Scripture Reference: Luke 16:19-31
Preached at Mount Zion Baptist Church on November 18, 2018
Delivered by Rev. John Daniel Johnson
Introduction
Hell is the forgotten doctrine. Go to you neighborhood Christian book store and ask for the commentary and theology section. After walking by all the "Jesus Junk" (pictures, jewelry, trinkets, ect), the Christian novels, the latest top ten in Christian best sellers, the myriad of Bible translations, the latest music CD’s, and the "how to build you church like I did it" book section; you finally arrive at a small section in the back of the store containing a few Bible commentaries and Theology books. Now let’s see, where is the "Hell" section. The store manager tells you to try the Jehovah Witness bookstore down the street. They might have a larger section.
Seriously, when was the last time you heard a sermon on "Hell". Did you know that the Bible talks more about Hell than it does about Heaven. Did you know that Jesus preached about it. Our text for today was part of a message by our Lord. I make a habit of preaching at least one message a year on Hell. Why because what you believe about this doctrine will affect you entire ministry. If you really believe in Hell, it will change both you and your church.
What every church needs and what every Christian needs is:
I. Reality of Hell- vs. 23
1. We need a vision for the lost. A vision of hell.
"Where there is no vision the people perish"
II. Eye Full of Tears- vs. 24
1. Tears of Compassion
Now is the time to have compassion - Love
2. Tears of Repentance
Now is the time to confess our sin.
3. Tears of Regret
The rich man found out that it was too late.
III. Remembering Our Past Failures & Victories - Vs. 25
The Christian life is a life of decisions. It begins with a decision:
1. To believe
2. To serve God or man
a. the rich man choose "the pleasures of sin for a season."
b. Lazarus choose what really mattered, the things of God
IV. Separation From the Things Not of God- Vs. 26
1. From evil
God is a God of separation. One of the keys to spiritual maturity is that when God reveals truth to you in the Word of God - you obey it.
2. From compromise
Love God but hate sin. Don’t try to love both God and sin.
V. Powerful & Meaningful Prayer- Vs. 27
Here is a man praying for the lost. God works in response to man’s prayers. Man’s prayers for the lost fulfill the plan of God.
VI. The Desire For People to Be Saved - Vs. 27
The rich man in Hell wanted to send out missionaries.
VII. The Desire That No One Would Go to Hell - Vs. 28
We need a concern that people don’t go to this place of torment and anguish called Hell.
1. Hell is a place of remorse and despair when they see the bliss of God
2. Hell is a place of abhorrence of the very evil that they had loved.
3. Hell is a place of eternal desire for freedom.
-----------------------------------
The sermon can be viewed at www.mountzionfamily.com. If you would like the powerpoint or graphics, I'd be happy to send them to you free of charge. Email me at saved2follow@hotmail.com and I'll email them to you.
