15 15 The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, has said that houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” READING 1 Timothy 6: 6-19 6 Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. 7 What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing! 8 So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows. 11 But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses. GOSPEL according to Luke 16: 19-31 19 ‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.” 25 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. 26 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.” 27 He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” 29 Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” 30 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 listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”' PRAYER for Africa God, refresh Africa and all the world, Protect and grow our children. Convict with justice and truth, all our leaders And fill all hearts with your peace. For Jesus Christ sake. Amen. BENEDICTION & COMMISSIONING/SENDING May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of all goodness and growth, pour his blessing upon all things created, and upon you his children, that you may use his gifts to his glory and the welfare of all peoples; And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen
This is the sermon for Sunday, 9/25/22, by the Right Reverend Dr. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Recorded at Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport, Connecticut, the Rev. Peggy Hodgkins, Rector. Information about Trinity can be found at trinitysouthport.org.The Gospel for today is 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.'"
Are you on the VIP list? Neither am I, thank God. Look at what the VIPs get and what it causes them to do. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1G8m98VyVnMOxLrBDv4PMs_FdYP2RoGxj THE THESIS: The world can seduce us gradually, over time, in the same way it has almost entirely seduced D.C. and Hollywood. Being VIPs is a part of the enemy's clever, subtle scheme. THE SCRIPTURE & SCRIPTURAL RESOURCES: Luke 9: 46-50 46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” 49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” John 13: 3-17 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'” THE NEWS & COMMENT: The VIPs think they get to look into anyone who disagrees with them, belittle them and, in this case, label them terrorists and act accordingly Reuters: U.S. Democratic lawmakers asked social media platforms to turn over data regarding an increase in online threats aimed at law enforcement following a search of former President Donald Trump's Florida home and asked how they planned to respond Andy Ngo asks: “But why not in 2016 when there was a spike in threats against law enforcement because of BLM? There were several mass casualty attacks on police that year by black nationalists inspired by BLM. Why not in 2020 when Antifa used Twitter to announce arson attacks on police stations?” The VIPs get to be wrong every-single-time, they get to be completely corrupt every-single-time and every-single-time we are forced to pay their penalties . . . but, God is watching and His justice will not be stopped, delayed or watered-down Bankers have failed us again; Our economic elites are making every wrong call By Philip Pilkington, Unherd.Com [AUDIO] - Brian Deese, Biden's Director of Gaslighting, blames "global challenges" for the Fed's inflation crisis & says despite being the most bankrupt country on Earth, "the United States is better positioned than almost any major economy to weather" the current recession. The VIPs are doing even more to rig the game. They can buy cars for cash, most people cannot. So, most people will need loans from the corrupt bankers to get cars and, in Australia, that will mean driving electric cars that the government can turn off whenever it likes Australian bank announces it will BAN loans for petrol or diesel cars in order to fight climate change and encourage electric vehicles VIPs get to fly into D.C. or Louisiana on private jets and pressure politicians into putting us further in debt, all to serve the economic and psychological desires of people like Bill Gates Bill Gates and the Secret Push to Save Biden's Climate Bill; The billionaire philanthropist was among those lobbying Joe Manchin, starting before Biden took the White House. A look at the influencers who secured a rare climate win. The VIPs get to police speech while they go around giving speeches Gab Received A Letter From Congress Today Facebook announces plot to “protect” the 2022 midterms; Facebook will censors posts "questioning the legitimacy" of the election and more. World Economic Forum makes big push for digital identity programs around the world; Says that governments need to develop "digital trust" to make people accept the rollout of digital IDs. [AUDIO - LONG] - 'The Online Harms Bill is a senseless charter... online is where blasphemy laws are in our contemporary society. Secular blasphemy laws that are enforced across the internet.' Director of the Free Speech Union, Toby Young and Mark Steyn discuss the state of free speech online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
![River of Life [Goodyear, AZ]](https://ivyfm.s3.amazonaws.com/i320/408270.jpg)
Luke 16:19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.' ”
Luke 16:19-31 (NIV) 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'”
This week, after the long weekend, Pastor Wade teaches on God's upside down kingdom as we extend the "Heaven & Hell (and everything in between)" series. Through the service, we will tackle the issue of what "hell" is scripturally. Looking forward, let us reflect on Luke 16:31, which teaches this profound wisdom that: "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." 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 also 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 // 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."
OBITUARY. At special behest, we mark this October 9th, 1832, the passing of one Abraham Farley, eighteen years of age, of late a hired hand in The Prospect of Pye, Smithfield. Farley was laid to rest in Blackshaw Cemetery and will be mourned by his mother and sister in York. “Come to me, all ye […] The post In Hades, He Lifted Up His Eyes appeared first on The Dark Magazine.
THE THESIS: Conservatives--that is, people who actually believe in a constitutionally limited government!--need be clear-eyes as to who is a conservative and who is a Republican, who is for America and who is for the globalists, who kneels before God and who worships at the temple of human wants. THE SCRIPTURE & SCRIPTURAL RESOURCES: 10 Key Bible Verses on Leadership Real Life Theology THE NEWS & COMMENT: Mitch McConnell Claims ‘We All Agree The Most Important Thing Going On In The World Right Now Is The War In Ukraine' [AUDIO] - "I had a chance to call the president last week and request that the Ukraine package more by itself and quickly...He called back in about 15 minutes and agreed...I think we're on a path to getting that done." [AUDIO] - I want to remind Congress we swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. It's time to pay attention to our country and our borders. Today, I'm voting NO to the $40 Billion America LAST Ukraine First spending bill. [AUDIO] - Lindsey Graham declares, "let's take out Putin" and says there is "no off-ramp in this war" -- also continues to suggest a No Fly Zone. "We can win this war on behalf of Ukraine," he adds. No compunction whatsoever about announcing that the goal is US-imposed regime change [AUDIO] - Beltway guy, Mark Esper, worked for Trump: “Mark Esper calls Trump a ‘threat to democracy' It is very possible that this becomes a GOP talking point and wouldn't surprise me if this became more or less the mainstream GOP position on Trump.” Media 2022: "HAHAHAHA! Trump thought that China has a 'weather gun' to create storms and Trump asked if China can use it against the US." Media 2013: Here is a gun-looking "cloud splitter" that China uses to create billions of ton rain annually. [AUDIO] - Congratulations to my amazing colleagues at @washingtonpost on winning the @PulitzerPrizes in Public Service for their account of the attack on the US Capitol on January 6 . . . Julie Kelly notes: Remember how WashPo found out why Pelosi/Bowser/McConnell denied pleas for extra security? Or reported on all the federal assets involved before and during January 6? And posted the 14,000 hours of surveillance video? And how 4 Trump supporters died? Or why NYT lied… Dinesh D'Souza: “Since the ‘fact checkers' say geotracking is imprecise and inaccurate, here's Chief Justice Roberts in a 2018 opinion: “When the Government tracks the location of a cell phone, it achieves near perfect surveillance as if it had attached an ankle monitor to the phone's user.” [AUDIO] - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, presents the Atlantic Council Prize to Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer. [AUDIO] - Dennis Meadows: University of New Hampshire and WEF articulates clearly and without emotion the ruling oligopoly's plan for world depopulation and resource utilization. [AUDIO] - Karine Jean-Pierre "Fox News was racist before #coronavirus, they are racist during coronavirus, and Fox News will be racist after the coronavirus" THE LISTENERS: Brother Todd, You often speak about those going to eternal suffering in hell. I would ask you to consider a somewhat differing viewpoint on the matter. What you say is indeed probably the most common view of the subject by most members of “Churchianity” but is it really what Scripture teaches? John 3:16 says “everyone who believes in Him shall not perish”. It doesn't say unbelievers will be endlessly tormented. They are the ones that “perish”. They go to destruction. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul teaches we, in order to become Christians, must be clothed in immortality. Unless you are born again, you are a mere mortal. That is the default condition of all of humanity. Lost people have not been “clothed in immortality “. They die and all that they were ceases to exist. Their souls will not go on. “The Devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10 HCSB To do anything endlessly, you must first live forever—lost people, the names not found in the book of life do not do so. The ones in endless suffering are listed above. Think about it— God is loving beyond our comprehension. He certainly would be just if He chose to, but does He even want to or need to torture those not chosen by Him to satisfy something in Him? I don't see it. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him,.....” John 6:44 HCSB Everyone one He desires to save, gets saved. Period Does it even make sense that He would require endless torment for those incapable of turning to Him? If you actually read this, thank you. I enjoy the podcast a lot. Really appreciate your efforts and passion. Wish we could interact more easily. You really get my wheels turning sometime and I wish I could talk back! Lot of Scripture topics we could talk about for hours. Who knows? Maybe sometime it can happen. Thanks again brother, Now, go spend sometime with the Lord ;-) Curtis -- --- --- My Dear Brother, Curtis: I wish I could agree with your assessment. But, my reading of the Bible and my study of theology leads me to a different conclusion. Daniel 12:2 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Matthew 25: 31-46 The Sheep and the Goats 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'” Mark 9: 42-50 - Causing to Stumble 42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. [44] [b] 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. [46] [c] 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where “‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.'[d] 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Revelation 14:11 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
' “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.' ”' Luke 16:19-31 https://my.bible.com/bible/111/LUK.16.19-31
' “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.' ”' Luke 16:19-31 https://my.bible.com/bible/111/LUK.16.19-31
Day 60 Today's Reading: Luke 16 What if you could hear from someone who had died, and they could tell you what's on the other side? That's what a story in today's reading is. It's a story that will stop you in your tracks. It's the story of eternity. It's the story of what's beyond. More specifically, it's a story about hell, realized too late. There was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.” But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.” And he said, “Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” But he said, “No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!” But he said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:19-31) I have heard and read stories of people telling their beyond-death stories—some who visited heaven and some who visited hell. I'm not saying their stories aren't true or false, we just don't know. But we do know that this story is true because of who told it: Jesus, who always tells the truth. Jesus told this story different from a parable. Parables had no names of people, whereas this story did. And his name was Lazarus. Here is a big question: what is the length of every man's life? Forever, everlasting. Once born, the existence of man becomes as everlasting as the existence of God. His length on earth may be seventy or eighty years, which the Bible calls a vapor (see James 4:14). But your departed friends still exist right now. Remember that the poor man died but so did the rich man. When the rich man and the poor man were born, they were both born without Christ; but when the rich man and the poor man died, Lazarus had Christ and the rich man had nothing. The rich man in fact had everything but God. The beggar had nothing but God. And once you enter eternity, your destiny is fixed and cannot be changed. It was too late for the rich man. I see some too lates here in this story. 1. He saw heaven too late. He who never thirsts for God here will thirst for Him immediately after he dies. He who never longs for a savior on earth will long for one in hell. The rich man was contented without a savior in this life, but as soon as he was in hell, he realized his need and his first cry was, “I thirst.” But the problem was that he thirsted for heaven and water too late! 2. He prayed too late. This was hell's prayer meeting. The rich man not only saw what he never saw on earth, but his very first act in hell was to do what he never did on earth: he prayed . . . but he prayed too late because he prayed in hell. He got thirsty too late and prayed too late. A
Luke 16:16-31 Additional Teachings 16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. 18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them,so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'”
Episode 132 – But What About … Hell Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew, chapter 13, verses 40 through 42, New International Version ******** VK: Hello. I'm Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. Today, we are coming to the final topic of our study series we've called “But what about” because a lot of time you hear questions like “but what about angels and demons” or “what about heaven and hell?” So far in our series we have discussed the angels, demons, the Angel of the Lord, and the Holy Spirit. Today, we're going to begin our discussion of “but what about heaven and hell” with today's show focusing on “but what about hell.” I'm in the studio today with RD Fierro, author and Founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, why did you pick these topics to feature on this “but what about series?” I suppose we could probably have picked any number of others because there are so many topics in the Bible that cause some level of confusion in the minds of many Christians. Why did we focus on the topics we did? RD: Well, before we get started I want to say a word of greeting and thanks to all the Anchored by Truth listeners. Thank you for joining us here today. I think an astute listener … VK: Which all of our listeners are! RD: Agreed. We tend to focus on attributes of the Bible and Christian faith that often don't get much coverage on some programs. We're not criticizing – we fully understand there's only so much any program can cover. But our focus is on helping people develop a strong intellectual framework for understanding the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God – and to do that means we have to talk about some subjects that are somewhat more esoteric – like why all arguments against the existence of God have logical failures or how real science demonstrates that the book of Genesis is literal history. At any rate, our listeners will have noted that all the subjects we have covered in this “but what about” series have to do with the supernatural dimensions of the Christian faith – or you might say the unseen realm. VK: And the Bible is very clear that there is a very real but unseen realm. Colossians, chapter1, verse 16 says, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible …” The Christian faith is a faith that is anchored firmly in time and place but it also recognizes that the created order is not limited to the things that we can apprehend with our five senses. RD: Right. And because the unseen realm is, well, unseen there is a lot of confusion and misinformation that circulates around it. That's why we wanted to do this “but what about” series to focus attention on what the Bible says about many of the subjects that are normally part of the unseen realm – like angels – or heaven and hell. Today, we want to focus on the unpleasant topic first: hell. VK: And I'm sure most of the listeners know that hell is the final destination for those who have rejected Christ as their Savior. The New Geneva Study Bible put it this way in one of their study notes: “The New Testament views hell as the final abode of those condemned to eternal punishment at the Last Judgment.” Why do you think it says the New Testament in that comment and not “the Bible?” RD: Probably because the doctrine of hell is far more fully developed in the New Testament than it was in the old. It's not that a place of condemnation for the unfaithful was unknown during Old Testament times. It certainly was. For instance, Job 24:19 says “As drought and heat consume the melting snow, so Sheol steals those who have sinned.” VK: “Sheol” is one of three words that is commonly translated as hell in the Bible. The others are “gehenna” and “hades.” Sheol is from ancient Hebrew. The others are from Greek. RD: Yes. So, the concept of an eternal division between the righteous and unrighteous was definitely present in the Old Testament but most of details we have about hell come from the New Testament. And surprisingly enough the Biblical figure who talked the most about hell was Jesus – and it's from Jesus we get the clearest idea of the horror of hell. VK: Like the images we get from our opening scripture where Jesus likens hell to a blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Weeping and gnashing of teeth are both expressions of sincere sorrow and regret. And since this quote is from Jesus Himself we know that it is accurate. In a way it's not surprising that we learn the most about hell from Jesus because Jesus is the One who can save us from hell – so he knows what he is saving us from. It has been said that “God saves us from himself by himself for himself.” RD: Right. And that leads us to one of the first concepts that we want to ensure that people understand. It is sometimes said that hell is the absence of God whereas heaven is where we will be in the presence of God. But strictly speaking this is not true. It is true that we will be eternally in God's presence in heaven but in heaven we will be in the presence of God's goodness, his beneficence. The people and demons who will be in hell will be in the presence of God's wrath rather than His goodness. VK: Now in our day and age the concept of God's wrath is not a popular one. But whether it is popular or not, it is Biblical. For example, Romans, chapter 1, verse 18 says, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” The Bible makes it very clear that as a perfectly holy God, God cannot allow godlessness and wickedness to go unpunished. Correct? RD: Correct. We're well aware at Anchored by Truth that the doctrine of hell and God's wrath has come in for a lot of criticism in our day and age. But that doesn't mean it's not clearly taught by the Bible and we do people a disservice if we don't pass along the warnings about hell that Jesus gave his listeners during his public ministry. VK: Such as the warning Jesus gave in Matthew, chapter 25, verse 41 where Jesus warned His listeners about being kind to His followers. Jesus promised blessings to those who fed, clothed, or visited His people when they were in need. But Jesus also promised those who didn't assist His followers in need that they would be separated from Him. Jesus said, “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'” Note that Jesus said that the eternal fire had been prepared for the devil and his fallen angels. Hell was established for the devil and his demons but it's also where unrighteous people will also end up. RD: Sadly, yes. But let's hasten to add that there is no need for anyone to go to hell. All anyone has to do is accept Jesus as their Savior or Advocate and they are eternally safe the instant they do so. And that is certainly one of the reasons Jesus talked more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. Jesus came to the earth to save people not to condemn them. Jesus made that very clear in his conversation with Nicodemus. In John 3:17 Jesus said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” VK: And the disciples clearly understood this message because they continued to carry it after Jesus' resurrection and return to heaven. In 2 Peter, chapter 3, verse 9, Peter wrote to his audience that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Jesus' earnest desire – in fact the desire of every true Christian - is to see everyone come to a saving knowledge of Christ. RD: And there would be no need for us to talk about hell at all if everyone would turn to Christ for salvation. But, unfortunately, we know that they won't. As such it's incumbent on us to talk enough about hell so people have a very clear idea of the eternity that awaits the unsaved. Warning people about their fate for not turning to Jesus is, in fact, an essential part of testifying about the gospel. God has given His people very clear commands that when He, as God, commands us to bring His word to others we are to do so whether that word is a pleasing one or not. This is what God made clear to Ezekiel in chapter 33 of his book. VK: You're thinking of Ezekiel, chapter 33, verses 8 and 9 where God speaks to Ezekiel and says, “When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for a their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.” RD: Yes. In that context God was doing more than commanding Ezekiel to warn people about physical death if they didn't turn from their wickedness. Ezekiel was well aware that even the righteous will suffer physical death as long as we live in a fallen creation. God was telling Ezekiel to warn people about the eternal death that comes to wicked people who won't turn from their wickedness even after being warned. Jesus made this same point in Matthew 25, verses 41 through 46 that we alluded to earlier and in Matthew chapter 5. Throughout His public ministry Jesus warned people that the price of a failure to repent and turn to Him was eternal damnation. Notice that in Matthew, 25:41 Jesus expressly refers to the fire being “eternal fire.” VK: So, that raises the question as to whether Jesus was speaking literally when He referred to “eternal fire” or whether He was speaking figuratively. RD: And that's a very good question. Fire is certainly the most common motif that is used when hell is being described in the Bible. Jesus mentions “eternal fire” in Matthew 25:41 and in our opening verse from Matthew, chapter 13 Jesus talks about the wicked being cast into a “blazing furnace.” VK: And of course in Revelation, chapter 21, verse 8 we see hell identified as a “lake of fire.” In the New International Version that verse says, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” RD: Yes. And there is the well-known story of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus Jesus told in Luke, chapter 16. VK: In verses 23 and 24 of Luke 16 Jesus said that the rich man had been sent to Hades after he died. Then Jesus said, “In Hades, where [the rich man] 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.'” RD: Right. Those are just a sampling of the Biblical verses that associate hell with fire or extreme heat. But, in a puzzling fashion the Bible routinely also associates images of hell with darkness such as in Matthew 8:12 and Jude verses 6 and 7. VK: Jude verses 6 and 7 say, “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” That's the New International Version also. RD: Right. So, you have these two different metaphors that are hard to reconcile. After all, fire produces light as well as heat. So, it would be hard to see if hell is a place of darkness. But the image of utter or “deep” darkness is also commonly associates with descriptions of hell. VK: So, how do you reconcile those seemingly conflicting ideas? How can hell be a place where there is an eternal flame that burns continuously but also be a place of everlasting darkness? RD: I think that there are several possibilities. First, all of these images of hell may be symbolical and not be literal in any sense. Now, if they are symbolical that should not provide any comfort to anyone. In Bible history we have always seen that the reality has been more profound that the symbol that pointed toward it. In the Old Testament lambs were used as the sacrificial animal for the Passover Celebration. As such they were a symbol of the coming Christ. But Christ didn't sacrifice an animal to produce salvation for mankind. He sacrificed himself. And the atonement Christ produced was immeasurably better than that produced by the symbol. The symbol's sacrifice was temporary. Christ's sacrifice was permanent. The Biblical reality is far more real than the symbol. VK: Well, given the images of hell that are presented in the Bible, that's a terrifying thought? RD: And it's intended to be. So, one possibility is that we shouldn't try to make literal sense out of the images of fire, furnaces, or darkness. But another possibility is that there is some degree of literal accuracy, although again the image will be less profound than the reality. For instance the Contemporary English Version of part of the verse you read from Jude says, “God chained [the fallen angels] with everlasting chains and is now keeping them in dark pits until the great day of judgment.” So, the Contemporary English Version doesn't say the fallen angels are kept in “darkness” per se but in “dark pits.” Think about a really large BBQ pit. Well, within the pit there will be spots where there is bright light but there are also spots with quite a bit of darkness. VK: And, of course, smoke is also a common element present even with fires and flames. So, the fact that hell is described as “fiery lake of burning sulfur” or “a blazing furnace” doesn't have to conflict with the idea that it may also be a place where there is desperate darkness – certainly enough to cause weeping and gnashing of teeth. RD: Yes. So, even if we attribute some degree of literal truth to these descriptions of hell we can easily see how they could all be true albeit they are emphasizing different attributes in different descriptions. And this points to another truth about hell which I think is also very disconcerting. VK: Which is? RD: Which is that just as in heaven there are varying degrees of reward, in hell there will be varying degrees of punishment. VK: Ouch. What you're saying is that those people who experience hell will not necessarily experience hell in the same ways. As with any destination, each person will experience that location differently. Sadly, the same thing will be true of hell. Various writers have tried to depict his concept in their own way. In his Inferno Dante depicted hell as nine concentric circles of torment located within the Earth. Each level had its own level of torment and people were assigned to their level based on the level of wickedness or depravity they had exhibited on earth. RD: Yes. So, the fact that the Bible uses different metaphors, if that's what they are, to describe different phenomena the people there will experience just emphasizes that God is a God of perfect justice and judgment. It can literally be said that everyone's punishment in hell will be individually suited to what they did on the earth. So, considering all of the various scriptures that describe hell and judgment in the Bible we can frame a coherent understanding of the doctrine of hell including a reason it exists, God's response, the reality of the risk, and the result for everyone who rejects Christ as their Savior. VK: So, let's start with the reason. What is the reason God created hell? RD: We heard the reason in our opening scripture from Matthew 13. Jesus told His listeners that “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Hell is the destination for anyone who persists in their evil, including, as Jesus told Nicodemus, the evil of rejecting God's one and only son, Jesus. VK: Jesus had also told another group of listeners that hell had originally been prepared for the devil and the fallen angels. But once Adam sinned hell also became the destination for men who rejected God's offer of saving grace through Jesus. What you're saying is that the reason hell exists is because God had to have a place to send anyone who rebelled against His authority and holiness. RD: Exactly. The reason hell exists is because sin and rebellion against God exist. God's response to the sin and rebellion had to be to contain it otherwise it would have free rein to pollute all of creation. Right now, sin had not been fully contained in our fallen creation but there will come a time when it is – in hell. VK: So, that's the reason and God's response. What about the reality of the risk? RD: Remember that Jesus is the Biblical figure who gives us more information about hell than any other. Jesus gave us that set of horrible images of blazing furnaces, fiery agony, utter darkness, and separation, to forcibly drive home the reality of the future of those who rebel against God and never repent. Notice, Jesus didn't describe hell as a place where people were just removed from God's presence to live an eternity in a sort of regretful contemplation of things they missed. No. Jesus, as well as the rest of the Bible, used the kind of language to invoke fear, horror, and terror. Jesus wanted people to be well aware of what awaited them if they rejected Him. VK: And that's why we do people a disservice if we try to tamper with the plain warning that Jesus was so careful to send. Jesus wanted everyone to know the stakes – the ultimate results - of their decisions. He described that result in as plain a fashion as possible including how the people would react once they realized their plight. It's interesting that Jesus did not confine His warnings about hell to just the physical conditions in hell – whether those are literal or graphically metaphorical. Jesus also told us that the people in hell would lose any sense they were consigned to hell unjustifiably. RD: Yes. The people in hell wail and gnash their teeth not just because of their physical misery but because they will then know, undeniably, that they are there because of their own choices. Romans 14:11 quotes Isaiah 45:23 where God says that “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess” that God is sovereign. On earth it's possible for people to deceive themselves and suppress their awareness of God. But that possibility gets stripped away after death. VK: So, what you're saying is that people in hell are denied even the comfort of claiming that they were put their unfairly. Just as the rich man in Luke, chapter 16 told Abraham that he was in agony because of the fire and wanted some relief. But he didn't claim it was a mistake that he was there. Right? RD: Right. In fact the rich man acknowledged that his brothers would also wind up in hell if they didn't change their behavior which is why he begged Abraham to send Lazarus to warn them. The rich man knew he was only receiving what he deserved and he apparently knew that his brothers deserved the same fate. This may be one of the saddest punctuation points in all of scripture. Scripture doesn't say that the rich man was particularly evil but it does tell us that the rich man, despite being aware of the Old Testament, ignored its warnings. This is unbelievably sad. People who don't accept Christ as their Savior know there is a God (Romans 1:18 – 20) but they suppress the knowledge. VK: Well, when we did our “Truth in Genesis” series Dr. Jonathan Sarfati made the observation that diamonds are the hardest substance on earth next to the human heart. That's so sad when you think about it. RD: It is. So to summarize, the reason hell is exists is because of rebellion. God's response to the rebellion was to create hell to house the rebellious angels. But when humans rebelled it became the ultimate destination for anyone who, as Jesus put it, prefers the darkness to the light. But Jesus graphically warned people of the reality of the risk they were taking through the horrific images He associated with hell. And Jesus noted that the final result of a continued rebellion against Him and His Father will be an eternity of misery. But the good news is that there is no need for anyone listening to this program to have any concerns about hell whatsoever. All anyone must do to avoid that terrible fate is acknowledge that they are a sinner and accept Christ as their Savior. Christ has already died for their sin and ours. All any of us must do is accept the work he has already performed on our behalf. VK: Well, this sounds like a good time to go to God in prayer. Since all of us have sinned and fallen short of what God requires, let's listen to a prayer of corporate confession of our sins. 1 John, chapter 1, verse 9 tells us that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will not only forgive us for our sins but also purify us from all unrighteousness. What a blessed assurance to know that God is not just a God of justice but also a God of mercy if we will only seek it. ---- PRAYER OF CORPORATE CONFESSION (MARCUS) We hope you'll be with us next time and we hope you'll take some time to encourage some friends to tune in too, or listen to the podcast version of this show. If you'd like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We're not famous but our Boss is!” (Bible Quote from the New International Version) Matthew, chapter 13, verses 40 through 42, New International Version Topical Bible: Hell (biblehub.com) "The Eternity of Hell-Torments" (biblehub.com)
Hello all you awesome Centre Fam! Welcome to today's fantastic Monday devotional that is lead by Jon on Luke 16. We will be looking at the rich man and Lazarus in Verse 19. Have a great day everyone! Today's Text: 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'”
The devotion for today, Friday, October 15, 2021 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Dana Goodenow. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Luke 16:19-31 “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.'”
The devotion for today, Wednesday, October 13, 2021 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Liesa Newman. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Luke 16:19-31 “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.'”
This is our second session of addressing what happens to the unbeliever when they pass away. Last time we looked at a number of false views not found in Scripture concerning the destiny of the unbeliever. Today, I want to look at some of the key words that are used for the afterlife. 1. Sheol. This is a word that is found in the Hebrew and the Old Testament. It is all over the Old Testament. We could go to any number of passages, but the word basically means, the grave or a synonym for death. So, when we talk about people going to Sheol, it is more of a physical thing. It is a death. It's a grave. It doesn't give us a lot of insight as to where that person is after death. 2. Hades. In the New Testament we come to the word Hades, which is often translated, especially in the King James as, hell. As we will see there is more than one word translated hell, there are three different words in the New Testament. So, we want to distinguish them. Hades is found in places such as Luke 16:22, which is one of the most expansive passages in the New Testament concerning the issue of hell or Hades. It says, “Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.” Of the number of places in the New Testament that uses the word Hades, often it is a synonym for the term Sheol, the grave or death. We have at least four passages in the New Testament that would give us maybe a different dimension to Hades where there is a spiritual dimension, and this passage here is probably one of the key passages for that. So, we see that the poor man here, Lazarus is gone to be in Abraham's bosom. We talked about that, last week. We have the rich man here who has gone to Hades and in Hades he is in torment, and he sees Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. So, the Old Testament understanding seemed to be that there was a place called Hades. They only had two compartments, Paradise or Abraham's bosom, where the believers went and now eventually Hades is where the unbelievers went. So, we find this is a place of judgment. He is being tormented here . . .
http://bible.com/events/48733053 Burning Questions: Would a Loving God Really Send Someone to Hell? What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.1 Peter 3:15NIV 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Why this question specifically?-There are a growing number of influential leaders who have famously argued against even the existence of Hell.-The growth of universalism – which argues that everyone goes to Heaven - states that because God is love, Hell is only make believe. It is used to scare us into being good, but no one will actually end up there.-We love the idea of grace and extravagant love, and have trouble reconciling a God who would allow anyone to suffer eternally. There are over 162 references in the New Testament alone which warns of hell. Over 70 of these references were uttered by Jesus himself It's difficult to ignore:-Matthew 10:28: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."-Matthew 23:33: “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”-Matthew 25:41: "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' "-Luke 13:28: “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.”-Luke 16:23: "In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side." Luke 16:19-31NIV 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.' ”Add your private notes...• • •-The point of this parable of Jesus is to pay close attention to your ETERNAL status and not necessarily your EARTHLY status. Why would a loving God SEND someone to hell?-Biblically, Hell is a choice. It's YOUR choice and mine.-A choice that people are allowed to make.-God doesn't WANT anyone to perish (John 3:16), but He grants people the freedom to reject him.-Biblically, Hell is a choice – a choice to reject Heaven. Two of the scariest lies in our world right now: LIE #1: We are all good people-Romans 3:9-12 - “there is no one righteousness"-Romans 3:23 “all have sinned and fallen short of His glory” LIE #2 God would never punish me-He is a God of truth & grace. He is a God of love AND a God of justice.-Revelation 20 - “each person was judged according to what they had done." There's an equally important question we MUST answer today. The important question as regards to the reality of Hell is: What are we doing about it? Add your private notes...• • •What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.
http://bible.com/events/48733053 Burning Questions: Would a Loving God Really Send Someone to Hell? What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.1 Peter 3:15NIV 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Why this question specifically?-There are a growing number of influential leaders who have famously argued against even the existence of Hell.-The growth of universalism – which argues that everyone goes to Heaven - states that because God is love, Hell is only make believe. It is used to scare us into being good, but no one will actually end up there.-We love the idea of grace and extravagant love, and have trouble reconciling a God who would allow anyone to suffer eternally. There are over 162 references in the New Testament alone which warns of hell. Over 70 of these references were uttered by Jesus himself It's difficult to ignore:-Matthew 10:28: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."-Matthew 23:33: “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”-Matthew 25:41: "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' "-Luke 13:28: “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.”-Luke 16:23: "In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side." Luke 16:19-31NIV 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.' ' The point of this parable of Jesus is to pay close attention to your ETERNAL status and not necessarily your EARTHLY status. Why would a loving God SEND someone to hell?-Biblically, Hell is a choice. It's YOUR choice and mine.-A choice that people are allowed to make.-God doesn't WANT anyone to perish (John 3:16), but He grants people the freedom to reject him.-Biblically, Hell is a choice – a choice to reject Heaven. Two of the scariest lies in our world right now: LIE #1: We are all good people-Romans 3:9-12 - “there is no one righteousness"-Romans 3:23 “all have sinned and fallen short of His glory” LIE #2 God would never punish me-He is a God of truth & grace. He is a God of love AND a God of justice.-Revelation 20 - “each person was judged according to what they had done." There's an equally important question we MUST answer today. The important question as regards to the reality of Hell is: What are we doing about it? Add your private notes...• • •What we believe about ETERNITY impacts how we live TODAY.
Luke 16:19-31 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'”
Readings for Saturday, May 29, 2021 “For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life.” -- Psalm 56:13 Morning Psalm 56 1 Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me; all day long foes oppress me; 2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many fight against me. O Most High, 3 when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me? 5 All day long they seek to injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6 They stir up strife, they lurk, they watch my steps. As they hoped to have my life, 7 so repay them for their crime; in wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? 9 Then my enemies will retreat in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, 11 in God I trust; I am not afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me? 12 My vows to you I must perform, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psalm 149 1 Praise the Lord ! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. 3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory. 5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, 7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron, 9 to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the Lord ! Midday Deuteronomy 5:22-33 22 These words the Lord spoke with a loud voice to your whole assembly at the mountain, out of the fire, the cloud, and the thick darkness, and he added no more. He wrote them on two stone tablets, and gave them to me. 23 When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, you approached me, all the heads of your tribes and your elders; 24 and you said, “Look, the Lord our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that God may speak to someone and the person may still live. 25 So now why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer, we shall die. 26 For who is there of all flesh that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of fire, as we have, and remained alive? 27 Go near, you yourself, and hear all that the Lord our God will say. Then tell us everything that the Lord our God tells you, and we will listen and do it.” 28 The Lord heard your words when you spoke to me, and the Lord said to me: “I have heard the words of this people, which they have spoken to you; they are right in all that they have spoken. 29 If only they had such a mind as this, to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, so that it might go well with them and with their children forever! 30 Go say to them, ‘Return to your tents.' 31 But you, stand here by me, and I will tell you all the commandments, the statutes and the ordinances, that you shall teach them, so that they may do them in the land that I am giving them to possess.” 32 You must therefore be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to the left. 33 You must follow exactly the path that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you are to possess. 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10 13 But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke” —we also believe, and so we speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. 15 Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. 5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling— 3 if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. Luke 16:19-31 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 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. 26 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.' 27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' 30 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 listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'” Evening Psalm 118 1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord ; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. 6 With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. 10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 12 They surrounded me like bees; they blazed like a fire of thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly; 16 the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” 17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord . 18 The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord . 20 This is the gate of the Lord ; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save us, we beseech you, O Lord ! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success! 26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord . We bless you from the house of the Lord . 27 The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. 29 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 111 1 Praise the Lord ! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. You can also find all of today's readings at PCUSA.org. The Daily Lectionary podcast is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, NY, read by Pastor Timothy J. Luoma.
Rich Oppressors Beware We have heard a lot the past few years about the growing gap between the rich and poor in society. Much has been written regarding the ever-widening gap, and possible solutions to the situation. It is not my intention to side with anyone on this matter, rather to simply listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks these truths to my heart. Money is a neutral vehicle; it can be used for good or evil. It is the love of money which is the root of evil. What James exposes in our reading today is the exploitation of the poor by the rich and the warning to them of the fleeting nature of riches, and the impending judgement which awaits. James 5:1 – 6 [NASB]Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! 4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you. The history of humanity is full of the tragic stories of those who had vast fortunes, but lived hollow, empty lives. Who built a fortune on the backs of underpaid workers, or who failed to pay their workers for their labor. Individuals who saw their vast fortunes devoured by foolish investments and who died broken and alone abandoned by the crowds and adoring fans. Make no mistake about believing the scriptural warning about riches. 1 Timothy 6:9-11 [NASB] 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Jesus told the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus to illustrate this point as well in Luke 16:19 – 31 [NASB] The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 And [r]besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham *said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!' 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'” In summary, Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Therefore, instead of loving money, let's put to practice what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:11 [NASB] But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
-The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John- since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. -----18 -Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery. -----19 -Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table- besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom- and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things- but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house-- 28 for I have five brothers--in order that he may warn....
-The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John- since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. -----18 -Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery. -----19 -Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table- besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom- and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things- but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house-- 28 for I have five brothers--in order that he may warn....
By Charlie Lacey | Luke 16: 19-31“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.'”Luke 16: 19-31New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
DID JESUS EVER DESCEND INTO HELL?1 Peter 3:18–20 (KJV 1900)18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.1 Peter 4:1–6 (NIV)5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.Error #1: that Jesus descended into hell.Luke 23:39–46 (NIV)39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don't you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The Death of Jesus23:44–49pp—Mt 27:45–56; Mk 15:33–41; Jn 19:29–3044 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.Error #2: That Christ appeared to the unbelieving dead to witness to themLuke 16:19–31 (NIV)22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 9 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.' ”
“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”
You know for years before I met Jesus, I'd hear Christians rabbiting on about the Good news of Jesus. Give me a break. But it wasn't until I heard the bad news that I realised how fantastic the Good News really was! The Bad News Now depending on whether you enjoy your job or not, Monday is either good news or bad news. And the statistics tells us that around two thirds of people don't enjoy their jobs. That's a tragedy! So for them, for these two thirds – there is every chance that you are one of them – this work thing is a bunch of bad news. Now you and I, we would rather have good news than bad news. I would and I'm sure you would too. And so when it comes to thinking about God, well, that has to be good news, doesn't it? I mean, that's what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. That word "Gospel" literally means, not "truth" as many people think it does, although it is the truth. No, word "Gospel" means "Good News and glad tidings". That's why the angel who spoke to the shepherds on the night of Jesus birth said to them: Don't be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a saviour who is the Messiah, the Lord. Ahaa! There it was! Good News! Hallelujah! But sad to say, before we talk about the good news, which we are going to do later in the programme, first … first we have to talk about the bad news. How many times have we heard that line, "There's good news and there's bad news, which one do you want to hear first – right?" And inevitably, there are two sides to each coin. And if all I ever talked about on this programme was the good news side of God, then yours truly simply would not be doing his job. But as much as sometimes I would rather ignore it, there is a side to God which, quite frankly, is bad news for the likes of thee and me. At least, as first glance that's how it seems and yet, the reality is that without the bad news, the good news wouldn't seem that good at all. It's when we understand the bad news about God that the good news becomes, well, absolutely fantastic news. That's why today we are kicking off with the bad news. So what's Berni rabbiting on about – good news, bad news? Well, we are in the middle of a series called "Reaping the Harvest of Righteousness". It's about the righteousness of God and it's about the blessing that flows in our lives when you and I live out God's righteousness. And we kind of touched on this a little bit, fleetingly, last week. But we are going to pick up on it and really understand it because understanding the bad news about the righteousness of God is absolutely critical in a) making a decision whether we want to accept Jesus as our Saviour or not and, b) living out His righteousness and experiencing the blessing of that. So what's the bad news? Well, the bad news is that God is righteous. What's this righteousness all about? Well, God is completely, absolutely and utterly free from the scourge of humanity which is sin. There is nothing "wrong" in God. There is nothing impure or unholy or deficient or horrible about God. He is one thousand percent; one million percent righteous, from beginning to end; from eternity to eternity. And the only reason that this is bad news is that you and I aren't! You know that about you and I know that about me – we are nothing like that. We are often selfish and proud and angry and rude. The list goes on. And whilst perhaps, you have been walking with God for a while now and perhaps a lot has changed in your life, some of that muck is still around, right? It's like that classic little prayer that goes something like this: Dear Lord,So far today, I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over indulgent. I'm very thankful for that. But in just a few minutes, God, I'm going to be getting out of bed. And from then on, I'm probably going to need a lot more help. So, as the Apostle Paul writes: We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans chapter 3, verse 23. And the consequences of this sin – this is Romans chapter 6, verse 23: The wages of sin is death. Now, that seems a little harsh, until we get back to the bad news – God is righteous and we aren't. There is nothing in God that is wrong and so His standard, quite simply, is perfection. Now as I was coming to grips with that, early on in my walk with Jesus, the question that I had to resolve in my mind was: well, isn't this just a tad unreasonable? I mean, when I was a child, I made mistakes; I wronged my parents. In fact, I did that over and over and over again, but they didn't take me out the back and shoot me. They might have felt like it and sometimes I was punished but they didn't kick me out of the house or do anything drastic like that. They suffered through my immaturities as parents are meant to do for their children so that the kids can grow up and mature and become responsible adults. That's what parents do so, if God is God the Father, what's with this “the wages of sin is death” thing? I mean, isn't it unreasonable? The original Greek word used in the New Testament for this word "righteousness" had its roots in the concept and the notion of "justice". God is a just God; there are no favourites; there is no partiality. And pretty much none of us would want to argue with that. That's as it should be because injustice is wrong. Often times when a criminal is handed a light sentence by the courts for something that we consider should have attracted a much harsher penalty, well, you and I are incensed. Why, because we are mean? No! It's because one of the things that God has handed on to us is His sense of justice. It's part of our DNA. And so God is a just God. It would be something of a disaster if He wasn't – right? And that's the bad news: break the law, get caught. You have to pay the penalty. And in the case of God, because He is pure and He is just and holy and completely righteous, that standard is way, way beyond anything that any human being can attain. I haven't lived a perfect life and nor have you. The only One who has is Jesus, God's own Son. And so the bad news is that you and I fall short of the glory of God and there is an eternal penalty for our rebellion. There is a price to be paid. Hebrews chapter 10: For if we wilfully persist in sin, having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins but a fearful prospect of judgement and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. So there it is: that's the bad news and it's very, very bad news. Eternity is, after all, a very long time. “The wages of sin is death” – Romans chapter 6, verse 23 – but that's only half the verse and it's only half of the story. The second half of the verse goes like this: But the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. And that is the good news that we are going to be talking about soon. Friend, we don't want to think too much about the fact that sin has a penalty but if we stop and think about it now, we know that our sin has penalties and consequences in our lives today. I know that if I am angry all the time, it is going to ruin my relationships and rob me of peace and joy – it will rob me of a great life. I know that! And as much as our sin has its out-workings and consequences, here in this life – short term, medium term – it also has consequences long term. It definitely has consequences on that day that you and I stand before God and have to give an account of our lives. In a parable that Jesus told, this is what happened to a man who approached God in an unworthy state – Matthew chapter 22, verse 13: The king said to his attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And it's the terror of this bad news that makes the good news so fantastically good. For the wages of sin are death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Good News Let me ask you a question: how are you doing this fine day? The one thing I know, with frankly millions of people listening to this same message this week, in one hundred and sixty countries around the globe, is that there is going to be a myriad of answers and responses to that question – how are you doing this fine day? Some people are on top of the world, others are in the absolute depths of despair. And between those two extremes there is every shade of grey, right? And wherever we are, some good news would sure go down well: some good news to shine some light into a dark place; some good news to just brighten a mundane day; and even when we are in the middle of a fantastic patch in life, some good news to put it all into perspective. Well, right now we are going to take a look at the good news. As we spend this time together, we are not just going share in some good news, we are going to roll in it; we are going to revel in it; we are going to delight in it because the good news that I am talking about isn't some cliché; it's not some transient spin. This good news is meant to make a difference in our lives, a real difference, in fact a world of difference, an eternal difference. As I said earlier, when it comes to God, there's good news and there's bad news. We are in the middle of a series right now of messages that I have called “Reaping the Harvest of Righteousness”, because when we live out the goodness and the holiness and the wonderfulness; the righteousness of God, there's a huge harvest of blessing in that. Not only the sort of blessing always that the world tells us we should have, you know – healthy, wealthy and wise, but a depth of reward, a joy, a peace as we live out the righteousness of God in our own lives. Bad news though, is that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and the wages of sin is death. The bad news is that God is righteous, you and I aren't and no matter how hard we work; how hard we labour at it, we will still always fall short of the glory and the righteousness and the wonderful perfection of God. And whilst at first, it might seem a tad unreasonable – death because we're not as good as God (seems harsh doesn't it?) – it's that bad news that makes the good news so absolutely, incredibly, wonderfully fantastic. The Apostle Paul has this fantastic knack for hitting the nail on the head; for boiling big things down; huge things – seemingly complex things – down into a sentence or two that people like me and perhaps people like you, can actually get our hearts and our minds around. Have another listen. We looked at it earlier. Romans chapter 6, verse 23: The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. There they are – the two sides of the coin – the bad news and the good news. And remember when we talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that word Gospel means “good news”. We are talking about the Good News of Jesus. If I were writing a Bible Dictionary, trying to define that Greek word that's used in the New Testament for "Gospel", I'd redefine it to mean not just good news but absolutely, mind-blowingly fantastic news! Now if you are a Christian and you have sat in a pew for a good many years, each Sunday, maybe this Good News has, well, it's lost its lustre a little bit. You hear something often enough, over and over and over again and well, it becomes mundane; passé; just the way things are. Have to tell you it's happened to me too from time to time. But here's the thing: I wonder how many people really, I mean REALLY understand the enormity of this fantastic news about Jesus? What is going on here, when God does this amazing thing in the face of such terrible news? For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The bad news part of that equation of grace is shockingly terrible news. And if you are someone who has never put their trust in Jesus; if you are someone who has never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and your Saviour, wrap your mind around this because it's meant to be shocking. Luke chapter 16, verses 19 to 26: 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, Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even 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, there 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 cool water to 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 received evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us is a great chasm that has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to there cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” Go ahead, be shocked, come to grips with it! Jesus isn't mincing His words here. He knows about hell and He is painting a vivid picture of the eternal torment of hell. But it's this picture that makes the Good News so great, because when we believe in this Jesus we become as righteous as God and the horrible penalty is lifted off us. See, this is the bit I didn't understand at first. It took me a while to get it. Christians talked about the fact that Jesus' death on the cross bought me a ticket to heaven if I believed, but no one ever explained to me why that was. I needed to know why. For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. I get the first bit. It's just; it's the law – I understand that, but the second bit … Why? Well, let me explain it a little bit further, using some other stuff that Paul wrote, from Second Corinthians chapter 5, verse 21: For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin”. In other words, he is talking about Jesus. “For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. If we think of God as a God of justice, then the penalty for our sin has to be paid. Someone has to pay. And out of His love and His mercy, God came up with this crazy plan that He Himself, Jesus His Son, should pay. So He became a man. He was nailed to a cross. He took the sins of all the world – you and me and everyone else – on His shoulders, on that cross. He in effect, became sin: He, who knew no sin, was made to be sin, why? So that you and I might become the righteousness of God – stand before God completely free from sin because the legal price for our sin has been paid – NOT BY US but by the death of the Son of God on the cross. And how do we lay hold of this incredible blessing – of that freedom of forgiveness and eternal life – how do we get it? How do we become as righteous as God Himself? Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 and 9: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast. So, how do we get it? By working hard? No! Not at all! God's grace in Jesus is activated towards us through faith. We obtain the righteousness of God; in fact, we become the righteousness of God, not by working hard, but by believing in Jesus. It's that simple. And that is why this isn't just good news, not even just great news, it's mind-blowingly fantastic news because all … ALL is forgiven! The anger and the wrath and the punishment of God on us, is removed and we now have a new life to live – a life that goes on from now and for all eternity – simply by trusting in what Jesus did for you and for me on that cross. It is that simple! What Do We Make of it All? So, what do you make of all that – the bad news, the good news? I'm trying to imagine standing in front of a judge; a magistrate, having done something wrong. In fact, I remember when I was nineteen years old, driving my car into the back of someone else's car and being charged by the police. I ended up in front of a judge and it was an incredibly daunting thing. He heard the charge, he found me guilty, and what I heard him say was, “Three days in prison.” I was utterly, well, I had the stuffing completely knocked out of me – I was in shock. The judge's gavel hit the bench and the Clerk of the Court ushered me out of the stand and out of the court room. And I said to this man, “Did he just say three days in prison?” I was in shock! And the Clerk of the Court turned to me and said, “No, that's only if you don't pay the sixty five dollar fine - the sentence for sixty five dollars, or in lieu of that, three days in prison.” I can't tell you the relief that flooded through my whole body when I heard that. I thought I was going to jail over something as minor as a traffic infringement, when all I had to do was pay the small fine instead. That, in a very small way, is what this Good News means to me. The sentence that was hovering over my life; the punishment for all of my life was lifted the moment I believed in Jesus; the sentence of eternal death; an eternity in a ferocious hell separated from God, was lifted because Jesus died on the cross and I've chosen to believe. Do you see? The wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. And Romans chapter 5, verse 1, says this: Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we now stand;And we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. Friend, that grace makes all the difference in our lives. Do you believe in Jesus? Then, if you do, you stand justified by that faith – you have been made right with God through your faith in what Jesus accomplished for you on that brutal cross – complete forgiveness, and through that empty tomb, a new life; a resurrection life; born anew into an eternal life. Do you see how fantastic that news is? The problem for so many Christians is we have heard this so many times, it's kind of become "ho, hum", hasn't it? And the problem for many who have never believed in Jesus is that, although consequences of their sin has been nagging away, it never really worked through the bad news, because once you do that – consider and understand this bad news – tell you what, you will want to lay hold of the Good News in Jesus Christ. And friend, if that's something that you want to do today, then why don't you pray this prayer with me right now: Father God, I have heard today and understood the terrible consequences of my sin; my rebellion and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I have done wrong and I turn away from that here and now. But I have also heard this Good News; the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ and I believe in Him and this day I give my life over to You. Thank You that I am forgiven. Thank You that I am safe. Thank You that You will place Your Spirit in me to change my life. And thank You that I have a new life; an eternal life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Friend, if you have just prayed that prayer with me, then get to and do something about it. Your enemy, the devil, will come and sow seeds of doubt in your mind. Get a Bible, start reading it. Get with some other Christians in a vibrant, Bible believing faith community and grow into the new life that Jesus, the Son of God, purchased for you on that cross, through His death. The Good News isn't just good news, it is truly fantastic news. Now it's time for each one of us to live it out, for now and for all eternity.
Pastor Scharf preaches from Luke 16:19-31 on October 20, 2019. “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.’”
Luke 16:19-31 New International Version (NIV) The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’ 25 “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. 26 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.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “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.’”
Luke 16:19-31 New International Version (NIV) The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’ 25 “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. 26 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.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “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.’”
“Choosing to See” Rev. Shawn Hyska First Presbyterian Church in Kensington Philadelphia, PA September 29th, 2019 “‘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
September 29, 2019 "Real Life" 1 Timothy 6: 6-19 Luke 16: 19-31 The Rev. Dr. Randolph (Randy) Harry 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Final Charge to Timothy 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’ 25 “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. 26 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.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “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.’”
Father Rob preaches on Luke 16:19-31 where he explains that the parable of Dives and Lazarus is not about good guys and bad guys. The good news and the bad news is that all of it applies to each of you.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.” Support the show (https://www.episcopalcathedral.org)
Proper 21: O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 1Timothy 6:11-19 "But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time — he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life." Luke 16:19-31 "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 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.'"
Scripture:Luke 16:19-31 (NRSV)The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’ 25 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. 26 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.’ 27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 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 listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”Worship Set ListSoul On FireGood Good FatherWho You Say I AmLiving Hope
Luther House of Study's Chair of Lutheran Theology, Dr. Steven Paulson joins the conversation for the first time to discuss September 29th's lectionary text: The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.Questions we asked:Am I the rich man or Lazarus in this parable?What does it mean that the chasm is fixed?Can I get a preacher?Wait, God is electing?Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 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. 26 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.' 27 He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house -- 28 for I have five brothers -- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' 29 Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' 30 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 listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Support the show (https://www.lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate)
Luke 16:19-31 NKJV 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’ 25 “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. 26 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.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “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.’”
Luke 16:19-31 NKJV 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’ 25 “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. 26 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.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “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.’”
Luke 16:14-31 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.Additional Teachings16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’25 “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. 26 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.’27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family,28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’31 “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.’”
Mark 15 (NIV)Jesus Before Pilate1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.“You have said so,” Jesus replied.3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.The Soldiers Mock Jesus16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.The Crucifixion of Jesus21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [a] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.The Death of Jesus33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[b]35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.”36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,[d] and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.The Burial of Jesus42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.Footnotes:Mark 15:28 Some manuscripts include here words similar to Luke 22:37.Mark 15:34 Psalm 22:1Mark 15:39 Some manuscripts saw that he died with such a cryMark 15:40 Greek Joses, a variant of Joseph; also in verse 47Luke 16 (NIV)The Parable of the Shrewd Manager1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'5 “So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?'6 “‘Nine hundred gallons[a] of olive oil,' he replied.“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.'7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?'“‘A thousand bushels[b] of wheat,' he replied.“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight.Additional Teachings16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.'25 “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. 26 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.'27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “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.'”Footnotes:Luke 16:6 Or about 3,000 litersLuke 16:7 Or about 30 tons
Mark 15 (NIV)Jesus Before Pilate1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.“You have said so,” Jesus replied.3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.The Soldiers Mock Jesus16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.The Crucifixion of Jesus21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [a] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.The Death of Jesus33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[b]35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.”36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,[d] and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.The Burial of Jesus42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.Footnotes:Mark 15:28 Some manuscripts include here words similar to Luke 22:37.Mark 15:34 Psalm 22:1Mark 15:39 Some manuscripts saw that he died with such a cryMark 15:40 Greek Joses, a variant of Joseph; also in verse 47Luke 16 (NIV)The Parable of the Shrewd Manager1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'5 “So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?'6 “‘Nine hundred gallons[a] of olive oil,' he replied.“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.'7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?'“‘A thousand bushels[b] of wheat,' he replied.“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight.Additional Teachings16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.The Rich Man and Lazarus19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.'25 “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. 26 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.'27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “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.'”Footnotes:Luke 16:6 Or about 3,000 litersLuke 16:7 Or about 30 tons
Mark 15 (NIV) Jesus Before Pilate 1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. 2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” 5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. 6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. 9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. 12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. The Soldiers Mock Jesus 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. The Crucifixion of Jesus 21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. 25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews. 27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [a] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. The Death of Jesus 33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[b] 35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he's calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,[d] and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. The Burial of Jesus 42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. Footnotes: Mark 15:28 Some manuscripts include here words similar to Luke 22:37. Mark 15:34 Psalm 22:1 Mark 15:39 Some manuscripts saw that he died with such a cry Mark 15:40 Greek Joses, a variant of Joseph; also in verse 47 Luke 16 (NIV) The Parable of the Shrewd Manager 1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.' 3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.' 5 “So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?' 6 “‘Nine hundred gallons[a] of olive oil,' he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.' 7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?' “‘A thousand bushels[b] of wheat,' he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.' 8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight. Additional Teachings 16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. 18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'” Footnotes: Luke 16:6 Or about 3,000 liters Luke 16:7 Or about 30 tons
Luke 16:22-31 (NIV)22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.'25 “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. 26 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.'27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “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.'”
Luke 16:22-31 (NIV) 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.' 25 “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. 26 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.' 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 “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.'”
Luke 16:22-31 (NIV)22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.'25 “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. 26 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.'27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “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.'”
Luke 16:19-3119 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’25 “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. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that [...]
B. lifted up his eyes 1. Luke 16:23New International Version (NIV) 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
"Reflecting the Love of God" By Pastor Jason Adams Luke 16:19-31 New International Version (NIV) The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.(A) 20 At his gate was laid a beggar(B) named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.(C) Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham,(D) 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.’(E) 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things,(F) but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.(G) 26 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.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them,(H) so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses(I) and the Prophets;(J) let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’(K) he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “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.’”
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