Lazarus 1 and Lazarus 2

03-25-06

1. Luke 16:19-31 – The rich man and Lazarus.

A. Four reasons this story must be a parable and not literal.

· Ephesians 2:8-9 – We are saved by faith, not works.

· Deut. 18:10-12 – We are forbidden to communicate with the dead – it is an abomination to the Lord.

· History shows us this story was a well known traditional story of the Jews. For more information: http://www.sdanet.org/atissue/books/qod/q43.htm

· 1 Tim. 6:16 – Man does not have an immortal soul.

· The woman who could begin to love God.

B. Gen. 2:7 – Mankind created from soil and God’s breath.

· The word for soul is “nephesh”, which means being.

· Gen. 1:30 – The same word is used for the animals.

· Ecc. 12:7 – At death the process is reversed.

· 1 Cor. 2:10 – The spirit includes our identity.

· 1 Cor. 13:12 – We will know each other in heaven.

· John 20:16 – Mary recognized Jesus.

· Beethoven’s grave.

C. Ecc. 9:5-6 – The spirit is not conscious after death.

· Job 14:21 – The dead are unaware of the living.

· Psalm 115:17 – The dead do not praise the Lord.

· Eze. 18:4 – The soul that sins will die.

· 1 Cor. 15:51-54 – Immortality at the second coming.

· The woman who was visited by her dead little boy.

D. Puzzling texts.

· 1 Pet. 3:18-20 – Preaching to the spirits in prison.

· Isa. 42:7 & 61:1 – The prison of sin.

· Rev. 20:9-10 – Tormented day and night forever.

· Mal. 4:1 – Burned up – turned to ashes.

· Jonah 2:6 & 1 Sam. 1:22 – Forever, until it is done.

· Jude 6-7 – An example of eternal fire.

2. John 11 – Lazarus, the friend of Jesus.

A. 1 Thess. 4:15-18 – A wonderful future awaits all of us.

· The comfort that has comforted my family.