{"id":1170,"date":"2019-10-21T11:05:31","date_gmt":"2019-10-21T18:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1170"},"modified":"2019-10-21T11:08:48","modified_gmt":"2019-10-21T18:08:48","slug":"consider-the-consequences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2019\/10\/21\/consider-the-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"Consider the Consequences!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"color:black;font: 10pt arial;\"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeAsian>   <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeComplexScript>   <w:Compatibility>    <w:BreakWrappedTables\/>    <w:SnapToGridInCell\/>    <w:WrapTextWithPunct\/>    <w:UseAsianBreakRules\/>    <w:DontGrowAutofit\/>    <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark\/>    <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp\/>    <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables\/>    <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx\/>    <w:Word11KerningPairs\/>    <w:CachedColBalance\/>   <\/w:Compatibility>   <m:mathPr>    <m:mathFont m:val=\"Cambria Math\"\/>    <m:brkBin m:val=\"before\"\/>    <m:brkBinSub m:val=\"&#45;-\"\/>    <m:smallFrac m:val=\"off\"\/>    <m:dispDef\/>    <m:lMargin m:val=\"0\"\/>    <m:rMargin m:val=\"0\"\/>    <m:defJc m:val=\"centerGroup\"\/>    <m:wrapIndent m:val=\"1440\"\/>    <m:intLim m:val=\"subSup\"\/>    <m:naryLim m:val=\"undOvr\"\/>   <\/m:mathPr><\/w:WordDocument> <\/xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState=\"false\" DefUnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"   DefSemiHidden=\"true\" DefQFormat=\"false\" DefPriority=\"99\"   LatentStyleCount=\"267\">   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"0\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Normal\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 7\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 8\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 9\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 7\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 8\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 9\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"35\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"caption\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"10\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Title\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" Name=\"Default Paragraph Font\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"11\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtitle\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"22\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Strong\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"20\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"59\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Table Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Placeholder Text\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"No Spacing\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Revision\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"34\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"List Paragraph\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"29\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Quote\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"30\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Quote\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"19\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtle Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"21\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"31\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtle Reference\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"32\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Reference\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"33\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Book Title\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"37\" Name=\"Bibliography\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"TOC Heading\"\/>  <\/w:LatentStyles> <\/xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object  classid=\"clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D\" id=ieooui><\/object> \n\n<style> st1\\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> \n\n<style>  \/* Style Definitions *\/  table.MsoNormalTable \t{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\"; \tmso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; \tmso-tstyle-colband-size:0; \tmso-style-noshow:yes; \tmso-style-priority:99; \tmso-style-qformat:yes; \tmso-style-parent:\"\"; \tmso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; \tmso-para-margin:0in; \tmso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; \tmso-pagination:widow-orphan; \tfont-size:11.0pt; \tfont-family:\"Calibri\",\"sans-serif\"; \tmso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-fareast-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; \tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-1170-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-19-10-20-19.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-19-10-20-19.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-19-10-20-19.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">October 20, 2019<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Luke 16:19-31<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Consider the Consequences!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">\u201cThere was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man&#8217;s table.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even the dogs came and licked his sores.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham&#8217;s side.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The rich man also died and was buried.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So he called to him, \u2018Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But Abraham replied, \u2018Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>He answered, \u2018Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father&#8217;s house, for I have five brothers.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Abraham replied, \u2018They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>\u2018No, father Abraham,\u2019 he said, \u2018but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He said to him, \u2018If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.\u2019\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Look both ways before crossing the street. Wait thirty minutes after you eat before going back into the water.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The term paper is due Friday\u2014 not the following Monday.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The workday starts promptly at 8:00 AM.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes, you can cash in that CD three months early\u2014 if you want to.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Ever since we were young we have learned that there are consequences that we need to factor into the decisions that we make.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If you hand in your homework late you shouldn\u2019t be surprised if your grade is lowered.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If you consistently show up late for work you shouldn\u2019t be surprised if you lose your job.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Most of us have learned\u2014 sometimes the hard way\u2014 that we do indeed need to consider the consequences before we make a decision and before we take any action.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">As I was studying this very familiar portion of Scripture I couldn\u2019t help but think of how relevant these words are to our lives and to our society today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In my opinion\u2014 and yes, it is just my opinion\u2014 in my opinion there are many people today who simply go about living their life however they so choose without considering the consequences of the decisions that they make.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Here in Luke chapter 16 the Lord Christ gives us an opportunity to examine two very important truths by placing before us a simple yet powerful picture of why it is so important for all people\u2014 including us\u2014 to:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">Consider the Consequences!<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are two things we want to consider this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, let\u2019s consider the consequences of how we live our life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then let\u2019s consider the consequences of either believing or rejecting the gift of God\u2019s Word.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Our text for today focuses our attention on two men whose lives could not have been more different from each other.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The first man is described as a <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201crich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is certainly not difficult for us to picture what this man\u2019s life was like.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We can probably think of the names of a number of people who have more money than they could ever possibly use.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They wear the finest clothes, live in the big houses, drive the fancy cars and do pretty much whatever they want whenever they want because they can afford to do so.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes we might even look at people like this and wish our life was like that!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But, no matter how rich a person may be, no matter how luxurious their life may be, there is one thing that they will always have in common with even the poorest person on the face of this planet:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>one day their life will come to an end.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So also with the first man here in our text for today.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Jesus doesn\u2019t give us any details concerning the rich man\u2019s death.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Lord very simply says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe rich man also died and was buried.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>We can imagine, however, that the rich man was given a huge fancy funeral.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>People probably came from all over to pay their last respects\u2014 famous people, important people, powerful people.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Little did they realize that even as they gathered for the rich man\u2019s funeral the rich man was already enduring the consequences of how he had lived his life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus explains, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe rich man also died and was buried.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So he called to him, \u2018Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.\u2019\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Regardless of what people might think or say or hope\u2014 there is a very real place called hell.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Hell is total and complete separation from the Triune God and from His amazing grace.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is a place of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ctorment.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is a place of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cagony.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is a place where even the tiniest drop of water would be a welcome relief.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is a place from which there is no escape\u2014 ever!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As Abraham told the rich man, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cSon, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.\u201d<\/i> <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The rich man is an example of what happens to a person who lives their life focused on the philosophy, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cTake life easy; eat, drink and be merry\u201d<\/i> (Luke 12:19).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Anyone who spends their life focused on enjoying all the things this world has to offer without ever considering the consequences of where that life is leading them will regret it\u2014 forever.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Do we need to take this warning to heart, my friends?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That\u2019s a question that we can only answer when looking in a mirror.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If we look at our own life and see that it does indeed revolve around our wants and our desires then at the very least we need to stop and consider the consequences of how we are living our life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Where is our life leading us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If our life were to come to a very abrupt and a very unexpected end where will it have left us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Those are questions we do indeed need to address as we consider the consequences of how we are living our lives.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Consider now the life of the second man here in our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus describes this man\u2019s life in this way, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cAt his gate <\/i>(the rich man\u2019s gate) <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man\u2019s table.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even the dogs came and licked his sores.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Lazarus certainly did not have a life that any of us would envy.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Day after day he depended on either the kindness or the pity of others just to have something to eat.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Day after day the only \u201crelief\u201d (if you can even call it that) the only \u201crelief\u201d he got was when the dogs came and <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201clicked his sores.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When Lazarus died there was probably no elaborate funeral.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There was probably no crowd of people to mourn his passing.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He was probably just carried off and buried in the potter\u2019s field.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What no one could see, however, were the consequences of Lazarus\u2019 life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham\u2019s side.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The instant Lazarus\u2019 physical body died his soul was carried to heaven where he enjoyed all the rich blessings of living in his heavenly Father\u2019s Home.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Do we need to take this example to heart, my friends?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Again, that\u2019s a question that we can answer only when looking in a mirror.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When you look at your own life do you see one struggle after another?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Does it seem like as soon as you recover from one \u201cdisaster\u201d you find yourself facing yet another \u201cdisaster\u201d?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Do you ever find yourself pretending to be happy when you are around other people, but deep inside you are saying to yourself, \u201cIf only they knew!\u201d?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If so\u2014 then remember the example of Lazarus here in our text!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If so\u2014 then remember what Paul reveals to us in Romans 8:18, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If so\u2014 then remember that no matter how difficult your life here on this earth might be, when the good Lord decides it is time for your life here to end, He will send His holy angels to carry your soul Home to heaven!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What made the difference, my friends?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why did the rich man end up suffering in the eternal fires of hell while poor Lazarus ended up enjoying the eternal blessings of heaven?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Does this portion of Scripture actually teach us that if you have money, live in a big house, and have closets filled with nice clothes that you better be worried about your eternity, but if your life is a \u201cliving hell\u201d now you can be sure of a good life\u2014 or at least a better life\u2014 after you die?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Is that really how it works?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not at all!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at verses 27-31 of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When the rich man found out that once a person is condemned to hell they stay there forever he begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn the rich man\u2019s brothers so that they didn\u2019t end up in hell too.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How did Father Abraham respond?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He said, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThey have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The good Lord has given to us the gift of His holy revealed Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What will we hear when we <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201clisten\u201d<\/i> to the gift of God\u2019s Word?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When we <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201clisten\u201d<\/i> to what God reveals to us in the Bible we will indeed be convicted of our sin.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We will indeed be shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that we deserve God\u2019s punishment both now and in eternity\u2014 just as we confessed earlier this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At the same time, when we <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201clisten\u201d<\/i> to what God reveals to us in the Bible we will indeed be comforted with the message of full and free forgiveness through faith in what our Savior secured for us on the cross.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cIt is finished,\u201d<\/i> Jesus says to us here in His Word!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(John 19:30)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In fact, my friends, you and I have been given even more than what Jesus highlights here in our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not only do we have the complete revelation of God\u2019s holy Word\u2014 both the Old Testament Scriptures plus the New Testament Scriptures\u2014 but we also have the unparalleled privilege of approaching the Lord\u2019s altar to receive His true body and blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. What does Jesus Himself say to <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">you<\/i><\/b> when you come to His altar with a repentant heart?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Here in His Word He says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThis is my body given for you\u2026This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(Luke 22:19; Matthew 26:28)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That\u2019s what we hear when we <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201clisten\u201d<\/i> to the gift of God\u2019s holy Word!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Take a moment to consider the consequences of either believing or rejecting what God reveals to you in the gift of His holy Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If a person rejects what God reveals to us in the Bible and concentrates their life on enjoying the things of this world then this life is as good as it gets.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then like the rich man here in our text they will spend eternity in the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ctorment\u201d<\/i> and <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cagony\u201d<\/i> of hell.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On the other hand, when by the grace of God we believe what God has revealed to us in the gift of His Word then no matter how horrible our sins might be, no matter how difficult our life might be we have God\u2019s personal promise that one day He will indeed send His holy angels to carry us Home.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Consider the Consequences<\/span><\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Far more important than looking both ways before we cross the street is considering the consequences of how we are living our life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Far more important than getting to work on time so that we don\u2019t get fired is considering the consequences that come with either rejecting or believing what God Himself has revealed to us in the gift of His Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">\u201cThe time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham\u2019s side.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\"><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>May God grant that these are the words that will ring true for each and every one of us.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-19-10-20-19.mp3\">Pentecost-19-10-20-19.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost October 20, 2019 Luke 16:19-31 Consider the Consequences! &nbsp; \u201cThere was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.&nbsp; At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man&#8217;s table.&nbsp; Even [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1170\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}