I. Introduction and Context

Pastor’s introduction of Brother Lawrence and connection to his preaching in Liberia.
Purpose: prepare God’s people for the coming harvest (Easter, witnessing, inviting, praying for family and friends).

II. Liberia Experiences and Personal Testimony

Brother Lawrence’s joy in returning “home” to Victory Church.
Repeated trips to Liberia (and Israel) despite earlier reluctance to travel to West Africa.
Observation: high percentage of professing Christians in Liberia; strong biblical knowledge, even among children.
Humbling experiences with Liberian believers’ excellence in dress and worship; story of being underdressed and then over-preparing, only to need borrowed attire.

III. Transition to the Message and Text

Framing the message as a serious word from the Holy Spirit and a “gift from Liberia.”
Link to upcoming events: Easter, baby dedications, baptisms.
Call to open hearts and ears.
Scripture text announced: Luke 16:19–31 (rich man and Lazarus).

IV. Reading and Setting of Luke 16:19–31

Jesus speaking in the presence of disciples, tax collectors, sinners, and Pharisees.
Pharisees questioning Jesus for associating with sinners and tax collectors.
Reading the parable:
- Rich man clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury.
- Beggar Lazarus at his gate, full of sores, longing for crumbs; dogs licking his sores.
- Death of both men: Lazarus carried to Abraham’s side, rich man in torment in Hades.
- Rich man’s plea for relief and Abraham’s answer about the great fixed gulf.
- Rich man’s request to warn his brothers; Abraham’s reply about Moses and the prophets and the refusal to believe even if one rises from the dead.

V. Clarifying the Real Issue: Pride, Not Possessions

Warning against quickly judging the rich man and assuming wealth itself is evil.
Affirmation: God gives power to get wealth and desires to bless His children.
Real problem: pride and selfishness—wealth becoming an idol that controls the heart.
Evidence of selfishness: refusal to help Lazarus despite great abundance and space.

VI. Jesus’ Definition of True Wealth