Things In
Hell
Needed In The Church
Read Luke 16:19-31. This is the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man arrives in TARTARUS, the man, Lazarus, in Abraham's bosom. There are passionate pleas made by the rich man to Abraham. Let us notice:
1. THERE WAS A WILLINGNESS TO ADMIT MISTAKE. Man is a proud being. To admit defeat or error is taboo. The rich man did not argue with Abraham over an injustice in being sent to Tartarus. This he accepted. He knew he had wasted and ruined his life. He wanted others to be warned lest they make the same mistake. How much more wonderful the church would be if all would renounce pride and bigotry and admit their mistakes.
2. A RECOGNITION OF TRUTH. In verses 27, 28 the rich man wanted Lazarus to go testify unto his brethren - who were making the same mistake as he. He now believes in and sees the need of beautiful truth. "Go preach to my lost brethren." "Testify."
3. FERVENT PRAYER. "Have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame." That's prayer. Not from habit, duty, legalism - a heart pleading prayer. How long since you prayed or heard a prayer like that? What would the church be doing if all were praying like this?
4. PERSONAL CONCERN FOR THE LOST. "I have five brethren - tell them not to come here." A soul winner is hell - how incongruous! Very few soul winners in the church - how pathetic. Are you concerned with the lost? Is your own family lost? Your parents, wife, husband, children? How tragic! The soul we lose will be closest to us.
The rich man was too late with too little. You have time, the gospel and opportunity. Make the most of all of it.
Author Unknown