A PREACHER FROM THE DEAD OR THE LIVING WORD?
The rich man in hell, realizing his torments would never end, immediately became concerned for the safety of his five brothers. His desire was that Lazarus be sent to preach and warn them lest they too should descend into the place of never-ending agony and pain. Note that he was only interested in his family members and says nothing about the glory of God in the salvation of his brothers. Not one word is spoken about Christ being magnified as God’s sacrifice for sin nor did he indicate any awareness of the necessity of the Spirit’s work in the hearts of his brothers. His motivation did not involve the Lord at all! Notice Abraham’s response, which speaks volumes. “ They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them” (Luke 16:29) . There is something far better than someone coming back from the dead and preaching about the reality of hell and that is the proclamation of “ the Word of God that liveth and abideth forever…and this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (...