i really enjoyed reading yours the most. it left me feeling satisfied, and closer to having a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven. =)

thank you for blessing me.

how has your seed sowing been?

love in Christ,
edna
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Both the evil servants in charge of their flocks of Christians and the lazy servants in the pews will be judges to a place of "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 24:51, 25:30 ). Speakers of English have not the faintest idea of what this phrase might entail.

At best, some will weep bitterly while others gnash their teeth somewhat under the influence of outside, nighttime cold. Beware what this phrase might also mean....

The Russian language has an unusually nasty plan for dealing with tooth decay with "a mouthful of cavities and abscesses". Without modern dentistry, they would quit trying to save their teeth with cashews because spreading pus all around their mouths had become futile and fast around the clock. If they started to starve, they would gnash their teeth ***to bits and pieces*** and again be able to drink milk and eat pureed foods. If they had even one gene for Russian innate crying, once they got enough calcium phosphate in them, a third set of teeth would grow.

This third set is not a good set of teeth. It contains forty (40. ) teeth of far different sizes and shapes than the second set which was replaced. You cannot bite into an apple or a pear or a sandwich with the third set; apples and pears must be cored and sandwiches must be cut up into four, six, eight or twelve pieces because the incisors of the third set are small and week. The third set of teeth offers enormous bicuspids (side teeth) good for carrots, celery, whole walnuts, and crushing bones to extract the marrow. Worst of all, it demands an extremely large and incredibly ugly jaw so heavy as to make psalmists lament, "Lift up my head"-- a Hebrew idiom derived from people with the third set of teeth which came to mean "restore my former condition". Contrary to dentists' and orthodontists' and oral surgeons' pronouncements, there is no need to extract impacted teeth which are not causing problems; rather, by eating plenty of nuts, apples, pears, carrots, celery sticks, and seeds whole (with third teeth in front, apples and pears in sixths) with dairy products, the patient is actually able to grow the jawbone to accommodate all those teeth and straighten them out! With a mouthful of third dentition, the resulting face is incredibly ugly. Preserving a small face, there is nothing to be done about impacted teeth to avoid numerous needed extractions.

Yes, this is what "weeping and gnashing of teeth" might mean! If we were to read "gnashing of teeth" without mention of "weeping", its Russian translation would be the noun "skrezhet" or the verb "skrezhetat'". That is not a weepy word to the best of my knowledge. Jesus Christ, however, put "weeping" with "gnashing of teeth" to express the weepy word, definitely crying, "uvyadaniye" as a noun and "uvyadat'" or "uvyanut'" as verbs. Given in good dictionaries as meaning "to waste away" in reference to a person, this most extremely, incredibly shameful verb in either form in its most shameful sense as crying in the first person ("uvyad", "uvyanu yazF?", "uvyanyum' yazF", "yazF uvyadayu", etc.) refers to gnashing one's teeth to bits and pieces, in various tenses. I warn you that THIS suffering could befall the evil servants in charge and, later, lazy stewards from among the followers!

And now I warn you that many "evil servants in charge" and many "lazy stewards" will most certainly lose all their teeth through this judgement and be left to pray the psalmists' prayer, "Lift up my head." Surely the master, when he returns, will have obtained the authority to compel Badpastor to bite on steel pipes while he is flogged. The lazy stewards, far more numerous, may be in for this most awful fate, or they may be cast out where the evil servants suffer so horribly. Who will suffer what is unclear because Scripture only says "where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 24:51, 25:30 ) rather than a clear statement of "(he shall) weep and gnash his teeth". Yet I tell you, in order to make the Gospel ring true to the Russian people, there will be individuals among the evil servants in charge whose teeth are now sound yet shall be made to bite on steel pipe during their floggings and thus lose all their teeth. It is absolutely unsafe for us to run churches like evil servants in charge, and it is likewise absolutely unsafe for us in the pews without vast wealth of our own to ignore our stewardship even of our chances to befriend the rich folk of this world.

The message of gnashing one's teeth to pieces or of a mouth full of natural replacement adult teeth is admission of utter decadence and age. Nobody looks young with a third set of teeth. Still, Jesus accepts and accommodates them. Some of His disciples must have had feeble incisors of third dentition because He broke bread for them. To prepare bread for people with first dentition (baby teeth, milk teeth) or second dentition ("permanent" teeth, adult teeth), we usually slice it or find it already sliced for our convenience. As I conclude, please remember the incredibly severe risks inherent in evil servanthood and lazy stewardship and unfaithfulness in (with) the mammon of unrighteousness. God bless those who heed.

Yours in Christ,

+++Kevin D. Rosenberg

a martyr for continuing to ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7, Greek )
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Like the other parables of Jesus, this one is about fruit-bearing, and the un-fruitful are thrown into hell. Those who hear the TRUE word of God, they are cleansed by it by doing it. Christ abides in the TRUE hearers and doers. Luke 6:47 - Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them..." John 8:47 - He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 1 Corinthians 4:15 - For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." The branch cannot bear fruit by itself. 1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" Philippians 3:9 - And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" 3 John 1:11 - Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." Who can do good, but the true ones on the vine? Even TRUE faith is not from flesh and blood, but from God. John 3:27 - John answered and said, A man can receive NOTHING, except it be given him from heaven." 1 Corinthians 12:9 - To another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;" Not one man can TRULY say that Jesus Christ is the son of God nor can any man truly tell people,(so-called preachers, ministers, or pastors) Matthew 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Also, to put an end to false teachers that say if you believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and saviour, you'll be saved, NO MAN can come to Jesus unless God Himself decides that he would. Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." But then, those people heared the TRUE word of God, and the words of JESUS CHRIST, John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 - Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." Then again, same gospel, 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.(God revealed it to them, and had faith in him, that faith is not from their own heart, but from God) 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve(God approved those 12, not the other disciples, because if He did give it to them to come to Jesus, they would of stayed, like the true disciples), and one of you is a devil?" Now all you people that read this, the false christians will not believe this, but the true christians will. John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." These sayings are in the bible, those who just ignored them in the bible will ignore my words(no, not truly mine) also. Those who believe these things, or knew them already, please, please contact me, at dallascourchene @ hotmail.com (NOTE: there are no spaces in the address.) Also to the so-called born-again christians, what did God call you to do? Live a normal life? I don't think so. People who are truly called are CALLED to do something for the LORD, not just worship Him and those who are called, know what they have to do by a certain wonder, or phenomemon. Acts 16:10 - And after he had seen the VISION, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had CALLED us for to preach the gospel unto them." Romans 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, CALLED to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 1 Corinthians 7:20 - Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." Ephesians 4:1 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called," We MUST be also worthy of this calling. 2 Timothy 1:9 - Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," 1 Peter 2:21 - For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" 1 Peter 5:10 - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you PERFECT, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 2 Peter 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" And yes, we can be perfect like Jesus. Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." 2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." Philippians 2:6 - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:" John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 1 John 2:13 - I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father." 1 John 3:9 - Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." Revelation 3:21 - To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." We are called to be made into the image of Christ, who is the image of God. Jesus said so himself, the called can and will be like him. Matthew 10:25 - It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord..."
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The quote of Jesus that there will eventually be one fold and one shepherd is one of the most important in the New Testament. We know from the Lord's prayer that we seek the kingdom of God on earth. This surely aligns with the idea that there will eventually be one fold under one shepherd on earth. The true shepherd must be God, in this case acting through the station of the son, or Christ. But who comprises the "fold" of Christ? The only possible meaning is that the fold are the followers of and believers in Jesus as sent by God as the Christ. But Jesus refers to others not of the same fold which also have to be brought to God. The argument that this means the gentiles rather than the Jews does not stand up to scrutiny. Any person, Roman soldier or otherwise, who believed in Jesus was of his fold. Jesus was not concerned whether they were Jews or not, only that they believed in him. He did not discriminate on the grounds of race or ethnicity.
So who comprises the other fold? This can only mean other people in the world who could not know about Jesus. For practical reasons this comprised most of the people of the world at that time. These also have to eventually be brought to God and included in the one fold. They will not be believers in Jesus as they are of another fold(s), possibly of other religions. If we accept the prophecy, it must lead eventually to one unified godly community on earth, a time of world peace and unity. But how will God achieve this? The revelation of Jesus recorded in the New Testament was completed when he died and ascended. Thus was created the Christian fold comprised of the followers of Jesus ever since. But they are only a minority of the total people on earth, even today. Of necessity there needs be another revelation from God to bring all the people in different folds into one fold, otherwise the prophecy cannot be fulfilled.
We might regard that revelation as the return of Christ on earth, with teachings necessary to create one fold for all. This could only occur when the circumstances were right on earth to enable that revelation to be made known around the world so that all people can have an opportunity to accept or reject it. Given modern technological advances and the rise of the global village, the present is such a time.
So where is that revelation? We need to search for the evidences of teachings from God that have the spiritual power to unite all peoples in one fold. We need to identify the return of Christ with such a message. We know he will come as a thief in the night - the Bible says so many times. So the search will not be easy. It is, however, the most important search of our lives.
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Fred what did you mean by yet he was saved yet so as by fire. I don't understand what you are saying here?


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Hello!
How are you?
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I agree with all of what you said but some people may still be a little confused. To simplify things just remember to be filled by the spirit is to be controlled by the spirit.
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Here the parable in the beginning says that Kingdom of heaven is as this. We know that Jesus gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom (Matt 16:19), and Peter did opened the door of the kingdom in the day of Pentacost (Act 2). So here definitely he is referring to the disciples (or christian) in church. Some commentaries refers the last servant as those of old days who were afraid to be corrupted by the world that moved out of cities to live by themselves rather than being the salt and light of the world. I believe the talents can be all that we have recieved from God including the salvation and opportunities of sharing the salvation. And yes, we will be judged by our Master for our own deeds as Jesus talked about fruits and its tree to be relatable.

And I don't care what people or pastor says about "once saved always saved" theology which is taught nowadays. Bible clearly says sin will kill us. as it is written in Heb 10:26~27

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."

Though we are not perfect and often sin time to time (or everyday even!!)
if we insist to have sinful "life-style" meaning justifying ourselves to sin as in Gal 5:19, we will be lost though we could be saved previously.

I believe this parable should be also studied with Parable of Ten Virgins, which starts with same heading.
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Sheryl,

It may be that you’re experiencing a “move of the spirit” in your life. God may be manifesting his spirit to you and I feel it’s a wonderful thing. The question you have to ask yourself is, are you a Word founded person? Do you have an active knowledge of the New Testament? And of course do you confess Jesus as Lord? If you do, then there isn’t any reason of concern-as far as fearing it goes. But you have to be honest with yourself. I would be very disappointed if I found out that you had a history of drug use etc.

What your describing could be a type of Pentecostal experience that many people have had in history and they ended up having incredible ministries-though that’s not always the case. Don’t think that you’re necessarily being called to the ministry though.

But as long as you’re a Word oriented person, there’s no reason to be afraid of it. But then again it sounds like a good experience. If you deem it bad then it could be the devil trying to pull something on you.

Actually I believe that that’s the way it should be and if it is a TRUE manifestation of the Holy Ghost then accept it. But I can only judge based on what I’ve heard you write.

My suggestion is to do this: Go to a search engine (google will bring you right to it) and plug in “New Zealand Revival”. Then scroll down looking for the article “great healing revivalists-how the power came” by Andrew Strom. Then read about some of the experiences that Gods great ones have had in history. It’s a fabulous article. Compare your experiences with theirs and see if it sounds similar. But a lot of people would discourage you from accepting that anointing-I however do not and would encourage you to accept it. There again if it’s a good thing. You have to decide.

Just make sure that everything that you believe lines up with scripture.

God bless

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Okay, I think I understand your take on this parable. Do these points accurately represent your view?
(1) Jesus's message is to literally make friends of rich people.
(2) These rich people will take care of us if we lose our jobs and homes as a result of persecution.
(3) This is God's explicit will through which he intends to provide for his people and his work through this recruitement of rich people.
(4) These rich people are unbelievers, particularly.
(5) Anyone who does not teach that this is the meaning of this parable is leading the body of Christ astray through false teaching.
(6) These false teachers need to be exposed publicly.
(7) Only congregations who are truly doing the will of God are actively recruiting unsaved rich people to pay the expenses of out of work members and the general expenses of the ministry
(8) This is a supremely important message that you are in danger of damnation to not fulfill it.

Please correct any statement above that does not represent your views.

I have rarely found any value in breaking out and examining Greek words, phrases and usage to support a position. These Greek examinations are almost always used to defend an argument, not establish one. What I mean is, rarely, if ever, do people go to the Greek words to find out what a passage means. They go to the Greek words to defend an interpretation they've already come up with. Don't get me wrong, at first glance I would say there is merit to what you say about the corruption of the original Greek, but I don't think it alters the meaning of the parable. The truth is, most people cannot grasp a wordy, complicated Greek word study designed to change their minds about the meaning of a passage.

Paul was not blowing hot air when he told Timothy to "warn then before God against quarreling about words; IT IS OF NO VALUE, and ONLY RUINS THOSE WHO LISTEN" (2 Timothy 2:14). I can testify that these futile exercises often motivated by the 'pride of knowledge' only serve to further confound and confuse ANY useful understanding of scripture that we might have otherwise received. You have to agree it's a tool of the Devil to confuse and confound, and--worse yet--to divide brethren through strife and envy and the pride of knowledge. If that isn't the Devil's work then I don't know what is.

My wife is one of those people who was 'ruined' by this kind of contentiousness. Instead word studies bringing her deeper into Christ and whetting her appetite for more, it has repelled her away from Bible studies and sharing. I'm ashamed to say many of us truly are 'unaware of his schemes'--meaning the devil--and has swayed us into grudges, strife and quarreling. Why do we think this is a Godly, righteous pursuit?

May I submit my understanding of this parable? I won't agrue with you, I won't condemn you for disagreeing. My sincere hope is that you and others will see some truth, be transformed and grow up into the image and character of our Lord and Savior, filled to overflowing with His joy.

In as few words as possible.
(1) Even unsaved people know how to use wealth to gain friends and influence people.
(2) They do it to insure their future security.
(3) Even an unsaved boss can't help but to admire the shrewdness of his dishonest servant's wisdom--think how the master benefits, too.
(4) Jesus asks why we as the people of light don't consider how we might win the praise our Master in heaven, and gain influence with the people around us for the Kingdom's sake, by being generous with our Master's possesions (worldly possesions--money, and spiritual--forgiveness, mercy...)
(5) Why don't the people of the light do the things that will insure their future security, the things God says we should do?
(6) The Bible interprets/ defends itself: 2 Corinthians 9:11-13 is really what this parable is all about.
(7) As you well know from Jesus's other teaching, it's our actions, our obedience that secures and confirms the promise of the bright future we have in Christ. No action, no promise--no future.

I have questions that one can ask him/herself that bring your interpretation into suspicion. If you'd like I can share those. Let me know.
Can I get an 'amen' from anybody on this?




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Well done... The thought is not necessary how hard or how long one works, but how faithfull one is in carrying out the task which the Lord has delivered into his hands during the time allotted [cf Matt.20:1-16]. Through comparing the parable of the talents with the parable of the pounds, faithfullness among Christians to do do the task at hand is not always the same. It would seem apparent that there could be increases of less than or more than one hundred percent, allowing a two- talent Christian to realise an increase above that of a five- talent Christain, or vise versa. The number of talents is not really the issue. Faithfulness to the task at hand is that which God looks upon.

Blessings, rewards, and crowns are for those exercising faithfulness in the proper use of the talents/ pounds entrusted to them. A commendation of " Well done..." from the Lord awaites Cristains exhibiting faithfulness after this fashion. But, a task "well done is just that -- one well done. By following his commandments and overcoming the World, and the Flesh, and the Devil, thus the tasks at hand.
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I decided to google search Prodigal Son to try to get some insight and here I found all these great comments.

Today my son told me he wanted to withdraw his savings so he could buy a new drum set. I told him the story of the lost son (I think from now on I'm going to call him Prodigal) and his reply was, "Hey, this is not an inheritance, this is money I earned from my summer job!"

Anyway, I hope he got the point that I still love him even if he spends all his money on stuff that he won't remember in five years.
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This parable came to me while at work, for me it was a revelation. I am a very insecure person..and though I have faith in God..have had little or no faith in my ability to spread Gods word..or be assertive and confident in Christ.
(But I think that is changing in me now)..that parable to me means that the Lord has given us each a measure of faith..and to use that faith to win souls for Christ. But in order to do that we must be able to take a risk in our personal and social lifes. What each of the servants did was invest for their master the talents given to them in good faith..not knowing rather or not there would be an increase they still had faith in the ten talents given to them by Him..they took took a risk and succeeded..
where as the other servant, he played it safe,,yes he still had what his master had given him..but because he chose not to have faith in the master, the talents given to him or in the masters choice of giving the talents to him to increase..he buried them, not taking a risk which resulted in no increase to be returned to the master.
Sometimes as Christians we do that..we are comfortable in the pews and hanging around other christians..praying for each other..talking to each other about the goodness of God..and that is good, because we need to fellowship, however, God has given us each a measure of faith, the word, and His Holy Spirit..to spread the good news..to reach out and take a risk, make a investment in someone other then those we are comfortable with.
I did something out to character to day..I prayed for a man at the grocery store..I dont know if investing a prayer in this man will increase what he needs in his life..but I took a risk..the rest up to the Lord.


In Christ Jesus:
Partricia
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I am trying to research the mustard plant, with special interest in the mustard "tree" mentioned in these passages. Where can I go to find out more. For instance you have mentioned near the Sea of Galilee and near Damascus the mustard tree of scripture is found. Where did you get that info.? What is the documentation? I would like to research this but need documentation so I know where to look for more info. Please help.

In Christ's Service,
Loran Haugsted
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There are many opinions and debates on the true meaning the the collective parables. What do they really mean? This parable is definitely one of the most cryptic parables and can't be truly understood, unless we ask Jesus himself, if these are infact his exact words (translation errors, etc)
Maybe these stories are things that he had witnessed upon his travels and experiences throughout his life? Maybe he is actually some of the characters in the parables he tells? One thing we do know is that he had a message for humanity that somehow has travelled through the ages to answer some of the questions in life we could not ask ourselves. I find it wierd how most people today don't appreciate the words of the wise, choosing to trust science or nothing at all because it feels safer.
But perhaps this is what the parable means:
The ground could represent anything from society, down to the your own family or employees that you rely on. Jesus does not mention anything else about the 'rich man' (who could represent the ignorant and distrusting members of society, etc) other than the fact that he is concerned about his goods. This shows the error of his ways, because the rich man doesn not appreciate how he got the land, who worked to make it the way it was, who harvested his 'goods', which in the end are truly irrelevant to true happiness in life. The joy in life, the meaning and the way God wishes us to truly live our lives is to share with others and ultimately to share out time and effort with god e.g. prayer and ceremonial offerings, etc. In this way, the goods could possibly represent all the tings in life that distract us and hinder us from recieving God's word. The 'rich man' is the embodiment of greed and self indulgience. He represents those in society who only think for themselvesl.
Looking into the words of the parable, although we are being encouraged to be truly kind to each other and most importantly show self respect, God at the end of the parable could represent the government of those times and because of this, could also represent temptation in some small way for who truly benefits in life when others feed off of our greed? By following christ and trying our best to be free of greed and helping those in need we have recognised a few of the important steps towards entering the Kingdom of God.
In the parable there is a part where the rich man talks to his 'soul'. What does the soul represent? God and his will? Or perhaps human compassion and the will to be servants to society and God himself? Who knows? All i know is that it is saying that when we slack off and deviate from God's will, when our time of death comes ("this night thy soul shall be required of thee") or when the times comes to prove our worth and commit an act of kindness(this night thy 'compassion' shall be required of thee), we will not be ready and we will not enter the Kingdom of God. The rich man desperately sought for a place to store his fruits and did not think of those who he might be able to help by giving his fruits, so they might survive. He took down his barns and built a big barn solely for the fruits. Maybe this implies that maybe in his greed he cast out those that initially lived in those barns? In his greed, he completely neglected those who needed and deserved his kindness.
If these are in fact stories from Jesus' life, then what happened to these people he speaks of? We can never be sure of where we will end up in the afterlife, but if one thing is for sure, it is our duty as humans to respect the lives of others and to assist humanity in making this world a better place, because with God, we are never alone.
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In the light of the way in which leaven is always used in the Old Testament, Christ could use the word in a symbolic sence---as he did in Matt.13:33, and Matt.16:6 and his disciples would know exactly what was meant. And the exactly the same thing can be seen where leaven is used elsewhere in the New Testament. Every place this word appears, the context always clearly shows the word being used only one way--to show corruption and deterioration- in complete keeping with the Old Testament usage. In Matt.13:33 the context leading into the use of this word has to do with fruit-bearing and with the method Satan uses to stop Christians from bearing fruit. The preceding two parables reveal Satan introducing false doctrine, with a progressive corruption and deterioration following. And the parable of the leaven simply reveals the conclusion of the matter. Acording to the parable of the leaven, the message surrounding the proffered kingdom during the present time would, near the end, become completely leavened. Corruption introduced at the beginning would progressively permeate the whole of Christendom untill that having to do with the proffered kingdom would be completely corrupted. This is how, according to this parable,the dispensation would end. The Church will not only left its "first love"{Rev.2:4}, but the Church will be brought into a state described as "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked"{Rev.3:17b}
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I think the parable has many applications, but try this. In every instance where the Good Samaritan is referred to, replace that person with Jesus. For instance - He came to where he was. Did God come to us when we were unable to go to him (inability to ascend by the law of Moses)?

When we are stricken. does He bind our wounds, pouring in His substance and anointing us (oil & wine)? Did He commend us to the Father before he departed (the host at the inn)? Does God provide a way of escape nobody thought about (Red Sea parting...he sat him on his beast) like he does the beast in this story or does the beast represent how we should behave as Jesus did,... you know the human need. Did He leave two things (two pence) behind for us...the Word and theHoly Spirit? When He comes again, will He repay? Now for the stricken man...is this you or is this the lost. I hope you know Christ.

Hope this blesses all.

Doug
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I am looking for a picture of a real mustard tree.
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I hope by now you have found some of the peace you were seeking. I never understood the parable of the prodigal son until I had one. The argument of the dutiful son always made sense to me. But now that I have a younger child who has gone off to waste and destroy his God-given talents through drug abuse, crime, problem relationships...I fully understand how gladly I would celebrate his return to us, not expecting any favored treatment from us. All the time I love both my children, but more of my prayers have been for the wayward one. The celebration would be for the answer to my prayers.
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The father does represent God.
The younger son represents sinners - those seperated from God.
The older brother represents the Pharisees. In verse one we see that Jesus was speaking to tax collectors and and sinners. In verse 2 we see that Pharisees and scribes are listening also. The Pharisees were angry resentful that sinners were being welcomed into God's Kingdom. The Pharisees, like the older brother thought that deserved the greatest reward because they had done so much. Did either have a heart of forgiveness?
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dera sirm
iam a priest,
i would like get your semon on goodsheped,
thanks lot
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teaching grandchildren faith is as a mustard seed

please send info as described

greatly appreciated

louise

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One the surface, this story seams to have as its main theme God's forgiveness through the example of a father who displayed unconditional love. However, I just want to talk about the demonic attack that the younger brother experience and also the demonic attack the older brother experience. The bible says that the younger brother joined himself to a citizen of another country (Gentile). It is clear that that citizen did not serve the God of Abraham, and had a spiritual as well as social (worldly) culture that was contrary to that of the Jewish people's belief. Now this can be seen as a demonic attack upon this young man's life inorder for him to forget God's laws that his parents must have taught from childhood. And if you compare today's christian experience it the same the bible says that we must be in the world, but not of the world.....

We restle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. The sins that allure us are as a result of the world, flesh (Carnal natuture and the Demonic powers that be.

And sometimes, even when a backslider is reclaimed, he/she experiences the demnonis attack that comes in the form of the older brother (church member) who will never let go off you pass, even thugh God has thrown your sins into the sea of forgetfulness.
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Parable of Pharisee and Publican

1) Whats the religious message of the account for the people of Jesus' time?
2) Whats the religious message of the account for people today?
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If you're looking for a contemporary take on this parable... and any other biblical passage, for that matter, you might try Eugene Peterson's "The Message". He has done an admirable job of re-writing the Bible in today's context.
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Do upon to others as you would have them do upon to you.

Pretty simple, and yet a Golden Rule of life fom the Master.


As you treat others - so shall you be treated.

As the Buddist teach the Law of Karma so does Jesus teach.

What goes around comes around, but blessed and multiplied.

Give good tidings and they will come back to you.

Help others and they will help you.

Forgive others and they will forgive you.

The Golden Rule from all spiritual masters of the ages.

But this parable also explains the fact that Jesus lives and in part of all of us. In particular help those in need.

And it will be as if you are helping Jesus Christ himself.


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The prodigal son is a lesson that not too many churches teach or believe in today.

It is a lesson in assurance.

God took for himself the name of "Father" so we could some how relate to Him. (Isa 55:8)

A Father can never say that a son or a daughter is not His.(Gal 4:6)and (Rom 8:14-17)

The father can write that person out of his will or kick him out of the house or correct him by discplinary measures (Proverbs 3: 11-12), but the child will always be the child of that Father.

Once you are born again (John chapeter 3 teaches one how to be born again) You can never "not be a child of God".

The world constantly misqoutes the Bible by saying "we are all God's children."Galatians 3:26 is often quoted without the second part of this verse.
Gal 3:26 "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."


We Christians should correct them and say we are all God's creation but you don't become a child of God until you are born again.

1Pe 1:23 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." You see when you are born again it is forever.

The lesson in the prodigal son is that no matter how bad one acts (Thank GOD that this is true) you or I will never be disowned by the Father.



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You all have very valid points,but are you willing to bet eternity on he said she said?I have a suggestion;get in a word church that teaches the uncompromised word of God.Also,study the word, and get to really know who God is,get to know his chracter.Then,I believe most of your comments will change and line up with the word of God.If the things you believe are opposite of the word,seek God,and his word.God loves you and he wants you to understand his word.Bible=basic instuctions before leaving earth.So read the instuctions carefully before you try to put it together.There is only 1 God,1 truth,and 1 way!
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Does the prodigal son represent a person who comes to know the faith and has salvation but because he rely's on his own strength falls away from God and once he sees that he is eternaly seperated from God, decides to come back in repentance and with the attitude of humility is welcomed back in to Gods light and his salvation is renewed.
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I am looking for a picture of a mustard seed. Can you kindly let me know where I can find one? Thanks.

Greg Nam
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I added them several days ago. Please email if anybody finds anymore pictures. Also anybody email if something is (C), I am running 4 websites and don't have the time to check everything. I really need some moderators and other help on the websites.

Thanks
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Jesus is " the author of eternal salvation [' salvation for the age'] unto all them that obey him"
[Heb.5:9,cf.Gen.42:55,56;
Matt.7:24-29;John.15:1-15]. A Christian must follow that which the Lord has commanded [which will result in his keeping himself unspotted by the world].

Sin is disobedience to that which the Lord has commanded. And though Christians- presently in a body of flesh, housing the old sin nature-may fall, cleansing is available. That's why Christ is presently exercising the office of High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary [cf.John 13:8-10; Heb. 10:19-22; 1 John 1:6-2:2].

Sin must be dealt with prior to the battle. Then, believing that the Lord will do exactly what He has promised,victory after victory can ensue as the person moves forward, keeping his eyes fixed on the goal. There can be no such thing as defeat if one moves in accord with the Lords instructions.
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Mustard. Several kinds of mustard-plant grow in the Holy Land, either wild, as the charlock, Sinapis arvensis, and the white mustard, S. Alba, or cultivated, as S. nigra, which last seems the one intended in the Gospel. Our Lord compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed (Matt., xiii, 31-2), a familiar term to mean the tiniest thing possible (cf. Talmud Jerus. Peah, 7; T. Babyl. Kethub., iiib), "which a man … sowed in his field" and which "when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs"; the mustard tree attains in Palestine a height of ten feet and is a favourite resort of linnets and finches.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12149a.htm

http://www.understandingbibleprophecy.com/Parable%2520of%2520the%2520Mustard%2520Seed.htm


http://www.web.odu.edu/webroot/instr/sci/plant.nsf/pages/mustard

http://www.bibletexts.com/qa/qa081.htm

The black mustard grew wild in Palestine on the shores of Galilee. This herb reached 1.8 to 2.4 m. (60 to 8 ft.) in height and as covered with yellow flowers. The seeds were used to flavor meat and vegetables, and were a favorite food of the birds.
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My take is....
The purpose of the Fig Tree is to produce FRUIT. Just like the product of Christians is their works aka their FRUITs. One day Jesus approach the fig tree, cause He was in need, but when He looked, He saw none and cursed the tree. A closer look, you will see that it was out of season for the tree to produce FRUIT, but Jesus had need! There is no excuse!

Lesson: One day Jesus will comes down the road in need, and sees you, a Christian standing there. Will you be FRUIT-less? If so be prepared to be cursed and withered away! Remeber no excuses!

DP
P.S My Fruit!! I hope u enjoy!!!
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hello fellow my Christian neighbors!! i was wondering what yall thought of what the religious significance was of this parable, the Good Samaritan, and how it pertains to our lives today. What is God trying to say in this parable? what message is HE trying to convey? PLEASE get back to me!! thankyou ever so much
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the moral of this story is you have many people in your life and many

people who do the works of God and have gifts and talents, but your real

neighbor is the one who shows mercy , compassion and love. That's the

one who is your neighbor. that is true religion.
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You missed a very important point in the scripture you used, 'if it were possible' the elect shall be deceived.
It is impossible for God's Elect to be deceived, God uses His Elect, to fulfil His Word!
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Respected authorities,

Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

My name is Imran Bhatti and I am a director of Sunday school of Christ Revival Church. It is situated in Lahore, Pakistan. There are about 200 children learning about Jesus Christ in our Sunday School. We often take them to other churches where they learn from other teachers also. We also take them to different programs arranged by Scripture Union Pakistan so that they may learn more. I have 5 permanent volunteer teachers working with me and I also call a few other volunteers to help me in different programs, whenever it is needed. In our Sunday School children also learn by drama. On every Christmas and Easter children perform different dramas regarding Christmas and Easter. By this people can learn more about our savior. As you know that we are living in a computer age and there is a lot of Biblical material available on different web sites. For example Bible stories, Biblical games and puzzles. Such soft wares are very effective for children because children are more interested in moving pictures than in still pictures. We have some still pictures in the form of flash cards of Biblical stories. But flash cards can not fulfil the strong impact of motion pictures. So in order to build a strong base of our children and church family, we are in great need to get some donation in the form of new or used video projectors, screen and a overhead projector. We also need these instruments to make the messages more effective and to display songs for choir and congregation. Kindly let us know, what you can do in this matter.

Looking forward to hearing a positive response from you SOON.

May God bless you.
Yours in His Service,
Imran Bhatti
Director of Sunday school & Bible Teacher
Office Tele:- 092-042-5855968
Cell Phone:- 092-042-03004095074
E-mail: heaven3_ct@yahoo.co.uk

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Christ said to those Jews who believed in Him in John the eigth chapter
if you continue in my word then are you truly disciples of mine. In the new testament it says that we have the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Revelation to the Apostle John Chapter 4 says that the
LAMP IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. If the lamp is the Holy Spirit then the oil must be the WORD OF GOD. When you believe in Chirst you recieve the
Holy Spirit you are a believer. But Christ said you are a DISCIPLE IF YOU CONTINUE IN HIS WORD.
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I need full info according to explain about mustard seed on biological manner compareable to mustard seed at matthew 17:12
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How blind people can be!! Jesus explains it in the parable itself!! Read the first sentence! Then read it again, and again, and again, let it sink in your ears, those who do Jesus' commandments are the wise builders!! John 14:15 - If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:21 - He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:23 - Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." Now, it would be wise to do what Jesus says, right?
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Is it true that when the small mustard seed is planted should grow into a large garden plant instead of a tree....?
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I am teaching Bible School this week and as usual I have waited until the lst minute. Tonight I am doing the Parable of the Mustard Tree and would love to have the picture.
Thanks,
Nancy
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i want to get pictures and infomation about the story of the prodigal by today.
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Thank you!

My five year old daughter just asked me about that and I'm showing her how to use the web and spotted YOU on this topic and clicked on YOUR
reply.

Sure glad I did! Yus hav eit exactly RIGHT!

It was also in wording that my daughter can understand.

THANK YOU!


Very Best Regards and May God continue to Bless YOU!


Nancy
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May I respectfully suggest the following : Every other reference to leaven in scripture has a bad connotation. You have already pointed out "Beware of the leaven of the pharisees" (also of the sadducees; also of Herod). In the Old Testament the first mention of leaven is that Lot (and despite everything, the New Testament refers to him as a righteous man) baked UN-leavened bread for the angels who visited him and warned him prior to the destruction of Sodom. On the day of the passover the lamb was to be eaten with bitter herbs and UN-leavened bread, and the subsequent celebration of the passover was to be characterised by "no leaven in all your houses". When Paul says "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" he was clearly warning against an evil influence (and may have been deliberately borrowing terminology from Christ in this parable). Seems to me difficult to set aside this uniform testimony of scripture in the case of this parable.

Second, note that the idea of "hiding" the leaven in the measures of meal suggests a degree of subterfuge and under-handedness. Then, (I know this will meet with some objections) bearing in mind that the woman is forbidden in scripture from teaching or exercising rule in the church, the fact that this leavening was done by "a woman" may stand for irregularity of procedure.

So the idea seems to be this : There will always be a drift towards the exercise of irregular authority and underhand effort (by whom? - by Satan) intended to infiltrate and pollute the true soul-saving gospel of Christ (thereby making it a NON-gospel, and ineffective for the rescue of guilty sinners) "until the whole is leavened" - i.e. polluted, neutralised and rendered useless and unacceptable to God. Of course the sovereign power of God will never permit things to come to this position. But the means by which He will prevent it is by just the sort of warning implicit in this parable, which puts believers on their guard against teachers who will seek as "grievous wolves" to "enter in among you, not sparing the flock..." This is in line with Jude's clarion call to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints."

This interpretation of the parable of the leaven seems in line with the preceding three parables of Christ, all of which demonstrate a similarity of thought - that the progress of the gospel will NOT go un-challenged. Parable of the Sower : A harvest only succeeds in 1 out of 4 soil types; Parable of the Wheat and Tares : Satan deliberately sows "the children of the wicked one" among them to create opposition/subversion etc. Parable of the mustard seed (also often disputed) : Growth of the mustard seed into a great tree is unnatural (indeed grotesque) growth, and seems to indicate that the original simplicity which was in the Lord Jesus Christ has suddenly been hi-jacked to become something it was never intended to be - namely a great, outwardly impressive, monolithic structure (you can think of the establishment of Christianity as "official" "proper" and "professional" religion under Constantine, subsequent development of Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Episcopalianism, Connectional denominationalism etc. - these bear very little resemblance to the true nature of Christianity characterised by our Lord in the Beatitudes ("Blessed are the poor in spirit..." etc.)) Note that "The birds of the air come and lodge in the branches" - again, as recently as the parable of the sower, the birds of the air have the negative connotation of "the wicked one" who "catches away that which was sown..." so the nesting of "the birds of the air" - Satan and his forces - in the topmost branches of the unnatural overgrowth of ecclesiastical structures, is not just something that we see in the unscriptural practises of some organisations calling themselves churches, it is also something which the Saviour anticipated and warned us about.

So the gospel application is this : Do not be diverted into accepting every modern idea which claims to be Christian. Recognise that much of what masquerades as Christian is actually opposed to the true Christ who is revealed in the Bible. Salvation - rescue from sin (not just the consequences of sin) - and eternal life are to be found in Jesus Christ and His work of atonement on the cross. Salvation cannot be found anywhere else. There are many people and ideas seeking to influence the church today to modify this straightforward gospel message and take on board other things as being equally important. But they are like cuckoo's eggs. There is never room in the nest of the true church for Christ's gospel and something else tagged onto it. If allowed to stay, the "something else" will sooner or later push the gospel out. It has happened many times down through the history of the Christian church. Of course we are not required to live in a state of constant suspicion - that would not be Christlike - but neither are we to be naive. There is a constant need for vigilance, lest our churches and gospel preaching should be neutralised by compromise with the creeping pollution of ideas and philosophies antagonistic to the absolute authority of Christ and the holy scriptures.
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In reading and rereading this parable I am moved by the Holy Spirit to realize this is very possibly a paradigm relative to the church.

We all seem to recognize who the prodigal son is. He is us. Who among us has not strayed or participated in sin? Our Father not only welcomes us back, He runs to us and falls upon our neck in a compassionate all-accepting, all-forgiving love.

What moves me most personally however, is how I see the older son in so many of us faithful churchgoers/ministers. Too many of us fail to realize the Father when He tells us, "All that I have is yours." What a powerful, dynamic statement our Father makes to us! We find ourselves burdened down in the fields of our churches, working in our own power, and don't see that our Father gives us all that we could ever want for victorious, overcoming life in Him.

Please read Matt 28:18-20 where we are told all authority is given to Jesus and He gives that authority to us! Then, in John 14:1014, we see that the power/authority/rights/abilities He has given us are all to glorify the Father. As joint heirs with Christ, we can hear the Father tell us, "All that I have is yours."

In Matt 6:9-13 we have the clencher! Jesus prays that God's kingdom and will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Did the Father refuse this request? Are we not on the Earth, therefor participants in "all that I have is yours." Perhaps we just need to recognize and apply our sonship privileges in God's Kingdom here on Earth. Be blessed.
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Dear James,

You write as if the world is a zero-sum-game, that for one to have more, another must have less. Not true.

One does not have to exploit others to gain. Every invention increasing productivity shows the possibility of win/win. Even in planting and harvesting crops, more may be produced than is invested. And money is merely "stored value". Wealth can be created.

If there were Boy Scouts in that day, it might have been phrased as "Do Your Best."
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We have several interpretations on the parable of the Ten Virgins. But one thing is sure, the five who were taken to be with the bridegroom were ready and the others were not. This shows the urgency for us to be watchful and prayerful and ready ourselves for !the coming of the LORD JESUS.

See you there in the KOG (Kingdom of God)
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On behalf of everybody who like me has been martyred by the evil servants in charge of churches through calling the police to remove us from church or arranging hostile psychiatric hospitalization on account of spoiled rotten begging, I thank God for His words which justify us (Matt. 5:42, 6:24ff, 7:7) and promise our deliverance (Matt. 24:45-25:30).

We who have suffered such abominable punishments deserve to know well that we have no rewards waiting in heaven for us for patiently enduring under punishment from evil servants in charge or, especially, for going over the line between right and wrong in our begging... because Matt. 7:6 and I Peter 2:20 were printed in copies of the Holy Bible available to us long before our sufferings. Therefore, such a pastor as may dominate us now to keep our grievances quiet has no crowns in heaven to offer us for accepting his church discipline, and our rewards in heaven will be far greater if we cry out and call the church leaders completely to account for such failings as broken promises to spread the Gospel throughout the whole world by the year 2000.

Jesus Christ will be far more satisfied with us and able to bless us if we become completely frank with Him in prayer and no longer hold back our hearts. Failing to help us in our times of greatest need on earth through needed divine intervention, He has provided for absolutely incredible vengeance against the evil servants in charge (Matt. 24:45-51) in place of more years of freedom to apostatize in which to enjoy being completely healed and established as we might prefer. That the churches have already failed to fulfill their promises to evangelize the world by the year 2000 has changed the proper interpretation of Matthew 24:45-25:30 incredibly adversely for the evil servants in charge from offices to pulpits.

Because so many church leaders and evangelists have made and broken these promises, it is now patently apparent that they are unable to plan to spread the Gospel throughout the world with a testimony to all peoples (Matt. 24:14, Mark 14:9) and follow through on their promises. Well, the clock is ticking! The generation of Jews who saw Israel become a nation when they were twenty years old is aging, and God's holy Name is at stake to return before they all pass away. For this reason, the loss of morale among missionaries from failing to fulfill their promises to evangalize the world by the year 2000 cannot continue to drive churches inward to build the home church building and congregation and ignore world evangelism. In this context, the pastors' pretext that the judgements of Matthew 24:45-25:30 would be carried out in Heaven with the ever forgiving character of Jesus Christ as master must be torn to shreds; for if they should get their way, world evangelism will NEVER happen to make Jesus Christ return when He promised! Let us examine the judgements of Matthew 24:45-51 as possibe on earth with human masters or groups of humans as masters. This is now necessary to bring about world evangelism and the rapture of the saints.

Now seek I to bring about the judgement of the servants in charge as soon as possible on this earth (Matthew 24:45-51) so that without the hindrances of the Church Growth Movement, world evangelism may be attempted under faithful leadership, which unlike the Church Growth Movement will remember the need to memorialize Mary's anonymous anointing of Jesus Christ at Bethany if our spread of the Gospel really be worldwide (Mark 14:9, John 12:1-3). The power to judge is not yet in the right hands, yet our omnipotent Lord, praised be his name!--is surely able to bestow it. Promises from the American government such as our First, Fifth, and Eighth Amendment rights must fail, however that may happen, in order to judge the evil servants in charge with amputations and floggings as Jesus said would be done (Matt. 24:45-51, Luke 12:42-48); still I say, our awesome God is omnipotent and able to accomplish this, and both to those who pray to keep America safe and secure and to national enemies who would rejoice in an invasion or a coup d'etat I remember my citizenship in heaven and offer the Lord's Prayer just the same. American constitutional rights are defending injustices which Jesus Christ will not tolerate just before His return. Still, unless the United States Congress and the state legislators wake up to the reality of the end times and find some way to permit the imposition of the judgements upon the evil servants in charge prescribed by Jesus Christ, God's will could turn in an extremely adverse direction very fast in order to allow the ousting of bad pastors so that world evangelism may be accomplished.

And now I announce judgements. The demands of all the flock's wealth and amputations made by telephone in 2001 of the Meier family at Twin City Bible Church in Urbana, IL 61801, in place of failure to provide fifty million dollars requestewd in 1997 and 1998 to be obtained by begging to compensate Kevin Douglas Rosenberg for ruinous, utterly needless, admittedly mistaken psychiatric captivity and drugging (sin of witchcraft, Gal. 5:19, Greek), will accrue more demanded amputations before God: a thumb's weight weekly if evil servant in charge Bill Meier dare escape what was demanded before into the afternoon of December 26, 2003 UT. I myself cannot impose this, yet I dare ask Jesus his Lord, and He encourages me to keep on asking (Matt. 7:7). I have had to sin habitually because of Bill's influence on pastors to keep me quiet until I had to junk church after church to escape their domination, and I call down Matt. 18:5-7 to curse Twin City Bible Church like the fig tree in the name of Jesus Christ and send Bill's flock destitute for nearby churches to send out.

I do not possess such power as to bring this all about, yet still I thank God again for the Scriptures to show my current ways right before Him and to deliver me from the power of the evil servants in charge of today's churches through His will for vengeance. May God help our mentally ill brethren and everyone else in Him who needs assistance and has trouble asking for it among English speakers in authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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