I appreciate the input of all who have commented and pray that God's Holy Spirit will reveal the truth of HIS word on this and other subjects. Most of us have for too long a time focused on the sons; he you stayed and he who departed and returned. I think the reason we do is that we can more easily identify with both of the sons, but I would ask you to consider trying to identify with the father. I think the parable is more about the father than either of the two sons. Demonstrating how our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and how we too should love one another. All who have studied this parable have had many questions regarding what ever happened to the elder son and I have concluded that God may have purposefully allowed this scripture to end in the manner in which it does. Thus leaving the 'rest of the story' to be written by each of us individually. Most of us have worn the shoes of both sons regardless of gender and some have even had the privelege of walking also in the fathers shoes. Each time I visit this great passage I am challenged again and again to be more like the father, but too often discover I am again more like the sons. Each time my own children are disobedient to their parent's will (and God's), I am reminded how frequently I too am disobedient to my Heavenly Father's will and Oh how it must break His heart. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish I have caused Him and praise Him for being slow to anger and pray that He teaches me to also love unconditionally. The pain that we parents suffer when our children are out of fellowship with us and with God is heart breaking, yet I am again reminded that the pain I feel because of my love and concern for my children are ever so slight in comparrison to the love God has for all His children. May all of us allow God's Holy Spirit to teach us the truths we are prepared to receive as we continually grow in His grace. In HIS Service, Galatians 2:20
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You have made this homework so much easier! THANK YOU!!!
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a good story to remember

The sinners all gathered round Jesus to hear him speak. One of the teachers of God said this man welcomes sinners and eats with them.

Jesus then spoke this parable: Which off you, if having a hundred sheep, and loses one of them, does not leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that’s lost until he finds it? And when he finds it he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls his friends and neighbours and says to them, Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep, which was lost. I say to you, that as with the sheep joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents more than over ninety-nine people who don’t need to repent.

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Because this parable is after Jesus talking about the end times,it shows how prepared for the last half of the tribulation christians will be. Oil is usually a representation of the Holy Spirit, but here is does'nt fit. The five asking the others to give them some because their's is running out,and the others refusing does'nt work . The oil is litterally food and fuel, in the middle of the tribulation when the wise have stored up what they need to survive the last half they will tell the foolish to go buy some for themselves because they don't have enough . When they go to buy food they must take the mark of the beast which disallows them entrance into the wedding feast .Jesus will deny knowing them . It is a warning to be prepared!!!
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The second message is more complete, it has more to it at the bottom!
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Dear L. Mertes,

I guess you are reading out of the New International Version or the Amplified Bible or the Men's or Women's Study Bible, which were translated from Greek texts missing the letters Tau and Epsilon to finish the word "eklipe^te" ([when] ye fail, that is, leave fallen out, or bankrupt, or otherwise lose your homes) in Luke 16 : 9 . The shorter text seems to date from the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century CE. Without the second person plural personal ending "-te" we have the third person singular form, whose final "-i" was habitually left out. Without "-te" the interpretation becomes "[when] it [the mammon of unrighteousness] fails, that is, is gone." Precisely! In the NIV we read for Luke 16 : 9

"I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."

In addition to the third person "when it is gone," readers of these versions have elaborately explained the word "aio^nious" as eternal, for heaven, rather than everlasting, perhaps in the earthly sense as age-old and secure even when Christians lose their own homes through persecutions. To wealthy readers of the NIV who see the dwellings as eternal in heaven, "when it is gone" seems to mean when we are in heaven and cannot take our earthly possessions with us. From these erroneous texts comes the belief that there will be houses in heaven for which we must earn welcomes on earth through befriending many poor people. Now what should we do if these conclusions turn out to be human mistakes?

My faith is in the original Greek text with "eklipe^te": the source for Tyndale's Bible, the King James Version, and the New KJV. In these true versions, "when it is gone" appears properly as "when ye fail," and "aio^nious" appears as "everlasting" because no mention is made here concerning heaven. The KJV is translated word-for-word without emendation in many places, even where it is needed (Matt. 7 : 7 ), where the NIV and the Amplified Bible and so on show modified meanings. Let us examine Jesus' words in translation from Luke 16 : 9 (KJV):

"And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."

And thus said our Lord that we His followers should befriend people [chosen out] of the mammon of unrighteousness, which is to say, lost people of wealth. This sets the context for verses 10 through 13. The word "of" should not be misread as "with." We are not to seek friendship with the mammon of unrighteousness per se which would come with its source, the Devil; it is the people of it, the rich mission field, which Jesus has commanded us to befriend. Furthermore, I hold that the "everlasting habitations" are the age-old quarters available from rich landowners, surest refuge amid persecution. Thus, there are no welcomes in heaven to earn or forfeit by befriending the poor; the welcomes involved are those from the rich folk of this world for us to turn to in times of need. A corrupt text has cause many, however, to preach or publish false promises about heaven. Those saved among them will find the truth in heaven instead of the popularity for which they sacrificed on earth!

Because I know that truth already on earth, I cannot be deceived anymore by the NIV. Yes, Luke 16 : 9 (KJV) is for bringing money into the church. This is so because many other commands from Jesus will make us let wealth go (Matt. 5 : 42, 6 : 24 & 18 : 5 - 7, 7 : 7 ). The commands in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5 : 3 - 7 : 27 ) absolutely must be obeyed in general practice in order to be like the wise builder in the Parable of the Wise / Foolish Builders. As for "picking pockets":

Jesus Christ actually commanded His followers to continue to ask, seek, and knock expecting to receive, find, and benefit from newly open doors (Matt. 7 : 7, Greek ) and backed this teaching up with passages to give freely (Matt. 5 : 42 ). How does asking without receiving get called stealing? This untrue rebuke is an insult of the Modern English language. It is in the context of a tight budget in which such insults are invoked. For this reason, we have Luke 16 : 13, in which we are warned that no one can serve both God, with His commands to give, and Mammon (wealth), with its impulses to save wealth for the future through stinginess.

If Wrongpastor of Wrongchurch dare call his beggars thieves or question them for stealing, a threat of prosecution, when they only ask, we can substitute the truth, "You arsehole!"-- for his actually false insult and translating that into Hebrew and back, we get the following "You fool!" (a morally deficient person), and Wrongpastor is in danger of hellfire (Matt. 5 : 22 ); we are to treat him as lost. This is even more certainly the case if he has invoked claims of "mental illness" or that "a counselor could help": persons called "mentally ill" or "in need of psychiatric help" (intervention, treatment) are those who got called the Modern English equivalents of "fool" in the original language. Let us consider Christians who have been forcibly hospitalized through testimonies of church staff as martyrs indeed for continuing to ask, seek, and knock. We have not only a right to ask, but a command. We have not stolen from Tightwad when we merely annoy people with our requests.

I conclude that those among us who have ever made requests or statements only to be forcibly removed from church or church events by police summoned by surprise or only to be subjected to psychiartic hospitalization are true martyrs for continuing to ask, seek, and knock (Matt. 7 : 7 ). Rise up, I yearn to tell my fellow lonsuffering comrades in Christ, our time has come! The evil servants shall be deposed soon! (Matt. 24 : 45 - 51 ; considered with the Parable of the Ten Virgins)


Yours in Christ,

+++ Kevin D. Rosenberg

a martyr in Christ Jesus for continuing to ask, seek, and knock
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i am interested with the plant growth cycle including its seed's size and weght, and height of a mature plant.
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I was struck that the father did not run after the son to bring him home. He let him go and I think that was another powerful part of this incredible story. You see so many parents in this day not allowing their adult children leave to make mistakes. For example, I can think of several families dealing with adult children involved in activities such as drug abuse and lack of drive to earn a living. In many of these families, parents enable their children because of fear of what would happen if the child was made to leave the family nest. I think the father may represent tough love - his son left and had to deal with the consequences of his actions. But when the son was as low as he could get - then he went home with the repentant spirit and the father forgave him. Now the son is back home and in the right spirit. I think we parents can learn alot about parenting from this parable. Am I reading something into this parable that really doesn't exist?
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Jesus sais in Matthew 17:20 If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

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

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

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

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

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

brothertommy@hotmail.com
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Note; The parable of the ten virgins immediately following begins with the word "THEN " pointing back to the parable of the Householder and His servant. Note that by comparing Matt 24:45-51 with the parallel section in Luke 12:42-46, it is clear that one servant is in view throughout. The servant either remains faithfull or he becomes unfaithfull. The parable of the ten virgins then begins and covers the same subject matter, providing additional information from a different perspective; and the parable concludes in a similar fashion by showing that which awaits both those who are ready and by showing that which awaits both those who are ready and those who are not ready at the time of the Lord's return
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Go to the church where you received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and ask them to explain it further. Tongues is a devine language that God understands. A direct communication line to him that the Devil can not understand. Also, check out..
http://www.bible.com/answers/ahsbaptiz.html
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sue has no scriptures to back-up her say-so
that leaven is the holy ghost
that the meal is man body mind soul and spirit
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This is so true. this is a perfect parable to relate to life today. when we sin we have to go through the consequences of that sin but we can still go to our father in heaven and ask his forgiveness. i just wanted to give up major props to you, this is one of the best articles i've ever read on this subject! Thank you.
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to me, the prodigal son`s elder brother did not know his rights despite his loyalty to the father, not until he was told by the father himself. As a child, you have every right to your father`s properties and that was why it was easier for the younger brother to receive his own portion without any query from the father. (well, it now depends on how you spend it)
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Thank you!

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

Sure glad I did! Yus hav eit exactly RIGHT!

It was also in wording that my daughter can understand.

THANK YOU!


Very Best Regards and May God continue to Bless YOU!


Nancy
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Something as simple as finding a picture of a mustard tree, as turned
into a sales product to make others money, I just want to see a picture of
a Mustard tree.
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Where is the moral? I need a moral for tomorrow. Please show it.
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The good samaritan is a very good parable that is really known throught-out both the christian society and the jewish because of the relationship in that parable if the Gentile and the Jew.
When the priest and the levite passed by both should have helped but did not then the samaritan passed by although he was not expected to help he did the unthinkable he helped the jew who looked down on the samaritans because of their mixed breed.
Despite this the samaritan cared after the man took him to an inn and left enough money there for him to stay a little while longer until he was better.
This shows one of the greatest forms of love for your neighbor in the bible
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Jesus told the disciples on the road to Emmaus that all the scriptures spoke of him.

We should be particularly mindful of:

Eze 17:2 Son of man, put forth a riddle , and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Da 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences , shall stand up.

Jesus not only told the parable, but spoke a riddle in the parable. You have been discussing the parable. Let me share on the riddle. The riddles always speak of Christ. So we start with Christ as we parse the parable.

In every other parable of Luke, the rich man is Christ. We should not expect it to be different here. Christ is portrayed in the language of the riddles as prophet, priest, king and judge. In this riddle he is the judge since he wears purple. Yes. Kings wear purple also. But they wore it because Kings were judges as well.

After the judges, Samuel judged Israel, then he made his sons judges, bu they were evil. So the people asked Samuel to give them a king to judge them:

1 Sam 8:5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

Gold is the color of the king, but he wore purple as judge. So the rich man is Christ as judge.

Fine linen represents burial clothes. Christ as judge died and was wrapped in fine linen. Before we go on, some will stop me and say that Jesus was not a judge. But John says his life was the light of the world, and that the light was condemnation. His perfect life condemns us and puts us to shame because he resisted sin when tempted in every way as we are. In the riddles, the judge must die to signify that judgment ends. In the same way, the prophet dies to signify that prophecies have all been fulfilled.

Now the name Lazarus means "whom God helps" and he also represents Christ but in the role of Priest.
Lazarus has the Hebrew equivalent name of Eleazer, who was the high priest. The narrative of the other Lazarus is a picture of the death of Christ and he is represented as a sick priest who then dies and rose again. This Lazarus is also sick. So we ask the riddle: In what way is Christ a sick priest? The answer is that while Jesus was alive he was an ineffectual priest because he was from the wrong tribe to be a priest. To be high priest, he had to die and be raised from the dead like the other Lazarus.

Jesus had 'emptied himself' of deity, and we call this kenosis. He partook of only a small portion of the bread compared to what he experience prior to the kenosis.

The dogs are the gentiles, and there is some word-play taking place that resolves to: they were separated by gleaning his wound. Christ's harvest began when living water poured from his pierced side, and the harvest included the gentiles which were gleaned.

When Lazarus dies he becomes fully the High Priest. As the rich man is tormented in death he typifies Jesus and cries out "Why have you forsaken me?" He receives no relief. This is the cry of the judge. There was no evil in Christ's judgment, why then did he have to die? So that judgment would end.

It is Christ as High Priest that sits at the right hand of God.

5 is the number of man in the riddles, 10 the number of the dual-natured man. So Christ as judge pleads and says he has brothers of flesh only who are likewise doomed and pleads that the Priest return to tell them. If Christ as priest had remained on earth, he would not be making intercession in heaven. Therefore Lazarus is not sent back.

Moses and the prophets are a sufficient testimony to show men that they are lost. And Christ in heaven is a sufficient priest to save them.

So we see a changing role for Christ as judge to Christ as Priest. Judgments cease. Judgment and grace cannot be mixed, so Lazarus cannot visit the rich man.

Pr 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
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Can someone please explain the characters. The father, The older son and the younger son

THANKS
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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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What is the significanceofparables to people today?

Jesus used parabolic language so that the audience could make links to the story. do you think that converts of today can still make the links to the parables as they did 2,000 years ago? Do you not think that interpretation ruins the message of God?
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okay like i have a problem i have a giant project on hope and i need a scripture on hope and i cant find any thing please help!
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HARVESTING

The harvesting is nothing more than concentrating the yeast cells by
passing the fermented liquid through large centrifugal pumps called
separators. This process is similar to spinning clothes dry in a washing
machine. The result is off-white liquid called cream yeast. Further
processing is dependent on the type of yeast desired.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

In all the yeast processes, utmost care is taken to produce a product of
the highest possible quality and purity. Samples are routinely checked by
the laboratory and frequent cleaning and sterilization of the equipment
are conducted to assure the proper standards are met.



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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


















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THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS, IS BASICALLY ABOUT TWO SETS OF CHRISTIANS ONE WISE ANOTHER FOOLISH. NOW THE OIL THAT PASSAGE IS TALKING ABOUT IS THE HOLY GHOST. ROMANS 8 VERSE 9 VALIDATES WHAT I'M SAYING ALSO 2TIMOTHY 3 VERSE 7 THE ONLY ONES WHO ARE SAVED HAVE THE HOLY GHOST AS THIER WITNESS THAT THEY ARE KNOWN OF BY GUIDE FURTHER SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD THRU THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST. WHICH CAN ONLY BE ADMINISTERED TO US THRU BAPTISM ROMANS 6 VERSE 4 COLLISIANS 2 VERSE 12,13 WITHOUT IT WERE NOT SAVED IN GOD'S EYES


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Read Matt. 24:24-26. The rise of false prophets and false Christs (Messiahs) able to deceive some of the very elect was prophesied by our Lord Jesus Christ. Many Christians have been ruined by the evil servants in charge of today's churches.
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The bridegroom,Jesus Christ actually comes(Raptures) the Wise righteous (born again) New Creatures! In fact, this passage says that after trying to buy oil from the wise virgins, the foolish virgins had time to go to the marketplace in pursuit of the oil(Matthew 25:9) Similarly in (Revelation 3:18) the Laodiceans are a picture of the foolish virgins left behind! They are told to go,and buy gold tried in the fire,and to buy white raiment.

[Matthew 25:9]

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

Revelation 3:18

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

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

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

Door in Greek can be seen as Portal,

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

2 Samuel 22:29

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

Proverbs 21:20

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


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

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

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

Luke 21:34-36

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also we must continue to share,and teach that the Christians need to (Wake up) (Watch)and (Abide) in our wonderful King Jesus Christ!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I ask you please read the webpage called(Rapture of his Bride) on the website www.raptureprophecy.com




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I think that this parable is a great way of christian love. I think it is good because, the samaritan and the jews never liked each other and the only person that helped the jew on the road of jericho was a samaritan. Tnis is showing that the man that helped the jew wasn't racist. In the same way as this samaritan loved this man as much as he loved his own people, we also should have the same kind of love for all races. We shouldn't have a grudge against people of certain races. Loving all races is a positive kind of love. This is a great example of Agape love. Christian love.
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Would it be possible for me to read how Brenda T:urner napplies this parable to her life to pass it on for tomorrow morning as a sermonette to children age 5 thru 4th grade?
Thank you.
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the HolyBible says, "he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.' Do it!
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Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
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Big Island, please see my response under the topic of "leaven and the dough parable". But yes. I think you've seen the light!
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The Parable of the Sower is about the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

The Sower - Jesus
The Seed - The Sons of the Kingdom ( The Christians )
The Field - The World - Our respective areas ( working place ) where
Jesus has sown us.(marketplace)

All believers of Jesus are sown to respective location to be the light and salt to conquer that place and establish the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God should start on that person by LIVING according to the Word of God, if not the Devil will take away the light and darkened his testimony and will cause unfruitfulness. He should continue to be a testimony and be mature so that root will be established . Persecution and the World temptation will be part of his life but to be fruitful he should continue to HEAR AND DO ( understand ) the Word of God thus becoming fruitful for the Expansion of God's Kingdom in his area of responsibility.

All Christian are ambassador of Christ. We are the representative of God's Kingdom. In our areas, we need to LIVE and DO the Kingdom of God agenda ( Gospel of Matthew ) We need to please the KING. We can only expand the Kingdom of God through fruitfulness not just attending our sunday services. The Kingdom of God can be established Monday up to Saturday. ...in our WORKPLACE.

HONOR THE KING. EXPAND THE KINGDOM.LIVE IN THE KINGDOM PRINCIPLE. CONQUER MORE KINGDOM IN THIS WORLD FOR OUR KING.BE FRUITFUL. GOD BLESS YOU
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The parable of the 'shrewd manager' in Luke 16 is probably my favorite parable. Please provide the evidence from Luke 16 itself that suggests this is about picking the pockets of evil, rich unbelievers. I think it is quite the opposite!

Do I understand correctly? I think you are saying the talent parable is about literal money, right? Even if that is true, I say the emphasis in both parables is about GIVING your wealth away, using it, not bringing it in.

In Luke 16, Christ is telling us to use our wealth, our literal money to "gain friends for yourselves..." (vs. 9) and in turn make our master--God--look good by being generous with what he has entrusted to us. Just as the evil manager was commended for his shrewd, but wise, actions, we too will be commended by our heavenly master for being shrewd and generous with what has been entrusted to our care, investing it wisely in loving acts of generosity and kindness. After all isn't it "God's kindness (that) leads you toward repentance?" (Romans 2:4).
(Just as a side note notice how Paul in this Romans passage shows us what the real riches of God are, let us be found diligent and trustworthy with the 'true riches' (Luke 16:11) that God has entrusted to us.

The master commended his unworthy manager because it was very shrewd to win praise for both himself AND his master by using his master's possesions in this generous way. This is the very thing God wishes for us to do. God is exhorting us, "Take what I've given you and show the generosity and love of the master you serve!!!!!!!!!!!! They'll love you and they'll love me, too!. I've given it, now be shrewd and wise with what I've given you--USE IT!!!!!!!! What a witness you'll be!!!"

I can only say amen to the warning given by the previous person to you or anyone "who think that godliness is a means to financial gain" (1 Tim. 6:5).

This cannot be ignored: "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be RICH IN FAITH and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" (James 2:5) Read on for his opinion about rich people in general.


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I can not agree that these sheep are the pharisees and the tax collectors because Jesus in John goes to great lengths to say that those sheep within HIS fold KNOW his voice...do those who are unrepentant KNOW jesus' voice? Is Jesus the door to their fold? I don't think so! As leigh points out...there is only 1 sinner realising he is lost? No I don't think so...and of course there is the question...where does Jesus take this lost sheep back to????? the fold? or some other place? what then would happen to the 99 sheep????????
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The moral of the story? Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.


YES this is the deal! Sometimes we might think and believe we are confessing and forsaking our sin and sometimes we make the same mistake as the Parisee's of ancient times by thinking and believing we are justified.
Their justification came by following the law or desiring to follow the law.Christians often feel justified because they feel they have a advocate yet they return to their own vomit like dogs as Peter mentioned in second Peter
In other words I can confess what I am as I am but not neccesarily have the will to do anything about it.It is as Paul said ;"I do what I should not do and do not do what I know I should.
The best we can do is to have the wish to change and even learn from our Pharisee friends..see their worth,their effort, their value and then beat our Chest saying from tthe bottom of our hearts
"Lord have Mercy on me A Sinner"
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I am discussing the passage on the Mustard seed this Wednesday and would appreciate a picture of the Mustard tree by the 5.1.2005. Tq. God Bless.
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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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There is nothing we *alone* can do to be saved. The fruit is from the Spirit in us, not actions we make alone. See Gal 5:22-26;

(KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The Spirit will produce the fruit according to the Father's Will...don't let people tell you what that should be. Live (abide) in the Spirit of the Lord and He in you! Our salvation is found in the Savior, not in how many tracks we hand out. :-)

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Looking to do something for school retreats involving the mustard seed parable.

I would really appreciate a picture of a Mustard Tree.

Thank you in advance for your kindness.
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THis story is do be prepared for the coming of christ, be wise and bear all you have for he will accept all. The lord does not think kindly of the ones that turn blind to him or are sinners. The oil is the repersentation of reconslitation
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I have recently womdered more about the 2nd and 3rd 'plants'. Many times I see people who have a sincere faith but have allowed the cares and wories to push them down. It is the same with those who face persecution. How wonderful that we have a Father of Mercy who sees the heart of the weariest and most discouraged of His children, and will call them home.

But at the same time, I wonder at the 4th 'plant'. Many feel secure that this about them...but where is their 30 and 60 and 100-fold harvest. Those who do not actively share their faith and live the life of Christ before ALL must take note.

God Bless.
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It does ones heart good, to see there are still Christians who are not afraid to take a stand against sin and disobedience against Holy God! People have gotten so far from the Truths of God's Word, they are now justifing continued sin and disobedience against Holy God!
The Truth, disobedience against Holy God is sin, and the wages of sin is death! (Hebrews-10-26-27)
Many teach justified continued sin, while they call themselves a Friend, but a friend would not take it upon themselves, to justify sin against Holy God! (Genesis-3-4-5)
When the woman was taken to Jesus, caught in the act of adultery, Jesus did forgive her, but He also Warned her, sin no more!
This message is no longer spoken to the sinner, instead, we hear them say, God understands you when you sin! (Romans-6-16) But, we are the servants unto whom we yeild ourselves servants to obey: whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness! We cannot obey God, and satan, the sinner from the beginning!
You tell someone who has fallen in sin, sin no more, The Quick Answer from Holy God, Religious people will turn and make an attack against you, for repeating the Words of Christ!
What happens when you justify sin against Holy God, the heart grows cold toward sin, and in time, there is no more conviction of sin! Without the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, there will be no Salvation!
More servants like you are needed, who will speak repentance and remission of sin, that we might serve The Lord, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our live, (Luke-1-74-77) the message of John the Baptist, to prepare the Path to Christ, because the path is Narrow, and Few will find it! God Bless You!
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I first believed this was a great parble but now I don't. After much research I feel it lacks morale. What is it telling us stay at home and be a good person and GOd will love you less! I get the samemessage from th lost sheep?
ANy one want to debate this to the end?
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I know the parable, but I know Jesus went to Samaria. Why couldn't the Samaritan have heard and perhaps accepted Jesus? Yes, I realize that non Christians show love. I teach primary children. The concept is to show love even when it is not convenient. When we know Jesus, He enables us to do this if we listen to Him.
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Hello!
How are you?
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Those who hear and understand the parables are of God, those who don't are not of God. Jesus said that. Also warned in proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." That is a really bad thing to be found as too. Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood," What happens to liars? Proverbs 6:19 - A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape." Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies SHALL PERISH."
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I'm wondering about this connection - the "prodigal" son has a life issue - ADHD. Anyone who has lived in a family where one child has this life issue and another doesn't understands perfectly well the distress of the elder son on the return and celebration for the younger. The non-affected child, in many ADHD living situations, takes back seat to the behavior and emotions of the affected child as the parents spend most/all of their parental energy working with the affected child to maintain some sort of stability in the home and between the family members. The non-affected child does not KNOW that he is welcome to all the parents/father have as most of the family resources go to maintain the issued child.
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Sandals in the Bible are connected with the feet. Feet are connected with the WALK. The father is interested in our walk. The son was obviously barefooted. His feet/walk were exposed to stones, glass, injury of all kinds whilst unshod. When we are not walking with God, our feet, our lives are exposed to the pains which are caused by sin and transgression. When our feet, our walk is protected by the sandals we can walk in a way that is pleasing to our father. Sandals represent protection for the feet, a renewed walk, walking on a right path. See Psalm 1.

Paul also spoke of the feet being shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. See Ephesians 6. There we can relate to the need for the feet to be prepared to walk or run with the gospel message. Without feet that are properly shodden or covered, they too will be exposed to the harshness of the road. It won't be long that we shall not be able to walk with the gospel. We need help.

We need to have feet that are properly prepared for the journey, wether the Christian life or the gospel.

How beautiful are the feet of them the publish the gospel of peace.
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