Text: Luke 16:19-31
Intro: One of the greatest things that could ever happen to a church would be to some way be made aware of the horrors of hell. It would revolutionize that church.
    A. There are some things in hell that ought to be in every New Testament church.
I. A Knowledge of the Reality of Hell.
    A. This man did not believe in hell until he died.
    B. A survey among religious leaders has revealed that only a very few really believe in a literal burning hell.
    C. But what does the Bible say? (Psa. 9:17; Matt. 25:41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from
        me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (Mark 9:43-48)
        1.   If there is no hell then why preach, why win souls?
II. In Hell the Rich Man’s vision was clear, v. 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
    A. This may have been the first time he ever lifted up, his eyes and saw things in the light of eternity.
    B. In our lives and in our church we need to do all that we do in the light of eternity. John 4:35 Say  not ye, There are yet
        four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your   eyes, and look on  the fields; for they are
        white already to harvest.  (Luke 10:2)  The harvest truly is  great but the …
    C.   To many cannot see beyond this life.  (Prov. 29:18; Matt. 6:19-20)
III. Tears: v.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me…
    A. There is a connection between tears and success in soul winning. Psa. 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
        He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves
        with him.
    B. Jeremiah was a weeping prophet, (Jer 9:1).
    C. Jesus wept, (John 11:35 grave of Lazarus).   (Matt. 23:37-39)
    D. Paul was a weeping preacher, (Acts 20:31).
IV. Prayer v. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
    A.   He hadn’t taken time to pray while he was living on earth.
    B. Prayer meetings are gone from many churches
    C. Some churches don’t even have altars and some member never use the ones we have.
    D. Pray without ceasing is still true today.
V. Burden for lost souls, v. 27-28
    A. Paul had a burden, (Rom. 10:1). Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
VI. A Missionary Spirit v.27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
father's house:
    A. The very purpose of the church is missions, (Matt. 28:19-20)   (John 20:21)  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be
        unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
    B. If churches aren’t missionaries, winning souls to Christ and establishing New Testament churches they have no reason
        to exist.
Conclusion: Old Time Repentance.
    A. We can easily see a complete change of mind and attitude in this man that is what repentance is.
    B. It was to late for him but it is not to late for us.
    C. Repentance would bring revival II Chron. 7:14