Big Island, the seed is planted with the words of our mouth-spoken out loud. Apparently there is a mechanism set up within the human being that forever monitors our words and accepts them as programs. It doesn’t differentiate between good and bad, it just receives them much like the ground accepts seeds when planted, or the way yeast responds with dough.

IT’S THE NATURE OF THE WORDS DUDE! Second Corinthians chapter four says:

13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Paul quotes David and says in essence: (paraphrased) “do you recall when David said, “I believed therefore have I spoken”? Well we also have that same spirit of faith. Our faith also climaxes with a confession of the mouth.”

Jesus said a lot about our words and the affect that they have on our inner man. He talked about the faith that would speak to a mountain, sycamine tree, or uttered out loud (in the ear) in the privacy of the prayer closet.

Jesus said “if you had faith as a grain of Mustard seed you might say…” It’s very clear that he’s saying, “If you had faith as a seed, you would PLANT.

Make sense?

I hope that helps.

^ TOP

The power of the sower parable comes with the key 23rd verse of Chapter 13 of the Gospel of Matthew: "But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

Never underestimate the power of God's gifts for you. These gifts that we reap are many fold more plentiful and bountiful than the actual strength of our faith.
^ TOP

Hi,

I understand, that the Good Samaritan was a real person who lived long before Jesus, and the same thing happened to him, he was perscuted for doing good deeds to other. That's the reason why Jesus was able to tell this story. I forgot the name of this person.

Could you help me? What is the Good Samaritan's name?

Thanks
Willy
^ TOP

Thansks to the Lord for my life in him and joy witht thanksgiving for my rich experience in heavenly faith and journey to evelasting victory in heaven and for Jesus who die for me and my sickness thanks to him for every second and big praise and love,thanks and bles and pray for gospel,keijo sweden
^ TOP

Perhaps the lesson is for parents.

Do welcome your children back into your life.

Don't take for granted, the children who stand by you steadfastly.

???

Why is it never interpreted as a lesson for parents in how to value their children and be sure to validate their children's feelings?

Why did he not throw the party in honour of BOTH sons? Wouldn't it have been better for him to show an appreciation of the return of the younger and the steadfastness of the elder?

Why did he do something that would foreseeably divide his sons and promote adversity between them?

Why did he not run out into the field with the younger one exclaiming, "Your brother has returned and both my sons are here and well and safe. Let us kill a pig."

I'm thinking this story is to teach us 'how to' and 'how not to' be an effective parent.
^ TOP

if the father represents God, the younger son represents us, who does the elder son represent?
^ TOP

I think you've seized upon something that isn't a part of the parable of the sower. The context is the kingdom of God. The place where we're sowing the seed is into the realm of the spirit, our hearts. Jesus said that the kingdom of God is within you. Did you notice that Jesus never addressed the issue of watering the seed? Well don't seeds need to be watered? Then why not address such a critical thing? Because if you go back into the Garden of Eden, you'll recall that a mist watered the plants of Eden, the watering was already provided for in this garden. In this realm of the kingdom within, the watering is already provided for. And lets not forget that the seed were talking about is the Word of God. "Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible seed, by the word of God which live and abides forever. If the seed is planted it will grow! God will provide the increase. The curse that has come upon the earth and our physical bodies has not contacted that place where these seeds are sown. It's infinitely easier to produce in the realm of the spirit for "he watches over his word to perform it." The tough part is in having enough scriptural knowledge to be able to plant the seed and turn loose of it for long periods of time. Being patient. But I wouldn't seize upon the curse that IS in this earth to allow the enemy to say why ever bother. Maybe your just saying that God has the final say. But then what about dope and poppy plants? If seeds are planted in the realm of the kingdom of God inside us they will grow. Good or bad.
^ TOP

(Mathrews-13-22) He that receives the seed (Word of God) among the thorns is he that hears the Word: and the CARES OF THE WORLD, and th DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES, choke the Word and he becomes UNFRUITFUL!
(39) The ENEMY that sowed them is the DEVIL: and the reapers are the angels.
Again, we look at a Lost deceived World, on it's way to Hell, that Christ loved so much, that He gave His life that man might be saved, and all you can do is keep knocking for Riches!! Pray tell me, what do you think He still OWES you?
Again I will say, You are walking on dangers ground! You gave me until Friday, for a list, what happens if God should require your soul before Friday? Would you be ready?
^ TOP

Dear Peter,

Your note on the web touched me. It sounded like a cry for help from a young man struggling to stay afloat. Internet correspondence with people I don't know is not my habit but I feel a concern for you.

I am not privy to all that is in your situation.

How old are you and how long have you been a Christian?

Are both of your brothers Christians?

Does your brother who stayed home share your feelings?

On what terms was the returning brother brought into the business? Is he an employee or did he buy into the business?

Are you involved in an unequal yoke, ie. are both of your brothers believers? You could be faced with selling your interest and starting a business of your own.

How does your father see the situation? Can you appeal to him for guidance?

If you and your brother bought the business why do you still retain the irritations?

If your father has a will how can others take what is not theirs?

There is so much that I don't know but it sounds like it is time for a family conference to clear the air and redefine everybody's limits and responsibilities.

The closer we come to home the more crucial relationships become.

Have you thought of seeking advice from a wise business man in your church or community?

Above all don't become weighed down with resentment and bitterness. You need to forgive your brother and deal with him graciously. It only takes one to forgive. To forgive wrongs gives the soul buoyancy and joy.
It is a reminder that we also are forgiven by One who was offended by our sin in a way that we will never understand.


^ TOP

who were they really? what were some of their main beliefs? how did they relate to the Jews? to Rome? Where were they located? what rolde did they play in Jesus' life?HELP
^ TOP

First we have to know where the Kingdom of God is on this earth.

Luke 27:21 For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.

Every believer of Jesus has the kingdom of God in our hearts. It is not in the church, or in a building or in a ministry. It is in the hearts of men.

So the kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed sowed in our hearts. Remember it is greatest amongst all herbs and can grow into a tree so that the birds of the air can come and find solace and refuge on its branches. Remember Jesus said in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches."

What is this mustard seed in our hearts?

Matthew 17:20
I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.'

So here it refers mustard seed to faith.

This is interesting. The Word of God says faith as a mustard seed. The Word of God never says faith like the small size of a mustard seed, which is often preached. Therefoe faith is like the total characteristics of the mustard seed. Size is only one small part. If we preach on size alone, then we miss the whole point.

The total characteristics of the mustard seed can encompass the following:
1) Althought smallest seed of all herb plants, it can grow the biggest.
2) Its branches give birds of the air a resting place.
3) Mustard is an easy crop to grow.
4) Mustard greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, B and C.

So when we receive Jesus the faith in our hearts as a mustard seed can easily grow into a spiritual giant. And the birds of the air (the people who are directionless in their spiritual life who come across our path) can find our testimony and sharing of Christ that they will come to a place of living spiritual life.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. It is really our close relationship with Christ (praying, reading and hearing the Word) that easily makes our faith grow, even though we are a nobody, because that faith will grow very fast and very big in next to no time so that we can be a blesssing to others. And nothing will be impossible because Jesus is behind every miracle.

Remember you can be highly used by God to reach out to the troubled and unsaved.

Randy Tan
http://geocities.com/whentheholyspiritcomes





^ TOP

Is it possible that the tares are the evil progenic offspring of the fallen angels (the sons of God), who left their heavenly domain and cohabitated with the daughters of men?. A hybrid race of beings called the Nephilim (giants) resulted.
The bible is very sparse regarding this event. The only references to the Nephilim are found in Gen. 6:4 and Num. 13:33. There is a non bible source that deals profoundly with Gen. 6:4. It is called the Book of Enoch and I must say that not many christians have read it or even know about it for that matter. You can go online and punch in "Nephilim, Anakim, Rephaim" and a whole new world of mystery will open to you. I cannot be dogmatic, but is it possible that when "God took him" (Gen. 5:24) that Enoch was given the amazing revelations found in the book.
The tares? Research what I have suggested and decide for yourself.
^ TOP

My advice to you would be to #l. Look at what I wrote under the subject of the leaven parable. #2. Decide weather you believe that that’s what Jesus’ was taking about or not. Then take ownership of the matter and teach it as though you ascribe to it yourself.

The parables of the Kingdom are intertwined and they all lead back to each other. I’d meditate on these things until I have the idea down, then you can teach these things with their intended end in mind.

I don’t think it hurts to SUBMIT things. Allowing people to decide for themselves. As long as you’re stressing the analogies that Jesus used vs. the interpretations, you’ll perk people’s interest. Heck, you might even learn some things from the kids. Just make sure that you OFFER these things instead of stuffing them down someone’s throat and I think you’ll be all right. I think children can understand metaphors better than adults because their imaginations are allowed to wander more.

It might also be good to seize upon this idea of Jesus revealing “things that have been kept secret from the foundations of the earth”, maybe asking, “What on earth do you think he could be saying”? “What might these secrets be”? “Should we know and understand them”?

Also, you may want to convey the importance of this scripture (Mark chapter four) because Jesus asked, “you don’t understand this parable? “Then how will you understand ALL parables concerning the kingdom of God”?

Good luck with the kids. God bless!

^ TOP

The talents were entrusted to the servants.
The servant with the one talent hid the talent in the earth(Holy Land) did the right thing as according to the Jewish Law. In verse 24 to 26 showed that the master was the devil. This is another REVERSE PARABLE.
^ TOP

Yes there is a case to be made about the elder son. In my Christain Fellowship we spent two weeks on this one parable; the first week we looked at how we can put ourselves in the shoes of the older son, and the sencond we talked about how, if we don't necesarily identify with the younger son, we probably do with the older one.
We talked about how sometimes as Christians we view that there are certain things we feel we have to do in order to recieve God's love. We have to go to church, not swear, follow the commandments, give to the poor....etc. And then we see/realize that there are other who are not doing all of the "required" things, and yet they still recieve God's love.
But the point that (I think) Jesus was trying to make is that there is no list of things you have to do to be loved by God. God loves all His children no matter what. And at the end of the parable Jesus never said whether or not the older son decides to go in and recieve his father's love, or stay out and get nothing.
Hope that helps!
^ TOP

discription as to what jesus is refering leaven to be is not mention so then leaven could be any thing that would spread rapidly. ie. leaven of the Pharisees- hipocrisy Luke 12:1, ie. pursuasion Galatians 5:8-9, ie. Malace and wickedness, sicerity and truth 1 Cor 5:8, ie. spread of the gospel Mat. 13:33.
^ TOP

1. HISTORY
Man used yeast before he knew how to write.

Hieroglyphics suggest that the ancient Egyptian civilizations were using
living yeast and the process of fermentation to rise their bread
over 5,000 years ago. Of course, they didn’t know what was responsible
for the leavening process. The chemical action of yeast that causes dough
to rise is known as fermentation and was probably looked upon by early
man as a mysterious and unreal phenomenon. It is believed that since
early times, mixtures of leavening for bread making were formed by
natural contaminants of the four such as: wild yeast and lactobacilli
(organisms also present in milk). Leaven, mentioned in the Bible, was a
soft dough-type medium kept from one baking of bread to another. A
small portion of this dough was used to start or leaven each new bread
dough. Later scientific research found that yeast is a microorganism
(visible only with a microscope). The chemical action and growth of yeast
that caused the dough to rise then became understandable.



2. WHAT IS YEAST
Yeast is a tiny form of fungi scientists call microorganisms. They are egg-
shaped cells that can only be seen with a microscope. It takes 20,000,00
00,000 (twenty billion) to weight one gram or 1/28 of an ounce.

The scientific name for one species of yeast is SACCHAROMYCES
CEREVISIAE or sugar eating fungus. Cerevisiae is the Latin word for
brewer. A very long name for such a tiny organism. It is a very strong
strain that is capable of fermentation or causing bread dough to rise.


Yeast cells digest food to obtain energy for growth. Their favorite food is
sugar; sucrose (beet or cane sugar), fructose and glucose (found in
honey, molasses, maple syrup and fruit) and maltose(derived from starch
in flour). The process, alcoholic fermentation, produces useful end
products, carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol, which are released by the
yeast cells into the surrounding liquid. This is how alcoholic drinks are
produced from starch containing flours, i.e., barley flour for making beer
and wheat, corn or other grains for making whiskey.


Fermentation occurs naturally in nature. For instance, many berries break
open in late fall when they are over-ripe and full of sugar. Natural yeast
from the air, so tiny they cannot be seen, lodge on the surface of these
berries, which then become fermented and alcoholic.

In commercial fermentation of grape juice for the production of wine, the
carbon dioxide gas escapes from the solution. Evidence of gas can be
seen in the heavy foam caps in fermenting wine tanks. In bread baking,
when yeast ferments the sugars available from the flour and from added
sugar, the carbon dioxide gas cannot escape because the dough is elastic
and stretchable. Therefore, the dough inflates as a result of the expanding
gas. Thus, the term yeast-leavened breads came into the vocabulary of
the world of baking.



^ TOP

Can anyone help me? My teacher gave me an assignment, and i am not sure which perspective to take. Should the prodigal son be called the Parable of the Prodigal Father? Does the story describe a father that is prodigal with his property and at the end is prodigal with his love?
^ TOP

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
^ TOP

I agree with all of what you said but some people may still be a little confused. To simplify things just remember to be filled by the spirit is to be controlled by the spirit.
^ TOP

The prodigal son -
1. He leaves his father's house (He leaves God)
2. He ie eligible for 1/3 of the wealth
3. He waste money earned by others
4. He is broke and he joins himself to a country in famine
(He is apart of the wrong sector - an unproductive realtionship)
5.Upon return his father is happier to see him than he is his father
6. under the jewish law he could have been stoned to death
7. he could have been beaten a breath away from death - but not killed
8.. incorrect theology - he wanted to be forgiven and placed on a lower status (a servant). But repentance restore you back to the same level (not title in the sight of man)in the sight of God
9. The ultimate revelation above God's grace and mercy is this: That life in full is not about us - but God is the central figure and the main character in every story
^ TOP

I am doing the parable of the mustard seed for a baptism class and need a picture of a mustard tree.
^ TOP

My take is first thing I have read the tree by the rivers take and I must say I disagree. Jesus never has need for anything. He is the almighty, omnipowerful God. He wants something he has it.
Anyway, My take is that Jesus had come to the barren fig tree and used it to symbolize the man. The man as a christian had not beared fruit for three years and I think God is trying to tell us that if our christian tree doesn't bear fruit then it is more useful to be cut down. As christians we have a spiritual fig tree and It is our job to make it bear fruit. And that comes through studying the Bible,praying, and believing and working for the Lord. If we do not do these things and our tree's do not bear fruit than we are useless as christians. That's my take. Love ya Jim
^ TOP

Dear James,

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

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

If there were Boy Scouts in that day, it might have been phrased as "Do Your Best."
^ TOP

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

Hey man, hope by now you had returned, THE LORD will bless you and keep you in his sight. God loves you.
^ TOP

The other night I watched a program that was just brutal to watch. A college campus had assembled a forum of “religious experts” to discuss salvation and weather Jesus was the only way to salvation. A basic understanding of the parables of the Kingdom could have really dispelled a lot of the unbelief that was perpetrated.

The panel consisted of about seven to nine diverse people. Jews (I think Christian Jew), Catholics, Muslim, fundamentalists and a self proclaimed “Christian Liberal”.

As the panel began to meander away from Christ being the only way to salvation (with every smooth argument in the world), the crowd began to get visibly annoyed. One by one they would stand up and try to bring the conversation back to what Jesus did at Calvary and his atoning work. One woman said in essence, your dismissing the whole of the word of God and aren’t respecting it as the WORD OF GOD.

At that the Christian liberal spoke up proudly quoting the word of John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, the was with God and the Word was God. This was the person who was the most dismissive of the idea that salvation was ONLY in Christ (such arrogance). The Muslim woman proudly stated that from day one, Islam has ALWAYS believed that Jesus IS the WORD OF GOD, and that he is even nicknamed that-if I understood correctly. She also expressed no need nor desire to accept Jesus a Lord or personal savior.

I couldn’t believe what was transpiring. I visualized a bowling alley and all these experts, apart from the fundamentalists, being pins that were ready for a person who knew the parables of the Kingdom to roll a perfect strike. Unfortunately, no one had the insight to call his or her bluff.

What if a person would have stood up and said this: “Sir, (the Liberal) you claim that Jesus is the WORD OF GOD. Is that right? Mam, (the Muslim) you also claim that Jesus is the WORD OF GOD right?

Peter said in his epistle, “Being born again not of corruptible SEED, but of incorruptible SEED, by the WORD OF GOD, which lives and abide forever”. JESUS-THE WORD OF GOD-mind you, said in Mark chapter four, “THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD”. So then there is a type of trinity in Jesus being the SEED and the WORD.

The functionary place of the seed is in the heart of a man, …“Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the word that is sown IN THE HEART.”

Which of you knowing a farmer, who HAD NEVER planted his seed for the year, and yet he believing that a wonderful crop was about to be produced, wouldn’t say to him (as kindly, political correctly, as respectfully-the fundamentalists were not of these) “sir I have news for you, your not going to reap a crop this year? He might say, “Well why not? I’m as good as the other farmers. I desire a crop really bad. What gives you the right to say that I won’t reap a crop? You in turn say “being good or wanting one has no bearing on weather or not you’ll reap a crop. Harvests are determined by seeds planted, not thinking, not wanting, not begging.” I would venture to say that not one of the panelists would allow a poor fellow with bills to pay, children to feed, a wife to keep, to believe such foolishness. And yet did you know that the “experts” were doing the same thing?

JESUS IS THE SEED. He is to be planted in our HEARTS, by “receiving”-planting, him in there (I call it the sinners prayer). Mark chapter four states:

20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and RECEIVE it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

And yet in their way of thinking, they were going to reap a crop of incorruptible fruit-salvation, without planting incorruptible seed. NOT!

A little bit of understanding could have pinned these unbelieving believers to the wall. And yet the fundamentalists, who as wonderful as they were, could not call the bluff’s of these panel members.

The panelists no doubt walked away smug, knowing that the scorecard in their heart read, liberals ten fundamentalists zero.

Oh, what a tragedy!

The next time someone says that they can obtain salvation without receiving Jesus, just say, “yea right, and farmers who never plant seed can expect a wonderful bumper crop!

^ TOP

Here is what I see fits better.

1.The leaven is the Gospel. 2.The woman is Israel which hid or cut off the Gospel in the world. 3.The 3 measures of meal can mean the Jews, the Gentiles, and the people during the melennial reign of Christ.

When a new believer is added to the body of Christ, the number of the redeemed grows. Similiar to leaven, it grows until it is fully grown, and then it is finished. This does not mean that everyone will be saved, but that the harvest is ripe to reap at this time.

^ TOP

hello there,
in respose to your question Jesus Christ is how i am doing, living
and breathing acts 17:28 and john 14:27 let not your heart be
trouble or let it be afraid. my friend i pray you are baptized
in Jesus Christ acts 2:38 and not his titles matt 28:19 pay
close attetion to in the name of (single not plural )

J E S U S C H R I S T is the father , son ,and holy ghost in one name

and if you are in the name of Jesus Christ ask the father(Jesus Christ)
any thing in his name and he will do it. believe and have faith in

God(Jesus Christ) come ye that are heavy laden and daily give your
cross to him
^ TOP

I hope your study of the good Samaritan brings forth amazing fruit in your life. I think it is time for all of us to realize that time is running out and we should spend ourselves, as the good Samaritan demonstrated, seeking out and caring for the lost. We can truly be ambassadors from heaven if we're willing to take Christ to a lost and perverted world. Jesus is the only answer. May God bless you and anoint you to proclaim his Word with boldness to all who will listen. My prayer is that He will give you such a love for souls that you will spend time in prayer and fasting believing for a harvest of souls. God Bless.............in His service, Bro. Pat
^ TOP

I was saved on Jun, 22. of this year. I felt the holyspirit come over me and through me, I felt so alive and clean. I was rejoycing!! It has been a month and a half now. and for some reason I have become, not interested in reading the bible..I feel losted. At first I read it. but not now. I have to keep fighting to get it back. Meaning I still and will always have it. But it seems I some how have given it back to God without knowing it. Although this I have been possessed, and if you think a saved christian can not be possessed? YOU ARE WRONG! Because one has to be saved in order to cast the demons out. But anyway...

losing your salvation

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Samantha on Monday, March 24 2003

Fred what did you mean by yet he was saved yet so as by fire. I don't understand what you are saying here?

what does this mean??


^ TOP

Dear Beloved Brother / Sister in Christ,

Greetings to you in Jesus Name Amen!

First of all I praise and thank Lord Jesus for giving an opportunity to have beautiful fellowship with your Blessed Ministry by sending this Email. This is pastor pravardhan varma from SOUTH-INDIA. Running a church named by Good Seed Church Ministry since the year 2000.

Good Seed Church Ministry is moving with a vision not only preaching Gospel, but also feeding the destitute street Children with Food, Cloth & Good Education. Most importantly, all of this work is carried out in the name of the Lord, with the result that many are finding Salvation, deliverance and personal healing through faith in Christ.

For this we are in need of your powerful prayers for my country Orphan Children’s. If you are having a vision to work with our Good Seed Church Ministry to spread Gospel for children and people here in INDIA in these End Days, we heartily welcome you to visit India and share gospel here for the people who are in darkness. And win souls for God. We need your ministry Branch here in India.

We are going on prayers to be fulfilled in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. Please pray for us and for my Ministry. Convey my Greets to your family & Staff.


We are waiting to hear favor from you soon as God leads you Amen!

Our Email Address: - info_goodseedchurchministry@yahoo.com

In His Service,
Pastor.Varma & Family.
GOOD SEED CHURCH MINISTRY.
Gospel On Wheels,
South India.


^ TOP

This may not be a popular interpretation, but from the parable itself it is hard to conclude too much more than this being about God and His activity in growing the 'seed.' It is tempting to allegorize this (i.e. say that JC is the farmer), and it is tempting to say its about our 'producing fruit' or 'miracles.' Although scripture talks about this, this particular parable does not. The point...and I think this is very good news...is that God does the growing. He is the one able to do the unthinkable; grow His word in the midst of a sinful world. For this I am thankful, and don't take this as a license to be lazy, but an invitation to be faithful to the great grower.
^ TOP

If you would send me an e-mail I think that I can give you the address of the person from whom I got the picture of a mustard tree in Jerusalem with a little boy standing in front of it. I have the address at home and currently am at the church. I also may have the address where you can get seeds which are about the size of ground pepper grains. Let me know.
^ TOP

i think it is roung
^ TOP

birds of the air
Strong's Ref. # 3772 for air
Romanized ouranos Pronounced oo-ran-os'
perhaps from the same as GSN3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specifically, the Gospel (Christianity):
KJV--air, heaven([-ly]), sky.
so it could be written as? so that the birds of heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof.

^ TOP

barren people should most definatly not die, that is just ridiculous! the parable of the withered fig tree, means not the people who are barren, must die, for all humans must die eventually. but rather that those who do not produce christian fruits must die. not even necessairly die, but they will be cut off from the kingdom of Heaven. we must bare the fuits of our christian nature in our everyday life. if we truly love god he should be an important part of our life, and should shine through us.

Tricia Wieske
^ TOP

In the parable of the sower Jesus lays down a scriptural truth that all fruit production in the kingdom of God comes as a result of a mans receiving Gods word and holding fast to it until God manifests it in our lives.

It’s very clear that Jesus is playing this out as he’s speaking (a sower going forth to sow). He’s talking about a sower and yet he IS that sower. The question arises then, if Jesus has left the earth and we aren’t privileged to hear him speak, how do we do what he said and receive the seed of his word into our hearts thereby utilizing the idea of seeds being planted in soil?

Thank God that this isn’t all that he said. He also spoke of a man who cast seed into his own garden. Why would it be necessary to sow seeds in our own gardens? Well, why is it necessary for farmer to plant seeds in their fields? How about that they might want a harvest? Do you want a harvest in your life? Then plant the seed.

Mathew 13:31. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Jesus said that the ones who produced fruit are those who “received” the seed.

Isn’t it interesting that the one scripture in which Jesus tells his disciples how to get their prayers answered-Mark 11:24, also has the word “receive” in it.

Mark 11:24 (King James Version)
24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Could the underlying principle that makes prayer work be none other then the idea of the “sower sows the word”?

Jesus said “what things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you “receive” them, and you shall have them”.

Is it me or is there a similarity in idea between the two contexts? In the sower parable a person received the word of God, and with patience produced fruit.

Notice with patience.

Do you know what that indicates to me? It means that the guy had absolutely nothing-except Gods word on the matter (he had it by faith). It wasn’t manifest at that time.

In Mark 11:24 Jesus again invokes this idea of believing or receiving Gods word on a matter, that matter being, if you’ll accept Gods word that he gave you the very thing that you asked for, you shall have it-eventually. But because it’s not manifest at the time, it’s very clear that you received it “by faith” (“I have it by faith”).

But it’s very clear that there is a time in which we do not have the thing that we prayed for, or in the case of the parable of the sower, planted the seed for.

Personally I believe the jest of the matter is this: No matter what you do in your spiritual walk, you will never reap any fruit that the kingdom of God has to offer until you:

1. Accept Gods word by faith-in prayer, believing that he heard you, and that he granted it to you upon your requesting it.
2. And holding fast to it for a period of time until this plant so to speak of faith becomes strong enough to manifest.
3. Also, I think it’s good to bring up the resoluteness of the person who is successful at fruit production. Because the only thing that kept a person from producing was his not having any “root in himself”. All this means is that your going to have to grit you teeth and be patient giving your seed that you planted time to grow strong enough to sustain itself. IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OVER NIGHT. The waiting is indeed the hardest part.

As you can see there is a part that the believer plays in the receiving of Gods word i.e., planting the seed. And it’s done through prayer, speaking Gods word out loud in private. I.e. “HEAVENLY FATHER I RECEIVE BY FAITH NOW YOUR PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT…” Or “HEAVENLY FATHER, I BELIEVE THAT I RECEIVE IT NOW, YOUR PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT…” Or whatever it is that you are requesting.

Until you’ve done these things you really haven’t appropriated faith for anything. Just be resolved to “hold fast that thou hast…” and if diligent God will reward you with a manifestation of that very thing.

^ TOP

Maybe the question is not so much a matter of when to ask, but whom to ask. I mean, does the father: a) validate the son's complaint?, b) respond to it epathically or sympathetically?, or c) admit the wrong and try to right it, e.g., "Hey, I hear you. Today we celebrate little bro, but tomorrow, it will be all about you."

Maybe, sadly, the dad is not far long enough in his receovery process, as an emotionall abusive parent, to see offer emotinal presence to his son. I mean, does he? he may be working out so much guilt for his faiures as a pop, the ones that the little bro's flight brought to the fore of his consciousness, that he cannot take on another breach or boken relationship. One breach at a time. That dad, I feel for him; he's got to be grieving and doin' a lot of make up for lost time. OR, he may be a changed man.
^ TOP

You need to remember the Prodigal Son never HATED his Father!
The people Paul was refering to HATED God in their hearts after receiving the Holy Spirit. Once you do that then basically the Holy Spirit will leave you and that person cannot be brought back unto repentance! It also crosses the line into the unpardonable sin. This person before he reaches this state should be turned over to satan for the destruction of the flesh that he might be saved during the day of Judgement otherwise he will burst the gates Hell wide open!
See the parable of sower for a reference
http://www.web-ministry.com/religious/parables/sower


But the Holy Spirit remained with the Prodigal Son and protected him from himself. Remember these points! The Holy Spirit kept him from crossing the line on numerous occasions and brought him safely back home after the lesson was learned! He always loved his Father! The Greatest Commandment Jesus Christ gave us!

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.
^ TOP

need for my sunday school lesson Feb. 25, 2004
^ TOP

This is not about the rapture of the church at all. Jesus is speaking to Jews about the tribulation period. The virgins are Jews. Five responded to the preaching of the 144,000 evangelists and worshipped God and five did not. When the king comes to reign at the end of the tribulation period, the tribulation saints are raptured as He gathers the elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other. 24:31 Notice that they go out to meet the bridegroom, not to marry him. He is already married to the church which is a virgin in the singular never in plural. This parable which begins with "then" (Identifying the period that is being discussed) is nestled between Matt 24:30 describing the Lord coming in in the clouds in His glory (Rev 19) and Matt.25:32 where is is seated on His throne and judging the nations. While these foolish virgins go out to buy oil, they take the mark of the beast, forever shutting themselves out and sealing their destiny to be cast into the lake of fire. Rev 14:1-6
^ TOP

Well, I suspect this won't change Kevin Rosenberg's mind about the matter (I respect your freedom to believe what you see there). But for the sake of any readers who have not come to a decision as to what God wants to say to us in this parable, I submit more evidence. Evidence that disallows (is that a word?) the interpertation that Christ requires us to seek the wealth of rich unbelievers to finance ministry and support destitute believers.

Ephesians 4:28
"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, BUT MUST WORK, DOING SOMETHING USEFUL WITH HIS OWN HANDS, THAT HE MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH THOSE IN NEED."

Honest, proud work really does have a place in God's will for supporting ourselves AND the ministry. Why would Christ teach to the contrary?

I stumbled across more 'disobedient' believers who tried to pay their own way in ministry. "It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving NO HELP FROM THE PAGANS." (3 John 7)

I've see at least three very dangerous mistakes made in the Church (Especially regarding end-times teachings).

1) Ignoring straightforward truth. Why do we purposely throw out the plain, undisputable instructions of scripture in favor of veiled, and speculative interpretations of one, maybe two, scriptures? What I mean is, why do we ignore the compelling, straightforward, undisputable meaning of one scripture, that requires no interpretation--one that would instantly disqualify any possible contrary meaning of a less clear scripture--in favor of another interpretation?

2) Taking the scriptures WAY to literal. Don't get me wrong, it takes the Holy Spirit to understand any truth, and it can be dangerous to spiritualize where you should not, and vice versa. But, I see so many people ignoring the precedents set down by Jesus and Paul of what they themselves spiritualized and then continue on in misguided, fleshly literal interpretations of the same things? Again, I say end-timers are especially bad about this. This is exactly why Jesus was rejected! He spiritualized and it made him look irreverant and anti-Law/ anti-Moses! It's no different today.

Thank God, Jesus clarified what he meant when he said 'Born again' in John 3. Even though scripture itself teaches the 'spiritual' reality that Nicodemus didn't see at first, amazing enough I heard of a group of believers who would actually act out 'birth pangs' in prayer for unbelievers they wanted saved (see Galatians 4:19 to understand their misguided motivation)!

3) Making scripture say what it doesn't say anything about, one way or the other. "Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man (and his teaching) over against another" (1 Cor. 4:6) In other words, know when you're only speculating and let it go and keep your superior, spiritual insights, that no one else can see, to yourself. "...whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." (Romans 14:22)

With many scriptures, though, we have to depend on a pure heart and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to see the spiritual truths taught through the literal, physical things of this life. Taking us to the things we can't see through the things we can. Like much of the Law, the physical, literal things only point us to more important unseen Spiritual truth. The parables do just that, too. If you miss it you are doomed to the "godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge" (1 Tim. 6:20).

(As a side note, the parable of the unjust steward has a profound spiritual teaching that we haven't even touched on. The parable is really about forgiveness (you forgiving others, that is). That's why the steward could only forgive part of the debt. The debtors ultimately have to have ALL the debt relieved by the master.)

Be careful! May we all heed the Bible's warning to beware of division and it's resulting confusion. And not to cause it ourselves!

"...watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites..." (Romans 16:17,18)

Galatians 5:19,20. "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:...discord...dissensions..factions

May all of us be found spotless and blameless in these.

Unless I really feel compelled to do otherwise, this is my final word on the matter. God bless and may all of you be "enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge." (1 Cor. 1:5)

L. Mertes


















^ TOP

The Bible is its own interpreter. Rightly divide the word by taking proper consideration of other scriptures that provide the total picture of its true meaning. Maybe the key to the passage is found in verse 29:

"For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an
abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will will be taken from him."

Jesus used these very same words in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:12. And we know from that parable that the seed sown is the WORD OF GOD, the MESSAGE ABOUT THE KINGDOM (verses 18-23). Is the 'seed sown' and the 'talent entrusted' the same thing? I think so.
Both parables are about bringing increase to the knowledge of God in your life by acting on it--putting it to work. In fact we have an obligation to do so. Do other scriptures refer to knowledge being like money or something of value being given to us?

"What you HEARD from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Gaurd the good DEPOSIT that was ENTRUSTED TO YOU..."
(2 Timothy 1:13,14).

"...that they may have the full RICHES of complete UNDERSTANDING (knowledge), in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the TREASURES of wisdom and KNOWLEDGE" (Colossians 2:2, 3).

How would you bring increase to an amount of money entrusted to you?--put it to work--do something with it. Keeping it hidden in an old mattress won't bring any increase and your master will be disappointed with you. The very LEAST you could do is entrust it to someone else, like a bank, who would then put it to work and bring increase to it. They get the increase and you receive a pittance. The greatest return is realized when YOU put it to work (open a business, etc...). It's the same with the kingdom of God. There is a big difference between living out the will of God and sharing that knowledge with someone else.

Anyone who does not act on and retain the word of God--like hiding a talent in the ground or having the ravens snatch the seed away--will lose that knowledge and its eternal benefit, condemning themselves to the wrath of the one who gave it.

"...since they did not think it worthwhile to RETAIN the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind...(Romans 1:21, 28). "...darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance (lack of knowledge) that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts" (Eph. 4:18).

"That servant who knows his master's will and DOES NOT GET READY or DOES NOT DO what his master wants will be beaten with many blows...From everyone who has been given much, much will be damanded; and from the one who has been
entrusted much, much more will be asked". (Luke 12:47,48b)

All the rewards and benefits of good stewardship will go to the faithful:

"...do not throw away your confidence; it will be RICHLY REWARDED. You need to persevere so that when you have DONE THE WILL OF GOD, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb. 10:35, 36).

What are you going to do with the word of God?--discard it, or use it wisely by acting on it, bringing increase to it. It's a matter of turning a seed of knowledge into the visible, ripe fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23) or putting the riches of God's truth to work insuring your future, eternal security. You decide.

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly ACCEPT THE WORD PLANTED IN YOU, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS." (James 1:22).

"Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but ONLY HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER who is in heaven...Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE is like a wise man who built his house on the rock...But everyone who hears these words of mine and DOES NOT PUT THEM INTO PRACTICE is like a foolish man who built his house on sand"
(Matt. 7:21, 24, 26).

What are YOU doing with the knowledge of God's will? Will you bury it, or act on it? Which one will bring praise from God on 'that day'?

"..find out what pleases the Lord...do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" (Eph. 5:10, 17)

^ TOP

This statement is wrong, sorry. I retract it.
^ TOP

If the wise virgins are the Church as many of us(including me) why did they not tell the foolish virgins to come as you are to the master? We as the Church often fail to see the wideness of Gods mercy and grace. God welcomed the prodigal as he was not requiring that he go to those who sell oil first. The wise virgins basically told the foolish to go and cleanse yourself and make yourself ready for God. We cannot do this. Justification comes from God alone and through Grace we are sanctified. We too tell those who are seeking Christ that they must pray a certain way, act a certain way, tithe etc. in order to be the right kind of Christian. In short we send the foolish out for the oil of the world, that is works. But praise be to God, even though we who have tasted salvation continue to be blind to the wideness of Gods mercy we are still welcome at the Lords Table. I am fully convinced if the foolish virgins came out and fell at the Bridegrooms feet he would have embraced them. And further if when they came to the gate and told him that they had tried the oil that the world offered but now have come to God for salvation that God would have thrown wide the door and let them in. When they came however they came still trying to gain entry with the oil of the world. Let the Church stop offering the oil of the world and start offering Christ.
^ TOP

Try http://www.alsirhan.com/Plants_s/Salvadora_persica.htm (Salvadora persica is the Mustard Tree's scientific name) - you won't be able to read the page ;-) but the picture's superb!

God bless

Mike

Purbeck Vineyard, Wool, Dorset, UK
^ TOP

Did anyone find a picture of a full grown mustard tree? I also need this for my Sunday School class next week. Any ideas? Thank you, cjm
^ TOP

This is the only explanation that makes since to me. As most others seem to imply salvation by works which contradicts all i know regarding the grace afforded us by the cross of Calvary
^ TOP

A case can be made for the elder brother who stayed home. His father says that "all that I have is yours". He doesn't say "all I have less what is your younger brother's". In other words, even though he rejoiced when
the younger brother returned home, he still gave the remainder of his
inheritance to the son who never strayed. The prodigal son got nothing
but the party thrown for him.

It is this way in life. God rejoices when sinners return to the fold, but the greater gifts go to those who never strayed in the first place.
^ TOP