I. Earth and Its MADNESS - Luke 14:16-24
A. The invitations were extended
B. The invitations were eluded
1. The first man offers what I call the excuse
LAND.
2. The second man offers what I call the excuse
of LABOR.
3. The third man offers what I call the excuse
of a LADY.
II. Heaven and Its GLADNESS - Luke 15: 11-24
I wonder if this verse explains how the angels are made
aware of conversions? The scene beggars description.
The Son rejoices, and the Father rejoices, and the angels
catch the rapture of it.
On November 14, 1998 thousands were watching on TV the
Kansas State Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers play football
in Manhattan, Kansas. Kansas has not beaten Nebraska in almost
30 years and when the game was over and the Wildcats of Kansas
had won.... there was great rejoicing. The commentator for ABC,
Keith Jackson, said while wrapping it up and signing off, "Goodnight
from the happiest place on earth, Manhattan, Kansas." While
I pondered his words I can't help but think of the words of our
text about joy in heaven over one sinner who gets saved. If you
are here and have not accepted Christ, you have the opportunity
to set off a celebration in heaven that will make the one at Kansas
State look like a neighborhood party.
III. Hell and Its SADNESS -Luke 16:19-31
A. Hell is an actual place
B. Hell is an awful place
C. Hell is an avoidable place
Certain facts in this account demand our consideration:
1. Death is not the termination of existence.
2. Eternity does not destroy one's
3. Eternity does not provide an opportunity for
those who died unrepentant to make a further decision relating
to salvation.
4. In all matters relating to this world and the
next, the Scriptures stand supreme.
5. If men desire to prepare for eternity, they
should begin immediately.