When Your Money Can’t Buy You a Better View! Suddenly, that country club membership doesn’t seem so important.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey everyone, so glad to see you all here today! We’ve got an important message to unpack from the Gospel of Luke, one that really challenges us to examine our hearts and our priorities. I’m excited to dive in with you!
Here are a few quick announcements:
- This Week: We’re collecting donations for the local homeless shelter. Let’s show God’s love in a practical way by providing much-needed supplies.
- Next Month: Our church is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a family in need. Sign up sheets are in the lobby!
- Reminder: Don’t forget to invite a friend to our upcoming guest speaker event. It’s a great opportunity to share the Gospel with someone who might be seeking answers.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s turn our hearts and minds to God as we consider the words of Luke 16:25: “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.'”
Let’s reflect on this truth together:
Leader: Do we remember those who suffer?
Congregation: We remember and seek to serve.
Leader: Do we use our blessings to bless others?
Congregation: We strive to be generous and compassionate.
Leader: Then let us worship God with a spirit of humility and service!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we come before you today with open hearts and a desire to learn from your Word. Help us to understand the message of Luke 16:19-31, and to apply it to our lives. Give us compassion for those who are less fortunate, and empower us to use our blessings to make a difference in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise and worship! We’re going to sing a few songs that will help us focus on God’s love, grace, and mercy. Whether you prefer contemporary worship or classic hymns, let’s join together as one voice to adore our King!
(Congregational singing, led by a worship team or choir)
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’re going to be looking at Luke 16:19-31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus. This parable is a powerful reminder that our choices in this life have eternal consequences. It challenges us to consider how we are using our resources and how we are treating those in need.
The events in this passage are stark. We see a wealthy man living in luxury, oblivious to the suffering of a beggar named Lazarus at his gate. After both die, their positions are reversed in the afterlife. The rich man, in torment, pleads for relief and then asks for Lazarus to warn his brothers, but Abraham explains that they have already been given the means to avoid such a fate.
Let’s read together and see what God has to say to us today.
Luke 16:19-31 (NIV)
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a large chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let’s come before God now in prayer, asking for his guidance and help as we seek to live out these truths.
Intercessory Prayer:
Father, we thank you for this powerful parable that challenges us to examine our hearts. We pray for those who are living in comfort and ease, that they would not become blind to the needs of those around them. Give us eyes to see the suffering in the world, and hearts that are moved to compassion. Help us to be generous and willing to share what we have, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences.
Congregational Prayer Response:
Lord, help us to live lives of compassion and service, so that we may inherit eternal life with you. Amen.
Section 7. Offering
Now, as we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let’s remember that this is an act of worship. It’s a way of saying thank you to God for all that he has given us. It’s also a way of supporting the work of the church, so that we can continue to share the good news of Jesus with the world and care for those in need.
Let’s pray:
Gracious God, we thank you for the opportunity to give back a portion of what you have so generously given to us. Bless these offerings, Lord, and use them to advance your kingdom and to meet the needs of those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Now, let’s enjoy a special song that will lift our hearts and minds even higher.
- (Special music performance)
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Section 9. Free Bible Study!
Unlock Eternal Perspective:
Are You Living Like There’s a Heaven and Hell? (Luke 16:19-31)
“What if everything you thought you knew about wealth and poverty was wrong? Discover the shocking truth hidden in one of Jesus’ most challenging stories.”
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a dear friend, a newspaper editor who was nearing the end of his life. He purchased the local newspaper and had spent his years building a successful business, accumulating wealth, and enjoying the finer things in life. But as he reflected on his journey, he confessed that he had regrets.
“Preacher,” he said, “I spent so much digging deep to find the truth, and so much of my time was spent on chasing after success that I missed out on what truly mattered. I neglected my family, my patient wife and wonderfully understanding children. I ignored the needs of those around me, even in my very office and newsrooms. When I came to church I couldn’t wait for it to end so I could write my next editorial that had nothing to do with your sermon. With all my money the only thing I can’t buy is time. I now regret never really stopping to consider my eternal destiny, no I can truthfully say not once.”
His words shook me to the core. It reminded me that our time on earth is limited and that our choices have eternal consequences. It also reminded me of the powerful message of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
This week, I want to invite you to join me on a journey to explore this parable and to discover how we can live with an eternal perspective, making choices that will impact not just our earthly lives but our eternal destiny.
As you’ve seen, every word in this message is crafted with a heart full of love for God and a deep desire to inspire His people. You’ve already experienced my heartfelt welcome, reflecting the warmth and sincerity I bring to every message. The Expository Outline breaks down God’s Word with understanding, clarity, and purpose.
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Section 14. Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
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