‍‍Sermon Notes For 4-12-26 Part 1 For “Is That Right”

‍Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Luke Chapter 16. Now, here in the month of April Of 2026, I am being led of The Lord to return once again to our Topical Series called, “Is That Right!”

Now again, the reason for this particular series I am calling, “Is That Right?” is because it’s very possible that you & I have either knowingly or unknowingly laid hold to the familiar and often used Christian and Non-Christian “Clichés” of our times. Or, perhaps we have laid hold to - the popular religious sayings and- statements of our times.

And it is highly likely that you & I might have laid hold to some of the cultural ideas about God that in most cases are unscriptural, even though they sound sincere, But actually (they) are misleading in regards to the purpose, and the plan, and the Will of God.

Now, with God’s help I want us to consider one of the most popular religious sayings and statements of our times, which is meant to give temporary comfort and consolation to a family and to others in attendance at - *A public or private Funeral Service. * Or a public or private Memorial Service * Or a public or private Gravesite Service

But unfortunately, the statement, “So-and-So has gone to a better place” really gives the wrong - assumption, and most importantly it is not what the Bible teaches regarding the final destination of a person who did not believe or does not believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, and the only way to Heaven itself!

Now, let’s notice The Gospel Of Luke 16: 19 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was full of sores, who was laid at the gate of the rich man, Why? 21 Desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. And moreover, the dogs came and licked the beggar Lazarus’ sores. 22 And so it was that the beggar named Lazarus died and was carried by the angels unto Abraham's Bosom. And also, the rich man died and was buried. (Stop here)

Do you think it’s possible that at the funeral the rich man, that someone, maybe one of his (5) brothers might have said, (vs. 28).“That So-and-So has gone to a better place now!”

Now, let’s notice again The Gospel of Luke 16: 22 And so it was that the beggar named Lazarus died and was carried by the angels unto Abraham's Bosom. And also, the rich man died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, the rich man lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, And Lazarus in Abraham’s Bosom. (Stop here) Once again vs. 23 says, And being in torments in Hades, the rich man lifted up his eyes, (Stop here)

(Question) How in the world did this rich man end up being in torments in hades after death? (Repeat)

Now, let’s notice The Gospel Of Luke 12: 16 Then Jesus spoke a parable unto them saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And the rich man thought within himself saying, What shall I do since I have no room to store my crops? 18 So, the rich man said I will do this: I will pull down my old barns and build greater ones, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry! 20 But God said unto the rich man, You Fool! This night your soul will be required of you! Then whose will those things be, which you have provided?

Now, let’s notice The Book of Hebrews 9: 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once and after this The Judgment! 28 So Christ Jesus was offered once to bear the sins of many. To Those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin- bearing for salvation.

Now, let’s notice The Gospel of John 8: 21 Then Jesus said to them again, I am going away, and you will seek Me and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come. 24 Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.

Now, let’s notice The Book of Romans 3: 10 As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands. There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who’s (does) good, no, not one. Why? 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God!

Now, let’s notice The Book of Romans 5: 12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin. And thus death spread to all men (because all sinned!) 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.

Now, let’s notice The Book of Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (in Christ Jesus our Lord.)

Now, let’s notice The Gospel of John 14: 5 Thomas said to Him Lord, we do not know Where You are going, and How can we know the way?6 Jesus said to Thomas, I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father, except through or by Me.

‍Sermon Notes For 4-19-26 “Is That Right?” Part 2

‍Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Luke Chapter 16. Now, let’s return back to our current series called, “Is That Right?”

And with God’s help we are considering one of the most popular religious sayings and statements of our times.

Which is meant to give temporary comfort and consolation to a family and to others who are in attendance at- *A Public or Private Funeral-Service. * Or A Public or Private Memorial-Service * Or A Public or Private Gravesite- Service.

For it is quite common for someone— to say in these settings,—“That So and So,” Referring to—the deceased. “That So and So, Has Gone To A Better Place!”

But, “Is That Right?” Because unfortunately, this statement, “That So-and-So Has Gone To A Better Place,” actually, gives the wrong—assumption.

And most importantly it is not what the Bible teaches regarding the final destination of a person who did not believe, or, they don’t believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, and the only way to heaven itself!

Now, let’s notice The Gospel of Luke 16:22. And so it was that the beggar named Lazarus died and was carried by the angels unto Abraham's Bosom. And also, The Rich man died and was buried. (Stop here)

I am of the opinion that it’s possible at the funeral the rich man, that someone, maybe one of his 5 brothers might have said,—vs. 28. “That So-and-So Has Gone To A Better Place Now!”

Now, let’s notice again The Gospel of Luke 16:22. And so it was that the beggar named Lazarus died and was carried by the angels unto Abraham's Bosom. And also, the rich man died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, the rich man lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, And Lazarus in Abraham’s Bosom. (Stop here)

(Question) How in the world did this rich man end up being in torments in Hades after death?(Question) Was it because he was rich? Or was it because he was wealthy? Or was it because he was financially successful? Or was it because he had inordinate affections about his riches, about his wealth, and about his financial success and status?

And did these things over time deceived and corrupted him in such a way that he did not use those resources that he had been bless with—in Godly ways.

Instead, it’s possible that he became less generous & caring—and more selfish, prideful,—and self indulgent.

And it’s possible that he became more & more materialistic about life and less concern about—the after-life?

So much so, that he—procrastinated about his true spiritual condition. and that was—he had become resistant and rejecting of God, regarding His plan and purpose and His will for his Life?

So again, how in the world did this rich man end up according to Luke 16:23, being in torments in Hades after death?

Well surprisingly, the answer according to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in The Gospel of John 8:24, is the same for anyone—no matter if they are rich or poor, male or female, young or old, black or white!

According to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in The Gospel of John 8:24, the answer is the same for everybody, why they would end up after death in torments in Hades or Hell!

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of John Chapter 8. Now, notice The Gospel of John 8:24. The Lord Jesus is speaking, Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.

Now, let’s also notice The Book of Hebrews 9:27. And as it is appointed for men—to die once, and after that—The Judgment! There is no second chance. There is no purgatory. There is no reincarnation.

Now, back to The Gospel of John Chapter 8. Now, notice again The Gospel of John 8:24. The Lord Jesus is speaking, Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.

Notice the phrase, “For if you do not believe that I am He!” (Stop here)

Our Lord Jesus said, “I am He” who has done something for everybody that they could not do for themselves,—and what would that be Jesus?

Well, let’s see The Book of Romans 5:6. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

(From The Amplify version) Romans 5:6 says, While we were still helpless powerless to provide for our own salvation. At the right time, Christ died as a substitute for the ungodly. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be—saved from wrath through—or because of Him.

The word “Believe” that is used here is very important to have the right understanding. For The word “Believe” used here Is not talking about—“Mental Assent Or Agreement!”

(Note) Mental assent is the intellectual agreement with a truth or a proposition without acting on it or allowing it to transform one's life. It is a surface-level acceptance.

For example, agreeing that the Bible is true, but still lacking a heart-level conviction or trust, or the right corresponding action to the Scriptures.

Now, the word “Believe” used here in The Gospel of John 8:24. A Strong's Definition πιστεύω pisteúō, pist-yoo'-o; from G4102; to have faith in or upon, or with respect to a person or thing.

But πιστεύω pisteúō, pist-yoo'-o; By implication means, To entrust one's spiritual well-being unto another. To put trust in someone. (Question) What does it mean to “Believe?”

Now, see The Gospel of John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (Question) What does it mean to “Believe?”

Now, see The Book of Acts 4:12. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Question) What does it mean to “Believe?”

Now, see The Gospel of John 14:6. Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes unto the Father, except through Me.(Question) What does it mean to “Believe?”

Now, see The Book Of Romans 10:9. That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be Saved. (Question) What does it mean to “Believe?”

Perhaps this illustration could help. There was a man who attempted to cross the Niagara Falls on a tight rope.

But before he began this dangerous stunt, the man asked a crowd of spectators before he began his treacherous walk across the tight rope over the Niagara Falls.

Saying, "How many of you have faith that I can cross the Niagara Falls by walking on this tight rope without falling?"The majority of the people raise their hand and chanted saying "yes we believe you can do it!"

And in fact the man did it multiple times. Going back-and-forth across the tight rope over the Niagara Falls.

However, on his last attempt he wanted to do something a little unusual. So, He brought out a specially-designed wheel barrel.

The wheel barrel had a special front wheel to keep it firmly on the tight rope as he walked across the Niagara Falls. Also, The wheel barrel had a small seat in side the wheel barrel for only one passenger.

Now the man said to the crowd, "does anyone trust that I can take them across the Niagara Falls in this wheelbarrow? This time, only a few hands went up.

And then the man said something very interesting to the few who raised their hands."Please step forward and take a seat in the wheel barrel and let us cross together over the Niagara Falls!" But no one came forth.

Now remember, The man said to the crowd, “How many of you have faith that I can cross the Niagara Falls by walking on this tight rope, without falling?" And the majority of the people raised their hand and chanted saying "yes we believe you can do it!"

In fact, remember the man did it multiple times going back-and-forth across the tight rope over the Niagara Falls.

But then the man said unto the crowd, "does anyone trust that I can take them across the Niagara Falls in this wheelbarrow? And still a few hands went up.

But then the man said, "please step forward, and get into the wheel barrel and let us cross together over the Niagara Falls.” And no one came forth!

And so, it is with most of us as God's people. You see The Illustration that I just share actually is an allegory. (Note) an allegory is a story, or a poem, or a picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or spiritual insight like the book called, “Pilgrim's Progress,” which is an allegory of a believer’s spiritual journey.

•The man who when across The Niagara Falls on the tight rope, represents The Lord. •The crowd represent Us, as God's people. •The Niagara Falls, represent the challenges or difficulties, or that which causes You and I to have fear, or anxiety, or worry, that there are some things that are just impossible.

Now the multiple crossings, going back-and-forth-on the tightrope without slipping nor falling when crossing over the Niagara Falls represent, God’s ability and strength-to do anything He pleases according to His Will. •The wheelbarrow and the seat in the wheelbarrow, represent, God's Grace which is sufficient no matter what we are facing. Because He is willing to carry us, support us, and to help us to get through to the other side of the circumstance or the situation.

And finally, when the man said, "please step forward, and get into the wheel barrel and let us cross together to the other side." That request represents God speaking to you and I, to trust Him by putting ourselves into His care!

Listen, we may have Faith, that we believe God can do anything. But do we trust Him enough to putting our whole self into His care.

Now, let’s notice again The Gospel of Luke 16:23. And being in torments in Hades, the rich man lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in Abraham’s Bosom.

(Question) How in the world did this rich man end up being in torments in Hades after Death?(Question) Was it because he was rich? Or was it because he was wealthy? Or was it because he was financially successful?

Or was it because he had inordinate affections—about his riches, about his wealth, and about his financial success and status? And did these things over time deceived and corrupted him in such a way that he did not use those resources that he had been bless with—in Godly ways.

Instead it’s possible that he became less generous & caring—and more selfish, prideful,—and self indulgent and it’s possible that he became more & more materialistic about life and less concern about—the afterlife?

So much so, that he—procrastinated about his true Spiritual condition and that was—he had become— resistant and rejecting of God, regarding His plan and purpose and His Will for His Life?

(Question) So what does—The Bible warns and teaches about having inordinate affections for riches, or wealth, or financial success and status, that everyone should know about?

Because today in some circles within the Body of Christ there tends to be an over emphasis regarding financial prosperity being a sign of God‘s favor and blessing is upon an individual.

Instead of a balance emphasis regarding the Biblical warnings about having inordinate affections for riches, or wealth, or financial success and status.

‍Now, see Deuteronomy 8: 11 Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 less when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up and you forget The Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end. 17 then you say in your heart—My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth. 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

‍Psalms 52:7. Here is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Proverbs 24:4. Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease. 5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For or because riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

‍Proverbs 15:27. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.

‍Ecclesiastes 5:10. He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.11 When goods increase, They increase who eat them; So, what profit have the owners Except to see them with their eyes?

Now, see The Gospel of Matthew 6: 19. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 12:15. And He said to them, Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he or she possesses.

‍Now, let’s notice The Book of 1st Timothy 6: 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. Why? 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1st Timothy 6:17. Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor are they to trust in uncertain riches. But trust in the living God, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them who are rich in this present age do good, that they be rich in good works. Ready to give, willing to share. 19 Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

‍James 2: 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says unto them, Go in peace! Be warmed and Be filled! And you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Now see 1st John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but indeed and in truth.

Now, this popular religious sayings and statements which is meant to give temporary comfort and consolation to a family and to others who are in attendance at-*A Public or Private Funeral-Service.* Or a Public or Private Memorial-Service * Or a Public or Private Gravesite- Service.

For it is quite common for someone—to say in these settings,—“That So and So,” Referring to the deceased. “That So and So, Has Gone To A Better Place!”

But how do we express compassion and truth to a family and to others who are in attendance at-*A Public or Private Funeral-Service. * Or a Public or Private Memorial Service * Or a Public or Private Gravesite- Service.

Without saying “That So and So, Has Gone To A Better Place, and yet know the person did not believe, or they don’t believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, and the only way to Heaven itself?

Scripture never tells us to: •Declare someone saved when we don’t know •Or rewrite God’s standards to comfort people.

Ephesians 4:15. “Speaking the truth in love…” Comfort the grieving without making false claims.

We can say things like: •“God is just and merciful—we entrust them unto Him.” •“Let this remind us how important it is to know Christ.”

As we use the moment as a sober reminder because such gatherings often serve as a wake-up call for the living.

Ecclesiastes 7:2. Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting. For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart. •People want comfort. •But people need the Scripture and it’s truths.

Know that the Bible does not support the assumption that someone is in heaven if they rejected Christ.

But at the same time, the Bible calls us to handle reality with humility, instead of with harshness and fear.

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