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
^ TOP

The parable of the Sower, the first of four parables which Christ gave outside the house[Matt. 13:1], by the seashore, is comprised of four parts. Each part has to do with exactly the same thing: FRUIT-BEARING, with the Kingdom of heaven in view - a kingdom being offered[ during the time covered by this parable] to a people other than Israel [ to the new creation" in Christ "].
The parable of the Sower was given with a view to this entity not only being brought into existence but also being extended the opportunity to bring forth fruit for the kingdom. The parable of the Sower looks out a head to that time when the kingdom would be taken from Isael because of the nation's failure to produce fruit and given to a nation which would produce " the fruits thereof" [Matt.21:43]. In the first three parts of the parable through, indivduals comprising the one new man fail to bring forth fruit, as those in Israel had done relative to the proffered kingdom. Rather than overcoming and bearing fruit, they are instead overcome [through various means] and bear no fruit. But in the last part of the parable, that expected of the one new man during the present dispensation is shown. Unlike barren Israel, overcoming and fruit-bearing are seen. Thus, it is revealed at the beginning, before God brought this new creation into existence, that not all those comprising the one new man--not all Christians--would bring forth fruit. Fruit- bearing is seen in only one part of the parable, in the last part. In the first three parts individuals are shown to have been overcome through various means resulting in barrenness.
^ TOP

In looking at the various comments found below I notice that a lot of people inject their own ideas into the scripture when there is ample scripture to reveal what is meant. The King James Version of the bible is good because it keeps the integrity of individual words throughout the bible. This is especially important in the parables, because you can’t improve upon perfection. So a choice word, which is found in one parable, should be used in the others where the same (Greek) word is used. Jesus had the power of perfect wording and this is why he seems redundant in saying for instance “beware ye of the leaven of the scribes and the Pharisee’s, which is hypocrisy for there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, neither is there anything hid which shall not be known. The latter part of this expression is found about four times throughout the gospels and maybe more. So the words hid, covered, revealed and of course leaven, are words that can be looked up in a concordance and traced back until a picture forms.

Leaven… Ah, the leaven and the dough parable! Leaven was hid in dough and it ended up being leavened. Might another expression for leavened be revealed? “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed. There is nothing hid that shall not be manifested”? Couldn’t the word manifested be synonymous with revealed or leavened?

But then you may remember that the idea there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed came out of Mark chapter four. Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid which shall not be manifested. Neither was anything kept secret……….

I think if you do a word study on the exact Greek words found in the parables you will find these unchangeable truths. The spirit or heart of a man-the candle, is also likened unto an eye. The light of the body is the eye…This is the ground that the word (seed) is sown in. The word obviously is the word of God, which is an aspect of the life of Christ. In the beginning was the word the word was with God and the word was God…. Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible seed by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. The treasure is the ability to manifest to the outer world the spiritual realities of the Kingdom of God or to tap into the human spirit and get in working on our behalf. Notice that in the parable of the treasure in the field and the merchant man seeking goodly pearls that there is great gain depicted. These are the secrets kept hidden from the foundation of the world.

These things were put in parables and metaphors because God foresaw that there would be a time when the Holy Spirit manifestation-the teacher, would dwindle. And people like you and me would have to learn the system through meditation vs. direct illumination from the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit is received through the use of these principles. I realize that people will say with indignation “that’s not so”! But getting 500 hundred different interpretations per 500 people asked shows the Holy Spirit is not as manifest as should be. He’s a wee bit scarce ya know.

Just make sure that the Word interprets itself, for it says that it is not of any private interpretation.

^ TOP

In response to Big Island’ inquiry posted under the topic of the mustard seed as to how to “hide” the Word of God, here’s my response and thanks for “hearing” what I said.

Notice what Luke 12 says:

1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Look at the word “therefore” in verse 3. Therefore mean because of this. Because of what was spoken in verse two, which is the same thing that’s stated in Mark chapter four “there is nothing hid that shall not be manifest, neither was anything kept secret but that it should come abroad”. So you can see already that speaking “in the ear” (out loud where you and only you can hear yourself say it) is a prerequisite to performing the idea in this scripture.

Look at Mathew chapter 6:

1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Notice the dichotomy that forms. Jesus speaks of doing things which merits mans reward and doing things that merit Gods reward. Mans reward is valueless. God’s reward is eternal and substantive. But notice what sets these two approaches apart. One man ATTEMPTS to be seen of man, the other shuns or does the exact opposite.

Look at verse 6. When you pray, enter your closet, shut the door and speak to your father, which is in SECRET. “There is nothing kept secret but that it should come abroad”. Can you see how that this idea connects up with the teachings of Mark chapter four?

I believe the Idea is this: Though the place where the Word is sown is in the heart, through speaking “in the ear” (out loud) the promises of God; might the place where he is doing it be reflected in Marks account of this parable?

Mark 4:
21 And he said unto them, is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? And not to be set on a candlestick?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Look at these two terms, bushel and bed. A candle is being enclosed or enshrouded in darkness. Light is sealed out. Does that remind you of anything? “The things spoken in DARKNESS shall be heard in the light”.

Could this be a metaphor for a man praying in his prayer closet? The man sealed himself in a room where only God could hear him say something. Like under a bushel. But also notice the word bed. Why bed? Might what Jesus perceives in his heart at the time of this utterance be a bedroom?

So then the term “hide” or “hidden”(there is nothing hid that shall not be manifest) takes on a new meaning.

It means to speak something out loud in private where only God can hear you say it. And for what purpose do we do this? “And thy father which seeth in secret shall REWARD THEE OPENLY”. The catch is this. IT HAS TO REMAIN A SECRET. If you tell anyone you get mans reward. But if you harbor it in your heart, over a period of time, God will explode it out into the open. Hence there is nothing HID that shall not be MANIFEST.

Look at the expression “let not the left hand know what the right hand doeth”. Doesn’t that now take on a new meaning? Might that mean that one part of the same human knows that it did something (in prayer), but it keeps it from the outer parts, not allowing you to act upon it in any way? It’s a secret and will remain a secret from the world around us, until God almighty brings it to light. But too many people are going the opposite direction thinking they have to act a certain way. No! That’s man reward and it’s just an act-worthless. It’s going contrary to what Jesus taught.

We hide things in our hearts by speaking out loud in our prayer chambers the promises of God. We become the candle that is covered by the bushel of the enclosed prayer closet. But without realizing it, when doing this, we place the candle upon a candlestick (I believe the kind with a mirror or reflective device behind it) and our hearts functioning in unison with the father begin to radiate your prayer into the world around you. But it takes patience. Faith-which is what we are doing-GROWS! But in time, that which was covered will be revealed. And the things kept secret will creep out into the open. People will see IN YOU, the things that you have “HIDDEN” in prayer. “As when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light”.

God bless.
^ TOP

First of all, please note my postings on Matt. 24:45 - 25:30 covered under the Parable of the Ten Virgins. If God, to whom vengeance belongs, in order to get world evangelism, falsely promised by many by the year 2000, indeed accomplished for His Holy Name's sake for His return before the generation He mentioned passes away (Matt. 24 : 14, 34 ) resorts to delegating the judgement upon the evil servant(s) in charge of churches to their human boards, committees, and so on, to return as the evil servants' masters just as He already delegated such power to foreign, ungodly armies in the book of Habakkuk long before, then the atrocious judgements of the evil servant(s) in Matthew 24 : 45 - 51, the fulfillment of the Parable of the Virgins, and the fulfillment of the Parables of the Pounds and Talents will happen on this earth rather than in heaven as most pastors would prefer to teach. As time past New Year's Day 2001 progresses, the wrath of God against those who made the false promises and now try to live them down and against the evil servants in charge of His people who tie us down to American livings continues to grow. Unless the Gospel be spread throughout the whole world this very winter by Passover 2004, it will start to seem that world evangelism will never happen with the evil servants still in charge of their churches.

If the evil servants in charge must be ousted in the here and now on earth (in order to accomplish world evangelism in truth) rather than after the Rapture in heaven, the following parables will also be fulfilled immediately on earth thereafter. Then the Parable of the Virgins, instead of referring to the Rapture with many so-called Christians left behind, will be fulfilled litterally when all living churchgoers find themselves locked out of their church buildings forever, and only those who are willing to desist from all obvious habitual sin will be welcome in house churches. Christians who are unwilling to obey the rabbis' teachings on holy, Jewish life such as keeping kosher kitchens (Matt. 23 : 1 - 3 ) will be rebuked as sinners and locked out of those house churches. The social churchgoers unwilling to worship at a house church or unwelcome in the house church due to persistent habitual sins will become unreachable; I say, now is the time, while you still have your church buildings, to win the lost folk of your flocks to Christ indeed.

And if the previous judgements in the parables should happen, as I stated, on earth rather than in heaven, so will the judgements in the parables of the Talents and the Pounds. The talents in Scripture, in Greek "talanta," are not abilities or skills, but each "talanton" as much pure silver money as a man might endure patiently (in Greek tal-, tle^-: etle^n, tetle^ka "I dare, I endure patiently") to carry, 100 lb. Troy or 76 lb. 1 oz. av. or 34.5 kg. Yes, the talents are real, hard, heavy money, and the steward in charge of but one probably represents the one who knew nothing about the care of pack animals and thus was expected to carry one talent personally to market as he could indeed have done. Are you personally ready for this upcoming judgement?

Many may say such a sob story as this: "I've worked hard for everything I get. Nobody ever gave me much money that I didn't earn." Well, I've got news for such Christians: When the faithful stewards answer how well their investments have performed to their rich friends, all of these poor Christians will answer to me or a reader of mine who knows and teaches that LUKE 16 : 1 - 13, the Parable of the Unjust Steward, was indeed in your Bibles to be obeyed. Jesus never expected His people to earn most of the wealth for Christian ends; rather, He requires each of His congregations to make friends with the rich people of the world so that we may be welcome with them in time of wrack and ruin and so that our churches may receive large grants for Christian ministry. Too many churches by far consist of members content not to know the rich people of the world and to remain in such impoverished churches.

Who never had a chance to read LUKE 16 from a lack of this book or was incarcerated or hospitalized so as to be utterly unable to use LUKE 16? Most Christians are financially limited yet cannot claim such an excuse. When and if I get my chance, I will deprive them of whatever wealth they may possess and throw them out into the cold outer darkness of homelessness or Russian evangelism even in the prisons according to Jesus' own words in Matthew 25 : 28 - 30, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The Gospel has got to get spread to all the peoples of the earth!

Each of us Christians with a complete (perhaps New) King James Bible or Tyndale's Bible with LUKE 16 still in it can read Jesus' plan to enrich His congregations. God blesses the rich people of the world with the fruits of the earth and expects us Christians to pay proper attention to the rich mission field for our provisions; as stewards or servants of Christ, we are to "trade" the endowment of the passage of LUKE 16 by obeying His words in it and making friends with the rich people of the world, however they may have earned their wealth. We are not all called to provide, but to make use of their provisions. If we so do, when the judgement of the stewards occurs, we shall answer to our rich friends in the world. If we shall have fared well with their investment advice, they will commend us; if we happen to have lost wealth, they will understand. Those who remain in congregations content not to know the rich people of the world, however, are liable to stupid investments of whatever wealth they earn or may have the good fortune to receive, and if Jesus leaves it to me I will condemn them to deprivation and homelessness on account of their disuse of their truest endowment, LUKE 16 : 1 - 13, the Parable of the Unjust Steward.

Why does the lazy steward disobey his master? He is able indeed to take his talent to market and to trade with it, as his master knew rather than guessing. He may be like the soldier who drops his cumbersome rucksack of some seventy or eighty pounds; according to Eric Foss, "such soldiers are the most likely to get killed in battle, because somebody else has to carry their rucksack for them." Among Christians it is LUKE 16 which is dropped. This steward may, on the other hand, feel incompetent to trade, as when we might think or say about the rich, You've gotta kiss up to these people... and do nothing to meet them and thus drop the pack of LUKE 16. The lazy steward may feel ill will toward the master or his potential heirs and may stow away his endowment in a secret place (the closed Bible) to escape with upon news of the master's death when if the endowment is to grow, it must remain evident to everyone.

I have suffered so horribly and abominably under the church leaders of poverty for so long already that I seize fast upon LUKE 16. I will not drop this ungainly pack, the message "We have got to make friends with the rich people of the world for our security in bad times and for our financial endowments for ministry" which makes me unwelcome at local churches here in Columbus, Indiana. Please reply here with news about any congregations of which you may be aware which will do their utmost to put LUKE 16 into practice by meeting and befriending the rich people of the world for security against homelessness and to receive lasting benefit for ministry. The lazy servant churches cannot attract me; if I need not fear lack of provision in the stingy, inhospitable Modern English speaking cultures, I shall flee to find a fruitful servants' assembly in Christ. Help me here, for it would be ruinously foolish of me to set out on my own in flight without a sure destination of faith. And now I wish you the best of luck in implementing the Parable of the Unjust Steward as it properly reads in the pure King James Version.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

+++ Kevin D. Rosenberg


^ TOP

I have a challenge for anyone reading this. In my studies of the “kingdom of God” there is this mystical thing breathing in the background that if you understand and accept, it will make you more productive in the kingdom of God. I’m convinced that it is the actual spirit of the matter, and if not understood, a lot of people will sit there and scratch their heads pondering why their spiritual lives are not more productive. What is this mystical spirit that permeates the teachings of the kingdom of God? It’s the spirit of true humility.

Humility is something that can be misconstrued. One person may think their being humble by saying “there’s none righteous no not one” and this is after he’s made Jesus the lord of his life. In their false sense of humility they reject scripture that support that in Christ we have become the righteousness of God. Humbleness never says “oh, no God. You’re sadly mistaken. I’m a putrid thing, if you only knew how pathetic I really am”. Notice the arrogance in this. Telling God that he’s so stupid he doesn’t know how retched you are. When he’s the guy who told you to repent for being a sinner. There comes a time when we must humble ourselves as children and just accept what he says without challenging him. What do we care if he says you’re the richest person in the universe? ACCEPT IT! What do we care? What if he says you’re the most beautiful person in the universe? Don’t run and look in the mirror and say I’m hideous, and through doing so cast Gods word out as a lie. Just accept it like a child does. “You’re a good boy aren’t you Johnny”? “Oh no mom I’m a retch”! Children don’t act like that and we need to learn to do the same thing. Otherwise his word will never penetrate our hearts and will not sink roots. Doesn’t the ground have to receive the seed before the seed will grow and produce fruit? Well what does it matter what God says-if it’s a good thing?

Now notice these expressions used in scripture and see if you don’t notice an underlying spirit. “HIDDEN”, “SECRET” ”CONCEALED”, “WHISPERED IN THE EAR IN CLOSETS”, (your own prayer closet) “DO NOT DISIGURE YOUR FACE WHEN FASTING LIKE THE HYPOCRITS DO”, “LET NOT THE LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAD DOETH”, “DO THY ALMS IN SECRET” ‘SOUND NOT THE TRUMPET AS THE HYPORITS DO”. Do you see anything in all these expressions? The idea is that if we will humble ourselves and be content to be hidden, to do things in private, not attempting to show things to the outer world, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL REWARD YOU OPENLY.

There is a story that frequently comes up in faith circles that goes like this. A woman was suffering from a terrible goiter that had grown to about the size of a basketball hanging from her neck- if that’s not an exaggeration. Well this woman wood come to the meetings of a very blessed man of God by the name of Wigglesworth (last name). For three years in a row she would come to these meetings and testify to the crowd that she had been healed by God and was demonstrating her faith by doing so. Well, in the presence of the crowd as she was testifying, the goiter disappeared and she was healed. Truly a wonderful miracle. But faith people have seized upon this to say, “Look at the faith of this person who would testify of things that are not yet manifested as though they already were” and they encourage to do likewise But did you know that Jesus taught just the opposite? “Yes, but she was healed” you may say. Isn’t God wonderful! I’ve been blessed too when my thinking was absolutely backwards. The secret of faith is to do just the opposite. It’s called humility or humbling yourself before God. We are to accept Gods word into our hearts through prayer and then to conceal it as though it was a map to a treasure. Harboring it in our hearts and literally fighting its’ coming to the surface. “Let not your left hand know what the right hand doeth” If it’s you, then you have your reward. But if it’s God who’s doing the exalting, you’ll be exalted indeed, in the presence of people. I liken it to a train jumping its tracks at just the right time. Your own heart will assume a mind of it’s own.

Maybe the act of planting a seed is literally humbling that seed. It’s dead you know. The life has gone out of it. Maybe it’s an example of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. But one thing is certain to me anyway. There is a spirit of meekness that just beckons God to exalt us. Maybe in this day and age of know-it-alls, we’ve become a little too all knowing ourselves. Maybe we need to hide ourselves in Christ trusting that the father will promote us into the light. Just a thought.



^ TOP

Would you please send me a copy of that picture? If it's good, I'd like to use it for my sermon on Sunday.

Mike
^ TOP

Incredible comments so far -- wonderful things to think about.

If I may, I would just like to point to something that I haven't seen addressed yet and wonder what it might lead to. In Luke 15 there are the three parables, Johnny Groda did a great job of highlighting that the parables were spoken to a mixed group. What I wanted to point to was something that is consistent with the first two, yet different in the third parable. In the first two, of this chapter, the focus of the message is on the subject of losing something and going to great lengths, even risks, to gain it back. The shepherd loses a sheep and leaves his flock to find it. The woman loses a silver coin and sets the others aside and goes through the whole house to find it. Something is lost and then searched for by the one who lost it.

The third, however, has nothing, or no one, searched for when lost. The prodigal son is lost but no 'shepherd' nor 'woman' searches for the son.

In all three, when what was lost was found again there was great celebration. In the first two, what was lost was more obvious, and they were searched for and found by the ones who lost them. In the third, however, what was truly lost? Who truly searched and found it? If all three are reflecting the same point, or issue, then in the third parable we should wonder to find that what was lost was searched for and found by the one who lost it.

Who, then, lost, searched and found?
What, then, was truly lost and then found again?


Peace

KB-
^ TOP

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
^ TOP

I’ve read what you’ve written under the mustard seed and the leaven parables and I think I see the light…I think.

Correct me if I’m wrong but are you saying that Jesus taught two different analogies pertaining to the heart of man? The one likening it unto a garden in which the fruit are brought forth in relation to the seeds planted (ideally the Word)? And the leaven parable in which the heart of man would be like a lump of dough that the yeast of God’s word is “hid” in? It in turn manifests the fact that yeast was put in. Or it tells the story that something was “hid” in it. In other words “there’s nothing hid that will not be manifest”. Kind of like a candle shinning light (metaphoristically speaking). Is that right? Are these two parables saying in essence the same thing but from different angles?

Are you saying that THIS is Gods endorsed way of getting his Word manifest in our lives, or receiving a fulfillment of a biblical promise?

If that’s true, then do you have any idea how we “hide” the Word of God in our hearts? Or is it buried in metaphors that no one can figure out? Anything that you can share with me would be much appreciated.

^ TOP

This morning I was listening to the radio 'Messanic Jew foundation' And the preacher mentioned that there are not 'Mustard Trees' And he went on to explain, I didn't get the details so I'm having to research it.
^ TOP

Jesus gives the example of the Good Samaritan for us to pattern ourselves after when it comes to loving our neighbor and other points of living.Anyone can be a Good Samaritan if Jesus is in your Heart and you are operating from the Love that he gives you.Help others . Not just the ones that you know , but be ready to share his love and Charity with all.
God Bless You,
chris
^ TOP

In reply to several previous emails, especially Rozilne: My book, If the Prodigal Were a Daughter, was released in January and contains four modernized parables. I also review the first century historical/social context and the parable's relevancy to the twenty-first century. The requirement of a parable is to see ourselves. In the prodigal story, most of us have been the prodigal (disrespectful of the father, seeking independence, finding ourselves stuck in a pig pen); we often act like the elder brother (selfish, self-serving, judgmental, refusing to go inside the house for the party because "he" or "she" is inside. Once we ourselves as we really are, we are to become the Father (loving, forgiving, merciful, welcoming, rejoicing). It is human nature for teenagers to break free from parental controls, as it is to obey out of obligation or requirement. But God wants us to grow up, to mature in the very image of the father, the reflection of God.
^ TOP

In Jesus’ time Israel was under the control of the Roman Empire. Hellenic culture was taking over traditional Jewish culture, and the Roman Empire had governors to rule over their provinces. There were many different groups that separated the people of Israel. People went to Jesus to ask if there was any hope for the Jews and their way of life.

The situation is similar in Australia today, with different cultures and religions mixing together and the nation's culture and identity changing as a result.

Jesus’ teachings, while initially based on the Jews’ dilemma, are still relevant today, at least for Australians.

^ TOP

Please send me via e-mail or inform me as to where I can obtain a picture of a mustard tree. Thank you!
^ TOP

Read Matt. 24:24-26. The rise of false prophets and false Christs (Messiahs) able to deceive some of the very elect was prophesied by our Lord Jesus Christ. Many Christians have been ruined by the evil servants in charge of today's churches.
^ TOP

In the postings found below I’ve extracted many different ideas out of the teachings of the Kingdom that are true and hold water all throughout scripture. But as of late I’ve been getting something that I feel is even more profound then anything I’ve laid down as yet. I think if you get this it will answer a lot of questions as to why we aren’t getting anything from God and why we are so barren spiritually.

Christianity was to be a message of power, resurrection life and of totally victory over death. And yet we don’t even have the bark of a chewawa when it comes to having any kind of influence in this world. Pardon the expression but man have we been impotent. Consider what I’m about to say and just see if you can see why our prayers are misdirected or that the connection with heaven is never made.

Quite often in writing about the teachings of the kingdom I try to ride the words of Christ as much as is possible. And yet I think there is one area that it would do me well to sever off from them and to put them in my own words.

I’m talking about the usage of the word “heart” vs. “spirit”. Why would this be important? Consider these two scriptures and just see if contradicting ideas don’t surface.

There is a scripture in the Bible that says that God will “write his laws in the fleshy tablets of the heart”. Now look at something that Jesus said:

John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Luke 24:39
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Can you see how that even though the terms spirit and heart are quite often used interchangeably, in some instances they shouldn’t be?

What I’m getting at is this. If our perceptions concerning the word heart are that it is somehow tied to the flesh then we are bound to have missed the spirit which Jesus said doesn’t have “flesh and blood”. It’s like an email that ends up in cyberspace instead of getting to the person that we are sending it to.

“OH, THAT’S REDICULOUS” YOU SAY. “THAT’S THE DUMBEST THING I’VE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE”.

Is it really? When was the last time you had a prayer answered? “Forty years ago” you say. I REST MY CASE. Isn’t it clear that God is holding us to a higher degree of accuracy in spiritual matters these days? Remember, we are the ones who can use computers, text messages, download music to I pods. Some of us can get pretty snooty about techy things if we’re asked the wrong questions. Jesus said “with what measure you mete it will be measured unto you”. That means what you put in is what you get out. And it’s quite clear that God is saying to us “if you would put one iota of interest into spiritual things like you do that tech stuff, then maybe you’d get somewhere in your spiritual life”. FUSHTANE? (Do you get it?)

Let’s continue.

Could it be that all of this talk about “hidden” things, “secret” things, things “spoken in darkness”, “mysteries”, could all of these sayings be fingers so-to-speak that are pointing to the human spirit? Isn’t the human spirit a mystery of sorts? You can’t locate it. It’s subconscious. You can’t feel it. Don’t we have some ninety percent of the human brain that we don’t use? Could that be a reserve for when we revive the human spirit? Maybe it will come back on-line. The book of James says that God is the father of “spirits”. Are you a spirit? If you can read this I would submit that you are. The problem is that our perceptions about spiritual matters are all over the board. We never do isolate the part of us that runs the show. Kind of like the man behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz. “DON’T PAY ANY ATTENTION TO HIM”. Yea it’s YOU ya turkey!

The reason why it’s important to isolate the human spirit is because that’s where faith comes from. It’s the place where we either believe or fear.

GOD IS A SPIRIT. To contact God we have to use our spirits. I’ve totally replaced the use of the word heart in prayer with the word spirit. It’s making a difference.

In Luke 17:21 Jesus said.
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Matt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Have you ever looked at this scripture and thought WELL WHICH IS IT? DO YOU BIND ON EARTH OR DO YOU BIND IN HEAVEN?
Why does it matter? Because one will work and the other won’t. It’s these kinds of things that are defeating us, and we only have ourselves to blame. We’re just not a very diligent people. We’re content in living lives that make the word of God a lie (there is no power, no answer, no Holy Spirit-nothing). But things are changing. If you’re reading this there is a good chance that you too might be looking for answers.

When Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is within you, might he have been referring to the human spirit and that how it’s already separate from the realm of the natural? In other words, to affect the world around you, you must approach the Kingdom of God that abides within. IT’S YOUR SPIRT. Your spirit will abide after your body is lying in a coffin holding its breath. But when we use the word heart, the whole matter gets washed out and we never do isolate the spirit.

So then, we bind satanic forces IN OUR SPIRITS. We loose the things that we desire to enter our lives IN OUR SPIRITS. Our spirits subsequently shine these bindings and loosings out onto the picture screen of our lives. I will admit, I never thought that this scripture worked (binding and loosing). But then, I thought that you were to look out at the world and bind it in the world. NO, IT’S ALL DONE IN THE SECRET PLACE. The secret place is a metaphor for going into the realm of the spirit and establishing things there. THEN they show up in our lives. To attempt to affect the flesh or the world around us by the perception that we are dealing directly with it, is as foolish as using the word “manifestation” in prayer. DON’T DO IT. IF YOU DO YOU’VE BEEN DUPED BY THE DARK SIDE. That word doesn’t belong in your prayer life. It’s attempting to change things illegally. You’ll open the door to the adversary.

Our spirits are a place that Satan wants direct access to. But we are the only ones who have the “KEY” (as in “keys of the kingdom”). We set things there (establish). Then it’s just a waiting game. When you deal with your spirit your dealing with power, and there are checks placed on the system whereby the only things that get in there are due to either determination, or unreasonable hardheadedness-as in the person who reaped tragedy as a result of stubborn rebellion.

Proverbs 4: 20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the ISSUES OF LIFE.

When we use the word spirit in our prayer time as in “I bind the powers of darkness in my spirit, and I loose all of heaven in my spirit”, we are entering a realm that God has given us legal access to. The realm of the spirit is subject to different rules. In essence, what God says goes. It’s the sole truth. Nothing in the world can call it into question. But that’s the place where the Kingdom of God abides. Solomon said “the spirit of man is the candle of the lord searching all the inward parts of the belly”.

USE THE WORD SPIRIT NOT HEART IN PRAYER. You’ll be putting your finger right on the pulse of the issue. The power button.

The treasure that Jesus spoke of is the spirit of man. It’s the thing that at the time was a tremendous mystery. But when we hide things there, or bind or loose things there, truly it is the incubator or the loading dock that eventually ejects things into our lives.

If nothing else I think that this generates “kingdom thinking”. God bless you in your endeavors.

Tell no man.

^ TOP

Time and again, the Parables of Our Christ Jesus has taught us so many things. Loving unconditionally is one of the golden rule. As I have read the passage once again after several years, (maybe a year or two), it still somehow touched my life and made me realized that we should not be selfish with our time in helping other people especially those outside of our homes. Accidents happen unexpectedly, anytime, anywhere. But if we are willing to help without asking anything in return, (rewards or financial compensation, that is), we could make peoples burden easier to carry. In what way, you may ask? This, by giving comfort, moral support, and aid to the victim, err, by calling 911 or any similar emergency departments. That we must help people in need regardlesss of race, nationality and religion... that we must show compassion even when forced during emergency cases. Christian love is what the Lord wants us to learn and feel towards our neighbor...must be difficult, but, very rewarding, isnt it?
^ TOP

I don't know which subject you are speaking of, since I was the last one before your comment, let me share the Scripture in God's Word, concerning continued sin in the life of a believer! First, Jesus said unto sinner that came unto Him and were forgiven their sins, sin no more less a worse thing come upon you! The Judgment of God!
(Hebrews-10-26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth (Christ) there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
(27) But CERTAIN fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries.
Satan has always been the liar and murderer that deceived mankind, from the beginning, to take of the tree of knowledge, knowing good and evil!! (Genesis-3-4-5) (2-17) But God said, The day you eat thereof, knowing good and evil, you shall die!
(Romans-6-16) Know you not to whom you yeild yourselves servants to obey, his servant you are to whom you obey: whether of sin unto death (continued sin) or of obedience unto Righteousness! We cannot obey God, and the Devil! God never changes, (Genesis-2-17) that wages of sin is death, neither does Satan! (Genesis-3-4-5) you shall not surely die!
(11Thess-2-3-12! That all might be Damned who believed not the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness!
Also note, (1John-3-7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is Righteous!
(8) He that COMMITS SIN is of the Devil, for the devil sinned from the beginning, For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might DESTROY (not justify) the works of the Devil!
^ TOP

what exactly is gnashing of teeth?
^ TOP

the older son has been misunderstand for a long time. He is a good kid. What more can a father ask from his son? But he is blinded by his bitterness. And in v. 31 the father tells the older son that all the father has is the older son's. If this is the case, the older son can choose to ask the father to give him and his friends a BBQ party. But the son doesn't ask. He gets mad at the father and turns bitter.

Very often we are more like the older sons. Not many of us live an exciting life like the younger son. We make complaints to our Father for not having what we want. But we don't spend time to ask.
^ TOP

I too have the Greek meaning, but again, it does not say what you are trying to make it say! You have misquoted the Word of God, not by His Spiritual Truths, but according to the desires of your heart, which is earthy riches!
You want to use evil rich people that you might gain Riches, but did you not know,
(Proverbs-15-8) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is His delight!

Do you think for one second, Holy God would use money from the wicked, an abomination to the Lord, that He might reward His Servants?

Satan has always deceived man, by misquoting the Word of God!

(James-1-5) If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God! Ask Him to guide you to His Truths, that you might understand the Word of God, because the carnal minded cannot receive the Spiritual Truths of the Word!
^ TOP

I can not agree that these sheep are the pharisees and the tax collectors because Jesus in John goes to great lengths to say that those sheep within HIS fold KNOW his voice...do those who are unrepentant KNOW jesus' voice? Is Jesus the door to their fold? I don't think so! As leigh points out...there is only 1 sinner realising he is lost? No I don't think so...and of course there is the question...where does Jesus take this lost sheep back to????? the fold? or some other place? what then would happen to the 99 sheep????????
^ TOP

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.
^ TOP

I hear your words and what you say could be true if that is what the scripture is talking about. My belief is that the 10 virgins are more of an example of being ready to meet the Lord than that. Some will be taken up in the rapture and some will not be ready. 5 were ready to go in to the Bridegroom and 5 were not ready.--I believe that the rapture will take place and it will happen before the 7 years of tribulation. Some of the people will be ready and some will not be. Here is an example of those not ready.

Years ago I did a research paper recounting the people who might be alive at the time of the tribulation. I am a pre-tribulation person and believe in the rapture. Very simply put, the paper was like this. If all of the people on earth stood in a group and then the tribulation started, I believe it would go like this.—
1. The first to leave the group would be those taken out in the rapture at the beginning of the seven years.

2. Of those left behind, there would be those who accept the mark of the beast and the bible says that they are lost.

3. There will also be those who will not have anything to do with believing on God so lets put all of these off to the side as those who will be judged and go to the Lake of fire.

4.. Of those left behind, The Anti Christ will require them to take his mark in their for heads or their right hand. If they refuse, they will be slain for their faith and they become those who are under the altar.

5. Of those left behind, there will be those who the bible says will make it through the 7 years of tribulation and will be accepted so lets just add those who go to heaven.

5. Then there are the Jews. They will be those who are mentioned as having signed a 7 year peace treaty under false pretenses. When the Anti Christ stands in the new temple that will be built and declares that he is God, the Jews will realize that they made a big mistake and they will pull out of the peace treaty and head for the hills for protection. Probably to the city of Petra which is carved in the rocks. At the end of the 7 years, Christ will return to earth for the beginning of the 1000 years of peace.

5 virgins were watching and waiting for the Lord's return and 5 were not. There are those waiting and watching to go be with the Bridegroom at rapture time and there are those who say
it is all nonsense and will not be ready.
I hope you won’t be out looking for oil when that time comes.

^ TOP

I think you are right. The elder brother was truly the lost son. Maybe in order to see God truthfully, and to understand His forgiveness in the fullest measure, we have to stray from Him. This way we can compare both sides and choose with wisdom knowing exactly what we want instead of doubting and being resentful of others. I think we are supposed to do this to some degree, that way we aren't just automatons repeating what God wants to hear, instead of actually feeling and understanding His profound forgiveness as well as His message of love.
^ TOP

Dear Friend ,
Eternal Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8, 9), and it is based entirely upon the finished work of of another ( John. 19:30). Nothing which man has done , is presently doing , or will ever do can have anything to do with his enternal destiny. Man can do no more than receive by faith that which has already been done on his behalf. This is why Scripture states, " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" ( Acts. 16:31).
As being a christian and saved that christian can be a man of the world -- a person interested in the things of the world rather than the things of God, as Esau sold his birthright and considered his birthright to be of little value, he considered one meal to be more value and sold his rights as firstborn for a meal.
Christians can go the way of Esau and Lot -- having any spiritual sences and perspectives progressively dulled by the things of the world -- resulting in the thier progressively being overthrown in the land of Esau and Lot. Or they can keep their eyes fixed on the goal, dwell in the tabernacles with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the high country -- "excape to the mountians" ( Gen. 19:17), having their spiritual sences and progressively strengthened -- and one day realize the rights of the firstborn.
The former is the easy life, and the latter is not so easy. In fact , the latter often becomes quite difficult. But what will be the end be? That's what matters!
To be in the wedding festivties ( Matt. 25:10 ) a christian must be a overcomer as stated in the letters to the seven Churches in (Rev.) this will enable him to claim his firstborn rights to Christ's Kingdom and the 1000 year rule. As a overcomer you must overcome the World, Saten, and the flesh.
To overcome the world you obey Christs commandments, to overcome Saten you resist him, to overcome the flesh you mortify it daily. I pray this has helped.
^ TOP

"Talents," as I translate them, are the strengths that God gives us--intellect, health, wisdom, empathy. compassion, etc. It is about what you do with those strengths--do you feed the homeless, do you help your neighbor, do you vote for taxes that benefit fire departments and schools, do you help with man with AIDS who is your neighbor with a meal? It seems to me that our talents must go toward actions that benefit our communities. I found it very hypocritical that despite the fires that ran through these wealthy foothill communities, most of these folks will still refuse to pay taxes that fund those public services that saved their homes. Talent is wasted, in my opinion.
^ TOP

Note; The parable of the ten virgins immediately following begins with the word "THEN " pointing back to the parable of the Householder and His servant. Note that by comparing Matt 24:45-51 with the parallel section in Luke 12:42-46, it is clear that one servant is in view throughout. The servant either remains faithfull or he becomes unfaithfull. The parable of the ten virgins then begins and covers the same subject matter, providing additional information from a different perspective; and the parable concludes in a similar fashion by showing that which awaits both those who are ready and by showing that which awaits both those who are ready and those who are not ready at the time of the Lord's return
^ TOP

After reading all the comments on the Filling of the spirit I find this one to be right on the money. I was going to post a writing of my own, but after reading this I decided to commend this writing. God bless and an excellent job Robert.
Pastor Rick.
^ TOP

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 .
^ TOP

They did not quite get paid on commision, but most where not paid as much as they realy needed. This lead to many demanding more money then was needed from the people they collected from.

This is why, later, Jesus tells Publicans to collect only what is due.

It was common at that time that Publicans would have a lawyer like rap, in that they where all looked upon as great sinners, always cheating everyone for every last mite and shekel.
^ TOP

The parable of the wheat and tares continues with the same subject matter introduced in the previous parable, the parable of the sower. Christ gave these first four parables" out of the house", and down by the seaside.[Matt.13:1].
The parable of the wheat and tares centers around those bearing fruit from the previous parable in order to reveal the method of Saten's attack against them. In this respect, this parable moves a step beyond that revealed at the end of the parable of the Sower. This parable continues with the same thought but then reveals a concentrated attack against those individuals bearing fruit. It reveals the exact method which Satan uses as he goes about seeking to stop that which is occurring.
Satan seeks to prevent fruit-bearing through a number of means revealed in the first three parts of the parable of the sower. And throughout the dispensation, he has been successful in his confrontation with the vast majority of Christians. He has succeeded in preventing most from bearing fruit.
But the preceding has not been true of all Christians. Many have been victorious over Satan's methods and schemes. They have overcome the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. And, as a result, they have brought forth and continue to bring forth fruit. And it is these Christians, the ones bearing fruit, that Satan is seen directing his attack against in the parable of the wheat and tares, seeking to stop that which is occurring.
^ TOP

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.
^ TOP

I agree the son was greedy. But take prodigal, \Prod"i*gal\, n. One who expends money extravagantly, viciously, or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish in any expenditure (dictionary.com), could be directed to the son who stayed at home. A parent always wants the best for their child(ren). As everyone knows only self knows what is best for themselves. The son taking what he thought was "owed" to him, but really learning what life was like outside royalty learned how lucky he was. The other was simply bitter. Everything in life that has meaning you have to work for it. The son who spent all his riches learned
^ TOP

Hello,

My Name is Jill Arrington. God gave me a vision for my company logo that includes the mustard tree. I am really interested in seeing what that looks like.

Thanks,

Jill Arrington


^ TOP

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.
^ TOP

There were three main Jewish feast. Pass Over had no leaven, Penecost had leaven, And Tabernacles had no leaven in the bread. Passover speaks symbolically of the shed blood of Jesus and there is no leaven in that blood. Penecost speaks of the law/church age and there is plenty of division and separation and malice etc be it now or though out this long 2000 years. Tabernacles speaks the fullness of time when God will bring forth a new Kingdom of heaven. There will be no sin in that age. The Law pointed to grace but the law was not the answer. God will have a church with out spot or wrinkle. In fact he does right now if you understand the Kingdom of God is with in us.
^ TOP

Hey, Rick......I don't know you personally, but I saw you were from home town, I thought I would say hello. I go to Spanish River and have lived in Boca 32 years now. How 'bout you?
There are quite a few interesting comments on this web-site. I think it's neat how people break stuff down and look for meanings. Like, "what do the sandals represent?"
I've been the prodigal son recently. got really off track. wheh! I mean really off track. It's so wonderful to be able to come to God with a broken and contrite heart and accept His forgiveness. What a pleasure being back in fellowship. Let me hear from you.
^ TOP

teaching grandchildren faith is as a mustard seed

please send info as described

greatly appreciated

louise

^ TOP

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."
^ TOP

I like what you wrote for the parable but I need something different for childrens church. Something the can understand. If you know of anything please let me know. Thanks for all you do in Christ name!

Mary Rogers
^ TOP

Jon, (John-15-1) I am the Vine, and My Father is the Husbandman: Remember, Jesus said, no man come to Me, except My Father draw him? Jesus is the Root (Romans-15-12) There shall be a Root of Jesse, and He that shall rise and regin over the Gentles: in Him shall the Gentiles Trust! Christ was the Seed Promised to the Nation, Israel, the Seed promised to Abraham, The Lamb of God, The Sacrifice unto whom the Nations of the earth might be Blessed when they receive Him. and the Seed Promised to David, according to the flesh, However, Israel received Him not, therefore, cut them off, then He turned to the Gentile, (Romans-11-18) Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou beaest not the Root, but the Root thee. (19) Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off (Israel) that I (Gentile) might be grafted in. (20) Well: because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith, Be not highminded, but fear: (21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee. (16) For if the Firstfruit be Holy, the lump is also holy, so are the branches. As He is Holy, be you also holy! (Romans-8-29) Christ is the Firstfruit, the Firstborn, among many brethen, that we might be conformed like unto His image, to know no sin! The Work of the Spirit of Holy God, in the heart of His children. However, God also warned of the danger of falling away from the Spirit of Holy God, Who speaks from Heaven unto His children (Hebrews-12-25) See that you refuse not Him that speaks, For if they escaped not, who refused Him that spoke on earth (Israel) much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him that speaks from Heaven! (now, to the Gentile) Satan deceived the children of Israel, in their conceit of the flesh, as the Seed of Abraham, (John-8-33-44) the warning to the Gentile, do not think too highly of the flesh, but of the Spirit of Christ Jesus, in us, and us in Him (John-15-5) for without Him, we can do nothing! Satan deceived Israel, and we are warned not to be highminded, but to fear, because satan will try and also destroy the Gentile! (Jeremiah-4-7) The Lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentile is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate: and thy cities shall be laid waste, without inhabtant. So you see, we cannot put our trust in any man, any Religion, trust no man with your SOUL, our only hope is in Him and Him only, down on our kness seeking Him, with all our heart, mind and soul, and He said, you will find Me! Trust Him and Him only, repent of your sins, for He is faithful and just, to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, ask Him to come into your life that you might be strengthened with might against future sin, by His Spirit inside of your heart! (Ephesians-3-16) that the work of the devil, sin and death, against you, might be destroyed, the very reason He came! (1John-3-4-8) that everything we lost in first Adam, might be restored unto us! No reason to fear satan, Holy God is the only One we must fear, when you truly turn to Him, with all your might, heart, mind and soul! Then you will know, Greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world! We know, satan is the god of this world, (Romans-16-19-20) But the God of Peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly, Obey Christ Jesus-- sin no more, that you might receive His Spirit, giving you the victory over both sin and death, and you shall find Peace! God Bless You!
^ TOP

i am currently doing an assignment in school on biblical parables. i was wondering if you had a simplified childrens version that i could get hold of. thank you
^ TOP

Please send me a picture of a of a full grown mustard seed tree. Please send it as soon as possible.

Thanks,

Rosalind
^ TOP

Jesus does show in this parable that it is the content and character of a man's heart that is important to God. But to say that there will be those who will go to heaven without Christ as their Savior is a misunderstanding of this parable. Jesus is showing that no matter what amount of religion a person seems to have, as in the case of the priest who passed the beggers by, that a person will not be saved by religious acts but will be judged by our heart and the actions that ultimately come forth from it. Jesus is very clear (if one really does believe in the authenticity of scripture) in John 14:6 - "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, noone comes to the Father except through Me" Either believe Christ or don't, but do not twist His words to make any unacceptable religion ok in your own eyes.
^ TOP

I simply believe it is a tool to prophecy his ressurrection. Note the punchline - If they don't believe Moses they won't believe if someone rises from the dead.
^ TOP

What Jesus taught this parable which 5 foolish virgins refer the wicked and 5 wise virgins refer the righteous. Only 5 wise virgins keeps watch concerning their lives to prepare for the Bridegroom comes at midnight, but the foolish virgins didn't watch concerning their lives because of their carelessness. Christ admonishes that we like 5 wise virgins keep to be watched and prepared for Him to come by our holy lifestyle! God bless! Bro. Worley
^ TOP

the moral is that it doesnt matter what race you come from even if its your worst emey you should help some one in need. the preiest walked by and the levite because it was known as unclean to touch some one wounded or dead. the good samaratin didnt care and still helped. thats the moaral :D
^ TOP

Please send me a picture of a mustard tree/plant. I need it for church. Thanks, HEIDI
^ TOP