Luke: Heaven and Hell

Luke 16: 19-31
Heaven and Hell

Notes and thoughts from Paster Mark's sermon

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke

 

This was a very emotional sermon to sit through, especially in the end, when we see Pastor Mark fighting back tears due to his overwhelming concern for his flock. As we reflect upon today's sermon, we need to keep this in mind:

1. What is the Truth?

2. What is our Choice?

A lot of people hate thinking about death. Those who do have their own reasons. Based on  my observations, a large number of people dislike the subject because they simply do not know what to expect. They also see it as an ending to the only form of life they know, and such a thought is just too depressing. Especially when they are largely successful in this life.

However, just because we choose to ignore death and what happens after death--no matter what our reasons are--that doesn't mean facts about it cease to exist.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, facts exist whether we choose to heed them or ignore them. If there is a lamp in the room, we can choose to believe whatever we want about it. We can choose to pretend it's not there. We can choose to pretend it's not a lamp but a coat rack. But no matter what we choose to believe, "there is a lamp (and not a coat rack) in the room" remains a fact. The lamp is a lamp, and it exists, no matter what we try to tell ourselves.

And so, even if the subject of death is a tough subject, just because we choose to not talk about it, that doesn't make it non-existent, that doesn't make it less inevitable.

About 6 months ago, my Bible Study group was going over some of Pastor Chuck Missler's materials, and he said something that just really stuck with me: "Thugs who threaten Christians with death should know that death holds no threat for Christians. Because when we die, we know we are going to Heaven."


That is just an awesome thought. Knowing the greatness of God, what could mere humans possibly threaten Christians with?


However, it wasn't always this awesome in my mind. I had to first come to terms with my own prejudices and fears--something I encourage all of us to remain honest about to ourselves. Because until we can overcome our own obstacles, we can never fully embrace the Truth or the process to discovering the Truth.

Coming back to today's sermon, Pastor Mark attempts to summarize all theories about death and to show why only ONE is the Truth.

Popular theories of what happens after death:
- Naturalist: nothing happens
- Universalist: everyone goes to Heaven; "all religion leads to Heaven"
- Reincarnationist: we will keep returning to life, paying off our debts to the gods upon each return
- Annihilationist: cease to exist
- Catholics: suffer in purgatory for a period of time and then go to heaven

- Christians: our souls live on forever. we have the option to live an eternal life or suffer an eternal death

Facing all the above theories, we need to be vigilant pursuers of the Truth. What are the FACTS? What resources can we TRUST to have the FACTS?

I think today's sermon was especially emotional for Pastor Mark because he sees so many people pick and choose what they want to believe and stops pursuing the Truth. It is much more comfortable believing in the things that we want to believe in rather than understanding and accepting the un-budging reality. He therefore sees many people walk on the path of the wrath of God because of their false beliefs, people who refuse to get off the this wrongful path because it is easier, it is funner, and it is more satisfying.

And so, I just want to emphasize this point: Religion has no real meaning if it doesn't have the Truth. Why would it be comforting to believe in Heaven if there is no Heaven? Why would we fear death less if there is no true Salvation?

I was a hardcore atheist once, and I did not fear death. I did not fear it because I did not believe we would feel anything after we die. I believed that when I die, I would cease to exist and therefore experience nothing. There would be no pain, no emotion, no thought. Essentially, I would never experience death, because I wouldn't feel anything! So... what was there to be afraid of! Seize the day and live my life to the fullest and according to my own will, so that when I die, I can die with no regrets!

But then, I found out that our souls live on forever. FOREVER. And oh yes, we would feel great joy or great pain, depending on where we end up.

When I first heard that, I was mad. Because, you know, life isn't easy. Making the most out of everything isn't easy. Seeing the silver lining for everything isn't easy. When I thought I had only a limited amount of time to live, working hard, fighting hard seemed easier. Because, hey! I only needed to go full throttle for a limited time! And as opposed to throwing opportunities away, I ought to jump at every opportunity to live because I won't be alive forever!

But living for an eternity? I couldn't bear it... All this blood, sweat, and tears forever? I've been alive for 20-some years, and I'm already tired. I don't WANT to live forever. I DON'T WANT IT! I was mad because the Bible states it clearly that I don't have a choice. Our souls live forever. Period. I can't decide to just cease to exist when I am done playing. I can just say, can I lay at rest and not feel anything? And so, I resented this immensely.

And after some serious thinking, I realized there is no sense fighting the thought because THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT. Just because I resented the idea, doesn't make it less real, less true. And so, in the end, I had to come to terms with it.

Our souls live FOREVER. We cannot change this fact.

But, we ARE in control of WHERE we want to spend eternity. Okay. I like that. At least there is room for breath.


Do we want to spend an eternity with God and live in eternal life? Or, with satan and suffer eternal death?

Here, some may argue, well, why should we believe only the Bible holds the Truth? What about all the other religious beliefs?

INVESTIGATE.

Read the Bible. It is not just a book of rules. It is also a book of HISTORY, of the life of Jesus Christ. Investigate the Bible as you would a historical textbook. Can these events be corroborated? Are Biblical books just a whole bunch of stories made up, or do we actually have objective historical, archeological, medical documentation to support them?


Here, I will refer you to Lee Strobel's book, "The Case for Christ." Strobel does a great job investigating the Truth of the Bible, and it is this book that really forced me to think critically and analytically about the Truth. Not mere religious beliefs. Just the plain Truth. Tangible, prove-able, fact-based TRUTH.

And investigate the Truth behind other religions. Where is the evidence for the Truth they proclaim?

Don't take my word for it. Explore it for yourselves. See for yourselves and determine just which doctrine can be back by solid evidence.

So here, I encourage us all to INVESTIGATE.

I've done my homework, and I place my faith in Jesus Christ. Touchy-feely "everything will turn out fine," "you're a good person; nothing bad will ever happen to you" are not comforting for me. Empty words do not provide comfort. The Truth may hurt, but at least I will KNOW. And if I know, then I can act upon it.


And for me, there is great news.


Because as a Christian, I am grateful that my loving God sacrificed His Son to atone for all my sins (past, present, and future!), thereby giving me the opportunity to return to God's side. Without Salvation through Jesus Christ, my life would be very depressing, for there is nothing that I can ever do to wash away my imperfections. I can be the nicest person in the world, but I would still be horribly imperfect in God's eyes. And since God's presence demand nothing less than perfection, being the nicest person in the world means nothing. And so, Jesus Christ is my great news. Jesus Christ is my Salvation! Jesus Christ is my opportunity to return to God!

And so, for me, the devastating realization was not death itself. It was the realization that our souls live forever. I did not like the thought, and I'm still too young a Christian to appreciate eternal life. But I know for certain I do not want to side with satan. And as I continue to study the Bible, I learn that we would experience only great happiness in God's presence. And so, even though I'm still skeptical about how I can possibly enjoy eternal life (I just think I would get so bored!), I trust in the Lord and know that He will take care of me. And that I will be happy no matter what.

What about you?

Below are points of consideration, as mentioned by Pastor Mark:

2 Corinthians 5:8
We are of two parts: a physical body and a spiritual soul


Luke 16:19-31
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Rich man: a man of success who ends up in Hell

Lazarus: a man of poverty who ends up with Abraham

Jesus told this parable to illustrate that just because someone is hugely successful in this life doesn't mean this person will go to Heaven. And just because someone is in great despair doesn't mean he/she will end up in Hell. Throughout the Bible, God stresses the importance of heart. Earthly treasures and successes do not mean anything and will certainly not carry over to life after death. Those who will live an eternal life would have the heart of a humble servant. Those who will live an eternal death would have a hardened heart of a proud master, thinking he needs no one and that his success is the greatest there ever was/is/will be. Back to this parable, Jesus simply illustrates that our earthly possessions (or the lack of) do not determine our eternal fate.

What does? Heart. Heart in what? Heart in Jesus, as illustrated in John 3:36

John 3:36 stresses that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.

And so, it is stated clearly in the Bible that there is only one way to eternal life: Jesus Christ. 

This is further emphasized in these scriptures:

John 14:6

No one comes through the Father but through Jesus.
Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

The Bible, Jesus himself, is thus very clear about Heaven and Hell. Those who die in Christ will live an eternal life. Those who do not, will be refused an entrance to Heaven and suffer an eteranl death in Hell.

Here, it is important to realize that Hell was NOT made for us.

Hell was made for satan and all other fallen angels. We choose to go there when we choose to rebel against God, when we choose to follow satan.

Satan boldly rebelled against God, thinking he can overtake God and will take advantage of every opportunity to try to overthrow God. (I say "try" because Revelation tells us that satan will fail.) And one of satan's attempts is to seduce our souls away from God. And so, if we fall away from God's Way, we are inching closer to satan's seduction. And if we are not vigilant in our faith of the Lord, we will be led astray and essentially be lured into satan's legion. And if satan's going to Hell, guess where will satan's legion end up?

Revelation 20:10

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Is there a second chance after death that would allow us to choose to go to Heaven?
No.

Hebrew 9:27
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people.

Luke 16:26
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.

At first glance, "No" is such a harsh answer!


But is it?

We are responsible for our choices. God has already sent His only Son to the Cross to atone for our sins. God has already held off His wrath until a pre-determined time. And through the Bible, God has already explicitly told us how it is all going to pan out.

We have an entire lifetime to learn of the Truth and to investigate the validity of such a Truth, and we have been granted absolute free will to do with whatever we want in face of the Truth. Are we really going to whine about it and say God is unfair when we are being judged at His throne? How dare we ask for a "second" chance when God has already give us chance after chance after chance during our lifetime?


In closing, Pastor Mark stresses, "It is my job to tell you the Truth. It is your job to make a choice. To not make a choice is to make the wrong choice."

And so, I would just like to leave you with facts clearly stated within the Bible: Heaven and Hell are everlasting. Our souls are everlasting. When we die a physical death, our souls will either return to be with the Father or will be banished forever in Hell. Fear not death. "Fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in Hell."

Matthew 10:28

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Daniel 12:2

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Isaiah 61-64

Isaiah 61

- The anointed one is Jesus, and under the guidance of the Lord, Jesus was sent to preach the good news (the Gospels), to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to release the oppressed. 

- Jesus stopped reading where He did, because Jesus has fulfilled that scripture, for He said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:21)

- God's favor would bestow Israel a crown of beauty instead of ashes, gladness instead of mourning, praise instead of despair.

- The rebuilt cities will be restored and renewed from their from their devastation and ruins. Their inhabitants will be priests and ministers of the LORD and be blessed with riches.

- Israel can count on the Lord's promises because God is just and faithful and will remain steadfast in the everlasting covenant made with Israel.

- Isaiah's joy in the Lord was likened to a bride adorns herself with jewels and soil that gives off sprouting seeds. We can readily understand such happiness, which helps us understand the overwhelming joy that Isaiah holds for the Lord.

Isaiah 62

- Israel is a light to all nations, for "her righteousness shines out" and "her salvation is like a blazing torch." Nations will see its righteousness and all kings, its glory.

- Zion was called Deserted but will be called Hephzibah.

- Names are very important, for the name, in a sense, defines the person that he or she is. And in the Bible, we see many examples of that: Paul was Saul (Acts 13:9), Peter was Simon (Matthew 16: 17-18), etc. And so, when God gives someone a new name, He is giving that person a new mission, a new meaning in life.

In my mind, the most vivid example is the changing of Jacob's name to Israel (Genesis 32:22-28). Having survived a struggle with an angel of God, Jacob's name was changed to Israel, for he has "struggled with God and with men and have overcome." The name Israel hence means "God contended," and the name change symbolizes such a change in the state of being of Jacob.

Today, many people change their names for similar reasons. I know a friend who changed her name when her father passed away. She changed her name because the death of her father deeply changed her, changed her mentality and her state of being. Although this is not the same as God-inspired changing of a person's name, the idea behind the name change is the same. And that idea is, names are important, and each name reflects the inherent characteristics of the person.

Looking at the new names for the nation of Israel, it suggests that God will take Israel out of its despair and restore joy and righteousness to Israel.

- When the Savior comes to redeem Israel, the people of Israel will be called the Holy People and no longer be deserted.

Isaiah 63:1–14
Revelation 19:11–16
Note: Edom and Bozrah represent those who are against God.
- Jesus Christ is the One, coming from Edom, from Bozrah, for He is the One whose garments are stained with blood yet One who is robed in splendor. Jesus is the One, for only Jesus can say, "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save."

- God has shown wrath to many nations because all the nations rebelled against him, and there was not one that was on His side.

- In Isaiah 66:15-16, God's wrath is described as such: "The LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire and his sword, the LORD will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by the LORD." This is many times more powerful than human anger, for the most we can do out of anger is to take a person's life; God, on the other hand, not only can cause our physical death but also condemn our soul to eternal suffering/death. Yet, He doesn't. He sent His only Son to die for our sins so that our souls can return to Him and be blessed with eternal life.

Isaiah 63:15–64:12

- Isaiah wants Israel to remember the kindness of the LORD, the deeds that deserve our praise, and the compassion of the Lord. Isaiah reiterates that God is in great sorrow while Israel is in distress. However, Israel rebelled against the Lord and caused Him great grievance. And because of Israel's pride, God must punish it, for God cannot tolerate any imperfection. This is why Israel is in the state that it is in. Yet, despite all this chaos, Isaiah reminds Israel that it was also God who brought them out of Egypt and guided them to safety. Hence, Israel should forgo its pride and place its trust in the Lord once again. Israel should restore its faith in the Lord and trust that the Lord will protect its people.

- Isaiah prays for God to show tender and compassion. He prays to God for the return of His people, His servants and His heirs to God's inheritance. Isaiah prays that God remembers Israel, for Israel's enemies have trampled over it and need God's protection and blessing.

- Isaiah states that Israel has wandered from God's Way and that they have hardened their hearts against reverence in God.

- Isaiah is therefore praying to God to look down from Heaven and see how much Israel needs God's compassion.

- Isaiah is praying hard for God's aid, using the argument that Israel is God's holy place but is being trampled by its enemies. And though Israel's heart is not in the right place, Isaiah prays to God for compassion, to lead His people back to His Way.

Isaiah 60-64

- God is punishing Israel for its proud rebellion. However, the punishment will not last forever, and one day, God will restore glory to Israel. That day has not yet come, for Israel remains blind to God's way and will continue to be blinded until the end of days, as deemed by God. With the second coming of Jesus, God's wrath will be revealed and released to all those who have chosen to stand against God. And upon cleansing the earth of the evil influence of satan, Israel will finally be re-established its glory, with Jesus as its ruling King.

Further reading:

http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=23&c=61

http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=23&c=62

http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=23&c=63

http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=23&c=64

Isaiah 60

Isaiah 60:1–9 

- The light is Jesus Christ, who has come upon Israel. 

- The coming of the light would gather all nations and all kings to Israel, who will be radiant, full of joy amd splendor. Israel will prosper, attracting nations from all over the world who will proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Isaiah 60:10–14

- Other nations will help Israel rebuild its walls and be above their kings.

- Any nation that does not serve God’s people will perish and be ruined. 

- This will happen literally. The Bible can be read both literally and metaphorically, and things are described at least twice in the Bible. The coming of Jesus, rebuilding of Zion, the millenium reign of Jesus are also revealed in Revelation.

Isaiah 60:15–18 

- God told Israel that it will be the everlasting pride and joy of all generations, that it will be ruled under peace and rigtheousness, with salvation and praise.

- Those who place their trust in the Lord will succeed in their ways and lead their lives with peace and righteousness.

Isaiah 60:19–22 

Revelation 21:22-27 

- When glory shines upon Zion, the Lord will be the everlasting light, and there will no longer be any sorrow. The people of Zion will all be righteous and the rightful owner of the land forever. The people of Zion are God’s people, and God will shelter them and make them strong.

Isaiah 58-59

Isaiah 58 
- The Israelites fasted and humbled themselves to please God (Isaiah 58:3).

- God say the Israelites really sought to please themselves, for God said, “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.”

- God was displeased with Israel’s approach to “try” to please God, for such superficial offerings and methods were not true display of love for God’s two most important commandments: Love God and Love our neighbors. God reprimanded the Israelites by saying, “Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself?” And in Isaiah 58:6-9, God told the Israelites it is not the act of fasting and humbling that matters. It is the heart, the love, revealed by such actions that matters. Fasting, for the sake of fasting, humbling, for the sake of humbling, are not nearly as important as sharing our fortunes with the hungry, the poor, the naked, and our own flesh and blood. 

Leviticus 16:29–31 

- The true purpose and attitude of fasting is atonement, a day for cleansing. It is a time to cleanse ourselves from all our sins.  

- The kind of fasting that God desires is the spiritual kind, the kind that comes from the heart. We fast, not to deprive ourselves of food, but to emphasize consideration for others. What we do not eat, in our loves for others, we share with those who are less fortunate. Fasting with a heart of love for others would expand far beyond the simple act of “not eating”; it stems from true humility and culminates in extending our love for God to all children of God. 

Exodus 20:8–11; 31:12–17

Isaiah 58:13 

- God made the heavens and the earth for six days and rested on the seventh. God blessed this day to be the Sabbath day and made it holy. We should thus aim to keep it holy. As God’s people, we therefore must observe Sabbath day as a sign of our loyalty to God and also as a reminder of God’s love for His people and how we are encouraged to share God’s love with all others. Observing the Sabbath is thus our acknowledgment of the covenant we have with God. For it has been said, “The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant” (Exodus 31:16).  

- If we can adhere to the Sabbath day with our heart, it means we can also adhere to other aspects of being a Christian. If we follow Sabbath day only to “not work,” then we are only doing, acting with no heart, no care. Following Sabbath is holy in itself, but it also symbolizes all we do in the name of God. Sabbath is holy, and we are taught to observe its holiness. In the same way, anything we do on non-Sabbath days, we are to remain fast to God’s Way, to observe God’s holiness and the holiness of God’s Way. To stress the importance of keeping God’s Way holy, we have been warned that should we not observe the Sabbath, we would be cut off and be put to death. That is, if we stray away from God and His Way, we will suffer eternal death.  

- Hence, if we observe the Sabbath, if we hold fast to God’s Way, if we follow God and not do only as we please, then we will find joy in the Lord. If we love the Lord with all our heart, we will see the Sabbath as a delight (as opposed to a boring duty to be fulfilled with empty actions) and walk the Way with the Lord, becoming true children of God and receiving the inheritance of Jacob granted through our convenant with God. 

Matthew 12:1–12 

- The Pharisees were firm observers of the Law and often found ways to fault Jesus. When Jesus’ disciples worked on the Sabbath to feed their hunger, the Pharisees saw their chance to indict them. However, Jesus said, “If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent” (Matthew 12:6). That is, the act of resting on the Sabbath means nothing if the heart is not in the right place, for God demanded us to rest on the Sabbath not because He wanted us not to work but because He wanted us to remember our covenant with Him, our love for Him, and therefore, our love for each other. “Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath,” said Jesus (Matthew 12:12). 

Mark 2:27–28

John 5:10 

- Jesus said, “The said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27). This reiterates the fact that Sabbath itself has no meaning. Observing the Sabbath allows us to remember our creator, our Father, the Lord. Hence, through the Sabbath, we reflect on our ways and are able to return to God’s side. And so, the Sabbath was made for man as a means to return to God. But man was not made for the Sabbath. 

John 9:14

- Sabbath is defined as “the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes” (John 9:14).

- God promises those who devote themselves to Him and help others in need the inheritance of Jacob (Isaiah 58:13-14).

- For us to delight in our time spent with God, we must first learn to love God. This will not happen in a day but will require our active will to get to know God. For example, it is hard for us to enjoy a stranger’s company. Why? Because we don’t know him/her. However, if we strike up a conversation with this stranger, we beging to learn a bit more about him/her. And if we find this person interesting, we may form a friendship. Through this friendship, we begin doing more things together, spending more time together, which allows us to develop love of friendship and perhaps of marriage of best friends. 

- Our love for God develops in a similar way. Through the Bible, we can learn more and more about God. Through our prayers, we can communicate with God and deepen our relationship with God. Through such interactions, we will therefore understand God’s love for us and eventually learn to truly love God. And as we mature in our understanding of God and of our love for God, we will then more and more be able to delight in our time spent with God. It is a process that takes time and care to nurture, and we must nurture it if we want to return to God. 

Isaiah 59:1–15

Romans 5:12–21

James 1:13–18; 2:10

1 John 1:8–10 

- “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But that your iniquities have separated you from God” (Isaiah 59:2). Such iniquities are all derived from sin, and sin was introduced to man through Satan. When we refuse to seek God’s help or to walk in His Way, we are more likely to be influenced by Satan. Therefore, it is written, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”  

- It is therefore important for not only the Israelites but also ourselves to recognize it is our iniquities that separate us from God. God’s love encompasses us but can save us only if we CHOOSE it to. We are born sinners. And when we choose to continue to sin, we choose to stray away from God and be exposed to temptations of Satan. When we are separate from God, it is not that God does not hear nor that He is helpless, but that our choice to sin blocks His presence from us. Once we make this realization, we can then identify the root of our problems (sin) and start fixing the problem (follow God and receive salvation). 

Isaiah 59:1–15 

- Sin separates us from God. Sin hides His face from us and makes Him deaf to our cries. 

Isaiah 59:16–21 

- God was displeased that there was no justice, no truth to be found, and “he was appalled that there was no one to intervene” (Isaiah 59:16). Therefore, God sent His one and only Son, one who is perfect, on who can provide justice and stand for truth, and redeem us all.

- The Redeemer is just and stands for truth. We who need redemption are unjust and hold no truth. The Redeemer offers salvation through grace and mercy. We who need redemption need to receive salvation. We need to be saved through God’s grace and mercy. 

- Those who repent of their sins are granted salvation through Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. 

- It isn’t just one thing about Jesus or one thing done by Jesus that allows him to fulfill the covenant. The Bible documents all the miracles of Jesus and all the miracles performed by Jesus that fulfill all the prophcies ever foretold about Jesus being the Messiah. This website provides a good description of these documentations:

http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/m_prophecies.shtml

Isaiah 54-57

Isaiah 54

Isaiah used these 3 images to describe God’s people:

1. Barren woman (Isaiah 54:1)

2. Deserted and distressed wife (Isaiah 54:6)

3. Afflicted city (Isaiah 54:11)

Isaiah 54:1–3

Hope of joy is promised.

Isaiah 54:4–10

Hope of redemption is promised. God encouraged His people to not be afraid, for they will not suffer shame nor humiliation. God will call back His people and show compassion with everlasting kindness.

Isaiah 54:11–17
Revelation 21:10, 18–21

Hope of righteousness is promised. God will rebuild His people with stones of turquoise, sapphires, rubies, sparkling jewels, and precious stones. A new Jerusalem will be built and shall be the Holy City of God and His people. The city’s walls will be made of jasper, and the city itself will be of pure gold. The foundations of the city walls will be layered with jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, berl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst—all very precious stones. There will be twelve gates, each made of a single pearl. God’s people will be taught by the Lord and will not be ruled by tyranny. There will be no terror, and all those who attack them will surrender to them.

God’s people ought to sing for joy for God is the beginning and the end. God is the creator of all and will therefore protect His people from every weapon of destruction and every tongue of accusation. God’s people will prevail.

Isaiah 52:13–53:12

God’s people, even to this day, continues to stray away from God. Upon every earthly success, many people, including the Israelites, do not acknowledge God and believe their success to be due to the greatness of themselves. The Israelites were and still are punished for such pride, for they have forced God to turn His back from them. God entered a covenant with His people, and He will never break His promise. However, we are weak and flawed, and we can’t keep our end of the promise. We are suppose to remain steadfast by God and live by God’s Word, but if we accumulate any success, we believe ourselves to be gods; and if we suffer any difficulties, we blame God for turning His back from us. It is therefore impossible for us to adhere to our own end of the promise.

However, the death of Jesus Christ made salvation permanent for all.

Jesus fulfills our end of the promise perfectly, allowing us to enter God’s Kingdom through Him, despite all our sins and imperfections.

Israelites today are still suffering from their choice to stray from God, as prophesized by Isaiah. But during the Rapture and the Tribulation, 144,000 Israelites will be sealed by God. These Israelites will be the ones who finally choose to follow God and to enter His Covenant. This will be the day that God restores glory to the Israelites, thereby fulfilling the promise of God.

Isaiah 55

John 4:13–14; 7:37–39

In John 4:13-14, we learn that if we drink from Jesus, we will never thirst again. And in John 7:37-39, Jesus tells us, “Whoever believes in me, streams of living water will flow from within him.” And so, when we choose to follow Jesus, to drink from Jesus, we will receive the Holy Spirit, who will quench our thirst from within.

Coming back to Isaiah 55:1-3, we can understand better why we will never thrist again, for God has said, “I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.”

2 Samuel 7:16
Luke 1:30–33
Because of the covenant with David, fulfilled through Jesus Christ, God’s people and their throne will endure forever.

We seek and call on the Lord through our prayers.

We cannot begin to understand God’s thoughts (which is why we often cannot understand why things happen they way they do). However, we know from history and ought to know through personal experience that God’s Words are always true and that God has and always will remain faithful to His promises. We certainly cannot say the samething for human thoughts and words.

Isaiah 56:1–8
Exodus 31:12–17
Deuteronomy 23:1–8

Romans 1:16–17

The salvation and righteousness to be revealed are the gospel. It claims the good news of God’s salvationfor everyone who believes. And in the gospel, righteousness from God is revealed, “a righteousness that is by faith.”

To be honest, I am still learning what this means. For now, I think this means that by placing our trust in God and just knowing and trusting that God will take care of us no matter what (faith), we will be on the road of righteousness. And as we continue to walk with God with growing faith, the better we can comprehend righteousness of God.

Mark 11:15-17
Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7 in Mark 11:15-17. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus stress again and again that following the law is not nearly as critical as having God in our hearts. For example, Jesus was asked why He performed miracles on Sabbath day when it was against the law to do so. Jesus responded by saying, if you saw your sheep injured and dying, would you not run to it and help it? In Romans, Paul also stresses a similar idea using the concept of circumcision. Many Jews are so caught up with circumcision that those who aren’t circumcised are therefore considered unclean and ungodly. However, Paul reminds us that through Jesus Christ, we have all been made clean. And if our hearts do not have God, it doesn’t matter if we are physically cicumcised. In both cases, Both Jesus and Paul are stressing that following the law without following God is merely a religious act that will only lead us further away from God.

Salvation is extended to the gentiles, which essentially includes anyone who is not born a Jew.

John 10:14–16

Acts 8:26–40; 10:34–48
Once Jesus established the new covenant, the apostles then understood how Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled.

In John 10:16, Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” This is alluding to the gentiles that are to be grafted into the olive tree through Jesus Christ.

In Acts 8:32-35, Philip explained a part of Isaiah’s prophecy to the eunuch, about how Jesus’ sacrifice and the salvation those who fear God would receive.

In Acts 10:34-40, Peter gave his testament about God’s grace and the salvation Jesus brings. Peter also gave witness to Jesus’ death and His resurrection on the 3^rd day. Apostles of Jesus were then instructed to preach to the people and let all know that Jesus is the annointed Son, the judge of the living and the dead. Furthermore, the apostles were to preach the Good News, that all those who fear God will receive salvation. Peter baptized many gentiles that day, for anyone who heard the Good News and praised the Lord received the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 56:9–57:21

Israel’s watchmen neither uphold justice nor righteousness, for they are blind, lack knowledge, and have no voice. They follow their own way and seek their own gain, wasting away thinking the next day will only be better. 

God warned these people that He will expose their lack of righteousness and had them ponder how their idols would save them when they are in trouble. God also reminded them that if they are willing to turn to Him and seek salvation, they will inherit the land as sons of God.

 

Luke: The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Sermon by Pastor Mark Driscoll

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke

Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Father, symbolizing God
- Showed great love, great compassion--He did everything he could to love his sons. Even when one of his son turned away from him, he still awaited his return. (This is exemplified by the fact that he saw his son even when he was a long way off. And once he saw his son, he ran with great joy toward him. In fact, he could have disowned his son, but he didn't. He wholeheartedly welcomed his son home.)
- Was a great businessman--Proverb says a great man leaves inheritance to his sons, and this father indeed did so.

The Rebellious Son
- Dishonored his father, basically by telling his father that the monetary value of his inheritance was far more important to him than his father. In his heart, his father was dead.
- Was humiliated and humbled (exemplified by taking care of pigs and eating the pigs' food, the lack of shoes)
- Approached his father empty-handed.
- Upon his return, his father immediately welcomes him home. This is a very clear picture of God and us. We have done nothing to deserve His grace, we approach Him empty-handed, and yet God just gives. He just gives. Even before we ask.

The Religious Son
- Dishonored his father with indignant disbelief that his father would welcome home a "traitor."
- Refused to celebrate and wanted his father to rebuke his brother.
- However, the father loves both his sons, and his love shows no favoritism. The father had both his sons home. That was the most important thing to him.

Rebellion is all about...
- non-conformity
- innovation
- breaking the rules
- liberal
- immoral
- disobedience
- lazy
- using people
- unrighteousness
- The sin is visible.

Religion is all about...
- conformity
- tradition
- keeping the rules
- conservative
- moral
- obedience
- hard-working
- judging people
- self-righteousness
- The sin is invisible--it's inside, often presented as self-righteousness.

The only thing the two sons had in common was that they were both using their father for his riches. Neither of them loved him with their hearts.

Which son are you?

Living apart from your Father, not having Him in our hearts, is the greatest sin of all.

The Perfect Son
Jesus Christ is the perfect son who told the parable.

We either tend to be the rebellious son or the religious son. But when we realize how Jesus Christ died for us, we should also see that we can strive to be like the third son, Jesus Christ, the one and only perfect son. The one true Son who understood the promise of the Lord is infinitely greater than all the earthly riches combined.