Christian Living
What do you think about an argument? Can it be won convincingly? Can it be worn from the heart? I have determined not to be involved in an argument since the day I read in a book that one cannot really win an argument, that is many years ago. Instead of engaging in an argument, I love to reason with others. I believe this is more tolerable, educative and scriptural. Both parties reasoning together will learn one thing or the other from each other.
An argument or debate takes place in many forms and places; at different levels and on many topics.
There is a debate that took place in the place of the Dead that concerns everybody. This was a very long time ago.
This debate involved two camps represented by Abraham and a Rich man in hell. What was the topic of their debate? It centered on whether or not people (the five brothers of the Rich Man.) will believe or repent if someone from the dead preaches to them.
The pattern of life lived by the Rich man is described thus,
"a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine line and fared sumptuously every day." Luke 16:19(NKJV).
This man had no time to take care of Lazarus, "a certain beggar, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the Rich Man's table."verse 20-21.
Both men died and ended in different camps, the Rich Man in hell while Lazarus was taken by angels to the bossom of Abraham.
It was the Rich Man who started the debate by requesting Father Abraham to send Lazarus to his father's house to preach to his five brothers that they may not end their lives in a place of torment.
Father Abraham responded , "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them."
The Rich Man did not agree, he put forth his argument,
"No father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead they will repent."
Father Abraham made it known to him that
"If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." Luke 16:29-31.
That was the end of the debate.
In the book that stopped me from arguing with people, it was declared that when one party thinks he has worn, the other party remains steadfast on his point. He remains unconvinced.
So it was with the Rich Man in hell!
The Rich Man knew that Father Abraham was not ready to shift ground. However, the Rich Man was convinced that sending someone like Lazarus will rescue his five brothers from ending in hell but he was helpless.
Likewise, Father Abraham was convinced, too, that Moses and other prophets are there to do the preaching and that their words are powerful enough to make the five brothers repent.
However, the Moderator, God, did not speak at that point but must have purposed to do something about it. He understands the thoughts of these two men and will not want any man to accuse Him of any wrong doing. He will do everything to help mankind to be reconciled to Him.
He then went into action.
God allows His living Ministers to continue their assignments to reconcile those who listen to them to Him. Although many people did not believe and still not. Abraham was aware of this.
Among His people, the Moderator decided to raise His people to take a journey into the world of the dead and return to narrate their experience. This is in agitation of the Rich Man in hell. This man thought if he had got someone to preach to him from the dead, he would have repented.
I have heard a few number of saints who died and rose to explain how hell and the kingdom of God look like. Although many people who listen to their stories repent but a great number of the Rich and Comfortable people will not want to repent. They wrongly conclude that it is all make- up. A mere fluke or a gimmick. Some say
"It is a lie!"
Do you believe that the words of the preachers are words of God and you must obey them?. Or do you want one who rise from the dead to preach to you before you repent? Or no one can make you to repent?
Today is the day of your salvation, tomorrow may be late. Repent today because hell is real. Kingdom of God is real.
Therefore, believe the Lord and do not need to wait for one fronm the dead to preach to you. The Lord is coming soon.
Note.
NKJV is New King James Version
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