Why All The Fuss About Eternity?

19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

A- Life’s pathways are uncertain.

1- The rich man

2- Lazarus

B- Life’s circumstances are uncertain.

1- We cannot even know what tomorrow will bring.

(Proverbs 27:1)

Proverbs 27:1 NLT

1 Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

(James 4:14)

James 4:14 NLT

14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

II- BECAUSE OF DEATH’S CERTAINTY (LUKE 16:22)

Luke 16:22 NLT

22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried,

A- Death comes to everyone, But it is timing is unpredictable.

(Romans 5:12)

Romans 5:12 NLT

12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

(Ecclesiastes 3:2)

Ecclesiastes 3:2 NLT

2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

*example of the rich fool

(Luke 12:20)

Luke 12:20 NLT

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

B- our appointment with death includes judgment.

(Hebrews 9:27)

Hebrews 9:27 NLT

27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,

(Romans 6:23)

Romans 6:23 NLT

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

IV-BECAUSE THERE ARE ONLY TWO DESTINIES FOR ALL MEN (LUKE 16:23 – 24)

Luke 16:23–24 NLT

23 and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. 24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

A- Heaven for those who are saved.

(Matthew 25:21)

Matthew 25:21 NLT

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

( John 3:15)

John 3:15 NLT

15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

(Revelation 21:1 – 5)

Revelation 21:1–5 NLT

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

B- Hell for the unsaved

(text)

(Matthew 5:22)

Matthew 5:22 NLT

22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

III-BECAUSE THIS LIFE’S DECISION BESIDES ETERNITY (LUKE 16:25 – 31)

Luke 16:25–31 NLT

25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’ 27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ 30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ 31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

A- The decision rests with the individual person.

(Luke 16:25, 28 – 31)

Luke 16:25 NLT

25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.

Luke 16:28–31 NLT

28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ 30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ 31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

(Isaiah 1:18)

Isaiah 1:18 NLT

18 “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

(John 6:37)

John 6:37 NLT

37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.

B- all of heaven wants you to be saved.

(Luke 15:7)

Luke 15:7 NLT

7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!