August 1, 2021
Change: Rich Man; Poor Soul
Stories that change the World and your heart.
Listen to an audio version of the message
Songs for this week: Spotify
Luke 16:19-32
Message Questions:
- The rich man finds himself in Hades. Which of the three views of hell are most familiar to you or reflects your view? Why do you hold that?
a) Eternal torture: God honours a person’s choice to reject him. Their immortal souls are then eternally separated from him, the source of all life, hope, and love.
b) Eternal end: Hell itself is destroyed in the end, along with those who have rejected God.
c) Eternal opportunity: God wants to save all people and God is all-powerful. He will ultimately rescue everyone through hell. - “You make your choices; then your choices make you.” (Anne Frank) Do you agree? How might the rich man be an example of this?
- Has Money ever attempted to be a master in your life? What did that look like? Was it an attachment to possessions? Or, have you experienced either security, or insecurity, by the size of your bank account? Or was your social worth affected by your clothes or your home? Or…?
- Is there a Lazarus in your life—someone who is overlooked or neglected? What might God be calling you to do or be for that person?
- Of the three practices—simplicity, generosity, hospitality—which one do you find easiest? What tips would you offer to someone who finds it hard? Which one do you most resist? Why?
Extend your small group discussion with the expanded guide for today’s message. It includes more questions and soul training practices for you and your small group.
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Colossians 3:12-17-Sometimes Christianity gets known for what we don’t do. But Paul points us toward something better: how we live, love, and treat one another. What marks a genuine Christian community? It all starts with who God is and how deeply He loves us.
Colossians 3:5-11-Paul points to two areas that reveal who we are at the deepest level: sex and speech. The path to health and freedom isn’t harsh rules or self-focus, but staying close to Jesus, knowing him and growing in him. Christianity isn’t harsh rules; it’s a vibrant friendship.
Colossians 2:20-3:4 - Religious baggage can pull us in all kinds of directions—from expecting God to fit our preferences to trying to earn His approval. Paul’s message to the Colossians was simple: stop guessing what God wants and get back to the core of Christianity—Jesus.
Colossians 2:13-19 - Humans have a problem that we can’t save ourselves from—not through secular programs or religious systems. The good news of Jesus is that on the cross, Jesus dealt with it all. In him we are alive, forgiven, and free!
Colossians 2:8-12 - Paul warns the Colossian church not to trade the freedom found in Christ for religion or spiritual experiences. Jesus is more than enough.
Colossians 2:1-7-The way forward for the first Christians wasn't always easy. False teachers brought confusion and deception, prompting Paul to point believers back to the truth. Just as the best way to spot a counterfeit is to know the genuine article, the best way to recognize false teaching is to know Jesus.
