Scripture: Luke 16:19-31.  J.B. page 1592.

If you can today, read page 1593.  It is shaded gray and helps explain the reality of heaven and hell.

Observation.  Jesus tells a story about a rich man who enjoyed the finer things in life, and Lazarus (not the same one who was raised from the dead), who was a poor man.  Lazarus was so stinkin’ poor he wanted to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table.  He was covered with sores that the dog licked.

Both died.  The rich man went to hell and Lazarus went to heaven – where he was by Abraham’s side (Abraham is read about in Genesis, the first book in the Bible).

The rich man wanted relief in hell, where he was separated from God and was paying the penalty for his sin.  And he asked Abraham to send someone to warn the rich man’s household so they would repent and believe in Jesus.

Application.  HEAVEN AND HELL ARE REAL.  Hell is reserved for those who do not trust Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.  Heaven is with Jesus.  The best thing about eternal life is being with Jesus.  The rich man, had not trusted Jesus.

Jesus is the ONLY way to God and heaven (John 14:6).  He does not want anyone to die without trusting in Him.  He knows if they do they will go to hell, a real place.  The Gospel says that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord before they die will be saved (Acts 2:21).  Jesus is our salvation.  Trust Him.  That is why He came to be born in a manger, to rescue you from sin and death.

Prayer.  Jesus, thank You for dying in my place on the cross.  You took my punishment for my sin so I could spend eternity with You.  Help me to tell others so they can put their trust in You.