Red Letters: The New Mercy Seat - Pastor Josiah Elias

This powerful message takes us deep into Luke 16, where Jesus shares the sobering account of the rich man and Lazarus—a story that forces us to confront the eternal consequences of how we live today. What makes this teaching particularly striking is that it's the only parable where Jesus names specific individuals, suggesting this may be more than just a story—it could be an actual account of eternal realities. We're challenged to examine our stewardship not just of money, but of our entire lives. The rich man had everything he wanted in his earthly existence, living in luxury while Lazarus suffered at his gate. Yet after death, their positions were eternally reversed. This isn't primarily about wealth versus poverty, but about the heart condition that our choices reveal. Abraham's bosom represents the place where the faithful rested before Christ's ultimate sacrifice, while Hades held those separated from God. The chasm between them couldn't be crossed—a haunting reminder that our eternal destiny is determined by decisions we make in this life. What's most convicting is the rich man's realization that even someone rising from the dead wouldn't convince his brothers to change. We have everything we need right now—Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the testimony of Christ's resurrection—to make the choice that matters most. This message isn't meant to motivate us through fear of hell, but to awaken us to the beauty of falling in love with Jesus and living a life that honors Him while we still have breath in our lungs.