Adapted from Luke 16:19-31

There was a very rich man with beautiful clothes. He lived in the lap of luxury. He had a wealthy mansion and lots of friends. He didn't know anything about poverty. Lazarus, a beggar, was laid at his door. He heard the rich man say, "Hey, give me some more of that delicious food and luscious wine. Anything I ever want to have is MINE." The beggar man said, "Sir, if you please I'd like a scrap of food. You see, I have a disease. The dogs come around and lick my sores. Could you spare a few crumbs for a man so poor?" The rich man said, "Get him out of my sight!" He makes the place look bad. He doesn't have the right to lie upon my steps. He's attracting flies. GET HIM OUT I SAY!" and to his surprise... The beggar man died right before his eyes. The angels came and carried Lazarus away to Paradise where the chosen ones stayed. Abraham took him by the hand and said, "Lazarus, the future has all been planned. When Jesus dies, He's gonna take us away to live forever with Him. Let's watch and pray." Meanwhile the rich man died as well and he cried out loud, for he was in hell. The fire burned and tormented him. "I WANT WATER!" he cried but it looked pretty grim. Then he strained his eyes and he saw - could it be? The beggar man, Lazarus, is lookin' at me! Abraham, send Lazarus to bring me a drink! My tongue is so hot that I can't even think!" Abraham said, "Son, that's impossible to do. There's a great big chasm between me and you." "Then would you please send Lazarus to tell my brothers? I don't want this to happen to the others. They need to be warned all about this place. Send Lazarus to tell them face to face." Abraham said, "Lazarus is not who's needed. They need to listen to God's Word and heed it. If they don't believe what the Good Book said, they won't believe Lazarus back from the dead." Jesus told the story so we know that it's true. Don't let the same thing happen to you.