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  HE AWOKE WITH EVERLASTING FLAMES ABOUT HIS EARS!
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Earthly riches can lead to spiritual blindness, hardened
hearts, and eternal consequences if we prioritize them over our
spiritual well-being.

Topics: "Eternal Perspective", "The Dangers of Wealth"
Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:9

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of earthly riches, emphasizing
how they burden the soul with cares and distractions that lead to
spiritual torment. He illustrates the plight of Dives, who was so
consumed by his wealth and status that he neglected his eternal fate,
only to awaken in torment. Brooks highlights the sorrow and corruption
that wealth can bring, urging listeners to reflect on the true cost of
their earthly pursuits and the neglect of their souls. The sermon serves
as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of material wealth and the
importance of prioritizing spiritual well-being.

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CONTENT
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Earthly riches commonly load the soul with a multitude of

cares, fears, griefs, and vexations--which mightily disturb

the soul, distract the soul; yes, often rack, torture, and

torment the soul.

Earthly riches, for the most part, do a world of mischief

and hurt to their owners. Oh the souls which earthly riches

have pierced through and through with many sorrows! Oh

the minds which earthly riches have blinded! Oh the hearts

which earthly riches have hardened! Oh the consciences

which earthly riches have benumbed! Oh the wills which

earthly riches have perverted! Oh the affections which

earthly riches have disordered! Oh the lives which earthly

riches have corrupted!

Dives was so taken up with his riches, pomp, state, and

with his royal apparel, royal attendance, and royal fare--

that he never minded heaven, nor ever dreaded hell--until

he awoke with everlasting flames about his ears!

Oh the time, the thoughts, the strength, the energy--which

rich men spend and consume upon their riches, while their

precious souls lie bleeding to death, and an eternity of

misery is hastening upon them!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/he-awoke-with-everlasting-flames-about-his-ears/
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