Have Lazarus Do It!

Luke 16:19-31

In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, we hear a baffling story of a wealthy man that pays little to no attention to the needs of the people around him. He has a poor beggar that lives at this gate, looking for food, comfort, and solace each and every day. The rich man would have had to step over Lazarus to leave his house, making it difficult to not notice the lump of clothing shivering at his feet. The story quickly brings us to the time of each person’s death. The rich man is brought to Hades and Lazarus is brought to the side of Abraham. One to punishment and one to reward.

The part that strikes me time and again is the unwillingness of the rich man to see the humanity of Lazarus. Even in Hades, the rich man thinks that he can command or order Lazarus to do his bidding. The rich man pleads with Abraham to send Lazarus to comfort him in his torment and go to his family in order to warn them of their futures. He still doesn’t care about Lazarus, and he never will. He cares only for those he deemed worthy of his time and affection: himself and his family (those like him). The only place for people who refuse to see the humanity in the less fortunate, the ones we deem unworthy of time, affection, or resources is Hades. Jesus warns us to not have a faith that ignores the needs of those around us. The sign of a regenerated heart and spirit– the sign of a believer that has put faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, is to show compassion, concern, and service to “the least of these.” Unlike the rich man, we have someone that has been raised from the dead– Jesus Christ. And he stands before us pleading with us to notice and care.

Announcements:

• Invite any youth to attend the 9:45 Youth Group on Sunday Mornings. Daniel and Emily Mendez are leading this.

• We are working on creating an Advent Devotional Book written by our church for our church (as well as anyone else that would like to read it). If you are interested in writing a 1-2 page devotional for this advent season, please contact Pastor Steven. We would love to have as many people involved in this as possible.

• Coming Soon! Children’ s Christmas Musical! More information will be provided as we get closer to the Christmas season.

• We will have a booth set up at the Moonlight Madness: Fall Shopping Event and Block Party put on by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce - October 17, 5-9

  • If anyone would like to sit with me to hand out brochures and stickers, let me know

• Adult Sunday School Classes - 9:45

• Youth Sunday School Classes -9:45 (Up stairs)

• Mitchell and Sarah Davidson are hosting a weekly Bible Study at their house on Thursdays (6-8)

  • Their address and number are listed below

• Fall Festival/Harvest Festival will be Oct. 25.

  • Sign up sheet is at the back of the sanctuary

• Children’s Church (Preschool and Elementary School) Sunday School teachers are need

  • Sign up sheet is at the back of the sanctuary

• Trail Life Open House- October 12, 2-2:30

  • Ask Pastor Steven or Damon Hargraves for more information

Church Weekly Schedule

• Sunday worship at 11am

• Sunday School at 9:45am

  • I am teaching through the Gospel According to Matthew

  • Youth Group! Daniel and Emily Mendez are heading up the Youth Group Bible Study at 9:45

• Wednesday Prayer Posse 12pm

• Thursday Bible Study with Mitchell and Sarah

  • 6-8pm

  • 1815 E Rezanof Dr.

  • If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mitchell (907-942-0381)

• Pastor Steven’s Office Hours 8-4 Mon-Thursday

  • I have an open sign (if it is on, I am here)

  • If I am not in the office at these times, I am meeting with someone

  • Call or text me 972-921-2516

  • Email steven@kodiakcbc.org