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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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The web linke to Ched Meyer's article does not work. Error 404... web page not found!

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At this page I believe that you will find the most excellent explanation of Parable of the Ten Virgins: http://www.egwestate.andrews.edu/col/col29.html

Claudia
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Does anyone know the meaning of "Abrahams Bosom"?
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The prodigal son is an awesome parable. It is a great way God showes us his grace. Think about it. The youngest son wants all his inheritance and he leaves the house. The father does not get mad at him or anything he just is concerned for him and wants him to come back home. So the youngest son is out hanging with prostitutes, drinking, gambling, doing all the things that he shouldnt do. Then he ran out of money and he had to start working and staying with the pigs. He was so embarrased to come back home but he did and when his father saw his youngest son instead of being upset at him he ran to him and put his arms around him and showed him how much he loved him. We do the same thing as the youngest sons. We go out into the world and take God for granted and have sex, drink, do all the things we shouldnt do. Then we are to embarrased to admit to it and we loose out on salvation. Well there is no need to be embarrased God is wating for us to come back home and when he see you he is not going to punish you he is going to put his arms around you and take you back in.
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Yes, the symbolic name of the younger son is Ephrahim. The older's name is Judah.

Selah,
Donimus
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Big Island,

Look at the word axiomatic. It means: A self-evident principle or one that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument; a postulate.

Notice the expression “self-evident”.

I once read that if a certain muscle contains a lot of a certain nutrient, then it’s axiomatic that that nutrient is necessary for the function of that muscle.

What is the “secret”?

If I drive through a farming community and observe a farmer out planting seeds, we call that farming. He’s planting seeds for the sake of reaping a harvest.

Jesus took this idea and by the wisdom of God extracted the things out of it that makes it work, and then applied it to himself. He also taught others how to do it. In essence, HE PUT IT ON. HE PUT IT IN THE FIRST PERSON. He put on the principle of sowing and reaping.

When we look at a farmer, HE IS FARMING. When we attempt to use same the principle upon ourselves it’s called…..Drum roll please!

“KEEPING A SECRET”.

This entire hullabaloo about seeds and candles under bushels is merely Jesus’ teaching on faith and how it works. The subject matter is FAITH.

He’s saying that when we pray to God for something we have to declare it a “SECRET”. We literally say it out loud “heavenly father I declare it a divine “secret”; that I have received such and such (-whatever you have asked for in prayer), by faith, and I will not attempt in any way to exalt myself though attempts to bring this to light. It will remain a secret forever”.

The term SECRET is axiomatic to the principle itself. IF YOU WANT SOMETHING TO SHOW UP IN YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE TO DECLARE IT A SECRET, AND THEN KEEP IT A SECRET FROM THE WORLD AROUND YOU. Anything less is going the opposite direction-the direction of mans reward-PEW! (lordy thaz nassy.)

YOU DON’T WANT THAT. Mans reward is not always good. If you want Gods reward then you have to declare it a “secret” and then keep it a secret from the world around you.

Apparently the human heart or spirit is a revealer of “secrets”. But you have to establish a secret in prayer and then maintain the secrecy.

Why would that be?

Job 28:21
Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.

When we seal Gods word within our hearts/spirits, we are “hiding” it from the fowls of the air that Jesus taught were the satanic forces in this world that want to devour that seed.

“Hiding” is synonymous with “secret” or “keeping a secret” (it’s merely a metaphor for planting). We are in essence hiding the Word of God within our hearts behind a pane of proverbial glass that all hell wants to come into for the sake of devouring the seed. As long as we keep it secret, we are keeping it in a place where Satan can’t get in and devour it. If we attempt to take it to the world through helping ourselves to mans reward I.E. self exaltation, we open the door to the devil and HE TAKES IT TO US.

When we take it to the world through “acting our faith”-WRONG, THE WORLD AND THE DEVIL, TAKES IT TO US (BAD).This would be accounted for by the expression “the cares of this world ENTERING IN, chokes the word and it becometh unfruitful”. Found in the parable of the sower. The cares of this world-worrying about how to “act your faith”-has to “enter in”. It can’t’ enter in when we have no connection or ties to the world by virtue of sealing off attempts to bring it to pass ourselves.

When we stack the various overtones of hiddeness over our lives we lock ourselves in the “secret place of the most high” as David said. It then is just a matter of time before God exalts us into the open. But it’s a lifestyle not a temporary fad.

Mark 7:24
And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

In the Old Testament a man demanded to know the name of the angel that was standing before him representing God. What did the angel say his name was? “Why do you ask me my name seeing it is SECRET” was the angels/Gods response.

This is axiomatic as to how God works in this earth. He wants to be hidden within our hearts and kept a secret. Again why? Because the human spirit is a culminator of sorts, it’s a revealer of secrets much like ground grows seeds that are planted. If God is held within our hearts in this hidden mode, there will come a time when he can show up in our lives I.E. MANIFEST. But until then, he beckons to be regarded as a secret-a planted seed.

I hope this helps.

Tell know man.

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If you're looking for a contemporary take on this parable... and any other biblical passage, for that matter, you might try Eugene Peterson's "The Message". He has done an admirable job of re-writing the Bible in today's context.
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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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When the Prodigal Son got a job on the pig farm, it would have been total humiliation, since the Jews believe that pigs are unclean. To make things worse, he had to eat the husks thrown to the pigs because no-one would give him anything. What do the pigs signify? Is it because he had to look after a living being other than himself? It seems that in the famine, the pigs were the only ones willing to share their food with him. ... A bit like the Good Samaritan maybe? I would appreciate some feed-back.

Thanks ever so much.

God Bless

Love Wendy
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The Parable of the 10 virgins that our Lord told in Matthew 25 is broad and not very well defined, and so, can have several interpretations. One can think of the girls representing believers and unbelievers when the Lord, as the bridegroom arrives as the second coming, or may be even as Jews who accept and don't accept the Lord at His first coming. It is not easy There are problems of logic and truth at each turn. I think we are on thin ice when we make the oil in the lamp the HS. After all, how can I carry a store or buy more of Him? Are the girls who go in really the ones who are saved and the others not? If so, then it sounds like salvation by works to me! What I can do to be saved, such as be properly prepared?

The best interpretation I can put on it, and I think the Lord's hearers may very well have taken it that way, is that this is guidance and a warning to those who believe. Guidance and a warning for you and for me. We are given a task, we have access to the materials and we have time. All are under the control of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no doubt who is in control. It is his wedding and he is the kingpin. Nothing starts before He is ready and in His presence.

All the girls are given a task to do; the same task. I must use my time and opportunities properly so that I am ready and behaving as the Lord requires to be able to participate in the task. Successful participation means that
1.my contribution to the ministry is accepted and so am a I. I can't just go on doing things, even if they are those of God, my way. If I do, there is going to be a problem! This is not about salvation, but participation in ministry.
2.If I am found prepared and present, then I will be swept in in the wonder of the Lord's presence and participation in far more than just my contribution makes.
3.If I am accepted or 'known' in ministry, then I will participate and enjoy the warmth, celebration and joy of the outcome of the ministry with the Lord Jesus. Ministry is not the end itself, just as welcoming with light wasn't the end of their task.

The Groom's response is harsh, yes! But God doesn't compromise with our dilly-dallying, lack of commitment and mucking about in ministry. In terms of our task in a ministry, either He accepts our contribution and us, or neither. We can't muddle through or do it our way. I must remember I am dealing with almighty God, the one with all authority.
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Is it true that when the small mustard seed is planted should grow into a large garden plant instead of a tree....?
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You missed a very important point in the scripture you used, 'if it were possible' the elect shall be deceived.
It is impossible for God's Elect to be deceived, God uses His Elect, to fulfil His Word!
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Just like all these other folks, I would love to see a picture if you could possible email it to me. Thanks.
Karen
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Thank God for Luke 16:1-13, our means for ministry in this fickle world where many among us face uncertain futures amid an unreliable job market. Although many churches count on donations from their hard-working members, Jesus Christ did not seek any organization so founded on worldly principles; he sought, rather, the favor of the rich people of this world as sponsors because the people of this world are more prudent than we of light and truth (Luke 16:8). Thus I knock again for leads to any congregations in Christ already sponsored by the rich people of this world, wherever they may be.

Some missionaries from rich denominations will thrive at their best in this holiday season for tax reasons, while others from poor denominations or "independent" churches must go hungry as the extravagant holiday season crimps donations to church. If you serve the latter, please knock LUKE 16 at your home church and inform your home church members of their duty in Christ to make friends with the rich people of the world for the following reasons: (Luke 16:9, KJV, and vv. 10-12)

(1) For the security of welcomes and lasting dwellings as resorts in times of bankruptcy or persecution or an improvident calling from God to flee.

(2) So that you may prove faithful with what is least, with the unrighteous mammon (wealth), with what belongs to other people out in the world, and may receive grants of true riches, vast wealth with which to conduct Christian ministries as Jesus has taught us to carry them out.

The extreme unwelcomeness of my message in churches nearby is driving me up the wall; I am completely discouraged from going to them (Matt. 7:6). I am fed-up, sick and tired of churches now apostatized, or if true to Jesus Christ in doctrine run by evil servants in charge, yet if run by good servants faithful in Christian doctrine nevertheless apostate in practice because they lack the money for genuine Christian ministry. It is thus (Luke 16:13) that they serve Mammon (wealth) and despise Jesus' commands to give alms freely (Matt. 5:42, Greek), not to continue to worry (Matt. 6:24, Greek), and to keep asking, seeking, and knocking expecting in time to receive, find, and have doors opened (Matt. 7:7) and His warning to tolerate such asking instead of causing Christians to sin habitually in keeping silent and worrying without asking for what is sought (Matt. 18:5-7). I cannot conform to their plans of keeping as many people as possible in their pews on Sunday mornings to give donations out of money well or hard earned through American employment.

What if the job market tanks? American churches are not prepared because Luke 16 is ill taught at best. Many are using the NIV or the Amplified Bible, both of which are corrupt in Luke 16:9 and lead readers to seek welcomes with many poor people for heaven rather than welcomes with some rich friends to turn to in the stormy times of their Christian lives on this earth. God has not guaranteed good times to fund our ministries; even amid good economic news, the situation with fighting abroad could easily harm the economy. And now I say in Jesus' name, protect your ability to minister financially unto the needy through thorough faithfulness with the unrighteous mammon by meeting and making friends with the rich people of this world. Please do not resent their wealth when they outcompete their neighbors in holiday displays; we need them in order to be faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ,

+++ Kevin D. Rosenberg
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The fig tree without fruit represents our fruitless life. The leaves represent the word of God. You see we can have a lot of word in us but not produce fruit. The word of God in us has to be watered, birth in our spirit and then preached to the people. When the Lord told the man that he was going to cut the tree down and the man told the Lord no give me a year I will dig it up and fertilize it this reminded me of how Jesus interceeds on our behalf. Even Moses interceeded for the people of Israel when they were worshipping the golden calf. Even though this was a tree the man loved that tree and he knew that if he was given the chance to dig up the ground and fertilize it there would be fruit the following year. This is the same love the Lord has for us he always gives us a second chance
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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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God made a choice before the foundation of the world who He would give grace to and have mercy upon (Eph 1:4) (Rom 9:15). These are what Jesus is refering to as the wheat which He planted. The field is the world (For God so loved the world... God loves the work which He is doing here upon the earth).

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

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

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

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

The Kingdom of God represents the world from Genesis to the end of Revelation. This parable was spoken in God's view of man. God knows who are His sheep therefore the distinct mention of wheat and tares. From mans view, we don't know who are wheat and who are tares therefore "whosoever believeth(from our point of view) shall not perish but have everlasting life.
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this parable is very simple. Stay ever ready for ye know not when the master of the house will return.
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Hey, Rick......I don't know you personally, but I saw you were from home town, I thought I would say hello. I go to Spanish River and have lived in Boca 32 years now. How 'bout you?
There are quite a few interesting comments on this web-site. I think it's neat how people break stuff down and look for meanings. Like, "what do the sandals represent?"
I've been the prodigal son recently. got really off track. wheh! I mean really off track. It's so wonderful to be able to come to God with a broken and contrite heart and accept His forgiveness. What a pleasure being back in fellowship. Let me hear from you.
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I have food for thought for anybody interested in the Mark Chapter four or the seed parables. Allow me to put this in the form of a question: Might the thing that we are growing in this mystical garden be faith? Found below is an excerpt from Luke’ account, it’s chapter eight. Notice that I’ve emboldened and italicized-if it came across that way-the words “believe” in verse 12, and “a while believe” in verse 13.

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Notice that in verse 12 the devil took the word out of a person’s heart “lest they believe and be saved”. Why the lest? Maybe because the “believing” (belief, faith) is the actual thing that were cultivating, and that will eventually produces results. They received the word of God on a matter, “faith cometh by hearing…” and a belief began to grow. Had they maintained it, it would have produced fruit. It would have manifested. But if there’s any truth to this idea of faith (belief) being likened unto a plant, then we know that the plant will have to grow until harvest time (a while).

Notice verse 13. There were people who’s hearts were likened unto rock (hard hearted) that received the word just fine, and also notice that they “believed” for “a while”. What determined when the “a while” was over? How about when they let go of the word of God? They probably did this: they prayed “father I believe that Jesus died for my sins and I accept him into my heart by faith-I believe that I’m now saved ”! But when Satan launched a campaign to convince his senses that nothing happened, he opened his mouth and said, “dang, I’ll never be saved, just when I try may hardest to get serious with god, for some reason I end up doing all these things that I haven’t done in years. I am so pathetic. Is there any help for me? Man, I don’t deserve any grace-the way I’ve been acting. What on earth happened? Oh, just skip this stuff. It’s too hard”.

What happened? He said something contrary to the prayer he prayed when he accepted (received) Gods word. Satan convinced him to call it off. Now, what if he would have responded this way: “Man I can’t believe the stuff I’ve been doing. I don’t know why all this crud is just attracted to me. But it doesn’t daunt my faith in the least. I stand firm on what I said and I don’t care what I do or how bad it gets, I BELIEVE THAT I’M SAVED! CASE CLOSED. Come hell or high water Jesus lives in my heart by faith and I AM A BELIEVER. And If I die from being pathetic, I’ll die believing that Christ lives in my heart by faith”. This man is good ground, because he’ll see this thing through unto the end-harvest time.

The thing I want you to notice is this: There is a time in which a believer is indeed “believing” and yet the cycle hasn’t been completed-no manifestation. Remember we don’t plant a seed one day and reap the next. Patience is involved. But as long as he held fast to the word that was “believed” by verbally receiving it (“if you had faith as a grain of Mustard seed you might say… whosoever shall say unto this mountain…. I believed therefore have I spoken-the spirit of faith” (2nd Cor. chapter 4:13) “, the person was meeting the requirements set forth by God. HE WAS DOING IT. And yet it was not manifested.

I once did some studying of the Mustard plant. I even bought some seeds to see how long they took to grow. Most packages say that in forty days it’s mature, one said about fifty days. I don’t know if that was indeed the plant that Jesus talked about, but I find it interesting, the growing time of the Mustard plant.

Did you know that in Gematria-the biblical study of numbers, that forty means a time of trial, chastisement or probation (Jesus was tempted forty days of the devil)? And fifty means rest or completion due to the perfect consummation of time and it denotes deliverance after that period of time? As in the day of Jubilee, or Pentecost. I’m still undecided about the numbers thing, but isn’t it interesting that the growing time of Mustard coincides with biblical numbers that have relevance?

Could there be a God appointed growing time to faith? It makes sense to me that there would be. What farmer doesn’t know the growing time of the crop that he plants? However, that being said it’s still just speculation.

I believe that the parables of the Kingdom pertain to faith or to “believing”. This being said I think it’s a good idea to learn to use that expression often in prayer. “I BELIEVE” such and such. It conveys to the inner man that your not basing these things upon anything that can be seen, but your choosing to use this God given mechanism given to every man-to cultivate an inner picture in your heart. That picture being faith, which is based purely on what God says is true, but what the senses say isn’t-at that time. But held fast to, we can manifest it to the world around us.








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Being a son that stayed home I am cursed by the brother who came home.
The relationship between my father and I has been cursed by the returning son with the promise of 3 things.
1) To take all of the possessions of our parents for only himself
2) To ruin the relationship between our father and I.
3) To do everything possible to ruin the business that our father sold to me and my other brother.
By reading some of the comments of others, I see that the father wants a whole relationship with all his sons. This relationship is not whole with the two sons that stayed home.
However the boistrous demands, the negative statements and the guilt that he has placed on all of us is a tremendous burden to carry for the rest of our lives.
I am seeking words of wisdom to find peace in our lives.
Please respond with insights.
peter

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We have several interpretations on the parable of the Ten Virgins. But one thing is sure, the five who were taken to be with the bridegroom were ready and the others were not. This shows the urgency for us to be watchful and prayerful and ready ourselves for !the coming of the LORD JESUS.

See you there in the KOG (Kingdom of God)
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Mustard trees are mentioned in Matthew 13:31; 17:20 and Mark 4:31. The mustard tree of Scripture is found along the banks of the Jordan, near the Sea of Galilee, and near Damascus. Mustard plants may reach about 15 feet (4 metres) high in those areas.
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teachers - profits

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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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I would say, mercy! That is all Lazarus desired in the crumbs!
The rich man now is experiencing the consiquences of his own
life decisions, in death. In life, the rich man had an opportunity,
which was a chance to give mercy to Lazarus or any one who was in need of mercy.He had in life, favorable conditions.We
must be very careful how we treat people. People belong to God.
So, now we see in the text the two extremes have traded places
substance wise. The rich man has become the begger, and the begger
has become rich!!!! Lazarus is so rich with the wealth of God that
he has Father Abraham as an AMBASSADOR! (smiles)
"Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus"

2nd
Hell is forever! once you are in hell there is no chance, no way, no how!
No,no,no, listen to the responce of Abraham to the rich mans plea.
Luke 16:26 And besides all this, there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us,that would come from thence. But, there is still to come judgement after a period of time. Not that this rich man is going to be in hell for a time and then go to heaven. Once we die, its too late to work the work of repentance. The time is now, while the blood is running warm in our vains. Now is the time of salvation! We all must repent of our sins before we pass away to an eternal state of existance. Then shall we forever be with the Lord Jesus having all things in common. Joy Peace Love Happiness that shall never cease. No more pain, no more suffering, no more sorrow,no more saddness. No more sickness, no more dying, no more crying, there be no more preaching no more teaching, for all secrets will be revealed, no more hate, no more no more no more! Joy! Love! God shall be with us and we shall be with Him forever! Give! and don"t hold back like the rich man. Give your life to Jesus and like He did for Lazarus he likewise do the same for all that believe and trust in Him.
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The weeping and the gnashing of teeth {An Eastern expression of " Deep Grief"{ Matt.24:51; 25:30,ASV}. and this place is referred to as " the outer darkness"[ASV] in the latter parable.
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If you want to know the true meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed, you must take it in the context of the Parabolic Teaching itself, and then compare it with the rest of the symbolism it touches upon in the Word of God.

The first principle of interpreting the Parables is given in the first one he spoke in Mark where, if they did not understand the Parable of the Sower, they would not understand any of the Parables.

The second principle that one must remember is that Y'shua did not start speaking in Parables until it was obvious that he had been rejected by the Leaders of the Nation (per the commentaries) and, therefore, the parables are refering to the Postponement of the Kingdom and then its subsequent restoration at the end of the Age.

A Third principle is simply that neither Y'shua, or the Holy Spirit, are needlessly repetative and, therefore, the parable of the Mustard Seed is not simply a rehash of the Parable of the Sower.

So, with these principles in mind we can compare the Word.

The Sower is Y'shua (i.e. "the Son of man") and the field is "the World" however, some accounts say it was sown in "the garden" which, then, can only be Israel (as God's Vineyard etc per the prophets).

The Seed is "taken" which is the same word as the Rapture and is something to keep in mind.

A specific person who has the faith of a Mustard Seed will say to a Mountain (symbolic of a ruling Kingdom) and a Sycamore Tree (an inferior Fig Tree and thus can only be the endtimes Den of Vipers - which itself originated in Babylon via the Kabbalah etc., returned for judgment day and is synonomous with the "fig tree" of the other parable that the son of man visited "these three years" or the first three years of the tribulation), "Be thou removed and cast into the sea" and it will be done.

When we search the Scriptures we see that this is exactly what is prophecised of Zerrubbabel in Zechariah who symbolizes someone in the future during the tribulation.

Further, being the Least of all seeds, brings this concept into play as well and if you do a search of "least" in the Scriptures, you will see this as well.

"The Least of the Flock will draw them out" refering to the destruction of Babylon in the end days, which is echoed by the "first born of the poor" (i.e. the poorest of the poor of, thus, the least of the least) who will also destroy "the rest" of the Chaldeans.

Thus, here we see, when we compare these (and other Scriptures), that the Mustard Seed, through faith in Y'shua ben Y'hova will be responcible for overturning the endtimes Mountain of Babylon at the return of the Captives of Israel, when they will receive "the headstone thereof" as their Messiah and Elohim - Y'shua.

Thus, what you obviously have with this parable is the restoration of the Theocracy in the end days which is one of the reason the Mustard Seed was used to illustrate all this for it is a fast growing herb and sprouts leaves in 48 hours to show the speed of the restoration of the Theocracy during the tribulation.

Much more about this individual on my WebSites, on of which is :

http://thetenlosttribes.lbgo.com/index.html

Shalom,

David
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I think there are a lot of misconceptions about the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. A lot of people think that Jesus is saying that we should pray repetitiously over any one thing. Is that really what is being said in light of the fact the Jesus said, "pray not vain repititions like the heathens do"? When he says, "men ought always to pray and not faint", is he saying to pray continuously? Or might he be saying "every single time you pray, don't faint or stand upon that one prayer until your answered? I submit that that's what this is saying. But she came over and over again someone will say. No, it said, "she came unto him saying". She barely got in the door and wasn't even done walking when she demanded justice. Someone will also say but he said that he will avenge her lest by her CONTINUAL coming she weary him. She was coming day and night". No, lest means, because IF SHE CONTINUES to come, she'll drive him nuts. She only came once, but by the determination in her words she impressed upon him, "she means business". So where does faith fit in to all of this? Didn't Jesus say, "if you had faith as a grain of mustard seed you would say unto this sycamine tree be thou plucked up by the root and be cast into the sea and it would obey you? Notice the aspect of patience, HE WOULD NOT FOR A WHILE but afterward he said, "though I fear not God nor regard man, I will avenge her lest by her continual coming she weary me. She planted a seed in his heart by her boldness, words and address. That seed grew within his heart and consumed him. But only "after a while". She didn't come again because in her heart it was a done deal. "And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry unto him day and night?” I believe that Jesus is saying that instead of crying day and night, if we would just have the faith to approach God boldly, as a covenant partner, and regard it a done deal, we would qualify as one of those who are avenged speedily. Will he find this kind of faith on earth when he comes? You decide.
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Jesus uses leaven in some parables to explain how evil can quickly take over a person but in the parable in Matt 13 he is using it to describe how the Spirit of God causes the values of the kingdom of God to permeate in a Christian. Jesus does not have to tie his symbols down to one idea.
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Greetings,

Are you the same Chris Godwin who lived in Dunwoody and went to Peachtree High in Georgia?

Please respond,

--Jay Sawyer
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Please send picture of mustard seed tree. We will be covering the parable in our preschool Sunday School class this week.
THANK YOU!
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Because Jesus told this parable (and had therefore not died yet), keep in mind that a person could not simply "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved-Acts 16:31. Jesus had not died yet. Sin's debt had not been paid "once and for all". 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. Remember that Abraham obeyed God and it was "accounted to him for righteousness". This parable gives us an insight to the waiting place of the Old Testament believer; not the New Testament. This is NOT a proof text for the Catholic view of limbo. This does NOT relate to a present-day Christian.
Looking at the parable, I find several interesting points:

(1) The rich man and Lazarus were in the SAME place. Yes they were separated by a "great gulf fixed", but they could see and recognize each other.

(2) Being able to see one another, we see that they must have had bodies that were visible to one another. The rich man could still see, speak (to God), and feel the pain of his torment.

(3) However, Although their physical senses are functional, they do not still have their physical bodies. Verse 22 is clear in explaining that the rich man's physical body was indeed buried!

What I have covered thus far is merely an introduction to this parable (only covering up to verse 24). The real meat of this story is in Abraham's warning in verse 25 and the importance of the spiritual rather than the temporary things of this world. To quote one of the humblest Christian poets of my generation:

"Who have I in heaven but you Jesus? What better could I hope to find down here on earth?" -Rich Mullins

I hope this has been helpful.
Myself your servant for Jesus' sake
-B.D. Means

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I had a dream on June 21, 2003 and was shown an awesome sight. A swarm of Tornadoes descending from the sky that look like giant elephant trunks.

People will not know where to hide. So I am telling you now in advance. All that will listen, listen. You will want to find an underground place of shelter such as the below ground floor of a university or mall or parking garage that is windowless. Flying glass spells trouble. Start looking now where you will go. Watch for the signs, you will have time to go to your designated place of shelter. But to wait to look for the appropriate place of shelter at that time will be futile. You must do so now as an act of faith. And in that day, if anyone tells you, "Come with us! There is
a strong building over there". Don't go with them! Do not try and help anyone either or you will be confused and forget your hiding place.

I believe it will be as in the Parable of the 10 Virgins.
Let us pray earnestly to our God for the shed blood of the thousands of Iraqi people. Perhaps He will turn away His anger and leave us a blessing instead.

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The Ten Vergins are not the Church they represent the Virgin daughters of Zion. The Jews were to keep their lamps lit to show the every lasting covenant not the Church. It will be the Virgin daughters of ZION that go forth IN THE DAY OF DARKNESS to meet their Lord with their LAMPS Lit! When jesus returns he will be returning from the wedding Luke 12, so then these are not Christians at all! The oil in this parable is not the Holy Spirit. In acts when Simon tried to buy the Holy Spirit he was told it was a SIN to even THINK such a thing. So, no one is going to be able to say that Jesus in a parable is implying that these unwise Virgins can go buy the Holy Spirit. This can not happen and it contridicts all scripture to say that you can buy the Holy Spirit.

This is actually a closer to literal picture of the believing and non believing Jews who will go forth IN THAT DAY. But remember he is returning from the Wedding Luke 12. So, the Church is no longer on earth but returning with Jesus!
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Jesus does show in this parable that it is the content and character of a man's heart that is important to God. But to say that there will be those who will go to heaven without Christ as their Savior is a misunderstanding of this parable. Jesus is showing that no matter what amount of religion a person seems to have, as in the case of the priest who passed the beggers by, that a person will not be saved by religious acts but will be judged by our heart and the actions that ultimately come forth from it. Jesus is very clear (if one really does believe in the authenticity of scripture) in John 14:6 - "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, noone comes to the Father except through Me" Either believe Christ or don't, but do not twist His words to make any unacceptable religion ok in your own eyes.
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The main subject is about growing and bearing fruit. Other places in the bible talk about fruit of the Spirit. Other places talk about backsliders, who hear the word of God, live by it, but then start to sin again. Thats the soil (heart) that receives the word among thorns, other places Jesus talks about thorns being the fruit of evil on trees. The 2nd soil is the person who goes through persercution, Jesus said we will all be persecuted 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.", those people are beat up or sent away from everyone and hate them, they can't handle it, so they turn from the faith, and become unfruitful. May grace be with you.
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Are these parables really about money? Or are they about the gifts that we are given? The bible says as believers we are given gifts to do Gods work.
Verse 15 of Matthew 25 says one person recieved five talents, one two talents and one one talent, to every man according to his several abilities. If these are gifts such as evangelizing, witnessing, careing for the sick or those imprisoned, etc. then we are not all given the same gifts. One person may have many gifts, others fewer gifts, and some may only have one gift, but we are expected to show an increase in believers when our Lord returns. We are to bring others into the flock. To do the Lords work.
Those who used their gifts as they were instructed were praised by the Lord and promised more gifts because they had been faithful with the few things they were initially given. And yet those who were given a single gift and small amount of responsibility and did not act on their instructions had their gift taken away and were cast into darkness in utter dispair and shamed as an unprofitable servant.
The bible says we are called to be servants. When I envision a mansion in biblical times I see many servants, from the highly visible and well-dressed doorman and personal butler to the lowest person cleaning the toilets (or their equivalent in those times) and those performing all the jobs in between. The work of the Lord is the same, someone has to do the dirty jobs and praise God He gives certain people the abilities, the character and compassion to do a certain job. When He choses someone He gives them everything they need to do His work. BUT, they must step foreward grasp the hanldes of the plow, undertake their work and never look back. They must keep their eyes on the prize, Jesus Christ.
In His service, Daniel.

















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I believe that the rich fool is meaning that anyone who is blessed with goods that he/she needs to thank God and his workings that he made before we just think we can sit back and be lazy. I also believe that this passage means that sometimes we take things that we have for granted and we always expect these things but we never kno when we will lose these things and/or waste these things.
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This is not the complete story about the two sons.
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Was Dr.Scofield ever associated with and/or involved in "Freemasonary"?
I trust I will honoured with your kind reply.
Yours in Christ.
George Ramdial
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Bob:
Was Dr.Scofield a Freemason at any time?
Your answer will be greatly appreciated.
George
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WE AS CHRISTIAN'S NEED TO WELCOME SINNER'S!! OUR TESTIMONY COULD EITHER PLANT THE SEED FOR THEM OR BRING THEM INTO GOD'S PRESENCE AND THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
IT IS HARD SOMETIMES AS A CHRISTIAN TO IDENITIFY WITH SINNERS BECAUSE WE HAVE JESUS LIVING WITHIN US TEACHING US THE RIGHT WAYS. JUST REMEMBER THAT EVEN AS A CHRISTIAN YOU ARE STILL A SINNER BUT WITH BENEFIT & ETERNAL LIFE.
APPLICATION TO MY LIFE:
IDENITIFY THAT DESPITE A SINNER'S TROUBLES & ATTITUDE THEY TO ARE JUST AS ELIGIBLE FOR HEAVEN AS I WAS. IT WASN'T UNTIL JESUS CAME TO LIVE IN ME DID I CHANGE MY WAYS.
GO AFTER SINNER'S TEACH THEM, GUIDE THEM, & LOVE THEM. SHOW THEM JESUS IN YOU.
THANK YOU FOR READING! I HELP IT CAN BE A HELP AND A BLESSING AS IT HAS BEEN TO ME.
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Just a Question:

Is there a case that can be made for the elder brother who stayed home?

Not a lot of sermons on him.

Thanks.
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Keep it up! The more you talk, the more your expose your evil heart! The only one Who can bring Judgment upon me, is The Living God!
When you think you can place your Judgment on me for speaking Truths to you, Be Careful what you say, that His Judgment doesn't fall upon your own head!
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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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what is the significance of the two silver coins when the good samaritan gives them to the man in the inn?
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After reading all the comments on the Filling of the spirit I find this one to be right on the money. I was going to post a writing of my own, but after reading this I decided to commend this writing. God bless and an excellent job Robert.
Pastor Rick.
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THis could mean many different things because i had to tak a test on parables and i got this one wrong. We had to match the parable with a real life situation!~!~
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