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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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i used this site , thanks alot for your preaching and to that kid , id have to say it is true +++_
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I agree, it's not designed to make us beg, it's designed to show us how eaiser it is for us to count on God than anyone else
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Have you ever planted a garden?
Some seeds never grow.
Some grows then withers away.
Some grow several inches then start to die.
Some dying plants catch ahold of good ground or water and sprout back to life.
Some dying plants are tended to by the gardener and sprout back to life.

I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
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I tore off my handgrips to encircle affectionate with the dildo.
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The non-Prodigal son was guilty of the sin that many of us fall subject to: Pride. He had clearly lived his life with an objective of pleasing his father (or others) so as to receive their acceptance and approval. When the praise and glory was given to another (who he concluded was less worthy) it was more than he could bear. We should live our lives with a mind to please only God. In doing so, we are guaranteed God's approval, and will never be disappointed as the brother was here. Moreover, in doing so, we are likely to please our fellow man anyway, as they experience the warmth that come from associating with a christ-like person.
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Like the other parables of Jesus, this one is about fruit-bearing, and the un-fruitful are thrown into hell. Those who hear the TRUE word of God, they are cleansed by it by doing it. Christ abides in the TRUE hearers and doers. Luke 6:47 - Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them..." John 8:47 - He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 1 Corinthians 4:15 - For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." The branch cannot bear fruit by itself. 1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" Philippians 3:9 - And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" 3 John 1:11 - Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." Who can do good, but the true ones on the vine? Even TRUE faith is not from flesh and blood, but from God. John 3:27 - John answered and said, A man can receive NOTHING, except it be given him from heaven." 1 Corinthians 12:9 - To another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;" Not one man can TRULY say that Jesus Christ is the son of God nor can any man truly tell people,(so-called preachers, ministers, or pastors) Matthew 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Also, to put an end to false teachers that say if you believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and saviour, you'll be saved, NO MAN can come to Jesus unless God Himself decides that he would. Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." But then, those people heared the TRUE word of God, and the words of JESUS CHRIST, John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 - Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." Then again, same gospel, 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.(God revealed it to them, and had faith in him, that faith is not from their own heart, but from God) 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve(God approved those 12, not the other disciples, because if He did give it to them to come to Jesus, they would of stayed, like the true disciples), and one of you is a devil?" Now all you people that read this, the false christians will not believe this, but the true christians will. John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." These sayings are in the bible, those who just ignored them in the bible will ignore my words(no, not truly mine) also. Those who believe these things, or knew them already, please, please contact me, at dallascourchene @ hotmail.com (NOTE: there are no spaces in the address.) Also to the so-called born-again christians, what did God call you to do? Live a normal life? I don't think so. People who are truly called are CALLED to do something for the LORD, not just worship Him and those who are called, know what they have to do by a certain wonder, or phenomemon. Acts 16:10 - And after he had seen the VISION, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had CALLED us for to preach the gospel unto them." Romans 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, CALLED to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 1 Corinthians 7:20 - Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." Ephesians 4:1 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called," We MUST be also worthy of this calling. 2 Timothy 1:9 - Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," 1 Peter 2:21 - For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" 1 Peter 5:10 - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you PERFECT, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 2 Peter 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" And yes, we can be perfect like Jesus. Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." 2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." Philippians 2:6 - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:" John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 1 John 2:13 - I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father." 1 John 3:9 - Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." Revelation 3:21 - To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." We are called to be made into the image of Christ, who is the image of God. Jesus said so himself, the called can and will be like him. Matthew 10:25 - It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord..."
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reverend father,
i am a 4th year theology seminarian from st.mary's theologate i would like to secure a copy of your sermon on "good shepherd" for my homily guide regarding the same subject....tnx
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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





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Often times when we stray away from the Body of Christ, we feel as if we can't return. We are often embarrassed and ashamed of our actions. Sometimes we feel as if God has somehow revealed to everyone the dirt that we have done. In similarity to the Prodigal Son for a while he rather stepped down from returning to his father because of the wrong he had done. He had went out and had a worldly time with his share of the wealth. He felt bad about his actions,but he knew his father, he didn't know what to expect but he knew his father. Just the same as we know the "FATHER", if you are saved, and you have fallen short, you still know God and can identify with his fogiving and loving spirit. You may not know the consequence, but you know that through the blood of Jesus, you are saved and forgiven if you go to our Lord with divine, and sincere repentance. All you have to do is call on the Father and we will restore you to your rightful place, just as the Prodigal Son was restored to his.
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I have a copy of the KJV1611 - it must not be inspired because it was revised numerous times. The version this website uses is the KJV 1769.

For God so loued the world, that he gaue his only begotten Sonne: that whosoeuer beleeueth in him, should not perish, but haue euerlasting life.

What? Doesn't seem familiar?

Yes, that's the KJV 1611.

Maybe you've been told you read the 1611, but chances are, you don't. You read the 1769 revised KJV.

Don't be upset. It's a tactic leaders have used for centuries. They make their congregations feel "special" and "set apart" by trying to separate them from other people.

For that matter, should Chinese people use the KJV 1611, or are you suggesting it is only for English speakers?
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I am sorry. I thought this was about the prodigal son. This is indeed the complete text for this parable.
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In Matthew it talkes of a mustard seed that produces a tree that birds cand go into. What kind of mustard seed produces a tree this large? I am real interested in finding more information on this seed.
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Allow me if you will to have some fun at Jesus’ expense (don’t worry I know him). As I’ve spent many hours meditating in the parables of the Kingdom. Many analogies have come to me that I feel Jesus might use, if he were in the earth today. Don’t worry I don’t think I’m Jesus and I’m trying to be half cute, so just humor me. Just consider what I’m saying in the analogies below and just decide if this might be what Jesus was saying.

It’s not the Word of God and you have the right to disagree. But didn’t Jesus use analogies taken from his surroundings to illustrate a point? So then it’s an excellent way to teach.

HEARKEN, BEHOLD! (Ooh, that’s good already)

The Kingdom God is likened unto an overhead projector upon which a teacher laid a transparency, she flipped a switch and mysteriously an image appeared on the wall. And all the children said yea!

Again the Kingdom of God is likened unto a very slow computer, upon which a man had typed an Internet web address, he hit enter and waited many days even months. One day he noticed that the site had come up!

Again the Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a caterpillar, which spun a cocoon. After many days he was transformed and emerged a beautiful butterfly.

WHOSEVER DESIRES TO UNDERSTAND LET HIM NOW UNDERSTAND!

Now the parables are this: The overhead projector is the heart of a man. The transparency represents the past tense realities of Gods word-his promises that are offered to us. Flipping the switch represents the time in which we “believe” his promise “present tense”-“now” (Mark ll: 24 “when ye pray”).

Notice that the transparency is lying upon the overhead projector. That’s the way the Word of God is with some people. They have a lot of head knowledge but have never confessed in prayer that they “believe”-it is now theirs-in the prayer closet. This is what plants the seed in our hearts, or in the case above turns the power on thus emitting into the world around us the light (image) of that transparency. The wall of course is the canvas or picture screen of our lives. The Children are the people who marvel at the person who knows the mysteries of the Kingdom well enough to produce fruit, both for themselves and for you.

In parable #2 the SLOW computer represents the heart of a man. The website address represents our spiritual destination that is determined by the Word of God. Hitting enter is the time in which we “believe” present tense. This tells the computer (our heart) what function to complete. But notice that the computer operator only hit enter once. The rest of the time he rested in the fact that his entering it once had been recorded. Every subsequent time that he would have pressed enter he would have reset the computer and forfeited the time that he spent waiting. Did you notice that once he hit enter, it went into the past tense? If someone would have seen him sitting at his pc and said, “what are you waiting for? Just hit enter.” He would have responded, “I ALREADY HAVE”. Once we plant the seed of Gods word we need to LEAVE IT BURREID. PAST TENSE. “I RECEIVED IT, WHEN I BELIEVED-PRAYED.”

The computer screen is our life. Whatever is “hidden”-in the bowels of the computer-shall be “manifested” upon the screen. The screen is our lives.

The parable of the caterpillar is this: This caterpillar’ favorite scripture is no doubt Hebrews chapter four vs. 1-3. The caterpillar represents man (“a worm of the dust”) in his sinful state. But upon believing and entering into the rest of Christ, his inner self goes through a metamorphic change, and with time he emerges A NEW CREATURE. The butterfly emerging represents the harvest time. A time when that which was hidden, is now revealed out in the open. A supernatural change that only faith can accomplish (in the life of a believer.)

Hebrews 4
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which HAVE BELIEVED do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

The caterpillar LABOURED to enter into the rest of Christ, which comes through the believing process.

Have you ever spun a cocoon? Well I haven’t either but it’s got to be hard. A non-stop wrapping yourself with one strand of silk has got to be difficult. But apparently he had taken the admonition of the Lord very seriously (he didn’t want to fall after the same example of unbelief). For after he labored to establish his “shield of faith” he went into a period of rest in his inner man. The process of metamorphosis was now set in motion. The cocoon shielded him from the elements-from the dry winds of doubt and unbelief that blow against all believers. Even Christ encountered this. The cocoon represented an attitude of obliviousness to the sounds and distractions of Satan. It was an insulator that protected him during cycle, long enough for it to be completed.

In the above verse we are told that the word of God did not profit some, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. In the above parables flipping the switch and hitting enter served as the act of “mixing”. Believing is what imbeds the word in our hearts, hearing ourselves declare the promises of God in secret.


Luke 12:3
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.

Don’t be a sideline Christian thinking your defending the faith by sitting on the couch eating cake, hurling railing accusations against those who just want more of God. Get into the hunt, BELIEVE some things, and stand firm. Yea, you’ll get some whacks by Satan, but things could be worse. You may not get any attention from him, meaning that you’re worthless as a believer in his sight. But if we’ll learn the process, I have a sneaking suspicion that wonderful things lie in store for the body of Christ!




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The man who left Jerusalem and started out on his way to Jericho is a picture of a man who is leaving the presense of God (Jerusalem), and is going downhill or backsliding to the fleshly way of life (Jericho), a city that was known for its immorality. When he started down the dangerous path of backsliding, he left himself open to thieves and robbers, a type of spiritual wickedness and demonic activity. He was pounced upon and robbed. The first things the thieves took from him was his robe, a type of the robe of Christ's rightousness. While he lay at deaths door on the backslidden path, a priest walked by. The priest is a type of "religion". When your soul is in desperate need of a touch from God, "religion" is worthless. Your religious tag is of no value whatsoever. The priest, or "religion, passed the wounded man by. Then a Levite came by. A Levite was a lawyer. When your desperate and out of touch with God, the "law" can't save you. The law is good, but only for letting you know you are a sinner. The law can't save you. The Levite walked on by. Then came the Samaritan. The Samaritan's were mongrel Jews. They were Jews who had married with other nationalities. The Jews were commanded not to do that, so Samaritans were outcasts. The Samaritan is a perfect type of Christ, because you see, Jesus was also somewhat of a mongrel. If you read his geneology, you will find Rahab the harlot mentioned, as well as Ruth. These women were not Jewish by blood, but had married into the Jewish race. ---------let me inject here that interacial marriage has never been contrary to God's Law except for the Jews, and that only because of God's Divine Purpose for the Jewish people and the Jewish nation for the reconciliation of all things-----------The Samaritan, or Jesus in type, placed the injured man on His jackass and took him to the Inn, a type of the Church. The innkeeper (a type of the five ministry-pastor) was told to take care of the man and the Samaritan (Jesus), paid the price for his care.
The man of Law was being taught by Jesus through this parable that the Samaritan, the man of grace, was his neighbor. In salvation, the law is very important because it convinces man of sin. Religion is important, if it is pure and undefiled religion. But we are saved by Grace through faith and that not of ourselves lest any man should boast, but it is the gift of God.
One of the most important points in the story is the fact that the Samaritan (Jesus), placed the wounded man on his jackass. The jackass is a type of you and I, average joe Christian. God wants us to be obedient in going into the highways and hedges and compelling souls to come. The jackass followed Jesus and took the injured man to church so he could be placed in the hands of the five-fold ministry and be healed mentaly, physically,and spiritually. I would encourage all of us to be jackasses for Jesus until his return.
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picture
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The scripture I used, as (11Thess-3-12) should have been (11Thess-2-3-12)
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The wise were those who build their lives on Christ, not on any worldly form so many are doing. So many seem to build their supposedly Christian life on anything but the real Truth of Christ. The power of reason is so strong in many that they become as god's to themselves. They decide what the rules are based upon their own way of believing. It is a form. a shell of godliness, but is shallow and without power. They do not have the approval of God upon their heart. They know nothing of the assurances the true believer experiences when they follow the Lord. These have been decieved by the great deceiver of mankind, the Devil. To these, the Bible has been largely ignored. Or they have not divided the Scriptures so it all fits together without contradictions. Their supposedly educated reasoning is so wonderful, that in fact they make their own laws, and worship themselves. These have not built their house upon the eternal rock of Christ, but upon the sand of their own ideas. Or they have picked out some of the Bible truth, according to their own liking, and left some other vital facts of the Bible out. This is building on sand. Their house will not hold up in the time of testing, of the trials of life.
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how does the book of job abd the parable of the labourers in the vineyard demonstrate that God's justice is not our justice and that our rationality does not confirm God's freedom and wisdom?
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the parable has so many lessons and each of us will take a different lesson away from it.

both sons thought they knew better than the father and were both proven wrong. the father knows what we don't and we need to respect that.

i'd like to draw attention to some of the verses:
(12) And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. (the younger son); and (29) ... And yet thou never gavest me (a kid), that I might make merry with my friends (the older son).

notice: both sons asked for the same thing.

the difference follows: when the younger son sinned he sinned. then when he repented he repented. his dirt was dirty and his clean was clean (because his father forgave him without malice). the older son had the same sinful inclination but lacked the nerve to follow through. with the older son, his dirt and his clean were almost identical; not quite dirty enough to be sinful, but not spotless enough to be righteous. his righteousness changed depending on how much you knew about him. there isn't a right son/wrong son debate. to me, one son was wrong in public where his sin was exposed and corrected, and the other was wrong in private where his sin was well hidden but the father knew it all along and corrected him also.

the younger son and older son alike were also selfishly demanding. it wasn't until the younger son lost all that he learned to pray. furthermore, the younger son learned to be decisive, to stand and account for his actions (in v18 and 19). the older son never did but instead resorted to excuses (v29) and blame (v30). he stayed selfish to the very end.

only one son repented and only he was happy to be in the mansion. how many of us who have been saved too long will enjoy being in heaven? i'm sure some of us 'older son' believers will complain when we see streets of gold and whine because they're not streets of platinum. surely god owes us some platinum after we've served him all these years, doesn't he? i won't even mention what we'll say about some of the other 'younger son' believers we scorn as 'unsaveable' who arrive in heaven before we do. the devil himself would be ashamed to utter such backbiting and cursing.

now i'd like to contrast the sons' demands with the father's actions:
(22) ... Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (23) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry (to his younger son); and (31) ... All that I have is thine (to his older son).

bring the fatted calf! all that i have is yours! could either son say the same thing to their father? this shows the error of both their ways. the first couldn't say this because he had nothing. the second couldn't say this because he was selfish. neither son could be generous to their father because they were dependent on what he gave them. neither one was an earner. both failed to learn the lesson of wealth-building their father taught them daily with his words and actions. if you can't learn to be wealthy from a tycoon, who will teach you to be wealthy. if you can't learn to be generous from one who can afford generosity, who will you learn it from. these are important lessons neither son learned. again, it's not about which son was 'better' off. both missed the mark.

and now, let's contrast the story with the storyteller.

jesus himself was a son who inherited his father's great wealth. he's also a son who left home, so he did what both sons did. unlike the other sons, jesus increased his father's wealth and returned home to unselfishly share with his father. he didn't sqander his returns like the younger son or try to angle his way to his father's portion of the family money like the older one. jesus didn't try to cut his father out of the picture like the other sons. his father was ever foremost in his mind. jesus didn't divide his wealth from his father; he multiplied it unto his father.

so often we read this parable and we wonder which son we're like. instead, we are free to look to the storyteller for the best example.
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I wanted to know if Mildred Dean Windham who emailed your website July 25th, 2003 if she was able to get a copy of the mustard tree, story or legeng of the mustard tree. If so where could I get that information.
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The Word says, we are to look for Heavenly Things, not earthy things. Jesus called His sevants, that we might teach others to observe all things He has commandment of us, and to preach The Gospel of Christ! That repentance and remissions of sin shall be preached to all Nations!
(Luke-1-75-77) That we walk before Him in righteousness and holiness al the days of our life!

With His calling in mind, what has your posting, of the rich, money, reward, or the eviliness of another, have to do with the Kingdom of God?
One speaks from the love of their heart, with you, this seems to be the love is money! For with the mouth, man speaks from his heart!
Not onetime have you posted anything concerning Salvation, not onetime have you repeated the words of Jesus, whereby man might be saved.
You want to use the evil rich man for your benefit, does your heart not break to EVEN THINK, the very people you want to use may end up in Hell?
If the people you talk against are as evil as you say, why are you not praying for them, instead of trying to destroy them? Do you not know, Even the Religious can be saved!

Like I said to you before, Jesus is the Head to Rule over His True Chruch, this Authority has no man! Revenge is Mine saith The Lord, whereby, it is best that you leave it alone!
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In Mark 4 Jesus tells the parable of the sower.

The sower is the messenger spreading the gospel.

The first kind of soil is hard soil. The message goes in one ear and out the other. The hearer has no interest in it...he could care less about Jesus! The devil steals the seed away as fast as the message arrives.

The second kind of soil is shallow. The message is received with joy. But as soon as persecution arises he wilts and falls away. Possibly this person walked down an isle and shed many tears.

The third kind of soil is infested with thorns/weeds. The hearer receives the message. But the cares of the world (raising kids...spouse... paying mortgage.... having a time share....paying bills) makes it ineffective. "Someday when I have more time I'll think about Jesus." This person "chokes" and isn't seen again. (It strikes me that this third kind of hearer is the main problem in America.)

The fourth kind of soil receives, responds, and produces. Some 30-60- 100 fold. This person is genuinely saved.

PROBLEM.....I'd like to have a bigger distinction between the 2nd and third kind of hearer/soil. To me, these could be grouped together as one kind of soil.

I'd say that the first 3 kind of hearers are not saved. Only #4 is truly saved.

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



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Maybe it just means that barren people should die... but not necessarily right away. Let barren women wither in their infertility awhile. What is all this about Israel???
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TROY, I think you are correct. And it does make you think differently about this parable. Thanks for your posting.
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May I suggest http://www.familyradio.com There is a free booklet available there about the Wheat and Tares. May I also suggest "The End of the Church Age" also!
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We are all prodigals
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Very recently I had two opportunities to talk about the parables of the kingdom of God with friends. It amazes me how dull of hearing people can be. They look at you like you’re from another planet (huh?). As if to say why on earth would anybody show such an interest in the words of Jesus (kingdom parables)? It reminds me of the old expression “batting their eyes like a calf with a new gate”. WHY you might ask? You REALLY have to ask?

The creator was talking about MANIFESTATIONS!

Mark 4-22 for there is nothing hid, which shall not be MANIFESTED; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Look at what dictionary.com says that manifest means:

Manifest
adj : clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or senses; "the effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the parched fields"; "evident hostility"; "manifest disapproval"; "patent advantages"; "made his meaning plain"; "it is plain that he is no reactionary"; "in plain view" [syn: apparent, evident, patent, plain] n : a customs document listing the contents put on a ship or plane v 1: provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes; "His high fever attested to his illness"; "The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication"; "This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness" [syn: attest, certify, demonstrate, evidence] 2: record in a ship's manifest; "each passenger must be manifested" 3: reveal its presence or make an appearance; "the ghost manifests each year on the same day"

Look at what the last sentence says.

“Reveal its presence or make an appearance; "the ghost manifests each year on the same day".

Has it ever occurred to you that Jesus Christ-the miracle worker, God almighty, was walking around in a physical body teaching people how he was doing his miracles via the kingdom parables?

“HE THAT HATH EARS TO HEAR LET HIM HEAR”

Isn’t that what a “manifestation” is? A miracle? I realize holy Joes will lament “NOW THAT’S GOING TOO FAR! But is it? If a ghost were to “appear” before you right now, wouldn’t that be a miraculous experience? Wouldn’t it be a “manifestation”?

Now, there’s more to it. Jesus was doing his miracles by the HOLY Ghost, but how do you think he got the Holy Ghost? How about by these teachings of the Kingdom?

By the latter definition of manifestation found above; couldn’t we conclude that Jesus merely obtained a “manifestation” of the Holy Spirit?

I believe that everything that we will ever need or obtain from God in reference to the fulfillment of his word is routed through the teachings of Mark chapter four.

And people wonder why I spend so much time pursuing understanding into the teachings of the Kingdom of God.

I WANT GOD MANIFEST IN MY LIFE!

Is that really that hard to understand?

And yet people are clueless as to the fact that there is a system laid down by Christ whereby we can tap into these things, calling them into existence (make them a reality).

But it doesn’t come from crying and whining and asking for Manifestations.

DID YOU GET THAT!

It comes from HIDING the things that we want, within our hearts. We do the “hiding” (planting, sowing, covering, “keeping secret”, it’s the idea of planting a seed) and God “rewards us openly”…-MANIFESTATION.

I have heard Godly people pray and make the biggest blunder possible in prayer. They use the word manifestation. THAT’S A NO-NO (it will produce fear. “Hiding” produces faith-now you know where fear comes from).

Learn the secret of humility. HIDE his word in your heart and keep it hidden (the opposite of manifesting it-in and of ourselves-as though we could-PRIDE). So that God-through the seed planting, cultivation, process, CAN reward you openly.

Have you noticed that everything in the teachings of the Kingdom seem backwards of the way that we do things? Actually we’re the backwards ones.

“There is a way that seems right unto man but the end thereof is death”...

“The first will be last and the last will be first”.

These are the “secrets” that Jesus came to bring to light. And yet Christians are more interested in Hollywood than they are in obtaining the ability to manifest Gods word to the world around us. I know people that will give you the biggest grinniest smile when talking about a Hollywood production (just for fun tell them that there’s full backal nudity and watch that smile grow). But if you ever mention the word of God they’ll turn that smile upside down (I call it the baby diaper look i.e. an imaginary baby diaper beneath the nose). They’ll “manifest” the spirit of sourpuss. No excitement. No glee. NO NOTHING!

Why is that? That’s not right. AND THEY JUST DON’T GET IT. That’s what Jesus called hard heartedness (seeds that fell upon the rock). And they could just decided to HEAR what Jesus is saying but no. Hollywood’s better apparently

Weather you believe that a manifestation is a miracle or not it doesn’t matter. But if something appears out of the blue and it’s a good thing, then I’m going to want more of the same. And THAT IS A MANIFESTATION.
.
What if you had a whole body of believers that had this ability to produce fruit unto God in this way and instruct others as to how to do so as well? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? But instead of learning what Jesus taught (this is what HE chose to teach), we’re out fussing about water baptism, or weather you can have a swig of beer. Dear Lord (lamenting vehemanently)!

But as long as we’re going to blind as bats, I guess we’ll be experts on water baptism.

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This passage is offered as a comparison allegory to the coming of Christ. Christ came and gave us a great gift, through Grace, and then "went away on a long journey." Christ will come back. How have we responded to the freedom and power given to us through Jesus Christ? Have we cowered in fear or are actively living out God's will?


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If we study the parable of the Mustard Tree we see that it relates to common OT themes.

Daniel 4,Ezekiel 31&17 show us that Christ is speaking of a type of Christian nation gone bad.Since the birds spoken of in Ezekiel 31 Matthew 13 Revelation 18 seem to relate to demonic principalities that have strongholds in the places of worship in Egypt,Babylon(NT & OT) & Assyria.We see the current state of our churches in the U.S.

In the Torah Mustard is not kosher in vedgetable gardens because as a seed bearing plant it is only permitted to be grown as a field plant yet Christ(a strict Jew)plants it in his garden.

This speaks of the fact that the people who made up the initial Mustard Seed were a very small group of Gentile believers who were made righteous(kosher) by faith.They were grafted on to Abraham (made his sons by faith).

This small group of faithful people were none other than the seperatists(Pilgrims) who landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620.They were the ones who Christ brought to himself then planted in his garden.
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The fact that the ninety and nine were following the shepherd assured their salvation. They were justified because they stayed under the watchful care of the shepherd and they trusted in Him.
They were justified by the actions of the shepherd. For we are justified by faith through grace and not of works lest any man should boast.

The lost sheep is only lost because he has failed to do one thing, follow the shepherd. He may now be lost, alone and scared but he does not know how to get back with the fold.

The shepherd left his throne in heaven to find the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

If you are lost and don't know Jesus, simply ask Him to find you and make you his own.

One way the Shepherd can find a lost sheep is by that sheep crying out. The Word of God states, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved. Cry out to him from your lost place and I guarantee you He Will Find YOU and bring you Safely Home!!!!
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B.D. Means wrote;
>>>>This passage therefore does NOT show where a New Testament believer in Christ will go, but rather where Old Testament believers would temporarily exist. I say temporarily because both the rich man and Lazarus will one day stand before the Great White Throne where the book of life will be opened and THEN their FINAL destination will be decided; either eternity future with Christ on a "new heaven and a new earth", or in torment forever in the lake of fire.
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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
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I am teaching this Sunday on parables. A picture of the mustard tree will help my visual presentation. Can anyone point me to any source?
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And new hidden door to blessing iIwill open today in Christ and many treasure may the Lord give to me and joy that go an and win the lost to him and teach them of the bibles wisdom and holiness in righteousness and joy,thanks and bless and pray,keijo sweden
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When asked about eternal life Jesus affirms the "Teacher" on his understanding that unadulterated love for God is the basic requirement for eternal life. In todays vernacular that would be "Christian". What situation in your life would make you think otherwise?
Len
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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
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Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
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Father God in the name of Jesus I pray that you will give me the power to confuse and confound the enemy. God I pray please bring the Holy Spirit into my office. God I pray that you will bring people around myself, my children, my brother, my sisters and all other family members that are under the Blood of Jesus. God I pray please heal Jake's ankle and let the swelling go down. God I pray for Bonnie that the might be healed. God I pray for Mr. Rick who has cancer that he might not suffer. God I pray please give Christopher protection over in Iraq. God I pray for you to send the right person to get me out of bondage. God I pray please give me the wisdom to know what to do. God I pray for you to lead, guide and direct me by your spirit. God I pray please give my son some financial help. God I pray please bring ministering angels to Debbie and get her the help that she needs. God I pray go ahead of me and clear the way today. God I pray that you might strengthen my faith and let me see your mighty power at work. God I pray please keep the devil and his demons off of my back. God I pray that you will stop this harassing spirit and harassing phone calls that I am getting. God I give you all of the praise and honor and glory for it. In the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen
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The nearer interpretations of Fig Tree is Israel. Three years of
observation is the time of Lord's earthly ministry. Lord Jesus is the
dresser, who interceded for the Nation.

This parable can be applied to the believer of Lord Jesus Christ who is
spiritual Jew. If a believer is living a barren life, the judgement is
certain; but timing is not known when it happens. There are clear incidents
where believers who are living in sin in spite of repeated warnings from
the Lord through His servants are taken away from this world.
It is evident that by the intercession of Lord Jesus Christ, our heavenly
High Priest, our lives are spared in spite of our short comings.
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You said I should read you last posting, well I did and it's more of the same nonsense! I will tell you, Instead of knocking, (11Corin-13-5) You need to examine yourself, and be sure whether Christ Jesus is in you, except you be Reprobate! You will find no one, who loves My Lord Jesus Christ, more then I do, I have been homeless, I have gone without my daily needs, I am disabled, I have been cold, hungry and without proper clothing, but no matter what state I have been in, or may be in, He has given me Riches according to His Glory!
(Ephesians-3-16) He has granted me, to be strengthened with might, by His Spirit in my inner soul, that I am comfortable, no matter what condition I find myself in!
My only concern is for this lost deceived world, that He gave His Life for, that the world might receive the knowledge of Him, that they might be saved! If you don't love the Lost, enough to give your life that they might be saved, you need to find another way to make the almighty dollar!
That's the very problem with today's religious leaders, their first love is like your, their own self gain, the Riches of the World, the almighty dollar!
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Dear James,

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

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

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

The 1917 Socialist Revolution in Russia is nearing its centennial in 2017. The antiglobalization movement, actually anticapitalist, is growing world over. Three fourths of the world do not seem to be willing to live on $1 a day by 2015, as the UN report predicts... And Russia is Russia...

2017. THE PRODIGAL SON FLEES HOME AGAIN

His comeback seems now to be made in vain,
And the prodigal son leaves home again.

In vain the fatted calf was for him slaughtered -
He got only a snippet of it and a cup of water.
And the bulk was devoured less than in an hour
By those who were not prodigal any
And who had stayed at home to save every penny,
Who skin prodigal sons and daughters
Having taken them alongside with calves to slaughter.

The prodigal son's father got stuffed to the gills and preaches:
"Look, only at home you can find real riches.
Together with you we can slaughter calves twofold
Then skin them, sell skins and get tenfold in gold.
What good is seeking other ways across life?
You had hardly half a cake a day - now you can have five!
All our folks will be glad:
Our business will thrive!
To our business you were dead,
And now you are back alive.
You've got a robe, a ring, and Le Monti shoes now.
All you must do, paying back, is to take a vow
That you stay and help me and your elder brother
Market our calves,
In that business we'll go halves:
You'll get more shoes, rings, and robes
Provided you live up to our hopes."

The elder brother came scowling and grinning:
«It seems to be paying - not working but sinning:
Behold, a fatted calf has been killed in your honor
And me - I am looked at as if I'm a donor..."
But the father cut his elder son short:
"Stop seeing a mote in your brother's eye!
He is back to become yours and mine ward
To stop him for ever from saying "good-bye"...
Well, I've had enough, 1 am tired and gonna couch...
But I don't want you to have a fight with your brother,
I am too old now to organize you another...
Since for peace this night neither of you can vouch
I'll put you, my prodigal boy, under lock and key
In our guest room so I have a guarantee
That I find you alright tomorrow,
You have given me, quitting once, enough sorrow..."

So the prodigal son got accommodated,
But all familial cares now come to him belated.
He can't sleep because of his heartfelt battle:
No, he's unprepared to skin and sell cattle,
He'd left his home for a freedom's mock...
And then he heard someone tamper with the lock,
He heard a key-turning rattle
And he readied himself for a home battle.
He turned to face the comer - one or another,
And the comer came to be his eider brother,
Who smirked a grin: "Brother, now it's my sin.
You won't anyway bring any grist to our mill,
You have got your own flagpole to shin
Who knows, maybe one day you'll win...
So you may go or do as you will."
"Thank you, brother, I thank you for that brotherly cup.
It was my error to have returned
To disturb you and our father and what you have earned...
Now I have to go - the time is up
To see again plains and trees, and waters, and birds,
And walk on, on and on
Along mountain paths and in all kind of dirts
To see in the very end The Kingdom of John ."*

“Okay, brother, you may go
To spare our family another woe...”
They parted without kiss,
And the prodigal son walked
Across the pain trying not to miss
The path so the East that people had talked
To be the path to the real bliss.

As he was just in the very start,
He heard a voice as if it was a dart:
“Stay, brother, don't be that speedy!
Share your way with me, be not so greedy.
I want also to see plains and trees, and waters, and birds,
To hear other nations talk, to learn foreign words.”
The prodigal son delayed and waited
For his elder brother to join him.
They had never been indeed closely related
And he believed his elder brother's word just a whim.
But the elder brother put his hand on the younger one's shoulder
And they walked on and on, the younger and the older...

The prodigal son's new history yet has not got much renown.
Maybe you have seen the two brothers passing thru your village or town?

*The Kingdom of Presbyter John was a legendary kingdom in the medieval East believed to be a hypothetical "Golden Age" state founded by a British crusader..

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This statement is wrong, sorry. I retract it.
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I am doing the parable of the mustard seed for a baptism class and need a picture of a mustard tree.
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Our Father in Heaven's greatest commandment are clearabout our love toward God and others.St. Matthew 5:43-47 shows Our Lord Jesus giving an example of how we are to Love.St. Matthew 22:37-40 shows Our Lord and Savior Jesus speaking the 2 greatest commandments to the pharisees.These are fulfillments of the law.All is given from God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.Read Romans 10:8-10. God Bless You.
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Why aren't all the characters in this parable Jewish?
Why did Jesus pick a Samaritan to be the neighbor in this story?

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

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

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

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



--Peter

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(19) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

He hears the Gospel but never believes!

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(20-21) But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

This person believes in part but has not received the Holy Spirit!
The person can't read his Bible because he doesn't understand it.
He also confesses I am saved but is not truly Born Again!
It says that because of the Word of God by and by he is offended.
When somebody tells this person what the Bible says they are offended because what they hear in Church doesn't match what the Bible says!
They usually end up making comments like this:
Jesus didn't die on the cross and tell us all we had to do wuz believe in him and we were in Heaven. That would be too simple. A lot of people believe in him. It's that you have to confess that Jesus is your savior and that he died on the cross so that we could go heaven. We have to pray to him and ask him into our hearts.
John 3:16 destroyed by Theology! This person was a 16 year old baptist! Simple it is!!!!!!!!!!!!

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(22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

This person believes in part but has not received the Holy Spirit neither!
The person can't read/understand his Bible because he doesn't understand it.
This person cares for sin and money more then God!
He also confesses I am saved but is not truly Born Again!

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(23) But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

This person believes and has received the Holy Spirit!
The believe has been turned into a fact!
This can tell you when he believed and when he received the Holy Spirit!
The person can read his Bible and understand it.
He also confesses I am saved and is truly Born Again!

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

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All 3 servants were given talents to work with. The talents were given according to the ability of the servant. (The Master knew what they were capable of). The servants who receieved the 5 & 2 talents both did the same thing: went at ONCE and put his money TO WORK and GAINED five more. Although they were given the talents, they were not told how to invest (or use) them. (but they did understand that they were expected to produce an increase.) The Master expected a return on the talents he trusted the servants with. The servants who produced an increase were called good and faithful and had their responsibilities increased. The servant who hid his talent was called WICKED and LAZY, had his talent taken away, and was thrown outside. Was he called wicked solely because of his failure to use his talent wisely or was it because of his reasons why? ("You are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow)" Is the word "afraid" in Matt. 14: 25 an accurate translation?

Finally, the faithful servants made no mention of the Master's methods or practices. They saw the giving of the talent to they as a sign of trust & belief in what they could do (or what fruit they could produce) and understood that they were to produce an increase.

I think this parable has layers of meaning with the most obvious one being that God has gifted us for service in His Kingdom and when His Son returns, we will have to give an account of how we made use of the many blessings he gave us while we were on this planet. God means for us to impact a lost world through His gifts in us.

I hope this helped you. Just continue to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth & understand and He will reveal to you what God has for you in this parable.
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