Luke 16:19-25, 26-31

Is the doctrine of Hell unloving or unjust?
If God is good, why would He allow Hell to exist in the first place?

“But this man fails to see even in hell that his unbelief brought him to hell. He does not repent of that unbelief.  He invents a new means of grace for his brothers, one that God should have applied also in his case but did not apply. His plea for his brothers is a covert accusation of God who could have prevented his arriving in hell by a simple means but failed to use that means. If the rich man had been warned as he now proposed to have his brothers warned, he would not be in this place of torment.  Yes, he is more concerned about his brothers than God is, knows better than God how to save them, and blames God for his terrible fate.” – Lenski

There are only two kinds of people in the end:  those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in Hell, choose it.  Without that self-choice there could be no Hell.  – C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

 

Luke 16:1-7, 8-10, 11-15

The heart of giving is knowing what God has given to you.

Luke 15:1-2

Luke 15:3-7

You are never too far to draw near to God’s forgiveness.

Luke 15:8-10

What would it look like if we rejoiced as much as heaven rejoiced?

Philippians 3:12-17, 18-21

If you don’t step up, you will fall back.

How do we step up?

Belong, Become, Beyond

James 2:14-20, 21-26

Galatians 2:15-16

Ephesians 2:8-10

1. We are judgmental.
2. They know what we are AGAINST not what we are FOR.
3. We care more about appearing righteous than doing what’s right.

1. Our hearts don’t break for the things that break God’s heart.
2. We look apathetic.
3. We look like the world except for one hour on Sunday morning.

The Solution

Ephesians 4:25-29, 30-32

You have to think big to make small major changes.

“How can I reframe why what I’m doing matters?”

Luke 6:1-5, 6-11

If you don’t set your priorities, the world will prioritize for you.

 

Luke 12:22-28, 29-34

Fear focuses you on the future while pilfering the present moment.

Money… what every person wants to hear a pastor talk about

Ecclesiastes 2:17-23

Finding your worth in work leaves you worthless.

Genesis 3:17-19

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Finding NO worth in work leaves you feeling worthless.

Matthew 11:28-30

Luke 11:1-7, 8-13

Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread,

and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And lead us not into temptation.”

He hears
Draw near