WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.259 --> 00:00:20.839 Turn with me this morning to Luke 16, page 875 of the Bible in the pews in front of you. 00:00:20.839 --> 00:00:31.539 Last week we heard Jesus address the issue of money, of wealth, in order to get at our hearts, 00:00:31.880 --> 00:00:35.120 what we really value, what we really worship. 00:00:36.579 --> 00:00:41.399 And that same conversation continues in the rest of Luke 16 today. 00:00:41.399 --> 00:00:50.899 As Jesus enters through the door of money, rich and poor, to get at eternal matters of heaven and hell. 00:00:53.079 --> 00:00:56.799 Honestly, I've really struggled with this passage this week. 00:00:57.379 --> 00:01:01.939 If you have a bulletin, you can see where the outline was when it was time to print the bulletins. 00:01:04.780 --> 00:01:06.319 It's a little further along now. 00:01:06.319 --> 00:01:15.119 But I've decided that the best way for us to consider this text and its challenges to us 00:01:15.119 --> 00:01:20.280 is to walk through it together and to talk about it as we go. 00:01:20.759 --> 00:01:24.060 So let's pray and ask God to help all of us in that. 00:01:24.519 --> 00:01:27.159 And then we'll read the passage as we walk through it. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:27.859 Pray with me. 00:01:30.919 --> 00:01:32.879 God, this is your word. 00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:36.780 God, and I'm so grateful for that. 00:01:38.299 --> 00:01:41.619 It reminds me that you want us to hear it. 00:01:43.039 --> 00:01:45.560 That you want us to be shaped by it. 00:01:45.739 --> 00:01:48.299 That your spirit will use it. 00:01:49.419 --> 00:01:52.819 And so, Father, keep teaching me this morning. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:58.399 And would you be so kind to us as to use the foolishness of what is preached 00:01:58.400 --> 00:02:06.100 to bring eternal light and hope and life to us 00:02:06.100 --> 00:02:08.840 because of your great mercy and grace. 00:02:09.800 --> 00:02:11.640 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:02:12.659 --> 00:02:13.000 Amen. 00:02:15.040 --> 00:02:18.920 So last week, we finished up with verse 13. 00:02:19.800 --> 00:02:23.460 You cannot serve God and money. 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:27.659 What you value and love is of utmost importance. 00:02:27.780 --> 00:02:31.240 Is it the things of God or the things of this world? 00:02:31.320 --> 00:02:32.180 It can't be both. 00:02:33.760 --> 00:02:37.939 And as we turn to verse 14, we find some listening to Jesus 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:42.400 who were told explicitly, love money. 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:47.540 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, 00:02:47.800 --> 00:02:52.700 heard all these things and they ridiculed Jesus. 00:02:54.420 --> 00:02:58.700 The Pharisees, the religious leaders, the ones who were teaching others, 00:02:58.840 --> 00:03:00.260 they ridiculed Jesus. 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:05.200 They mock Him, which we'll find out in a minute is not really a good idea. 00:03:06.400 --> 00:03:07.879 But why? 00:03:08.020 --> 00:03:10.340 Why are they ridiculing Jesus? 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:14.580 Well, they loved money, the text tells us. 00:03:14.659 --> 00:03:16.659 And they saw no problem with this. 00:03:17.040 --> 00:03:20.460 All of the teaching at the time was telling them 00:03:20.460 --> 00:03:23.240 that that was a reasonable thing to do. 00:03:23.460 --> 00:03:28.140 Financial prosperity and wealth was a sign of God's blessing. 00:03:28.340 --> 00:03:31.760 Poverty was viewed as a punishment from God. 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:36.819 And here's Jesus saying, these two things don't go together. 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:40.400 Well, you can't chase both of them at the same time. 00:03:40.840 --> 00:03:42.580 And they laugh. 00:03:42.580 --> 00:03:45.640 No way, Jesus. 00:03:45.960 --> 00:03:48.360 Now we know you've lost it. 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:53.720 We're plenty holy here and God's keeping the money coming right in. 00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:57.060 It's the poor guy you ought to be suspicious of. 00:03:57.880 --> 00:03:59.460 This guy's way off. 00:04:01.080 --> 00:04:06.040 I think this attitude is more true in our hearts than we would care to admit. 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:12.099 The health and wealth gospel is exploding here and around the world, 00:04:12.680 --> 00:04:14.959 becoming increasingly popular. 00:04:15.340 --> 00:04:20.959 And even though many of us would say we don't hold to some of its assertions, 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:30.759 we're drawn to read a book by a slick-talking, good-looking, successful, well-marketed Christian leader, aren't we? 00:04:31.479 --> 00:04:33.279 Certainly he must know something. 00:04:35.359 --> 00:04:36.479 Successful as he is. 00:04:38.339 --> 00:04:39.659 Try this for just a minute. 00:04:39.660 --> 00:04:44.280 Picture for me in your minds just an average Christian guy. 00:04:44.500 --> 00:04:45.980 Just picture one. 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:48.200 See if you can just picture a Christian in your head. 00:04:49.960 --> 00:04:56.680 I'm willing to bet that for most of us, the image we get in our heads is white, 00:04:59.640 --> 00:05:05.740 somewhat upper-middle class, well-mannered, well-spoken. 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:11.560 For most of us, that is what pops into our minds when I tell you to picture a Christian. 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:16.180 But most Christians today are, and through history, far from affluent. 00:05:16.980 --> 00:05:19.680 And most suffer greatly. 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:24.500 You probably think if you went to Chick-fil-A tomorrow, because you can't go today, 00:05:24.840 --> 00:05:28.960 but if you went tomorrow, you could hang out for about five minutes 00:05:28.960 --> 00:05:32.840 and pretty much kind of pick out who the Christians are. 00:05:32.839 --> 00:05:37.799 You know, if you hang around people for just a little while, you can figure that out. 00:05:37.819 --> 00:05:38.679 Just watching, right? 00:05:39.979 --> 00:05:41.679 It's the ones who say, my pleasure. 00:05:42.759 --> 00:05:45.039 That's always the ones to be looking for. 00:05:46.479 --> 00:05:49.399 But we need to caution ourselves when we think that way. 00:05:49.399 --> 00:05:53.139 Mere outward appearances are often misleading, aren't they? 00:05:54.639 --> 00:05:58.039 See, Jesus is going to upend these expectations 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:05.819 and particularly challenge the Pharisees and us on our outward righteousness. 00:06:07.819 --> 00:06:09.140 Verse 15. 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:13.280 He said to them, to the Pharisees, Jesus says, 00:06:13.980 --> 00:06:19.420 You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:26.819 For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:33.660 You like to look good, to appear religious, to have people think well of you, 00:06:33.800 --> 00:06:37.360 but you're not fooling God, Jesus says. 00:06:37.920 --> 00:06:43.600 Your external law-keeping righteousness without regard for your heart, 00:06:43.600 --> 00:06:49.120 for deeply loving God may be praised by others, 00:06:49.300 --> 00:06:52.420 but it's abominable to God. 00:06:53.980 --> 00:06:55.200 And he continues. 00:06:56.200 --> 00:06:58.640 The law and the prophets were until John. 00:06:59.140 --> 00:07:01.740 Since then, the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, 00:07:01.920 --> 00:07:04.040 and everyone forces his way into it. 00:07:04.420 --> 00:07:07.340 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away 00:07:07.340 --> 00:07:11.740 than for one dot of the law to become void. 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:17.340 Yes, the Messiah has come, and that changes things, Jesus is saying. 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:19.879 But the law stays. 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:23.560 In fact, elsewhere, what does Jesus say about the law? 00:07:23.680 --> 00:07:28.079 That he has come not to abolish it, but to fulfill it. 00:07:29.199 --> 00:07:32.720 It's an unchanging picture of God's character, 00:07:33.060 --> 00:07:36.500 and it exposes our hearts, doesn't it? 00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:38.980 To call us back to his heart. 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:43.120 It shows us God's heart, and it shows us ours, 00:07:43.240 --> 00:07:45.700 where ours doesn't look like God's, 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:48.080 to call us back to that heart. 00:07:48.420 --> 00:07:51.020 Jesus' point here is that the Pharisees, 00:07:51.280 --> 00:07:54.060 who pride themselves on keeping the law, 00:07:54.800 --> 00:07:57.840 actually are neglecting it. 00:07:58.960 --> 00:08:03.040 The Pharisees, who think they are experts on God's heart, 00:08:03.040 --> 00:08:07.200 are actually missing it altogether. 00:08:08.800 --> 00:08:15.120 Instead of listening to God's word and clearly letting it do what it's supposed to do, 00:08:15.220 --> 00:08:17.300 expose them and shape them, 00:08:17.879 --> 00:08:19.759 show them where their hearts are misguided, 00:08:20.259 --> 00:08:23.439 instead of doing that, they've lowered the bar 00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:25.439 to a place they can reach, 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:28.640 so they can feel good about themselves, 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:31.080 so they can look good to others. 00:08:31.079 --> 00:08:33.740 Jesus says that's so dangerous. 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:35.059 God hates it. 00:08:37.620 --> 00:08:41.139 And Jesus says that in the context of how they pursue money 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:43.220 and neglect the poor. 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:48.039 They're failing to take his word seriously, 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:52.279 and when we do that, it's actually a rejection of God himself. 00:08:53.439 --> 00:08:57.279 This is what he will talk about at length in the parable that's coming up here. 00:08:57.279 --> 00:09:00.799 But first, he gives another quick example, 00:09:01.319 --> 00:09:04.579 a one-verse example before he gives a ten-verse example. 00:09:05.139 --> 00:09:07.759 And it may seem out of place here, verse 18, 00:09:08.399 --> 00:09:12.819 everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, 00:09:13.539 --> 00:09:18.399 and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery. 00:09:19.839 --> 00:09:20.939 What's Jesus saying? 00:09:21.199 --> 00:09:22.399 Where does that show up? 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:26.360 Well, the Pharisees over time had written law codes, 00:09:26.539 --> 00:09:28.860 many of them lengthy codes, 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:31.079 with reasons for divorce 00:09:31.079 --> 00:09:35.779 that basically meant that men could get a divorce, 00:09:35.939 --> 00:09:36.879 get out of their marriages, 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:39.799 for just about any reason at all. 00:09:41.299 --> 00:09:43.199 And Jesus is making the point 00:09:43.199 --> 00:09:47.480 that the law of God in his word still stands. 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:51.580 This issue of divorce is a significant one 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:54.480 and a sensitive one in our own context, right? 00:09:55.180 --> 00:09:57.320 So I actually want us, after Easter, 00:09:57.539 --> 00:09:59.519 to come back to this verse 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:02.800 and just talk a little bit more about what it means for us 00:10:02.800 --> 00:10:07.039 and how our hearts engage with God's law in that regard. 00:10:08.080 --> 00:10:09.740 So we'll do that in a couple of weeks. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:12.759 But for the context of this passage, 00:10:13.300 --> 00:10:15.300 what Jesus is saying is that 00:10:15.299 --> 00:10:17.259 he's giving the Pharisees an example 00:10:17.259 --> 00:10:22.659 of how they're lowering the standard of God's law 00:10:22.659 --> 00:10:26.199 in order to keep it from exposing their hearts, 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:29.919 exposing them as frauds, as sinners, 00:10:30.079 --> 00:10:31.199 as those who are needy. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:36.939 Jesus is emphasizing the seriousness of God's word. 00:10:37.939 --> 00:10:39.759 And there are several things in this passage 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:41.979 he's urging us to take seriously, 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:43.639 and this is the first, 00:10:44.180 --> 00:10:45.539 it's God's word. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:48.519 It's call on our lives. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:52.920 So he said that briefly with regard to divorce. 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:54.980 You need to take God's word seriously. 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:58.240 But now he's going to tell a story 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:03.240 to make the same point with regard to rich and poor. 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:04.779 Tracking with me? 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:09.080 This is example two now for Jesus engaging their hearts. 00:11:09.080 --> 00:11:13.960 He's going to tell a story to expose the Pharisees' hearts 00:11:13.960 --> 00:11:16.060 and our hearts. 00:11:16.360 --> 00:11:18.020 This parable we're about to read, 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:20.400 the story of the rich man and Lazarus, 00:11:20.520 --> 00:11:23.100 is going to remind us primarily 00:11:23.100 --> 00:11:27.240 that our response to God and his word, 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:30.480 in this case particularly with regard to money, 00:11:31.320 --> 00:11:33.580 has eternal consequences. 00:11:33.580 --> 00:11:37.639 Remember, this is a story Jesus tells 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:42.379 to engage our hearts with that particular point. 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:45.320 He's not recounting historical events, 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:47.480 historical details. 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:51.900 He's teaching our hearts important lessons 00:11:51.900 --> 00:11:54.660 through a story to engage our hearts, right? 00:11:54.680 --> 00:11:55.560 You do that with stories. 00:11:55.940 --> 00:11:58.980 Jesus is telling this story to engage our hearts 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:01.780 and to teach us these important things. 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:04.360 Listen to the first part of the parable. 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:06.360 It starts at verse 19. 00:12:07.959 --> 00:12:10.439 There was a rich man who was clothed in purple 00:12:10.439 --> 00:12:13.860 and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 00:12:15.079 --> 00:12:18.100 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus 00:12:18.100 --> 00:12:19.519 covered with sores 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:22.159 who desired to be fed with what fell 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:23.699 from the rich man's table. 00:12:24.259 --> 00:12:26.879 Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:30.480 The poor man died and was carried by the angels 00:12:30.480 --> 00:12:31.899 to Abraham's side. 00:12:32.539 --> 00:12:35.139 The rich man also died and was buried 00:12:35.139 --> 00:12:37.220 and in Hades, being in torment, 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:41.360 he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:43.439 and Lazarus at his side. 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.340 And he called out, 00:12:45.679 --> 00:12:48.019 Father Abraham, have mercy on me 00:12:48.019 --> 00:12:51.299 and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water 00:12:51.299 --> 00:12:52.820 and cool my tongue 00:12:52.820 --> 00:12:55.400 for I'm in anguish in this flame. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:58.040 But Abraham said, 00:12:58.240 --> 00:13:01.200 Child, remember that you in your lifetime 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:03.200 received your good things 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:06.800 and Lazarus in like manner bad things. 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:09.620 But now he is comforted here 00:13:09.620 --> 00:13:11.340 and you are in anguish. 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:13.240 And besides all this, 00:13:13.360 --> 00:13:14.200 between us and you, 00:13:14.260 --> 00:13:15.980 a great chasm has been fixed 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:18.780 in order that those who would pass from here to you 00:13:18.779 --> 00:13:19.639 may not be able 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:24.079 and none may cross from there to us. 00:13:26.319 --> 00:13:29.679 Perhaps the most obvious aspect of this story 00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:33.519 is the remarkable study and contrasts, right? 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:37.299 These two men, very different. 00:13:38.079 --> 00:13:40.980 This first one's not merely a man who is rich, 00:13:41.199 --> 00:13:43.439 but he is lavishly rich 00:13:43.439 --> 00:13:44.919 and he feels it. 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:47.179 Enjoying fine food 00:13:47.179 --> 00:13:50.199 and clothes fit for a king all the time. 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.879 And right outside his front door 00:13:53.879 --> 00:13:57.979 where he would pass by all the time 00:13:57.979 --> 00:14:00.959 is not merely a man who is poor, 00:14:01.179 --> 00:14:03.779 but he is devastatingly poor. 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:05.779 And he feels it. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:10.360 The aching hunger that longs for any scraps. 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:12.179 The bread they would use 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:15.139 to scoop up the other food that they were eating. 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:16.399 He just wants that 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:17.919 or the crumbs from their table. 00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:18.859 He's so hungry. 00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:22.259 The sharp pain of wounds 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:24.219 being licked by wild dogs 00:14:24.219 --> 00:14:26.019 that roam the streets of the city. 00:14:27.479 --> 00:14:29.219 The humiliating reality 00:14:29.219 --> 00:14:31.699 of not being able to fend for himself. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:36.459 Two very different men, right? 00:14:37.859 --> 00:14:39.139 But they both die 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:42.000 as we all do eventually. 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:45.259 And there's a great role reversal 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:47.159 that happens there, isn't there? 00:14:47.599 --> 00:14:50.099 Jesus flips the script upside down 00:14:50.099 --> 00:14:51.939 when he gives us a glimpse into eternity. 00:14:52.099 --> 00:14:53.139 Things are very different. 00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:57.079 First, Lazarus, the poor man, dies 00:14:57.079 --> 00:14:59.679 and perhaps no one cares. 00:15:00.359 --> 00:15:02.959 There's no mention even of a burial. 00:15:04.359 --> 00:15:07.319 We would expect here in Jesus' time 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:09.740 to hear of public officials 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:11.860 tossing his body in a cart, 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:15.820 taking it outside the city to Gehenna, 00:15:15.820 --> 00:15:18.620 the waste dump to dispose of it. 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:24.039 But actually, instead, 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:26.120 we get a window into God's heart 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:29.200 for the poor whom he loves. 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:33.779 Jesus says he was carried by angels 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:36.779 to Abraham's side. 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:38.759 Don't you love that? 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:44.019 So far from being cursed or despised by God 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:48.199 or even just ignored or overlooked by heaven, 00:15:48.919 --> 00:15:52.399 Lazarus is cherished and beloved 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:55.319 by the hosts of heaven. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:58.900 He went from a seat of dishonor 00:15:58.900 --> 00:16:02.700 to a place of high honor in heaven, 00:16:03.300 --> 00:16:05.700 close to the heart of Father Abraham. 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:09.300 He went from discomfort to comfort. 00:16:09.980 --> 00:16:14.100 He went from deep suffering to great glory. 00:16:16.180 --> 00:16:17.460 Don't you love God's heart 00:16:17.460 --> 00:16:20.180 for the poor and the suffering? 00:16:20.179 --> 00:16:24.479 Is it any wonder that many slaves 00:16:24.479 --> 00:16:27.339 in this country years ago 00:16:27.339 --> 00:16:29.239 began to sing a song? 00:16:29.319 --> 00:16:30.620 I remember loving it as a child. 00:16:30.939 --> 00:16:33.259 Swing low, sweet chariot, 00:16:33.599 --> 00:16:35.719 coming for to carry me home. 00:16:37.019 --> 00:16:39.419 I looked over Jordan and what did I see? 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:41.059 Coming for to carry me home. 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:44.799 A band of angels coming after me. 00:16:45.579 --> 00:16:47.479 Coming for to carry me home. 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:50.480 I love that. 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:53.720 Because their hope 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:56.139 and their home 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:58.480 was in heaven. 00:16:59.800 --> 00:17:01.440 Never home here. 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:04.079 Never comfortable here. 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:06.480 Never honored here. 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:08.720 But Jesus says, 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:10.519 don't miss God's heart 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:13.039 and think that despised in this world 00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:15.140 means despised in heaven. 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:17.200 No, that's not what it's like. 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:22.259 Angels come and carry him 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:25.200 and place him against Abraham's chest 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:27.079 so he can rest. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.620 If you're poor, 00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:32.640 if you're suffering, 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:36.240 if you're aching with emptiness 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:38.420 here in this world, 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:40.220 I've got good news. 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:42.420 If you trust Jesus, 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:44.099 you're not home yet. 00:17:44.099 --> 00:17:47.819 And he will honor you 00:17:47.819 --> 00:17:49.799 and comfort you 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:51.519 and fulfill you 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:52.539 forever. 00:17:53.659 --> 00:17:54.639 And you'll be home. 00:17:54.640 --> 00:18:00.100 But then the rich man, 00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:00.920 too, 00:18:01.320 --> 00:18:01.800 dies, 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:02.400 doesn't he? 00:18:03.520 --> 00:18:05.820 It's not quite such a warm story. 00:18:06.120 --> 00:18:06.700 He, of course, 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:07.280 is buried, 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.259 likely as lavishly 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:10.200 as he lived, 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:12.080 but then the reversal 00:18:12.080 --> 00:18:13.280 of fortunes 00:18:13.280 --> 00:18:15.240 is equally stark. 00:18:16.360 --> 00:18:16.800 Tormented 00:18:16.800 --> 00:18:18.140 in hell, 00:18:18.340 --> 00:18:19.020 not heaven. 00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:21.680 in great anguish, 00:18:22.379 --> 00:18:24.519 not comforted at all. 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:26.740 Far off 00:18:26.740 --> 00:18:28.180 from Abraham, 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:30.920 distant from the one 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:32.420 he thought he was close to, 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:34.220 not at his side. 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:36.400 Pleading for a drop 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:36.799 of water 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:38.319 from one 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:39.319 whose name 00:18:39.319 --> 00:18:40.440 he knows, 00:18:40.599 --> 00:18:41.240 Lazarus, 00:18:41.359 --> 00:18:42.500 send Lazarus, 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:44.240 but whom he never 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.240 apparently gave 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:47.519 a crumb of bread to. 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:50.460 It's a heart-wrenching 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:50.899 picture, 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:51.440 isn't it? 00:18:52.519 --> 00:18:53.319 It should be. 00:18:54.359 --> 00:18:55.379 He's reminded 00:18:55.379 --> 00:18:56.039 by Abraham 00:18:56.039 --> 00:18:57.079 that he received 00:18:57.079 --> 00:18:58.019 his good things 00:18:58.019 --> 00:18:58.700 on earth. 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.039 Lots of them, 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:00.279 right? 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:01.799 Lots of good things. 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:04.279 That's where he 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:05.299 invested his treasure. 00:19:06.799 --> 00:19:08.099 It reminds me 00:19:08.099 --> 00:19:09.079 of all those passages 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:10.399 about doing things 00:19:10.399 --> 00:19:11.740 for the praise of men 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:12.759 and being told 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:13.680 that we've received 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.460 our reward 00:19:14.460 --> 00:19:15.539 in full 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.299 here. 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:17.879 Now, 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:19.859 there's no relief. 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:22.200 It's too late 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:23.899 to change his station. 00:19:24.339 --> 00:19:25.200 He has neglected 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:26.240 God's heart 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:27.399 and he endures 00:19:27.399 --> 00:19:28.059 torment 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:29.680 and anguish. 00:19:32.079 --> 00:19:32.980 If we were watching 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:34.339 a video of this scene, 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.579 I think we would 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:36.619 turn our eyes away. 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:39.879 hell is hard 00:19:39.879 --> 00:19:40.879 to stomach 00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:42.159 for all of us, 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:42.579 isn't it? 00:19:44.399 --> 00:19:44.960 In fact, 00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:46.059 our grasp 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:47.319 of God's 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:48.359 utter holiness 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:50.500 and our 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.079 wretched 00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:51.940 sinfulness 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:53.440 is so limited 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:54.799 that for us, 00:19:54.879 --> 00:19:55.700 because of that, 00:19:55.779 --> 00:19:56.339 hell's hard 00:19:56.339 --> 00:19:57.240 to believe in. 00:19:57.240 --> 00:20:01.039 while we would 00:20:01.039 --> 00:20:02.019 be misunderstanding 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.160 a parable 00:20:03.160 --> 00:20:03.819 like this 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:04.579 to suggest 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:05.120 that Jesus 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:05.900 is giving us 00:20:05.900 --> 00:20:07.400 a detailed map 00:20:07.400 --> 00:20:07.920 of heaven 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:08.440 and hell 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.000 and how all 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:09.740 of this works, 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:11.019 it's not at all 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:12.160 going too far 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.559 to see the clear 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:14.640 reminder of the 00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:15.259 reality 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.819 of both heaven 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.400 and, 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:18.579 in particular, 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:19.099 hell. 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:20.620 The torment 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:21.819 of hell 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:22.640 without which 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:23.440 this story 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:24.220 Jesus tells 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:25.380 makes no sense. 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:28.240 The permanence 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:29.319 of hell 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:29.900 in this 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:31.000 great chasm 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:32.039 that separates 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:32.960 people who can't 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.960 go back 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.980 and forth. 00:20:36.160 --> 00:20:37.059 Jesus affirms 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:38.120 these teachings 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.860 in many other 00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:39.339 places 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.299 and we dare 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:41.359 not ignore 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:41.720 them. 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.619 It's a warning, 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:44.819 isn't it? 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.119 That's why 00:20:46.119 --> 00:20:47.039 he's teaching 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:47.919 this parable. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:48.680 It's a warning 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:49.599 for hearts 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:50.299 that love 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:50.700 money, 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:53.240 for hearts 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:53.819 that take 00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:54.599 God's law 00:20:54.599 --> 00:20:55.099 lightly, 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:57.139 for hearts 00:20:57.139 --> 00:20:57.519 that have 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.319 a hard time 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:58.919 imagining 00:20:58.919 --> 00:20:59.819 a loving 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:00.379 God 00:21:00.379 --> 00:21:01.059 punishing 00:21:01.059 --> 00:21:02.019 sin. 00:21:02.419 --> 00:21:03.139 It's a warning 00:21:03.139 --> 00:21:04.059 that we must 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:04.879 heed God's 00:21:04.879 --> 00:21:05.279 word. 00:21:06.619 --> 00:21:07.180 We should 00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:07.859 take God's 00:21:07.859 --> 00:21:08.980 word seriously 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.980 and Jesus 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.539 is urging 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:11.120 us now 00:21:11.120 --> 00:21:11.779 to take 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.480 eternity 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:14.360 seriously. 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:17.220 Don't delay 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:17.880 until it's 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:18.500 too late 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:19.059 to wrestle 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:19.960 with matters 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:20.620 of eternity 00:21:20.620 --> 00:21:21.839 like it was 00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:22.339 for the rich 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:22.660 man. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.319 Is the 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:25.039 seriousness 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:26.059 of eternity 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.920 grabbing your 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.360 heart 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:28.400 for yourself? 00:21:30.360 --> 00:21:30.960 What about 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:31.440 for the 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:32.140 sake of 00:21:32.140 --> 00:21:32.579 others? 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:33.440 Do you 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:34.059 speak of 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:34.460 eternity 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:35.099 with them 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:36.059 and plead 00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:36.740 with them 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.279 as though 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:38.039 heaven and 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:38.519 hell were 00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:39.319 real places? 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:40.720 And once 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.139 we die 00:21:41.139 --> 00:21:41.519 it's too 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:41.960 late to 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:42.339 change 00:21:42.339 --> 00:21:43.160 reservations 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:44.379 and switch 00:21:44.379 --> 00:21:45.079 across the 00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:45.500 chasm. 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.879 I think 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:50.259 for many 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:50.599 of us 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.900 it's hard 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:52.799 to imagine 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.879 ourselves 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:56.779 or our 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.460 friends and 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:58.039 neighbors who 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.379 are really 00:21:58.379 --> 00:21:59.539 decent people 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:00.799 suffering 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.779 torment in 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.099 hell. 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:03.240 Can we 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:03.599 acknowledge 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:04.059 that? 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:04.740 It's just 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.400 not where 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:06.119 we picture 00:22:06.119 --> 00:22:07.460 people who 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:08.460 look and 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.299 talk and 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:10.460 act very 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:11.660 much like 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:11.940 us. 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:12.340 It doesn't 00:22:12.340 --> 00:22:13.840 seem to 00:22:13.840 --> 00:22:14.259 fit. 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:15.620 We're decent 00:22:15.620 --> 00:22:16.019 people, 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:16.620 upstanding 00:22:16.620 --> 00:22:17.259 citizens, 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:18.079 better than 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:19.120 many others, 00:22:19.660 --> 00:22:20.559 pretty accomplished 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:21.660 and successful 00:22:21.660 --> 00:22:22.400 in general, 00:22:22.660 --> 00:22:23.380 and Jesus 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:24.120 says that's 00:22:24.120 --> 00:22:24.519 what I'm 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:25.079 warning you 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:25.519 about. 00:22:26.600 --> 00:22:27.019 It's 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:27.799 tempting to 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.279 be taken 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:29.319 in by a 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:30.120 pretty good 00:22:30.120 --> 00:22:30.519 outward 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.360 appearance in 00:22:31.360 --> 00:22:32.039 this life 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:33.220 and to 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:34.019 connect that 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:34.680 with decent 00:22:34.680 --> 00:22:35.440 results in 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:35.960 the next. 00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:36.539 Don't 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:37.000 make that 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:37.600 mistake. 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:41.019 If you're 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:41.700 walking past 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:42.299 the poor 00:22:42.299 --> 00:22:42.960 in this 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:44.120 life and 00:22:44.120 --> 00:22:44.720 thinking you're 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.460 pretty good, 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.640 you may be 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:47.519 missing God's 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:48.400 heart and 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.360 His presence 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:50.320 forever. 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:54.720 And the 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:55.120 end of the 00:22:55.120 --> 00:22:55.720 parable has 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:56.660 one final 00:22:56.660 --> 00:22:57.220 interaction. 00:22:57.880 --> 00:22:58.620 Jesus brings 00:22:58.620 --> 00:22:59.180 us back to 00:22:59.180 --> 00:22:59.660 the subject 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.320 of God's 00:23:00.320 --> 00:23:01.120 word and 00:23:01.120 --> 00:23:01.620 how we 00:23:01.620 --> 00:23:02.539 respond to 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:02.799 it. 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:04.019 Listen for 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:04.680 that, verse 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.740 27. 00:23:07.160 --> 00:23:07.740 The rich 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:08.539 man said, 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.500 then I beg 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.019 you, Father, 00:23:10.099 --> 00:23:11.099 if Lazarus 00:23:11.099 --> 00:23:11.639 can't come 00:23:11.639 --> 00:23:12.299 over here to 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:12.799 me to give 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.160 me some 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:14.940 water, I 00:23:14.940 --> 00:23:15.619 beg you, 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:16.420 Father, to 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:17.059 send him to 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:17.940 my father's 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:18.879 house, for 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:19.920 I have five 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:21.720 brothers, so 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:22.200 that he may 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:22.779 warn them, 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:23.559 lest they also 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:24.240 come into this 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:24.740 place of 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:25.099 torment. 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:26.740 But Abraham 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.559 said, they 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:28.279 have Moses 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:28.740 and the 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.920 prophets, let 00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:30.379 them hear 00:23:30.379 --> 00:23:30.900 them. 00:23:32.079 --> 00:23:32.420 And he 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:33.400 said, no, 00:23:33.400 --> 00:23:34.120 no, Father 00:23:34.120 --> 00:23:35.160 Abraham, but 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:35.740 if someone 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.300 goes to 00:23:36.300 --> 00:23:36.720 them from 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.420 the dead, 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:38.320 they will 00:23:38.320 --> 00:23:38.780 repent. 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:41.220 Abraham 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:41.860 said to 00:23:41.860 --> 00:23:42.220 him, if 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:42.600 they do 00:23:42.600 --> 00:23:43.140 not hear 00:23:43.140 --> 00:23:43.780 Moses and 00:23:43.780 --> 00:23:44.420 the prophets, 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:45.400 neither will 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:45.840 they be 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:46.880 convinced if 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:47.740 someone should 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:48.960 rise from 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:49.560 the dead. 00:23:50.280 --> 00:23:51.019 The rich 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.560 man says, 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.280 well, it's 00:23:52.280 --> 00:23:53.019 too late for 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.019 me, but at 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:54.700 least go warn 00:23:54.700 --> 00:23:55.380 my brothers 00:23:55.380 --> 00:23:55.960 about these 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:56.960 eternal realities 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:57.920 I'm experiencing. 00:23:59.400 --> 00:23:59.980 And Abraham 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:00.759 responds, they 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:01.240 have the 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:02.140 warnings of 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:02.420 the Old 00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:02.780 Testament 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:03.299 scriptures. 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:04.960 They know 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:05.240 them. 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:08.819 The rich 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.599 man responds 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.480 like many 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.099 of us, I 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:13.079 think, yeah, 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:13.980 yeah, that's 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.980 nice, but I 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:15.480 really didn't 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.119 take those 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:16.859 seriously. 00:24:18.099 --> 00:24:19.000 I needed 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.059 more evidence. 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:22.099 If something 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.720 else, if I 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:24.059 had heard the 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:24.619 voice of 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:26.899 God, if I 00:24:26.899 --> 00:24:27.680 had seen 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.960 something clearly 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:30.359 supernatural take 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:31.879 place right in 00:24:31.880 --> 00:24:32.380 front of me, 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.380 then I would 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:35.060 have believed, 00:24:35.300 --> 00:24:36.020 so how about 00:24:36.020 --> 00:24:36.880 try that with 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.180 them? 00:24:37.520 --> 00:24:37.800 Have you ever 00:24:37.800 --> 00:24:38.300 felt that? 00:24:39.820 --> 00:24:40.100 You ever 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:40.700 said something 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.240 like that? 00:24:43.540 --> 00:24:44.680 Abraham says, 00:24:45.020 --> 00:24:45.860 our unbelief, 00:24:46.100 --> 00:24:47.200 our lack of 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:48.380 repentance, as it 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:49.640 were, is not 00:24:49.640 --> 00:24:50.640 from lack of 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:52.520 evidence, but 00:24:52.520 --> 00:24:53.020 rather from 00:24:53.020 --> 00:24:54.740 hearts that love 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.300 and worship 00:24:55.300 --> 00:24:56.240 things that are 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:56.920 not God, 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:59.460 things other 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:00.860 than God. 00:25:02.080 --> 00:25:03.420 God's word is 00:25:03.420 --> 00:25:04.279 sufficient. 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.560 His law 00:25:05.560 --> 00:25:07.160 exposes us 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.279 and points 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.160 those of us 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:09.840 with hearts 00:25:09.840 --> 00:25:10.380 that don't 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:11.279 match God's 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.400 heart to 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:13.180 our need 00:25:13.180 --> 00:25:14.140 for someone 00:25:14.140 --> 00:25:15.279 to live 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:15.940 and die 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.500 for us 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:16.920 and to 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:17.779 rise from 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.400 the dead. 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:21.019 In Jesus' 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:21.460 day, they 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:22.019 had a different 00:25:22.019 --> 00:25:22.560 guy named 00:25:22.560 --> 00:25:24.080 Lazarus, who 00:25:24.080 --> 00:25:24.700 many had 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.720 watched walk 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:26.319 out of the 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:27.180 tomb, and 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:28.140 many Pharisees 00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:28.559 and others 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.339 still did not 00:25:29.339 --> 00:25:29.860 believe in 00:25:29.860 --> 00:25:30.559 Jesus, right? 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:32.839 In our 00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:33.299 day, we 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:34.539 have now the 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:35.559 testimony of 00:25:35.559 --> 00:25:36.160 the risen 00:25:36.160 --> 00:25:38.000 Jesus Himself, 00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:39.539 the eyewitness 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:40.400 accounts of 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:41.539 many who saw 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:42.480 Him, and the 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:43.180 evidence of 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.220 His resurrection 00:25:44.220 --> 00:25:45.539 power in this 00:25:45.539 --> 00:25:46.259 world and 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.160 through His 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:47.860 church, and 00:25:47.860 --> 00:25:49.539 still many of 00:25:49.539 --> 00:25:51.339 us don't 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:51.880 believe. 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:54.539 The rich man 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.359 knows what's 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:56.019 needed. 00:25:58.099 --> 00:25:58.659 Repentance. 00:25:59.639 --> 00:26:00.379 He identifies 00:26:00.379 --> 00:26:00.839 it really 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:01.139 clearly. 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:01.859 He sees it 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:02.700 clearly on 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.940 this side of 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:04.480 eternity. 00:26:04.980 --> 00:26:06.000 Verse 30 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:06.920 says it this 00:26:06.920 --> 00:26:07.220 way, 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:09.119 No, 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:09.980 Father Abraham, 00:26:10.399 --> 00:26:10.740 but if 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.720 someone goes 00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:12.579 to them from 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:13.539 the dead, 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:15.039 they will 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:16.019 repent. 00:26:17.220 --> 00:26:17.839 That's what 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.879 they need. 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:19.859 They need 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:20.579 repentance. 00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:22.039 We need our 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:23.379 hearts exposed 00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:24.400 by God's 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:25.180 law so that 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:25.940 we see we 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:26.680 fall short 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:27.080 of His 00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:27.540 glory. 00:26:28.540 --> 00:26:29.200 We need 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:29.680 then, when 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:30.720 that happens, 00:26:31.060 --> 00:26:31.580 we need 00:26:31.580 --> 00:26:32.280 then not to 00:26:32.280 --> 00:26:33.420 lower or 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.240 relax the 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:34.920 standard so 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.460 we can meet 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:35.620 it. 00:26:36.260 --> 00:26:36.740 That's maybe 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.060 what the 00:26:37.060 --> 00:26:37.740 Pharisees were 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:38.580 suggesting, that 00:26:38.580 --> 00:26:38.880 they could 00:26:38.880 --> 00:26:39.540 measure up to 00:26:39.540 --> 00:26:40.040 God's law. 00:26:40.340 --> 00:26:41.020 What we need 00:26:41.020 --> 00:26:41.500 is for the 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.240 standard to be 00:26:42.240 --> 00:26:43.440 kept high and 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:43.900 us to be 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.880 exposed as 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:45.820 falling short 00:26:45.820 --> 00:26:46.860 so that we 00:26:46.860 --> 00:26:48.200 turn to 00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:48.840 God. 00:26:50.420 --> 00:26:51.180 Cry out for 00:26:51.180 --> 00:26:52.820 His rescue. 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:54.440 Ask Him to 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.360 give us His 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:56.220 heart to 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.220 follow His 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:57.660 word. 00:26:59.460 --> 00:26:59.960 And if we 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.740 take eternity 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:02.160 seriously, and 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:04.840 we must, if 00:27:04.840 --> 00:27:05.680 we take God's 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:07.140 word seriously, 00:27:07.580 --> 00:27:08.620 Moses and the 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:09.440 prophets will 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:10.480 tell us we 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:11.519 must take 00:27:11.519 --> 00:27:12.080 repentance 00:27:12.080 --> 00:27:13.799 seriously. 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.480 The point 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:17.120 here is much 00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:17.779 broader than 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.640 rich and poor, 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:19.360 isn't it? 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:22.119 it's getting 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:22.419 at our 00:27:22.419 --> 00:27:22.939 hearts. 00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:23.779 But that's 00:27:23.779 --> 00:27:24.379 the window, 00:27:24.619 --> 00:27:25.319 the primary 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:26.079 one here, 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:27.199 that Jesus is 00:27:27.199 --> 00:27:28.079 using into the 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:28.759 Pharisees' 00:27:29.219 --> 00:27:29.459 hearts. 00:27:29.699 --> 00:27:30.079 I've been 00:27:30.079 --> 00:27:31.339 convicted this 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:31.839 week, it's 00:27:31.839 --> 00:27:32.539 one we don't 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:33.019 look through 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.779 enough at our 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.439 own hearts. 00:27:35.719 --> 00:27:36.419 We're used to 00:27:36.419 --> 00:27:36.599 it. 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:38.319 We're comfortable. 00:27:40.259 --> 00:27:41.159 We need to 00:27:41.159 --> 00:27:41.819 have our own 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:42.679 hearts exposed 00:27:42.679 --> 00:27:43.579 by God's 00:27:43.579 --> 00:27:44.699 law so that 00:27:44.699 --> 00:27:45.939 we turn to 00:27:45.939 --> 00:27:47.419 Him in 00:27:47.419 --> 00:27:47.899 repentance. 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:49.040 So as we 00:27:49.040 --> 00:27:49.780 close, just a 00:27:49.780 --> 00:27:50.519 chance for us 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:51.380 to take all 00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:52.120 three of these 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:53.140 things seriously 00:27:53.140 --> 00:27:54.380 this morning. 00:27:54.640 --> 00:27:55.000 I'm just going 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.420 to give you a 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:55.820 sampling. 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:57.920 A lot more 00:27:57.920 --> 00:27:58.640 verses we could 00:27:58.640 --> 00:27:58.940 read. 00:27:59.040 --> 00:27:59.500 But starting 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.340 with Moses and 00:28:00.340 --> 00:28:01.019 the prophets, 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:01.360 I'm going to 00:28:01.360 --> 00:28:02.480 include Proverbs, 00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:03.360 a book of 00:28:03.360 --> 00:28:04.060 wisdom for 00:28:04.060 --> 00:28:04.620 living in 00:28:04.620 --> 00:28:05.620 relationship with 00:28:05.620 --> 00:28:06.040 God. 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:06.900 These are 00:28:06.900 --> 00:28:07.480 things the 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.460 Pharisees had 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:09.460 been told that 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:10.740 we have as 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.180 well. 00:28:11.540 --> 00:28:12.759 Leviticus 19, 00:28:13.280 --> 00:28:13.840 you shall not 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:14.280 strip your 00:28:14.280 --> 00:28:14.920 vineyard bare, 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:15.740 neither shall 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.480 you gather the 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.440 fallen grapes of 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:17.960 your vineyard. 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:18.900 You shall leave 00:28:18.900 --> 00:28:19.400 them for the 00:28:19.400 --> 00:28:19.960 poor and for 00:28:19.960 --> 00:28:20.700 the sojourner. 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:21.460 I am the 00:28:21.460 --> 00:28:22.319 Lord your God. 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:23.920 In Deuteronomy, 00:28:24.140 --> 00:28:25.099 if among you one 00:28:25.099 --> 00:28:25.680 of your brothers 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:26.319 should become 00:28:26.319 --> 00:28:27.380 poor, you shall 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:28.120 not harden your 00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:28.779 heart or shut 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.480 your hand against 00:28:29.480 --> 00:28:29.940 your poor 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:31.099 brother, but you 00:28:31.099 --> 00:28:31.759 shall open your 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.420 hand to him and 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:33.420 lend him sufficient 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:34.339 for his need, 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:35.059 whatever it may 00:28:35.059 --> 00:28:35.380 be. 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:36.799 You shall give to 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.620 him freely and 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:38.299 your heart shall 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:39.200 not be grudging 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:39.960 when you give to 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.220 him. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.539 Because for this 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:41.980 the Lord your 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.579 God will bless 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.160 you in all your 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:43.900 work and all you 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:44.319 undertake. 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:45.240 For there will 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:46.279 never cease to be 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:47.119 poor in the land. 00:28:47.639 --> 00:28:48.639 Therefore I command 00:28:48.639 --> 00:28:49.899 you, you shall open 00:28:49.899 --> 00:28:51.159 wide your hand to 00:28:51.159 --> 00:28:52.240 your brother, to the 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:53.200 needy and to the 00:28:53.200 --> 00:28:54.819 poor in your land. 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:57.059 The prophets are 00:28:57.059 --> 00:28:58.039 constantly calling 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.539 God's people back to 00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.319 God's heart and his 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:01.000 law, aren't they? 00:29:01.679 --> 00:29:02.399 Just a couple of 00:29:02.399 --> 00:29:02.500 them. 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.359 Isaiah 58, 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.119 Is not this the 00:29:04.119 --> 00:29:05.200 fast which I choose 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.500 to loosen the bonds 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:07.679 of wickedness, to 00:29:07.679 --> 00:29:08.659 undo the bands of 00:29:08.659 --> 00:29:09.519 the yoke, to let the 00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:10.720 oppressed go free and 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.679 break every yoke? 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:13.099 Is it not to divide 00:29:13.099 --> 00:29:13.980 your bread with the 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:15.240 hungry and bring 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:16.099 the homeless poor 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:16.879 into the house? 00:29:17.159 --> 00:29:17.899 When you see the 00:29:17.899 --> 00:29:18.859 naked to cover him 00:29:18.859 --> 00:29:19.599 and not to hide 00:29:19.599 --> 00:29:20.439 yourself from your 00:29:20.439 --> 00:29:21.179 own flesh? 00:29:22.179 --> 00:29:23.500 Amos chapter 5, 00:29:25.199 --> 00:29:26.119 Therefore because you 00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:27.219 trample on the poor 00:29:27.219 --> 00:29:28.459 and you exact taxes 00:29:28.459 --> 00:29:29.599 of grain from him, 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:30.959 you have built houses 00:29:30.959 --> 00:29:32.899 of hewn stone, but 00:29:32.899 --> 00:29:33.740 you shall not dwell 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.159 in them. 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:35.359 You've planted 00:29:35.359 --> 00:29:37.279 pleasant vineyards, but 00:29:37.279 --> 00:29:38.119 you shall not drink 00:29:38.119 --> 00:29:38.779 their wine. 00:29:39.839 --> 00:29:41.279 But let justice roll 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:42.480 down like waters, 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:43.940 and righteousness 00:29:43.940 --> 00:29:45.299 like an ever-flowing 00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:46.339 stream. 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:48.559 Zechariah 7, 00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:49.980 Thus has the Lord 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.900 of hosts said, 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:52.440 Dispense true justice 00:29:52.440 --> 00:29:53.500 and practice kindness 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.700 and compassion each 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:55.880 to his brother, and 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:56.759 do not oppress the 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:57.640 widow or the orphan, 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:58.720 the stranger or the 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.079 poor. 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:00.519 Do not devise evil in 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.460 your heart against one 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:01.799 another. 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:04.579 Proverbs says it 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:06.579 shorter and clearer 00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.700 perhaps for some of 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:07.839 us. 00:30:07.900 --> 00:30:08.920 Whoever despises his 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:09.799 neighbor is a sinner, 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:11.180 but blessed is he who 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:12.019 is generous to the 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:12.279 poor. 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.559 Whoever oppresses a 00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:15.779 poor man insults his 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:17.079 maker, but he who is 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:18.220 generous to the needy 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:19.059 honors him. 00:30:20.139 --> 00:30:21.359 Whoever closes his 00:30:21.359 --> 00:30:22.599 ear to the cry of the 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:24.819 poor will himself call 00:30:24.819 --> 00:30:26.379 out and not be 00:30:26.379 --> 00:30:26.740 answered. 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.660 We could keep reading 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:28.220 all day. 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:30.079 I think you understand 00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:31.079 what God's word is 00:30:31.079 --> 00:30:31.519 saying. 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:34.379 Whoever despises his 00:30:34.379 --> 00:30:35.339 neighbor is a sinner, 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.639 but blessed is he who's 00:30:36.639 --> 00:30:37.579 generous to the poor. 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:39.619 Whoever closes his 00:30:39.619 --> 00:30:41.160 ear to the cry of the 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:42.940 poor will himself call 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.680 out and not be 00:30:43.680 --> 00:30:44.100 answered. 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:46.180 The rich man experienced 00:30:46.180 --> 00:30:47.160 that the hard way, 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:47.460 didn't he? 00:30:49.540 --> 00:30:51.180 Jesus affirms all of 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:51.860 these laws. 00:30:52.700 --> 00:30:53.900 Not one will pass away, 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:54.240 right? 00:30:54.800 --> 00:30:56.960 And he adds to them, 00:30:57.360 --> 00:30:58.700 Luke 14, when you give 00:30:58.700 --> 00:31:00.279 a feast, invite the poor, 00:31:00.380 --> 00:31:01.740 the crippled, the lame, 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:02.680 the blind. 00:31:04.140 --> 00:31:06.420 James chapter 2, we get a 00:31:06.420 --> 00:31:08.580 good look at our hearts. 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:09.940 My brothers, show no 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:11.180 partiality as you hold 00:31:11.180 --> 00:31:12.100 the faith in our Lord 00:31:12.100 --> 00:31:13.240 Jesus Christ, the Lord 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:13.800 of glory. 00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:15.539 Imagine this, if a man 00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:16.640 wearing a gold ring and 00:31:16.640 --> 00:31:17.980 fine clothing comes into 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:19.519 your assembly and a poor 00:31:19.519 --> 00:31:20.640 man in shabby clothing 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:22.340 also comes in, and if you 00:31:22.340 --> 00:31:23.320 pay attention to the one 00:31:23.320 --> 00:31:24.080 who wears the fine 00:31:24.080 --> 00:31:25.500 clothing and say, you sit 00:31:25.500 --> 00:31:26.480 here in a good place, 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:27.640 while you say to the 00:31:27.640 --> 00:31:28.660 poor man, you stand over 00:31:28.660 --> 00:31:29.779 there or sit down at my 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:31.240 feet, have you not then 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:32.480 made distinctions among 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:33.500 yourselves and become 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:35.559 judges with evil thoughts? 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:37.559 Listen, my beloved 00:31:37.559 --> 00:31:39.200 brothers, has not God 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:40.380 chosen those who are 00:31:40.380 --> 00:31:42.400 poor in the world to be 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:44.799 rich in faith and heirs 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.480 of the kingdom? 00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:46.420 He could have said, 00:31:46.660 --> 00:31:47.740 hasn't God decided to 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:48.819 bring the poor to 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:50.519 Abraham's side in heaven? 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:53.240 But you've dishonored 00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:54.019 the poor man. 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:56.180 So he challenges us 00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:57.200 later in that chapter, 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.180 if a brother or sister 00:31:58.180 --> 00:31:59.519 is poorly clothed and 00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:00.740 lacking in daily food, 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:02.039 and one of you says to 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:03.000 them, go in peace, be 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:04.380 warmed and filled without 00:32:04.380 --> 00:32:05.359 giving them the things 00:32:05.359 --> 00:32:06.299 needed for the body, 00:32:06.380 --> 00:32:07.240 what good is that? 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:09.380 So also faith by itself, 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:10.460 if it does not have 00:32:10.460 --> 00:32:12.200 works, is dead. 00:32:13.799 --> 00:32:15.819 1 John 3, if anyone has 00:32:15.819 --> 00:32:18.359 the world's goods and sees 00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:19.640 his brother in need, yet 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:21.160 closes his heart against 00:32:21.160 --> 00:32:23.779 him, how does God's love 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:26.079 abide in him? 00:32:29.779 --> 00:32:30.980 Does the law of God 00:32:30.980 --> 00:32:32.220 convict your heart? 00:32:34.860 --> 00:32:36.660 Do our lives indicate 00:32:36.660 --> 00:32:39.019 that we embrace God's 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:40.900 law and share his heart 00:32:40.900 --> 00:32:41.660 for the poor, or would 00:32:41.660 --> 00:32:42.559 we just like to think we 00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:42.740 do? 00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:45.559 Do we really believe that 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:47.980 Jesus is good news of 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:50.220 great joy for all people, 00:32:51.360 --> 00:32:52.400 even those who look 00:32:52.400 --> 00:32:53.539 different from us? 00:32:53.539 --> 00:32:57.460 By the way, don't just 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:59.920 tell yourself, I don't 00:32:59.920 --> 00:33:00.839 know any poor people, 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:01.839 there aren't any right 00:33:01.839 --> 00:33:03.200 outside my front door 00:33:03.200 --> 00:33:05.200 like the rich man had. 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:08.500 You know, the closest 00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:09.700 elementary school to this 00:33:09.700 --> 00:33:13.200 church has 72% of its 00:33:13.200 --> 00:33:14.680 students below the poverty 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:16.200 line for free lunch. 00:33:17.839 --> 00:33:18.899 There's been a homeless 00:33:18.899 --> 00:33:20.039 camp within walking 00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:21.379 distance of this church 00:33:21.379 --> 00:33:22.879 property for several years. 00:33:23.539 --> 00:33:25.700 South Huntsville alone 00:33:25.700 --> 00:33:27.059 has three separate 00:33:27.059 --> 00:33:28.639 Section 8 housing 00:33:28.639 --> 00:33:29.259 complexes. 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:32.420 Madison County alone 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:33.539 currently needs an 00:33:33.539 --> 00:33:35.159 additional 50 foster 00:33:35.159 --> 00:33:36.899 families to care for 00:33:36.899 --> 00:33:38.720 kids they need to place. 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:40.960 There are people working 00:33:40.960 --> 00:33:42.220 in each of our offices, 00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:44.839 on our streets, and just 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:46.599 about every place we go 00:33:46.599 --> 00:33:50.159 to eat or shop, who know 00:33:50.159 --> 00:33:52.039 material need deeply. 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:55.339 If you want help engaging 00:33:55.339 --> 00:33:58.740 there with God's heart, if 00:33:58.740 --> 00:34:00.000 you don't really know where 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:01.180 to start but your heart 00:34:01.180 --> 00:34:03.440 wants to, talk with Robert 00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:03.899 Blevins. 00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:05.099 He's sitting over here. 00:34:05.960 --> 00:34:07.899 He's here on staff, not 00:34:07.899 --> 00:34:08.860 because he's got all the 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:09.960 answers, but he's here to 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:13.000 help equip us to love as 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:14.099 God has called us to. 00:34:14.259 --> 00:34:15.500 He would love to sit down and 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:17.340 have coffee, I mean tea, he 00:34:17.340 --> 00:34:17.820 doesn't drink coffee. 00:34:17.820 --> 00:34:19.640 He'd love to have tea with 00:34:19.640 --> 00:34:21.200 you, to meet with your 00:34:21.200 --> 00:34:23.580 small group, to talk with 00:34:23.580 --> 00:34:24.200 you about what this could 00:34:24.200 --> 00:34:25.800 look like in your life. 00:34:27.440 --> 00:34:29.100 But this is really important. 00:34:30.720 --> 00:34:33.100 Don't leave here thinking 00:34:33.100 --> 00:34:35.200 that that is repentance. 00:34:36.660 --> 00:34:39.440 That may be fruit of 00:34:39.440 --> 00:34:41.680 repentance in your life. 00:34:42.320 --> 00:34:43.860 Repentance, remember 00:34:43.860 --> 00:34:45.840 repentance turns first where? 00:34:45.840 --> 00:34:49.660 From bad deeds and failures to 00:34:49.660 --> 00:34:51.160 good deeds and successes? 00:34:52.900 --> 00:34:54.960 Repentance turns first to God. 00:34:56.059 --> 00:34:57.740 Turns back to Him and seeks 00:34:57.740 --> 00:35:00.640 His forgiveness first. 00:35:01.140 --> 00:35:02.539 And then His heart. 00:35:04.660 --> 00:35:05.460 Do you know there's only one 00:35:05.460 --> 00:35:06.660 character in all of Jesus' 00:35:06.860 --> 00:35:07.960 parables who gets a name? 00:35:07.960 --> 00:35:08.960 Lazarus. 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:09.360 Lazarus. 00:35:10.300 --> 00:35:10.460 Lazarus. 00:35:10.460 --> 00:35:11.260 Lazarus. 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:14.820 The poor homeless beggar. 00:35:16.039 --> 00:35:17.380 You know what Lazarus means? 00:35:18.699 --> 00:35:20.260 God helps. 00:35:22.320 --> 00:35:23.920 Don't leave here today with 00:35:23.920 --> 00:35:25.380 your hope in doing better. 00:35:26.659 --> 00:35:28.260 That's not what will save you. 00:35:29.300 --> 00:35:31.019 You'll need a new heart for 00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:32.340 that and you can't do that 00:35:32.340 --> 00:35:33.280 for yourself. 00:35:33.800 --> 00:35:36.159 Our hope is that God 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:37.279 helps. 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:39.679 That God sends a Savior. 00:35:40.460 --> 00:35:41.879 And we get to celebrate that 00:35:41.879 --> 00:35:43.379 in a special way this week. 00:35:43.639 --> 00:35:45.639 A Savior who lives for us, 00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:47.579 who dies to offer us 00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:49.619 forgiveness of our sins 00:35:49.619 --> 00:35:51.000 for all of our failures 00:35:51.000 --> 00:35:53.139 so they can be forgiven forever. 00:35:53.659 --> 00:35:55.519 And then He rises from the dead 00:35:55.519 --> 00:35:56.859 to give us new life 00:35:56.859 --> 00:35:59.239 and the hope of having new hearts 00:35:59.239 --> 00:36:01.259 that love like God's. 00:36:01.260 --> 00:36:03.660 that's what His resurrection power 00:36:03.660 --> 00:36:04.800 does in those who 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:06.660 trust Him. 00:36:07.940 --> 00:36:09.840 Today if you hear His voice, 00:36:10.320 --> 00:36:12.180 don't harden your hearts 00:36:12.180 --> 00:36:14.280 but have your heart broken 00:36:14.280 --> 00:36:16.240 and turn to Him 00:36:16.240 --> 00:36:18.080 and have it healed 00:36:18.080 --> 00:36:19.540 forever. 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:21.500 Let's pray. 00:36:21.500 --> 00:36:28.019 Father, we confess together 00:36:28.019 --> 00:36:31.940 our great sin, 00:36:32.880 --> 00:36:33.679 our failures. 00:36:34.019 --> 00:36:35.039 Your law, 00:36:35.219 --> 00:36:36.420 one verse is enough 00:36:36.420 --> 00:36:38.199 to expose our hearts. 00:36:39.800 --> 00:36:42.059 To show us that we don't 00:36:42.059 --> 00:36:43.599 live and love 00:36:43.599 --> 00:36:45.199 as you have called us to. 00:36:46.619 --> 00:36:47.360 And so Father, 00:36:47.539 --> 00:36:48.500 first we ask 00:36:48.500 --> 00:36:50.000 for your forgiveness. 00:36:51.480 --> 00:36:52.920 We need the blood of Jesus 00:36:52.920 --> 00:36:54.579 to cover us, 00:36:55.019 --> 00:36:56.000 not our own efforts. 00:36:57.460 --> 00:36:58.400 And then Father, 00:36:58.579 --> 00:36:59.519 as it does, 00:36:59.960 --> 00:37:01.239 as we continue to drink 00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:02.760 deeply of His grace, 00:37:03.079 --> 00:37:03.940 might you make us 00:37:03.940 --> 00:37:04.559 a community 00:37:04.559 --> 00:37:07.780 that loves the way you love, 00:37:08.199 --> 00:37:10.159 that reflects your heart 00:37:10.159 --> 00:37:13.079 rather than just the way we feel 00:37:13.079 --> 00:37:14.400 or the world around us. 00:37:16.000 --> 00:37:17.099 Might we love 00:37:17.099 --> 00:37:18.480 so that others know 00:37:18.480 --> 00:37:19.159 of a God 00:37:19.159 --> 00:37:21.079 who loves like this 00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:22.880 so richly, 00:37:23.019 --> 00:37:23.599 so deeply, 00:37:23.960 --> 00:37:25.360 so eternally. 00:37:27.980 --> 00:37:29.119 Thank you for your word. 00:37:30.000 --> 00:37:31.239 Would you use it in our hearts 00:37:31.239 --> 00:37:33.119 for the sake of your glory 00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:33.980 in Jesus' name. 00:37:34.440 --> 00:37:34.679 Amen. 00:37:38.679 --> 00:37:39.779 For more information, 00:37:40.159 --> 00:37:41.079 visit us online 00:37:41.079 --> 00:37:42.380 at southwood.org. 00:37:47.099 --> 00:37:48.299 for more information, 00:37:48.659 --> 00:37:48.920 we'll find out 00:37:48.960 --> 00:37:49.019 in Jesus' name. 00:37:49.119 --> 00:37:49.500 Thank you. 00:37:50.619 --> 00:37:51.079 For more information, 00:37:51.279 --> 00:37:51.819 we'll find out 00:37:51.819 --> 00:37:52.179 in Jesus' name. 00:37:52.440 --> 00:37:53.119 In Jesus' name, 00:37:53.199 --> 00:37:54.360 in Jesus' name. 00:37:54.440 --> 00:37:54.579 예요. 00:37:54.679 --> 00:37:54.900 earth. 00:37:55.380 --> 00:37:56.679 giveaway there. 00:37:58.759 --> 00:37:59.339 You know, 00:38:00.039 --> 00:38:00.099 and the yes, 00:38:00.480 --> 00:38:01.779 when you put them there, 00:38:01.819 --> 00:38:02.000 and I'll be living there.. 00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:03.079 You know, 00:38:04.119 --> 00:38:09.139 I'll be there too. 00:38:09.239 --> 00:38:09.739 in Jesus' name. 00:38:09.839 --> 00:38:11.119 In Jesus' name. 00:38:11.619 --> 00:38:12.500 I love it. 00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:15.059 How is it?