Luke 16:22-26

The God Provides series offers a rich, dramatic journey through theater-quality, short films which show us wisdom, truth, encouragement and practical steps to deepen a relationship of trust with God. This session is based on a parable Jesus told about a rich man and Lazarus, a beggar—and the afterlife. As the film portrays, if we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we will spend eternity in His presence.

Jesus used parables to teach others, and these still speak to us today. Many parables are well known; others less so. Some bring comfort; others correction. Some are easy; others difficult. Of all parables, we hear a take-away message that sounds right & fine, but may miss the key point – likely because that teaching is so difficult. In this devotional, we take a closer look at this most difficult parable.

Heaven and Hell are very real; we will spend eternity in one or the other. The decisions we make on earth will have a direct and definite impact on our eternal destiny. Which choices open the gates of Heaven and close the door to Hell? Do you have friends and family who are ignorant or not sure about their eternal destiny? Who will you tell about the reality of eternity?

Service is love made visible. In a world that often rewards recognition and status, Jesus calls us to serve in hidden, ordinary, and costly ways — where no one is watching but the Father. Through this practice, we learn to make ourselves available, embrace interruption, and enter into true kinship with others. This plan, by Practicing the Way, features key ideas and practical suggestions for us to embody the gospel through everyday acts of service.