Sunday, July 8th, 2007 - (11:30 AM, Morning Glory Service)

"Rewind Please"

Luke 16:19-31

As a youngster, Pastor Dix recalled receiving a tape recorder as a gift from his parents.  He described in detail how he was visiting with some relatives and went around to different groups, and without them knowing, recorded various conversations,.  He'd then go back and hit the play button, and that is when they'd ask him to "rewind please."

Pastor related his childhood story to the story found in Luke 16:19 that describes the mistreatment of Lazarus, a beggar, by a rich man.  Lazarus, who only wanted the crumbs from the rich man's table, had the dogs lick his sore covered body.  Then one day both of the men died.  Lazarus was carried off by angels to Abraham’s bosom (paradise, which was located in the lower parts of the earth) and the rich man was burned.  It wasn't until the rich man’s death that he requested that Abraham have Lazarus dip his fingertip into some water to cool his tongue.  However, Abraham told the rich man that when he lived he had the good things but Lazarus had evil things, but now the poor man was comforted and he (the rich man) was tormented. Furthermore, Abraham told him that there was a great gulf that separated them from the rich man. The scripture goes on to state that, the rich man requested that Lazarus return from the dead and forewarn his five brothers of their fate is they didn't turn form their evil ways. Even this request was denied as well. 

Pastor Dix instructed the congregation to "rewind now," to avoid ending up like the rich man. "If you got to go through on this side, just lift your head and go through," He added.  When we grow in our faith we should not fail to realize that God honors integrity and accountability.  James 4:17 states: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth not, to him it is sin."  Pastor Dix said the only surefire way of knowing that one believes there is a heaven and a hell, is by watching his lifestyle! 

As we prepare for the afterlife (because there is one), we must know that there is a judgment seat of Christ to look forward to as well.  For when He returns, this time, He’s coming back with power and authority!

Quote of the sermon:

"Neither your momma, daddy nor big momma will be able to stand between you and God."    - Pastor George Dix, Jr.

Scripture References:

Sunday, July 8th, 2007

• Psalm 100:3 - Prayer & Scripture (Associate Pastor Dwaye Thomas)
• Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus
• James 4:17 - "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth not, to him it is sin."
• Ephesians 1:3 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ"
• Ephesians 2:6 - "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus"