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Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, found in Luke 16:19-31, illustrates the consequences of one's actions in life. In the parable, a rich man, dressed in purple and fine linen, lived in luxury every day, while a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores, longed to eat what fell from the rich man's table. After their deaths, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's side, whereas the rich man found himself in Hades, in torment. The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers about their fate, but Abraham responded that they had Moses and the Prophets to guide them. The parable underscores themes of social justice, the afterlife, and the importance of heeding scriptural warnings.
Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, found in Luke 16:19-31, illustrates the consequences of one's actions in life. In the parable, a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen lived in luxury every day, while a beggar named Lazarus, covered in sores, lay at his gate, longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. After both died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's side, whereas the rich man went to Hades, where he was in torment. The rich man, seeing Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side, asked for mercy, requesting that Lazarus dip the tip of his finger in water to cool his tongue. Abraham explained that a great chasm had been fixed between them, preventing any crossing from one side to the other. The rich man then asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers, to which Abraham replied that they had Moses and the Prophets; if they did not listen to them, they would not be convinced even if someone rose from the dead. This parable underscores the themes of wealth, poverty, and the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of compassion and the eternal consequences of one's earthly actions.
Lazarus and the Rich Man
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, found in Luke 16:19-31, serves as a profound teaching tool used by Jesus Christ to convey spiritual truths about judgment and the consequences of one's actions in life. This parable begins with the description of a certain rich man, adorned in purple and fine linen, who feasted sumptuously every day, contrasting sharply with Lazarus, a poor man covered in sores, lying at the rich man's gate, longing for scraps from his table, and so weak that dogs licked his wounds. In the narrative, both men die. Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham's bosom, signifying his acceptance into a place of honor and intimacy in the Kingdom of God at the first resurrection, which occurs at Christ's return. This reflects the timing of the elect being gathered by angels as described in prophecy. The rich man, however, dies and is buried with pomp, yet awakens in anguish, facing the fire of judgment, likely the Lake of Fire, experiencing the terror and emotional suffering of his condemnation. The parable illustrates a great spiritual gulf between Lazarus, who is with Abraham in glory, and the rich man, who is in distress. This gulf represents the unbridgeable divide between eternal life and eternal death, showing that once God's judgment is made, it is final. The rich man, seeing Abraham and Lazarus afar off, cries out for mercy, asking for a drop of water to cool his tongue due to the anguish caused by the flame, but Abraham reminds him of the life he lived in luxury while Lazarus suffered, confirming that their fates are now fixed based on their earthly deeds. Further, the rich man pleads for Lazarus to be sent to warn his five brothers to avoid his fate, not realizing the vast passage of time since his death, likely placing this scene at the end of the White Throne Judgment period. Abraham responds that they have Moses and the prophets to guide them, emphasizing that the Word of God is sufficient for instruction and more persuasive than any miraculous return from the dead. This underscores the parable's message that judgment is based on one's actions during this physical life. Jesus uses this parable to rebuke the Pharisees, highlighting their failure to love and care for the weak and poor, as exemplified by the rich man's neglect of Lazarus. It serves as a stern warning that possessing knowledge of God's Word without living it, particularly in showing love for others, results in condemnation, while those they despise may enter the Kingdom of God.
The Third Resurrection: What Is Its Value?
'Ready Answer' by StaffWhat purpose does the Third Resurrection serve? Is it just so God can punish the incorrigible? Does it play a part in OUR salvation?
Basic Doctrines: The Third Resurrection
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMost of Christianity ignores the third resurrection, but it shows God's ultimate justice and how He will deal with incorrigibly evil people in godly love.
The Immortal Soul and the Plan of God
Sermonette by Craig SablichNominal Christianity is grounded in the belief that man has an immortal soul, a doctrine that contradicts the Bible and the plan of God for mankind.
God's Wrath and Hell
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOblivion, not eternal torment in hell fire, is the merciful end for the wicked. God is both good and severe, but His mercy endures forever.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRighteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Biblical wisdom (sagacity, quickness of perception, soundness of judgment) is achievable by anyone called of God because God is the source of this wisdom.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Ten): Paradox
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 7 contains a paradox: wickedness appears to be rewarded and righteousness seems to bring trouble. We must be careful in how we respond to this.
We Can Make It!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A disciple cannot escape the kind of persecution directed against his teacher. In the wake of this kind of abuse, people can succumb to depression.
Acts (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe witness of the apostles, particularly miraculous healings performed in the name of Jesus Christ, brought them into conflict with the Jewish leaders.
John (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.
We Can Make It!
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)This is the time to make the most of what we have experienced, establishing our spiritual priorities, and reflecting deeply on why we gave ourselves to God.
'Being Seen of Them Forty Days'
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOn the 40th day on the count to Pentecost, Jesus ascended. The details of His activity before His ascension have not received the focus they should.
The House of Annas
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe most powerful Sadducee in the first century was Annas, who was appointed high priest. Accumulating impressive power at an early age, Annas used it well.
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God created angels as ministering spirits to take care of the heirs of salvation. The Bible is filled with examples of angels rescuing God's people from harm.