Not much is ever mentioned of the elder son and his position in this parable. Is he not a "prodigal" son as well? Can one not stray or turn from what is right and not leave home physically him? Also, I think about the demand of the younger son for what he thought should be rightfully his inheritance. Again, little is ever mentioned about the father giving to both his sons their rightful inheritance.
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I hope that it is possible to assist me
I have a Bible Study on
St. John 4:35 - The Ripe Harvest;
James 3:18 - The Plenteous Harvest;
Luke 10:2 - The Righteous Harvest.

I urgently need information please help me
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Not much is said about what the prodigal son LOST in the process of riotous living. He was restored to his father but the son who was faithful retained more than what the prodigal did. Remember, sin always take sus farther than we planned on going, it keeps us longer than we planned on staying, and it costs us more that we planned on paying.

The scars of our indulgent living sometimes remain, ( ie: consequences of the sin such as pregnancies, jail, diseases, health issues, etc.) but God is the ever loving and faithful forgiving Father who restores us and helps us deal with the consequences.....Praise God for His awesome love!
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You have to know the context of the parable, Which is likening the kingdom of heaven to that of a mustard seed that becomes a tree. Read on but keep an open mind. And when reading the Word of God, you eat the meat and spit the bones out. But always ask for the leading of the Spirit.
In the third parable, the nature and function of a mustard plant, an herb, was changed into a tree.
- Explain why this abnormal development indicates a change of nature
and function of the kingdom, how and when this change took place,
and the result of the change.
The church, which is the embodiment of the kingdom, should be
like an herb that produces food.
However, its nature and function were changed, so that it became
a "tree," a lodging place for birds.
(This is against the law of God's creation, that is that every plant
must be after its kind-Gen. 1:11-12).
Genesis 1:11-12 11 And God said, Let the earth sprout grass,
herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees
bearing fruit according to their kind with their seed in them upon
the earth; and it was so. 12 And the
earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed according to their
kind, and trees bearing fruit with their
seed in them according to their kind; and God saw that it was
good.
This change happened in the first part of the fourth century, when
Constantine the Great mixed the
church with the world. He brought thousands of false believers into
Christianity, making it Christendom, no longer the church. Hence,
this third parable corresponds with the third of the seven
churches in Rev. 2 and 3, the church in Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17
Fnt 121).
Revelation 2:12-17 12 And to the messenger of the church in
Pergamos write: These things says He
who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know where you dwell,
where Satan's throne is; and you hold
fast My name and have not denied My faith, even in the days of
Antipas, My witness, My faithful one,
who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a
few things against you that you have
some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to
put a stumbling block before the
sons of Israel, to eat idol sacrifices and to commit fornication. 15
In the same way you also have
some who hold in like manner the teaching of the Nicolatians. 16
Repent therefore; but if not, I am
coming to you quickly, and I will make war with them with the
sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who
overcomes, to him I will give of the
hidden manna, and to him I will give white stone, and upon the
stone a new name written, which no on
knows except him who receives it.

121 The Greek word means marriage (implying union) and fortified
tower. As a sign, the church in
Pergamos prefigures the church that entered into a marriage union
with the world and became a high
fortified tower, equivalent to the great tree prophesied by the Lord
in the parable of the mustard seed
(Matt. 1331-32). When Satan failed to destroy the church through
the persecution of the Roman Empire
in the first three centuries, he changed his strategy. He sought
instead to corrupt her through
Constantine's welcoming of Christianity as the state religion in the
first part of the fourth century.
Through Constantine's encouragement and political influence,
multitudes of unbelievers were baptized
into the "church," and the "church" became monstrously great.
Since the church as a chaste bride is
espoused to Christ, her union with the world is considered spiritual
fornication in the eyes of God.
The mustard is an annual herb, whereas the tree is a perennial
plant. The church, according to its
heavenly and spiritual nature, should be like the mustard,
sojourning on the earth. But with its nature
changed, the church became deeply rooted and settled as a tree in
the earth, flourishing with its
enterprises as the branches in which many evil persons and things
are lodged. This resulted in the
formation of the outward organization of the outward appearance
of the kingdom of the heavens.

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Hello,
Thanks for all the comments. It's been very interesting reading the inputs. I've always felt for the older son because he had stayed with the father all the time and yet he felt that there was no reward for him. His father seemed to "prefer" the younger son who had squandered all his inheritance in loose living. I think I am guilty of this as well.

My concept of God's character is one who keeps accounts - that if I am good and do good deeds, He will love me more. But actually, God is not like that. He loves us whether we do anything good or bad. That's just how he is. God is LOVE. When Jesus died on the cross for us, He died while we were still sinners, even though we rejected Him, He chose to die for us.

I am so glad and grateful that my heavenly Father is always so loving and so good. His love for me is never dependent on my performance (preach to 1000 people or don't even bother to go to church). I am reminded that I must not be like the older son. I need to be set free from self-righteousness (just like the Pharisees). To recognise that I am just a sinner who needs Jesus so badly. There is nothing I can ever do to earn His love for me. Praise God ! ! !
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I think I've got a thorough understanding of your interpretation of this parable, thank you.

If this parable is teaching us God's principle for paying ministry expenses, why didn't Paul use it? (1 Cor.9:12-15)? He refused the 'right of support' as an example to the flock. If he wanted to be an example of your view wouldn't he insist on support and how to get it from rich unbelievers?

Where are the unbelievers--why is Paul only talking to BELIEVERS of his 'right to support' (which he did not use)? (1 Cor. 9:1-2)

Why does Paul praise the POOR Macedonians for their generosity when they gave "beyond their ability...entirely on their own..." and encourage the Corinthians to do the same? (2 Cor. 8:2,3,7,8)

Why is "according to your means" and "according to what one has, not according to what he does not have" worthy of praise? (2 Cor. 8:11,12)

Why is Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians completely opposite from your interpretation of the parable of the unjust steward? (1 Thess. 4:11,12 and 2 Thess. 3:6-12 esp. vs. 9)

Why did Jesus and the disciples allow Judas to hold the money bag even though they knew he was stealing from it? (For time's sake I can't reference it right now). What does that say about the import that Jesus put on money and the ministry? What or who was his faith in?

Is there an example or supportive teaching in scripture that supports or confirms your interpretation? What should we do with teachings and examples that seem to be contrary to your view?







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check out the herb and spices section of the grocery store to see the mustard seed. Fully grown? I don't know.
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Hitch (and others): Bighouse has pegged the kingdom parables of Matt. ch. 13.
Consider that Jesus explained two of them (vs 18-23, 37-43). If the focus would have changed wouldn't our Lord have said so. Especially since the disciples understood the other parables without explaination (v 51).
Leavened bread was prescibed for peace offerings in Lev. 7:13. All other instances of peace offerings is represented by animal sacrifice and/or the fat thereof. As for Lev 7:13; "Leaven, commonly used at social feasts, was permitted in the thank offering because this was the spontaneous expression of devotion from lives that were not entirely rid of sin and evil in every case(v 13). It taught that everything eaten is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. (1Tim. 4:4-5; 1Cor. 10:23, 30) and that food which enters the stomach does not defile a man (Mt. 15:11)." --Dake commentary on Lev. 7:13
As for the 'foul fowls', certainly the dove denotes the Holy Spirit, but here again if we keep the train of thought being taught by the Lord in Matt. 13, these particular birds must be evil.
As for Strongs ref. 3772; it could mean --- the sky, right?
Consider this. The kingdom parables are taught as a warning to the Church. Dovetail this with the letters to the churches in Rev. and the endtime teaching on false teachers and doctrine. The church will be and has been infultrated by false doctine. Now reread the kingdom parables and consider what the Lord is warning. "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." v.9.

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I just took the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Course for catechesis of 3-6 year old child and they have a meditation on Mustard Tree seeds and then use a photo of the tree with a child standing in front of it.

Contact yardsaler2@erols.com (Mary Ann Wood) for details on how to get her copy.
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Because this parable is after Jesus talking about the end times,it shows how prepared for the last half of the tribulation christians will be. Oil is usually a representation of the Holy Spirit, but here is does'nt fit. The five asking the others to give them some because their's is running out,and the others refusing does'nt work . The oil is litterally food and fuel, in the middle of the tribulation when the wise have stored up what they need to survive the last half they will tell the foolish to go buy some for themselves because they don't have enough . When they go to buy food they must take the mark of the beast which disallows them entrance into the wedding feast .Jesus will deny knowing them . It is a warning to be prepared!!!
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okay like i have a problem i have a giant project on hope and i need a scripture on hope and i cant find any thing please help!
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Patrick hold on to your faith and Father God... He grieves with you...I too grive with you, as a formerly behaving as elder brother of prodigal son...Myself personaly God did a work in me and revealed my PRIDE, MY SELFISHNESS AND MY HEART, AND MY FEARS......

Keep praying God will reveal it to her in the scriptures about herself...
let god lead you when or if you should quote the scripture..Change may not come over night, as it did not come over night with you, or with the prodigal son, but the FATHER made his self availble to them, told elder son is been here for you the fatted calf, party, deliverance awaits your child. i love the comment made about wanting to be like the Prodigal son's Father that i read earlery

be bless everyone, i was enlightened by all the comments and revelations on this parable
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Was Dr.Scofield ever associated with and/or involved in "Freemasonary"?
I trust I will honoured with your kind reply.
Yours in Christ.
George Ramdial
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There are a few major representations of the "oil". One, in the Old Testaments, it was instructed of Moses, by God, the use of the oil to anoint Aaron, the priest, for service for God. This was a great representation of separation and consecrating unto God to the priesthood. The anointing of God being represented on and in the presents of Aaron, which was also the same as the Holy Spirit in dwelling. Psalms 133:2 describes it as following: "It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body].

It also was the representation the Priests, Kings and Prophets that were anointed. Oil was poured on the head of the person being anointed. Kings were set apart through the ritual of anointing, which was performed by a prophet who acted in God's power and authority.

In the New Testament, anointing was represented with healing. The Holy Spirit's activities in a believer's life are picture in terms associated with anointing. The disciples anointed the sick in Mark 6:13 and James even instructed the elders to anoint the sick with oil (James 5:14).

Also in the New Testament, it represents the HOLY SPIRIT, which brings understanding to the believer (1 John 2:20, 27). The Holy Spirit anoints a person's heart and mind with the love and truth of God's word.
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This is what I understand about the Mustard Seed.
The mustard seed is given and planted in us and the kingdom of God is upon us (the Holy Spirit). We are the body of Christ preach good news to the poor (sow unbeliever). The seed will only grow with the WORD of God (knowledge and wisdom thru Holy Spirit).

The seed is the Holy Spirit obviously is the greatest so brings salvation to the people where they will find peace and joy in Christ Lord Jesus.


John 15:5
5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
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im not here to reply i just want to tell you that the morals of islam agree completley with the teachings of jesus , you only have to study it careful by yourslef and dont believe what your media tells you .
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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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I found Morris's commentary on Matthew very helpful here. The background on the Jewish wedding ceremony at the time was helpful to me in understanding.

The virgins are bridemaids, waiting for the groom to come so that they can have a torch-light procession back to the groom's house where there is a fantastic wedding celebration. Reading too much into the parable can be dangerous- we could start to read all kinds of things into it which aren't there, and pretty soon we have a whole new wonderful theology based on the wild assumptions we have just made (eg: the Oil is good works, the lamp is the 10 commandments being taught, etc.)

As far as I understand it, the parable fits in with the other parables about the delay and the return of Christ catching some people out, but not the wise stewards, wise virgins etc. They are ready for the return- whether the return is late or early.

This parable focuses on the delay- so late that everyone falls asleep (notice, as Morris says- no-one gets any blame for this, it was not an offense)- but when it is finally time for the wedding (obvious OT parallels with God as Israel/(true Israel)'s bridegroom or husband), what was previously an invisible difference between the bridesmaids comes to the fore: some of them were ready not just for the delay, but more importantly are ready now that the groom has arrived. The others are not ready. The upshot: they don't get into the party- and that is a disaster.

Hope this helps!
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Jesus sais in Matthew 17:20 If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

I only have a very short space here and must be very brief but hopefully I will impart enough to get you started. If not please email and I will give full discourse.

The mustard seed (as well as all seeds) has been given a commission by God. You may read this in Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
Genesis 1:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

We also have been given a commission to go into all the world and teach all people what the Lord has taught us. But to many times we look at situations and circumstances and say "I can't do that." But if the mustard seed said that it would never sprout and come out of the ground. A mustard seed is to be planted approximately 1/4" deep in the ground. Considering the physical size of the mustard seed to the depth that translates to a depth equal to over 100 times the size of the seed. It does not say I can't push the ground away and bring forth. Once it is planted it only has one intention. To bring forth seed. That is the program that is on the inside. The Master Programmer put this program in place way back in the beginning when He said "bring forth seed."

The same way God has put a unique program (or purpose) into each one of us. We each have a "destiny" that God planned for us before the foundation of the world. If we will allow ourselves to be planted, then the program will bring forth that thing in our lives that God has before ordained. Nothing will be impossible unto us, because we will only be concerned about doing what is our program. I will not try to emulate your program (ministry), and you would not try to emulate mine. You know that you have a special calling from the Lord, as do I. When you know what God has told you to do, then nothing is impossible. God does not instruct us to do what is impossible. He does not prepare us for failure. He instructs me to do what I can do (sometimes only with His help are these things possible), and has prepared me to do what He instructs me to do.

Hope this helps. I could go on for days if allowed.

brothertommy@hotmail.com
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HI..WANT A COPY OF THE SERMON FOR THE GOOD SHEPPERD


THANK YOU....SO MUCH

SINCERELY YOURS,

RAUL GAWEC
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im about to take my GCSE in RE could someone please give me the basic meaning of this parable?Could someone get back to me ASAP via my email address cheridane@hotmail.com as my exam is only in a coupple of days! Thanx!!!
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Hello; When Christ was on earth the first time there were two major religious parities in Judaism--the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees were the fundamental legalists. They believed the letter of the law. They believed in a future resurrection, in angels, and in the spirit realities. The Sadducees though were more liberal in their theology. They rejected any thought of a future resurrection, and they didn't believe in angels or in spirit realities [ Acts 23:8 ]

But the Pharisees and the Sadducees did have one thing in common. Neither would have anything to do with the message surrounding the proffered kingdom [Matt. 16:1-6 ]

The Pharisees followed Christ about the country, seeking to counter the signs being manifested , and seeking to bring about unbelief on the part of the people. They formed, by far, the largest religious sect in Israel. And, because of there numbers, they held undisputed sway over the people and masses. The sadducees were the second largest sect in Israel and sometimes joined themselves with the pharisees who controlled the religious like of the nation. They sat "in Moses seat" [Matt.23:1,2]. I hope this helps , Bye.....
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Verse 12 - He divided unto them... I believe to be a type of the church and Israel. The older brother still under law, yet a son. The younger a type of the apostate church, leaving the spiritual and leaning on the arm of the flesh. We have programs for everything. If God were to die Saturday night 85% of churches would open their doors Sunday morning and never miss a beat. The church for the most part is blind and wretched like the Laodacians and yet the Lord is ever knocking at the door of His own church pleading for entrance. The Father let the son leave. Unlike most of what goes on today, begging people to stay in church, visitation, special concerts, and just about anything you can think of; joined to a citizen of that far country. Teaching lost people how to be religious. But Hallalujah, conviction does come and the church will come to herself and rise up and come out from among them and be ye seperate. The younger repents, returns home and the Father runs to meet him. Galatians 2:20 - Maranatha
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the way a minister explained it to me, God always welcomes those that are lost back. The older son was never lost and he was never tempted to leave, so he didn't do anything unusual. of course his father loved him, but the point is that, like sheep, most people are not tempted into riotous living. they stay with the flock by choice.
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I need to find a picture for my Sunday school class of a full grown mustard tree....I always use the teaching on Faith comparing it to a mustard seed...have the seed, but the kids need to see how big it grows.

So far, after a few yrs of teaching I have not found a picture of a FULL GROWN TREE I hope you can help me in this endeavor....
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What does Pharisee mean? What was a Publican?

Pharisee: The word itself comes from a Hebrew word meaning "to set apart" or "to separate". The Pharisees were a sect of the Jews. They believed in God, but they also believed that he operated according to their actions. (Your rewards/punishments were based on your works) They added their own traditions to the law, and seemed to think themselves holier because of it. They seemed to pride themselves on following what they said to be law to the letter, and to think this made them better than those they disagreed with.

Publican: These were the tax collectors. Just like today, they weren't the most popular people in town! Often they were said to cheat the people, overcharging or extorting money from them. Thus they were regarded with disgust and contempt. They interacted with the "heathen Romans", which made them even more distasteful in the eyes of the Pharisees.

Now, for the parable. We see both, a pharisee and a publican, entering the temple grounds to pray. The pharisee sees the publican, and starts his prayer thanking God, which in itself is a good thing, but look at what he's thanking him for. He's looking at his fellow man, pointing out his faults, and thanking God that he's not like him! Typical human nature, to think that we're better than others because of our actions, instead of recognizing that we've all been sinners just as unworthy of God's grace as the next person. He goes on to mention his own good works...that he fasted twice in the week (which was in ADDITION to the requirements of the law, another case of the Pharisees adding to the law and thinking it made them better people) and that he gave his tithes.

The publican's interaction with God is vastly different. Instead of seeing the sins of others and feeling himself to be better because he wasn't committing the same ones, he came to God acknowledging that he was a sinner. He didn't even dare to lift his eyes, but kept them lowered and smote himself, which was a common expression of sorrow. This action is telling, in that he was feeling remorse for his sins. Lastly, he doesn't offer any excuses, but begs God for mercy and acknowledges his sinful state.

The last verse in this parable tells us that the publican left justified.

The moral of the story? Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

God wants us to acknowledge our sins, and to place our full trust in HIM for our forgiveness and to recognize that it is only through him that we can obtain it, not through works of our own. He will bring down the proud, but those who come to him humbly and with pure intentions will be exalted by Him. We are not to look at others as a barometer of whether we're serving God properly, but only at what God has decreed for us.

Chrys _________________ Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.


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i want every body to change and go back to GOD almighty.i am nigeria living in wiss
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Who are the tares and when were they first planted and do their progeny still exist today? Is it possible that the source of these tares is directly connected with the "sons of God" and their offspring, the nephilim as recorded in Genisis 6:4? Does the book of Enoch have any relevence to this. After reading it, I believe that the all this is very possible.
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Please could anyone send me a photo or picture of the mustard tree mentioned in scripture, which is reputed to grow around 15 feet tall(4 metres)
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The bible is a spiritual book and it must be spiritually discerned.Jesus said that the words that He speaks are Spirit and Life(Jn.6:63).Barabas means father's son.He was in bondage and should have received death,except Jesus took his place.Barabas was a type of ourselves.Note that this was done on the Feast of Passover.Death passed over Barabas because Jesus took his place and shed His blood instead of Barabas,who was deserving to die.So Barabas became a child of God(Father's son).
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THis story is do be prepared for the coming of christ, be wise and bear all you have for he will accept all. The lord does not think kindly of the ones that turn blind to him or are sinners. The oil is the repersentation of reconslitation
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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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I think this story gives us the clearest explanation in the bible of what happens to a person after they die
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Hey Sue,
Good guess. Actually pretty well thought out. If not for the surrounding texts I might be convinced to agree.
In Mat 13, Jesus is trying to warn us of the dangers coming in the church age. The leaven parable must be taken in context with the rest of what He is talking about here. He explains two of the parables. Let's not jump around with interpretation. Although it is an interesting concept that the leaven represents the Holy Spirit, I think that puts Him in pretty shotty company with the way leaven is represented in EVERY OTHER mention in the Bible.
Remember, we must keep the teachings of Jesus in context. See my post above for the meaning of leaven, 3 measures, etc.

Jeffrey
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Sounds like you're grinding an ax with a church leader somewhere. May I recommend you handle it the way Jesus told his disciples to deal with the offended Pharisees?

"Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. LEAVE THEM; THEY ARE BLIND GUIDES. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." (Matt. 15:13,14)

Make your appeal to the flock and leave corrupt leadership to the wrath of God (if in fact they really are corrupt). Those who have ears to hear and eyes to see CANNOT be mislead by false--or as you call them--"evil servants". How can someone who sees be lead around by someone who cannot see? And that's Jesus's point exactly. He didn't get overly concerned about the wolves in sheep's clothing. Neither did Paul. They both warn us of their presence, but Paul reminds Timothy that even though false teaching "destroy(s) the faith of some...Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his...'" (2 Tim. 2:18,19)
Take comfort in that.

I'm guessing there is a lot more going on here than we readers know about. I don't know exactly what the contention is you're having with this paster in Illinois, and I don't want to know, but let it go and be careful to "not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses." (1 Tim.. 5:19). Truthfully, warning the world about a leader in faraway Urbana, IL will only serve your own purposes and not those of the world-wide body of Christ (unless he has a world-wide ministry).

Don't resort to rebuking an elder by name on a public forum without witnesses, much prayer, and a sober investigation of your own motives.
It's amazing how personal agendas motivate some of our so-called Christian duty. Often it is pride or envy disguised as zealous Christian duty. Let love be your guide as you examine the teachings of Christ and the example he has left recorded for us in scripture.

A good example of a mis-guided agenda could be this issue of giving that Jesus addresses in the scriptures. Nobody could argue with his desire for all of us to be hilariously generous with our worldly wealth. Like other things the Lord wants us to do (witnessing, giving, praying...) someone will come along who doesn't struggle with one of these and is quite productive in them. So now his life's mission seems to be to beat the rest of us Christians over the head with what that person now feels is the essential command of the scriptures--essential because he feels it so strongly in his own life and is so good at it.

It can be, for instance, a veiled form of pride. A way of boldly standing up and saying "look what a generous giver I am". We resort to condemnations, heaping heavy loads onto the backs of other believers, and not lifting a finger to help carry those loads. In effect saying, "I did it, so can you!" The self-righteous pride of glorying in one's service to God, as if they did it all by themselves, comes out in criticism and condemnation of those who don't do it like you, or to the same extent. In this example the exhortation to give, looks righteous, but is really motivated by the ugly sin of PRIDE! There is NO reward waiting for that work!

Anyway, I've learned alot about myself through this kind of self-examination. Maybe it will be helpful to others too--help to discern the true will of God for specific areas of our lives guided by the pure love that God has.

I'm flipping over to your words about the Luke 16 parable to learn more about the role of the rich man. I don't quite understand your pitch, but before I ask anymore I'll check out your statements, and because this page is dedicated to the parable of the talents.
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Why aren't all the characters in this parable Jewish?
Why did Jesus pick a Samaritan to be the neighbor in this story?

As Robert Mendez Jr. previously pointed out, Samaritans were "a product of mixed interbreeding between jews from the Northern Kingdom and other people after Israel's exile. They were considered heretics." The Jews saw them as half-breeds. Samaria was directly north of Israel. When Jews needed to get on the other side of Samaria ... they literally walked all the way around so they didn't have to pass through. Why bother? Because that's how strongly the Jews felt about Samaritans.

But before we look down on the Jews we must admit that there is still racism in our society today. So who is our neighbor? Jesus felt the need to point out that the person we find hardest to love is our neighbor.

What's an example for modern times? Being from the US, to me this question is the same as asking "What group of people do Americans want to love the least?"

Arabs, Muslims, Iraqis ... these people are our neighbors.



--Peter

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How do you mean we need to identify the return of Christ with such a message?
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The bridegroom,Jesus Christ actually comes(Raptures) the Wise righteous (born again) New Creatures! In fact, this passage says that after trying to buy oil from the wise virgins, the foolish virgins had time to go to the marketplace in pursuit of the oil(Matthew 25:9) Similarly in (Revelation 3:18) the Laodiceans are a picture of the foolish virgins left behind! They are told to go,and buy gold tried in the fire,and to buy white raiment.

[Matthew 25:9]

[Matthew 25:9] But the (wise)answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and (buy for yourselves.

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to (buy) of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and (white raiment) that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, and (anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see)

The white raiment represents the robes of righteousness that these foolish virgins will have to obtain in the tribulation. The fire of the furnace of tribulation that these Laodicean, foolish virgins will go through will motivate them to be on fire for the Lord. The heat that they go through during the tribulation, will skim off their impurities, purifying them, and qualifying them to join the Bride for the Judgment Seat of Christ and Marriage Supper of the Lamb as the Wrath of God falls on this earth.

Door is associated with the rapture. In this verse Matthew 25:10 when it says the door is shut, the rapture of the Bride is over and the door or gate into the New Jerusalem at that time is shut.

Door in Greek can be seen as Portal,

Notice the Door is open in Revelation 4:1,and Matthew 25:10 shares the Bridegroom(Jesus Christ) came,and those who were Ready(Wise)Lamps Lit,and filled with oil(Holy Ghost) went in with him to the Marriage,and then the Door was shut.

2 Samuel 22:29

For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.

Proverbs 21:20

(There is treasure to be desired) and (oil in the dwelling of the wise) but a foolish man spendeth it up.


The foolish neglect the Word of God. The Foolish become deceived by man made religion,and fall for the ways of the world(back sliding,and lukewarm)

God is preparing His bride,His righteous born again New Creatures for the rapture and the wedding of His Son. The day is coming, in our lifetime! Some will be taken, but many will remain to suffer God's wrath.

Jesus tells us to pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.(Luke 21:34-36)

Luke 21:34-36

(And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares)

35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

36(Watch ye therefore) and pray always) that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

king Jesus Christ prophetically warned, Take heed to yourselves, lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (overindulgence)and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, so that day come upon you unawares.(Watch ye) therefore, and (pray always) that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things .

(Luke 21:34-36) Here, in praying always, it is the Christians that are instructed to be sober,and not to be overtaken with overindulgence and the cares of this life,not just the unbeliever (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8) First, note that unbelievers do not believe.

Secondly, unbelievers do not pray,and Worship God! nor will they pray always,and Watch which is an explicit Christian directive for saved Christians to be Watching in preparation for King Jesus Christ! Lest That Day overtake them unawares.

We must continue to share,and teach the Powerful Gospel with anyone,and everyone at all Times!

One must remember to Pray the Back sliders,Lukewarm,and unbelievers Wake up(Romans 13:11)get Saved,and abide in King Jesus Christ!

Also we must continue to share,and teach that the Christians need to (Wake up) (Watch)and (Abide) in our wonderful King Jesus Christ!
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I ask you please read the webpage called(Rapture of his Bride) on the website www.raptureprophecy.com




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its good to have apicture of mustrad tree
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Are these parables really about money? Or are they about the gifts that we are given? The bible says as believers we are given gifts to do Gods work.
Verse 15 of Matthew 25 says one person recieved five talents, one two talents and one one talent, to every man according to his several abilities. If these are gifts such as evangelizing, witnessing, careing for the sick or those imprisoned, etc. then we are not all given the same gifts. One person may have many gifts, others fewer gifts, and some may only have one gift, but we are expected to show an increase in believers when our Lord returns. We are to bring others into the flock. To do the Lords work.
Those who used their gifts as they were instructed were praised by the Lord and promised more gifts because they had been faithful with the few things they were initially given. And yet those who were given a single gift and small amount of responsibility and did not act on their instructions had their gift taken away and were cast into darkness in utter dispair and shamed as an unprofitable servant.
The bible says we are called to be servants. When I envision a mansion in biblical times I see many servants, from the highly visible and well-dressed doorman and personal butler to the lowest person cleaning the toilets (or their equivalent in those times) and those performing all the jobs in between. The work of the Lord is the same, someone has to do the dirty jobs and praise God He gives certain people the abilities, the character and compassion to do a certain job. When He choses someone He gives them everything they need to do His work. BUT, they must step foreward grasp the hanldes of the plow, undertake their work and never look back. They must keep their eyes on the prize, Jesus Christ.
In His service, Daniel.

















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Contrary to what many think, I would submit that the point of this parable is NOT to stress repetitious prayer. Jesus said, “Pray not vain repetitions as the heathen do, thinking they will be heard for their much praying.”

Just think about it for a moment. You could really get on the nerves of a friend by forever questioning their veracity, if they were to agree to help you out financially or in some other way. A non-stop “will you do it” would drive them right up the wall. Why on earth would God want us to beg and gravel, Squall and whine? Does that really build character? Wouldn’t it show more character to take a person at their word and then never bring the subject up again?

The word importunity is a bad translation for the Greek word translated such. It does not mean a persistent badgering-as though he doesn’t want to do it-though he may not want to. It means barefacedness, boldness, having the ba__…-you know what, to approach this person in the middle of the night because your in a jam and will not be denied. This person didn’t have time to keep coming again and again. He needed the answer right there and then.

Paul says in Hebrews “come boldly unto the throne of grace that we might receive grace and mercy in a time of need”.

This type of behavior demonstrates the highest type of friendship. “If my friendship means anything in the world to you, you’re going to do it and do it now!”

One time I came home in the late evening to find a friend waiting for me. It was very clear that he would not be denied. He needed help. Do you know what I did? Even though I was not in a position to help him out, I practically went into hock helping him out.

Trust me on this. The attitude, and the sound of his voice, didn’t leave any alternative. He was bold and he walked away with the help that was needed.

Showing this type of attitude with God is the highest compliment. For he is the one who calls us friends.



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Dear brothers

Can you send to me a good large commentary about the parables of Jesus. Especially the parable of the ten virgings.


Thanks a lot.


Sami
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well, tradgically I feel as I was prior to today, a modern-day Pharisee I'm awful ashamed, I used religion to justify being bitter at others...reading Jonah helped...
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God made a choice before the foundation of the world who He would give grace to and have mercy upon (Eph 1:4) (Rom 9:15). These are what Jesus is refering to as the wheat which He planted. The field is the world (For God so loved the world... God loves the work which He is doing here upon the earth).

The tares are those who God has blinded and deafened(Isaiah 6:10 prophecy) or hardened(Rom 9:18) or left, given up to their own selves. These are those who Jesus is refering to as them who were planted by the devil.

The reason that He dis-allowed the early harvest is because either everyone He had chosen had not been born yet to be saved or there are still those alive that had not yet been saved and forgiven their sins which would result in uprooting of those He had planted to thier own distruction.

No where is the reference that wheat became tares or that tares ever became wheat. These are two different distinct people.

In the end at His appointed time, God will send anges out to first harvest the tares and cast them into hell and then harvest the wheat into His barns, up into heaven.

The Kingdom of God represents the world from Genesis to the end of Revelation. This parable was spoken in God's view of man. God knows who are His sheep therefore the distinct mention of wheat and tares. From mans view, we don't know who are wheat and who are tares therefore "whosoever believeth(from our point of view) shall not perish but have everlasting life.
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Foster and Adoptive Parents are the embodiment of the Good Samaritian. They take in the injured and the hurting and give them love, compassion, and grace. Jesus said,"That that you do unto the least of My children, you do unto Me."
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The meaning of this scripture is very simple if you allow the other scriptures concerning the kingdom to interpret it. All that's being said hear is that "there is nothing hid which shall not be manifest". It's an example of how the word of God reacts with the human spirit and together they radiate the fact that his word was put in. If you take two balls of dough, insert yeast in one of them and come back in twenty minutes, it doesn’t take a genius to say "hey someone put yeast in that one". Yeast is not good or bad it's just a catalyst that works with something else for a desired end. Certainly it can be bad, "beware of the leaven of the scribes and Pharisee’s-hypocrisy" for there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed (same idea). But it also says that the kingdom of God is like leaven.

The meaning is this. When we "hide" the word in our hearts, the leaven of god’s word will work with our spirit to "manifest" or bring to light or "reveal" the fact that we "sowed" to our hearts the word. It will manifest. Now, if there's nothing hid that shall not be manifest, shouldn't we as Christians be asking "then how on earth do I "hide" something? This is the idea here. We have a treasure hid in our hearts, and the person who discovers how to hide something, will be able to "manifest" or tap into that hidden treasure. He'll bring forth fruit.

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what is the significance of the two silver coins when the good samaritan gives them to the man in the inn?
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I read a story years ago in a booklet entitled the "Good News." It said that at some point in history, the people who lived in the area the good Samaritan was from, departed from their homeland. They were led by an old man with a long beard, possibly Ezekial (this might be wrong). However they rolled a large stone with them as they left, and eventually reached England......and today (said this article) the stone they rolled all this long distance now sits HIDDEN UNDERNEATH the throne of the English Queen/King. Was this just my imagination??? Does anyone have any information on this?
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I think this is eluding to the fact that God gave us the world and it is up to everyone of us to build up his kingdom by bringing more people to Christ and not just worrying about ourselves but lending a hand to our neighbor.
Also it says that since God has been merciful to us by giving us talents we should show mercy to others and preach the word and make disciples of all nations. Because God has blessed us all with different capabilities in order to Glorify God and he expects us to use all he has given us to build his kingdom. If Christ lives through us we are supposed to be the light of the world. On judgement day our Father will ask what we have done to glorify his name, what we have done with the talents and the time God has given us. And what will our answers be ?????????????????

God bless
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