Sermon: “What Seems to Help in Life Fails in Death”

Last week we learned the hard truth that while money can help make life easier in some ways, it cannot bring true happiness and fulfillment. This week we see that as much as money lets us down in life, its ultimate failure to deliver on its promises happens in death. Those who live with hearts filled with love for money and void of love for God will receive the only eternity that money can buy: one void of God and filled with pain. Though we might be fooled into thinking money helps in life, it will certainly fail us in death. Conversely, that which seems to offer little help in life will never fail us in death. The best example of this is the gospel. Those who hear and heed the Scriptures often appear to receive little benefit in life. Living by God’s Word doesn’t make life easier. In fact, faithfully following Christ often means a more challenging life, one filled with crosses and self-denial. Great wealth gains you the admiration and respect of the world. Being true to Scripture is more likely to gain you scorn and ridicule. Yet those who find the help they need in God rather than in money will never be disappointed. In death they will receive a reward that dwarfs even the best things money can buy.

Scripture References: Luke 16:19-31

Related Topics: Pentecost | Sermons by Aaron Goetzinger

From Series: "Unconventional Savior"

As Jesus teaches truth, he often challenges conventional wisdom. He reverses the normal and natural order of things. What he has to say may upset and even offend us. This should not surprise us, considering this Teacher’s life and work are the opposite of what one would expect. When the truth is unconventional, the first temptation is to deny it. The second temptation is to simply ignore it. But, Listen and take to heart what Jesus says! For his Word, though often unconventional, gives eternal life.