Two Year Gospel Study Week 37

Scripture - Luke 16:19-31, Luke 16:14. "The Rich Man and Lazarus" is a parable in which Jesus portrays two ways of living — and two destinies after death. What will your destiny be? This is many times a misunderstood parable. Jesus told this parable in response to the laughter and scorn of the pharisees. Pastor sets the stage for this parable sharing that no one is saved by: 1. Right Doctrines - We are not saved by knowing the doctrines of the faith because it is not what you know, it's WHO you know. You can have the right doctrine, but be absolutely messed up in your relationship with the Lord. 2. Right Actions - We are not saved by how good we are. All have sinned and none of us can stand before a holy God. We are saved only be the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus. In this parable, Jesus paints the picture of a very wealthy man living with his focus on possessions. Outside the gates lived a man with nothing, a poor man longing for scraps from the Rich Man's table. Both men die. Lazarus, the beggar, who trusted in the Living God goes to heaven and the Rich Man who trusted in his wealth and possessions, to Hades. The point Jesus makes with this teaching is that ultimately, every human being will face one of two destinies and the destinies can be summed up simply as reward (heaven) and punishment (Hades). Jesus' intent is to emphasize these two destinations. The most foolish thing we can do is to ignore the goodness, mercy and grace of God in Jesus Christ. Without Him we are lost and hell is our destination. Life with God is forever = heavenly reward. Life without God is forever = punishment and separation from Him and there's no second chance. It's just that simple. Jesus is saying this is serious stuff and our destiny is not to be taken lightly. God's word is available. Listen to what He says and we will know the truth. We are to follow Him, trust Him and in Him there is forgiveness and Life forever with Him. Reject Him and there is eternal judgement and punishment. We must not ignore the voice of God. In this parable Jesus is trying to wake people up. He's trying to show us just how important it is that we know Him. We can accumulate wealth, awards, position, title, honors, possessions but if we don't know Jesus, we have nothing that endures. Our Savior loves us enough that He was willing to die for us. When someone loves you that much you know that you can trust your life to Him. He loved us enough that He was willing to die for each one of us and he has triumphed over death for us too. God is calling us to what really matters and what really matters is knowing Him, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, His resurrection power and His promised return. Our destiny is one or the other: Life with God Or Life without God Choose Life with God - it is in Him that Life forever - our reward - is found. Recognize the reality of heaven and hell and choose life with Him, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT! https://www.awakeusnow.com The Parables of Jesus is part two of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Jesus is known for telling some of the greatest stories ever told. In telling these stories He uses the form of a parable which is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus' parables resonate in every culture and in every generation around the world. This study is great for large group. small group or home group Bible study.