Discuss Luke 16 Page 5

It's something you need to pray about.

Here are scriptures that will guide you into understanding of how God protects and speaks to His children. May I ask if you have given your heart and life to Jesus? There's a link on this website that will help you to pray: Become a Believer. It's on the entrance page.

Read these:

Luke 16:19-31

Psalm 34:7

Joel 2:28-32

If you need help or new friends, we're here every day.

Mishael

Hi Donna.

I believe God is only sending msgs through his living desciples carrying out his living word.

Take a look at Luke 16:27-31. Especially verse 31.

"Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

( And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, NEITHER WILL THEY BE PERSUADED, THOUGH ONE ROSE FROM THE DEAD.")

There was one that rose from the dead that Moses writings testify of and most don't believe and that's our Lord Jesus Christ.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Philippians 2:4, 1Timothy 5:8, Luke 10:29-37, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7, Matthew 10:36, Matthew 16:24-27, Luke 6, Luke 16:12, Luke 16:15, Luke 16:20-31, John 8:3-12, John 19:26-27,

Ephesians 5:28-29,

Luke 16:18,

2Timothy 3:1-10,

James 1:19-27

Hopefully you will find many of these useful to your situation. I pray the HOLY Spirit teach you & guide you into HIS way.

Hebrews 12:1 continues, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Because of the faith and endurance of believers who went before us, we are inspired to stay the course in our own race of faith. We follow the examples of Abraham and Moses and Rahab and Gideon and etc.

Some people point to the rich man's mention of his brothers in Luke 16:28 as proof that departed souls (in Hades, at least) can see events on earth. However, the passage never says that the rich man could see his brothers; he knew he had brothers, and he knew they were unbelievers. Also, some people use Revelation 6:10 as a proof text: the tribulation martyrs call for God to avenge their deaths. Again, this passage says nothing about the martyrs seeing people on earth; it simply says that they knew they deserved justice and desired the Lord to take action.

The Bible doesn't specifically say that people in heaven cannot look down on us, so we can't be dogmatic. However, it is unlikely that they can. People in heaven are likely preoccupied with other things such as worshiping God and enjoying the glories of heaven.

Whether or not people in heaven can look down and see us, we are not running our race for them. We are not hoping for their approval or listening for their applause. Hebrews 12:2 keeps our focus where it belongs: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Jesus is our blessed hope, no other ( Titus 2:13).

I think it's better to address our hopes and concerns to Jesus. Who ever lives to make intercessions for us.

Mishael

Additional scripture for you:

Matthew 3-7, Matthew 5, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 9:10-13, Matthew 9:14-17, Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 12:14, Matthew 12, Matthew 15, Matthew 16, Matthew 16:6,12, Matthew 19:3, * Matthew 21, Matthew 22, Matthew 22:15, it appears they were wrongfully referring to the book of Tobet, in 1611 version, Tobit 3:7,8, Matthew 22:29,

* Matthew 23:2, whole chapter Matthew 23, Matthew 27:62,

Matthew 23:13,14,

Mark 2:16, Mark 2, Mark 3:1-6, Mark 7:1-23, Mark 8:11,15, Mark 10:2, Mark 12:13,

Luke 5:17-39, Luke 6:2-11, Luke 7:29-50, Luke 11:37-54, Luke 12:1, Luke 12:31, Luke 14:1-24, Luke 14, Luke 16:14-31, Luke 16, Luke 19:35-39,

John 1:19-34, John 3:1-21, John 7:28-32, John 7:43-53, John 8:3-22, John 9, John 9:15,16, John 11:37-57, John 12:19, John 12:42, John 18:3,

Acts 15, Acts 23,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study, I included several Chapters to read next to verses, to read within context, for better understanding

Giannis, the last kingdom on earth, is the kingdom of God.

Luke 16:6 The law and prophets were until John, since that time the kingdom of God is preached....

Sister GiGi, you are correct when you said God is spirit.

Ephesians 4:4 There is ONE body, and ONE Spirit .....

Ephesians 4:6 One God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through you all, and IN YOU ALL.

WE do not have LIFE apart from God.

LIFE can't be seen because it is Spirit, and no one has seen God.

John 14:6 .....I am LIFE and TRUTH .....

What is the only thing left when we PUT OFF THIS BODY of flesh.

SPIRIT, which is LIFE.

John 3:6 That which is born of flesh (man) is flesh (man); and that which is born of SPIRIT (GOD) is SPIRIT (God).

GOD is LIFE, FAITH, TRUTH, MERCY, WISDOM, COUNSEL, UNDERSTANDING, ETC.

Luke 16:4 The disciple is not above his master: but everyone that is PERFECT WILL BE AS HIS MASTER.

You are made PERFECT when you depart this body of flesh, because the only thing that is left is LIFE AND TRUTH.

1 Timothy 6:16 Who (the MASTER) ONLY hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto .....

1 Corinthians 15:53 ......this mortal shall PUT ON IMMORTALITY ......

Only Christ has IMMORTALITY, only Christ is LIFE, DWELLING in the LIGHT.

Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and ALL OF YOU are the children of the most high.

God Bless You!

ARE THERE PROPHECIES ABOUT CREATION BECOMING ONE WITH GOD

Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him (Paul) a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the KINGDOM OF GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of THE LAW OF MOSES, and out of THE PROPHETS, from morning till evening.

Acts 28:24 And some BELIEVED the things that were spoken and some BELIEVED NOT.

Prophecy spoken by Daniel.

Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, BROKEN TO PIECES together, and become like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors, and the wind carried them away, and no place was found for them: and THE STONE (CHRIST) that smote the IMAGE became a GREAT MOUNTAIN, AND FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH.

Psalms 2:8 Ask of me and I will GIVE THEE the heathen for thy inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Psalms 2:9 Thou shall BREAK THEM with a rod of iron, thou shall DASH THEM IN PIECES as a potter's vessel.

Psalms 22:27 ALL the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Psalms 22:29 .....and all they that go down to the dust shall bow before thee ....

God Bless You this PASSOVER.

The concept here appears to be doing things to be seen of men. The word "reward" can be taken as the consequences of our actions; heaped up ( Psalm 91:8). This is; according to that passage so bad that we will only see it from afar. We reap what we sow; whether to the flesh or the Spirit ( Galatians 6:7-9). What is considered honorable among me is an abomination to God ( Luke 16:15-16). Our prayers are to be in secret; so that we can be seen in Matthew 6:6 that our reward is from God Himself.

This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).

Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P

Short answer-no. Elisha had the unfortunate task of satisfying the curiousity of those who thought he was dropped someplace on a mountain after God took Elijah up. ( 2 Kings 2:16-18). Enoch was also taken up as he pleased God.

There is some controversy as to the identity of the 2 prophets in Revelation; although Elijah was stated to return according to Malachi before the great and dreadful Day of the Lord. Hebrews 9:27 states that man is destined to die once then face the judgment. Since the 2 prophets die at the hands of Antichrist someday; it certainly could be those two the only ones raptured as it were.

Christ began the resurrection of those during the "church age." He was the first of the "firstfruits"; followed by "many who rose from their graves" after the Resurrection of Christ ( Matthew 27:52-53). Some according to 1 Cor. 15:51-52will not "sleep" or die physically either. What is hard to explain is how in still mortal bodies these saints can be in God's presence. Perhaps they are as those saints in Revelation; under the throne or removed from being so close to God that they would perish. If this theory is wrong in regard to Enoch then perhaps he will undergo some transformation into a new body. It would seem though that it took Christ's resurrection removing those in hades (who used to be in a pleasant part such as Lazarus) ( Luke 16:22). Post Resurrection; to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." ( 2 Cor. 5:8).

There are many interesting analogies with Elijah and Elisha in terms of those today who are ready for the Rapture. Elisha didn't want to talk of the event. ( 2 Kings 2:3). We should seek to be as those taken (such as Noah) FROM trouble in the Rapture rather than those who narrowly escaped (typified by Lot). If we are like Lot's wife; we may be swept up in destruction.

It is nice to know that if we are removed from our earthly tabernacle before the Rapture we will be in His presencce ( 2 Cor. 5:1).

Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell.Scripture doesn't support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "SHEOL." It was to this place that all souls of the dead went to await resurrection.

In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The KJV translates the Greek word "HADES" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called "PARADISE" by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated "HELL" here is not the Greek word "HADES" but is the Greek word "TARTARUS" meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the gulf that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26).

Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things( Ephesians 4:8-10). Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in PARADISE to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring Victory

Dear Darel

Lets start from the beginning.

I won't take into account the Scripture of the OT as long at that period of time not much was revealed to people.

Lets go to NT. We can separate the period people lived in this world into two sections. Before and after Jesus' ressurection.

BEFORE: In the parable/real story that Jesus said in Luke 16:19-31 both the rich man and Lazarus are in hell. The greek text uses the word Ades instead. Ades was the place that souls went after death according to the ancient Greek mythology, and Luke uses that name to make gentiles feel better what he talks about . Surely Jesus used some other Jewish word. Nevermind it seems there were two sections adjacent, the good and the bad one. People could see others from the other section but couldn't go. A prejudgement has taken place since the final judgement will take place in the final chapter of Revelation and people were placed according to their lifes. Suffer or rejoice.

AFTER: Jesus said to that thief Luke 23:43 that today he will be with Him in Paradise. But where that paradice is located? Where is that "be with the Lord" that often Paul says in his epistles. We wii see. No other information is provided. to us untill Revelation 6:9-11. There we can see the souls being under the altar under the Throne of God. So after ressurection Jesus took all the saved souls from Ades and transferred them to Heaven under the altar under God's throne. This is where Paradise is located. And they will remain there till the final judgement when the bad people will be placed in the lake of fire and the saints will live with God on the new earth that God will create.

Now see that the souls at the altar are aware of their surroundings, are aware of what happens on earth, also they have a feeling of time ince they ask" How long oh Lord don't You..". They are not asllep, neither the rich man and Lazarus where. Sleep is just a nice way to say die. That is obvious in the story of Lazarus' ressurection.

GBU

This subject has been hotly contested and I just had a member of my small group take that stance this week. The fact that God is said to put "eternity" in men's hearts surely shows that there is a concept of it once we are at a certain age. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). We also have Stephen who right before he died saw Christ standing on His throne; then he "fell asleep." Acts 7:60. We have the great "cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 11; those under the throne who have been martyred ( Rev. 6:9-11); David's commentary about his son dying ( 2 Sam. 12:23) where he says that his son can't come to him but he shall go to see him (after death); the appearance of Moses and Elijah (although Elijah was translated) at the transfiguration; and verses about Sheol. Jesus has the parable about Lazarus and the rich man ( Luke 16:19-31) about the fate of O.T. people in both sections of Sheol; and the captivity being made captive ( Eph. 4:8 also prophesied in Psalm 68:18; Jesus promising the thief on the cross that today he would be in paradise ( Luke 23:43); and that would be followed by many saints coming out of their graves after the Resurrection ( Matthew 27:52-53). We also have Hebrews 9:27 which says man is destined to die once; then face the judgment.

There are many other confirming verses. We must keep in mind that when the word "qeber" is used defining the grave; and a person ceasing to exist it is the body. Sheol; however is the land of the dead. We must also keep in mind that the spirits of just men made perfect ( Heb. 12:23) would start with Christ the first of the firstfruits; so to speak. God is not the God of the dead but the living ( Luke 20:38). John 8:56 says that Abraham longed to see the day HE SAW IT AND REJOICED. We have Paul's vision of things unspeakable whether in the flesh or not he didn't know ( 2 Cor. 12:2). Finally; John's vision in Revelation literally saw the future.

The biggest issue is WHY people think soul sleep exists. It concerns me.

I've had several close to death experiences. The 1st I recall clearly was about 5 or 6 yrs old. I was being held by gentle being, clothed in white & no pain, back to unbearable pain & suffering. I heard myself speak as an adult outside of the situation. That may have been the closest I've ever been to Heaven itself, the place. 2nd time I was electrically shocked while in water, I saw a black hand cover the sky, enormous, I could only see light through the bend of two fingers & only a portion, it was so huge. 3rd & 4th time I was young adult, it was all black around, I could feel darkness & closeness to judgement. I begged for another chance. 5th time I could hear & see the EMTs I had a different view. I was at peace not struggling, no pain. Then as they put the heart zapper thing on 3rd time I think it was. I felt difficult pain again, coldness, struggle. Luke 23:43, Luke 16:15-31, Luke 20:35-38, Psalms 91:11, Matthew 4:11, Matthew 13:39,41,49, Luke 4:10, 2Thessalonians 1:6-12, 1Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1, Psalms 97:2, * Hebrews 2:14,15, Genesis 5:24, 2Kings 2, Matthew 17:1-5, if GOD has allowed Ezekiel, John & others in the Scriptures to see Heaven then I cannot argue they did or not. * Acts 7:55, Jeremiah 52, Revelation 7, Isaiah 6:1, Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 10,

Matthew 24:3-51, Matthew 25:31-46, we will all give account so may our Words be faithful.

Present-day defenders of soul sleep include the Seventh Day Adventist church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christadelphians, and others.

In regards to the portion of your question regarding death=sleep. We must be careful in understanding what is really meant and not fall into the belief of "Soul sleep." Soul sleep is a belief that after a person dies, his/her soul "sleeps" until the resurrection and final judgment. The concept of "soul sleep" is not biblical. When the Bible describes a person "sleeping" in relation to death ( Luke 8:52; 1 Corinthians 15:6), it does not mean literal sleep. Sleeping is just a way to describe death because a dead body appears to be asleep. The moment we die, we face the judgment of God ( Hebrews 9:27). For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord ( 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). For unbelievers, death means everlasting punishment in hell ( Luke 16:22-23).

Until the final resurrection, though, there is a temporary heaven-paradise ( Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4) and a temporary hell-Hades ( Revelation 1:18; 20:13-14). As can be clearly seen in Luke 16:19-31, neither in paradise nor in Hades are people sleeping. It could be said, though, that a person's body is "sleeping" while his soul is in paradise or Hades. At the resurrection, this body is "awakened" and transformed into the everlasting body a person will possess for eternity, whether in heaven or hell. Those who were in paradise will be sent to the new heavens and new earth ( Revelation 21:1). Those who were in Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire ( Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people-based entirely on whether or not a person trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Main part of this answer from gotquestions.org

Dear Gigi

I would also like to commend about whether the descriptions in the Gospel for hell and fire are true or metaphores.

There is a dispute betwwen christians about whether the discriptions in the Gospel about hell have metaphorical or litteral meaning. That is, whether hell is a real fire or whether the abscence of God from people will cause pain in the soul.

Lets go to Luke 16:19-31. Jesus talks about the rich man and poor Lazarus.This story takes place in the times of the Old testament. The rich man and Lazarus are in Hell (although the greek text says Ades instead of hell which is a different thing). Do they have bodies? No, they are souls because ressurection hasn't happen yet. So how come the rich man suffers in a real fire? How come he feels thisty? When the rich man calls for Abraham's help he says that he is tormented in this flame (verse 24). But the Greek text uses the word 'odynomai" for tormented which actually tends to mean psycological pain than material pain.

Now which theory is true? As far as i am concerned i am not sure which one is right, i have both in mind till with the help of God i have a better understanding.

FBU

The LOVE of money is the root of all evil. ( 1 Tim. 6:10). Paul himself; in fact was a tentmaker; who encouraged others to make things with their hands ( Acts 18:3). He also apparently paid for food during his travels ( 2 Thess. 3:8). Those who used to steal were given similar admonitions to work and be productive. ( Eph. 4:28).

There is; of course nothing wrong for those actively pursuing work in the ministry to be supported and fed ( Luke 10:7). We should be discerning as to the financial accountability of those we support; however and aware of those attracted to "filthy lucre" ( Titus 1:11). Such behavior obviously is characteristic of those "prosperity preachers" whose mouth betrays their true intentions (out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh-( Luke 6:45). Such resources as "Charity Navigator" are helpful to demonstrate what percentages of funds are used directly for ministry purposes. The church itself; as a Body should be supporting one another as the early church; at least in some ways meeting each others needs; as well as contributing financially or using their talents for proclaiming the Good News and fulfilling the Great Commission.

We shouldn't neglect verses for laypeople to "work heartily unto the Lord."( Colossians 3:23-24). We are representing our King; much as Daniel served the king of Babylon daily during the exile ( Daniel 1:5). This was much the same pattern as with Joseph in Egypt. We are even to be faithful with "unrighteous mammon" ( Luke 16:10-11). If we can't be trusted with earthly things; how can we be trusted with heavenly treasure? There are plenty of warnings to avoid amassing large amounts of gold and silver ( Deut 17:17) which God instructed Solomon (along with many wives). Money itself; therefore is an inanimate object; but as they say if "money talks" or gets a life of it's own in our lives then it is clear that it has become an idol. Matthew 6:3 is a good read on the subject..

As for the part about rendering to Caesar he put them in to a trap.He said give to caesar whats his and God what is his.What is God's ?Everything.Jesus did such way of puting his enemies to a trap even other times when he was asked by tge pharisees about his authority he asked them about John authority.So the sincere would understand it as being about giving all to God while the wicked will understand it as being for wretched caesar.And as for Luke 14 Counting the cost is not about investing money its counting the cost of discipleship which Jesus shows just some 3 verses after your citation Luke 14:33 we should give all.And the parable of the talent aint talking for investing either

Read it yourself.

And we know the parable of the rich fool which made treasures for himself luke 12:13-21

And what did Abraham say to the rich man in the story of the rich man and lazarus which i dont think its even a parable luke 16:25 so he will not go to heaven because he had his riches in earth not in heaven .

We can look to most congregations today that were holding to basic Bible doctrines a century ago that now abandoning basic truths on the literal descriptions of hell; embracing New Age concepts or doctrines of demons causing manifestations (such as the "Toronto blessing" and Pensacola revival; etc. We are seeing a divorce rate the same as the world; remarriages (which all the early church fathers were against if a spouse was still living up to Erasmus); bringing women into positions of authority against scripture; evolution ascribed as truth; acceptance of deviant sexual practices clearly spoken against in Romans 1 and other scriptures; and basically the "love of many will grow cold." ( Matthew 24:12). This could be what the lukewarmness of the Laodiceans represents in Revelation. The characteristics in 2 Tim. 3:2 of the last days fits in; as well as the admonition that God is going to judge the church first ( 1 Peter 4:17). When Christ comes (the Rapture or perhaps the second coming); He states "will He find faith on the earth" ( Luke 18:8).

Whether some are left behind is another matter; but we are told that we should be praying always to be worthy to escape in Luke; and Rev. 3:10 states that that church will miss the hour of trial to come on the whole earth (i.e. the Tribulation).

Another issue today is that we don't want o preach that repentance in necessary for a genuine conversion. We also assume that sin can be taken lightly since Christ forgave all our sins at the cross. If He lives within us; we can no longer be content with sin; and if we are not being chastised then scripture says we are "bastards" (KJV). We are not teaching that all who are godly in Christ are going to suffer persecution; or there is some anomaly with all these big time preachers. "That which is honorable to men is an abomination to God." ( Luke 16:15). I may be off on the wording; but we need to be separate from the world and not laud their approval.

Yes dear "Jacqueline walden", came out in Jesus' Holy Name. We are and will be His to the end of the world. Remember and pray. But sobriety of and give of what is yours in your prosperity and wealth. Ask Jesus: Has just been reminded of Lazarus and the rich man.

Luke 16:19-31

Stay blessed in His name Jesus, love u in Christ

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Proverbs 16:7 -- I have heard this quoted and applied as Gospel to everyday living. If it were so Jesus wouldn't have died and rose again. If it were so Peter and John wouldn't have been beaten.

Psalms 37:25 King David said I have never seen the righteous forsaken or Gods seed begging bread. Luke 16:21 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, --- David didn't lie (he said I) have never seen - But that wasn't gospel what Jesus said was.

In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. He describes the life of luxury the rich man had and the life of misery that Lazarus had on earth at the rich man's gate. The rich man never did the slightest kindness for Lazarus and his dogs were more caring than he was about Lazarus' condition. They eventually both died. Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom immediately upon his death and the rich man's body is buried. However the soul of no longer rich man finds himself in torment in hades but can see Lazarus and Abraham when he lifts his eyes.

Abraham's conversation with the tormented soul in this parable is fascinating for a variety of reasons. Abraham knows about the lives that both Lazarus and the tormented soul lived while they were on earth. Abraham's description of where Lazarus is matches the key characteristics meant by the word heaven and where the tormented soul is fits the key characteristics of the place we commonly call hell.

The tormented soul is aware that at the time of his conversation with Abraham that he has two brothers living at that moment who need to be told to avoid coming where he is. So this is not a conversation occurring at the end of the age. Abraham is aware that these brothers had God's word through Moses and the Prophets, even though Abraham died more than 400 years before Moses, let alone the Prophets that came afterward. Abraham also knew if the brothers wouldn't listen to Moses and the Prophets they wouldn't believe if someone rose from the dead.

The way Abraham behaves in this parable is consistent with Luke 20:37-38 where Jesus told the Sadducees that when God said "I am the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob" to Moses using the present tense that was proof that God raises the dead "For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."

The thief on the cross asked to be remembered at the end of the age, but Jesus said he would be in paradise with Him that very day.

I will quote some verses but am too lazy to look them up. Christ told some that how could he trust them with heavenly treasure if they weren't faithful with heavenly treasure (probably the parable of the talents). We are given in this lifetime "unrighteous mammon" and in some sense are to work with others in this world but not be of it to demonstrate using our resources faithfully. There certainly can be more than money involved such as time and a person's spiritual giftings. There is a warning verse in Revelation not to "lose our reward" so at the very least there are eternal positions of authority of rewards at stake. Another verse in the gospels explains that God will give "authority over many or few cities" depending on our stewardship now. In some sense as we are said for our "reasonable service" we are to be living sacrifices with our bodies as the Temple of the Holy Spirit this shows good stewardship in buffeting our bodies. All good gifts come from above; therefore we need to be proactive in performing "good works given to us to do from before the foundation of the world". There is also danger that an unregenerate soul such as Judas Iscariot the "son of perdition" a type of Antichrist himself may be allowed for a time to take advantage of the "filthy lucre" as so many TV evangelists today typify. It is the love of money at the root of all evil; not money itself. Money is a means to an end; either leading to selfishness falling for Satan's lies (which Christ clearly rejected as He was the only one who could be given a temptation of sharing the authority of the whole world that Satan was given); or for the sake of the gospel; missionary work and building up of the local church through faithful giving. We should be careful in that regard to "not let our right hand know what our left hand is doing"-to proclaim our "acts of righteousness" or promote our ministry unnecessarily is not good. We are all unworthy servants doing what we are told.

A stewardship is like what we call today a manger they were a steward who is appointed to oversee something of a king or his master like their treasury or goods or servants.

2Corinthians 2:4, Luke 23:43, Revelation 2:7, Luke 16:19-31,

A person put over someone elses property, affairs, upkeep etc. Trusted with but belonging to another. Here are biblical examples. Genesis 1:26-30, Romans 14:12, In the Church: Hebrews 13:17, Titus 1:7,

Genesis 15:2, Gen 43:19,

Luke 16:1-15, Matthew 20:1-16, Luke 12:36-48,

Prophetic parable about Jesus & the religious Rulers of the time: Matthew 21:28-46, Luke 20:9-20, 'husbandman being "stewad" of the vineyard'

Hopefully these are helpful.

Hello Sean. Stewardship can be defined as special position assigned to a person, to act on behalf of another in managing various matters pertaining to a Business, Church, in the Home, etc. The person so appointed could be given responsibility over the financial, property, or workers of that institution, or responsibility in the Church or the home.

In Luke chapter 16 which you cited, the "rich man", probably a business owner, in the parable, had a steward to oversee his financial & material interests. When re-payment time came, the owner's debtors were not able to pay & the debt continued to stand probably for a long while. So when questioned by the owner, the steward took it upon himself to reduce the payment so that the debtors could pay, be free of debt & the owner satisfied. So as to not lose his position with his boss, he did what he did & fortunately his boss accepted the steward's ingenuity (though I'm not sure that would work today). But the point was that even if his boss sacked him, the wisdom of the steward is seen in the event that those debtors he helped might then give him a job, seeing that he was merciful to them. For this he was commended, even though the owner still had a shortfall.

And when we think of being 'a good steward' in terms of our faith, we would demonstrate wise use of all that the Lord gives to us, whether in finance, goods, even His enabling us to serve Him in the Church & community. Everything we have in our possession or own comes from the Lord, and He expects us to be wise stewards & if we are trustworthy, He will entrust even more to us.

what is stewardship

Hello Joe Rak,

Interestingly some people will think for sure they're going into Heaven & aren't. Matthew 7:1-27.

Yet encouragingly many that didn't think they're worthy do. Matthew 25:31-46,

Luke 16:1-13, Colossians 3:23-25, James 2, Ephesians 2, Hebrews 10, - Hebrews 11, Jude 1

I hope you find these scriptures helpful :

Sorry Yvonne Mathis, I have been having some trouble recently with Internet server or something. I tried to respond with scripture.

(will we know people? In Heaven) John 10:14, John 15:15, Acts 15:18, 2 Corinthians 3:2, 2 Corinthians 6:7-10,

1 Corinthians 13:12, Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah 60:4, Isaiah 66:18, Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27, Ephesians 1:10, Luke 16:19-31,

Hopefully these are encouraging & helpful in answering your questions in this.