My first thing is that a servant is a christian and a beleiver.

Strong's Number: 1401 servant Transliterated: doulos Phonetic: doo'-los

Text: from 1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): --bond(-man), servant.

Strong's Number: 4190 evil Transliterated: poneros Phonetic: pon-ay-ros'

Text: from a derivative of 4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from 2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from 4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (but) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners: - -bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness). See also 4191.

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James J suggests this parable has "the master" (God) asking for immoral earnings from his servants. Even the suggestion to put the money in the bank and get interest would have been against the Torah law against usury.

The more you think about this parable as it would have sounded to the people of the time, the more strange it seems.

I think the chances of us getting at what Jesus actually mean, if he ever said it, are slim.

Still, like many parables it can be made to fit in with what ever current thinking is, and thereby demonstrate that that current thinking is based on "Biblical principles". Or am I being cynical?
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Please senda picture of a Musard Tree
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In fact, the father did "reinstate" the son to his former place - that is the significance of the giving of the ring and the sandals. Servants did not wear sandals, and would certainly not have been given rings. These gestures indicated the father's full acceptance of the son "back into the fold".
You are probably right that the son came home out of desperation... sometimes, that's what it takes to effect a turnabout in one's life.
Each son had something to learn... the father's love extended beyond what either considered fair or "expected".
As far as each "righteous" person is concerned, when it comes to God, there is good news and bad news.
The bad news is - we don't get what we deserve.
The good news is - we don't get what we deserve.

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

It is this way in life. God rejoices when sinners return to the fold, but the greater gifts go to those who never strayed in the first place.
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Jesus gives the example of the Good Samaritan for us to pattern ourselves after when it comes to loving our neighbor and other points of living.Anyone can be a Good Samaritan if Jesus is in your Heart and you are operating from the Love that he gives you.Help others . Not just the ones that you know , but be ready to share his love and Charity with all.
God Bless You,
chris
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The parable of the marrige festivities in[ Matt.22:2-14] covers the whole panorama of that seen in the New Testament, from Matthew chapter one through the first half of Revelation chapter nineteen. This parable covers God's complete dealing, throughout the New Testament,with both Israel and the Church in relation to the Kingdom of the heavens; and it extends up to and includes the marriage festivities in [Rev.19:7-9], preceding the Messianic Era. The kingdom of the heavens{ with a view to the wedding festivities, seen in the parable} was extended to Israel through the gospel accounts, Israel rejected the offer, and the kingdom was taken from Israel[Matt.21:33-43]. Then, another entity[ the Church] was called into existance to be the recipient of that which Israel had rejected[Acts.2:1ff;cfMatt.16:16-19]. But, as in the parable, there was a reoffer of the kingdom to Israel, something seen throughout the book of Acts. The one now in possession of the kingdom[the infant Church] reoffered it to Israel beginning in Acts chapter two. However, as in the parable, rejection again occurred; and the servants extended the offer were mistreated, and even killed [Acts4:17-21; 5:40,41;7;54-60]. and , because of this, the same thing again occurred as seen in the parable. Between 66 and 70 A.D.,Titus and his Roman legions were allowed by the Lord to come against the Israelities in Jerusalem after a manner which resulted in both the destruction of the people and the buring of there city. The call was then extended only to those seen in the parable as other than the jewish people, those out in "the highways" {The epistles-all of them- center around the offer of the kingdom of the heavens to Christains during the present time}. And, as in the parable, the end of the matter will witness some Christians prepared to attend these festivities and others unprepared to attend. Proper or improper preparation is given in both Matt.22:10-12; Rev.19:7,8. It has to do with possession or nonpossession of a wedding garment. Those propertly dressed will be allowed to participate in the festivities, looking forward to that which lies ahead-- the Son's coming reign over the earth, with his consort queen. But those improperly dressed will be denied entrance into these festivities and left in the darkness outside,with nothing to look forward to during the Son,s coming reign, for they will occupy no place in his kingdom. They will occupy no place among those forming the Son's wife, His consort queen.
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I heard a preacher preach on the mustard tree.
Sheep can lie under it and be healed of fleas and ticks from the sap that runs free.
The tree has white blooms with a gold center.
The goats hate this tree.
The only flower that will bloom under the tree is the sweet rose of Sharon. when it blooms the white flowers on the tree turns crimson red.
Also the tree is battered and beaten in the winter time, the leaves fall off and in three days it will bloom agasin.
This was the pretiest story i've ever heard and want to know if there is some way I an get a copy os the tree. and the story, or legend of the mustard tree.
It is over twenty feet tall and huge around.
Thanks for your time, and may God bless you.
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Actually augusta, the idea of the Trinity originated in Genesis Chapter One and reaffirmed in John Chapter One. The Trinity is threaded throughout the entirity of Scipture. Remember, the Trinity does NOT represent three gods.
God is ONE. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Just as you are one: mind, soul and spirit. Just because you have three parts does not mean you are three different entities. Consider the egg. It has shell, white, and yolk; yet is one egg. I like to think of the Trinity exampled this way. The sun:
That large ball of fire 93 milliion miles away representative of the Father, the light which reaches us representative of the Son, and the heat which we feel representative of the Holy Spirit. Three definitive parts yet:::::: ONE SUN!
It is an interesting theory that the trinity idea started about 345 AD, but the Bible was written well before that date!!!!!
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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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HI..WANT A COPY OF THE SERMON FOR THE GOOD SHEPPERD


THANK YOU....SO MUCH

SINCERELY YOURS,

RAUL GAWEC
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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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Hey, Rae........I feel a bit troubled by your post for several reasons. Not that I'm some kind of answer man or anything like that. I've been an 8th grade History teacher for 17 years now. I see all types of kids come and go year after year. Your son's behavor sounds totally unacceptable. I don't know his age, though. When someone gets caught in a lie, it breaks trust. Trust is something that has to be earned back (usually by a long period of honest behavior on his part). Have you ruled out the possibility of drug use experimentation? So many kids are just so secretive about that. Fill me in on more details about your son. I'm in the kid business.
And about you..........I don't understand what "living hard after God" means. It''s more like letting go of areas of our life that I believe God wants. Indulging yourself in sinful desires will surely have consequences beyond whatever you think they could possibly be. In your quiet time with the Lord, surrender your son to him. Trust that he's inn God's hands now. Treat him with a new freedom that whatever happens to him has been God allowed. And, you are now free to encourage and love him rather than being confrontational. Try this approach out........Lovve to you, Joh Ferguson
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You and other brothers and sisters in the Lord are the fulfilling of this parable.We are all to be as Jesus describes the Good Samaritan and other parables describing .Ready to help and serve others first.Put the Lord first and then the life and salvation of others after that.By puting the Lord first in our lives we will want to share the Lord to others as much as possible and be of service.Jesus lived to die for us.He came to serve and give himself for our eternal security with him and th Father.
God Bless you ,
chris
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I have found the role of the older brother in this story quite fascinating as well. Of the three parables told to the same groups at the same time this one alone addresses the issue at hand, in that he speaks directly to the pharisees and scribes about their attitude toward the "sinners" Jesus is investing time in.

I have to believe that this is significant in the understanding of the story. The proud, selfish desires of those who remain in the faith can overshadow the true and significant finding of the lost. I dont know how many times I have encountered people who say they desire to see the lost saved, but then when the lost come the house of worship the very same people who cried out for their souls wish the lost would have chosen another place to seek out God. We are all lost without Christ, for crying out loud!!!

Many times it does not makes sense to us how in our faithfulness we find the same grace as the one who has wondered off and then returned. It seems only fair to us that they should recieve a lesser gift or a smaller portion of grace. We only need to look as far as the closest mirror to find the one has "earned" less grace. That is the wonder of the gospel.

His grace is indeed sufficient for each one of us. Those who remain 'faithful' and those who do not.
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Can anyone help me? My teacher gave me an assignment, and i am not sure which perspective to take. Should the prodigal son be called the Parable of the Prodigal Father? Does the story describe a father that is prodigal with his property and at the end is prodigal with his love?
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The rich man will be cast into the lake of fire, and Lazarus is now in heaven!
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In Luke 21 Jesus says:

34 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.
35 For 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.

I think it’s safe to say that this pertains to the rapture of the church. Because how do the WORTHY get extracted from the world to stand before the son of man and yet the unworthy get left behind?

If that’s the case then I think it relates to the parable of the ten virgins because they too are allowed into a gathering while others are not let in. What was the determining factor? For some reason these women lamps failed.

Being that Jesus likens this parable unto the kingdom of God, wouldn’t we have to take into consideration “kingdom of God” elements found in Mark chapter four? Jesus said, “You don’t understand this parable? Then how will you understand all parables?” (Of the kingdom of God.)

Jesus spoke of the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things “ENTERING IN” choking the word of God within us. Doesn’t that sound like the “overcharged” heart in the above-mentioned scripture?

Now, choke what? It chokes faith that is within us by his word abiding in our hearts.

Notice how these ladies lamps dwindled and went out. Jesus taught that our faith is radiated from our hearts. He also that taught that our hearts radiate light as a result of the things that we have spoken (“hidden” in our hearts) in the prayer closet.

It’s very clear to me that these woman (the body of Christ) were living worldly lives, being consumed in the cares of this world, drunkenness and surfeiting (excessive overeating). Subsequently it had a dampening affect on the keenness of their spiritual eyesight. Their eyes (spiritual eyes-the heart) were closing and their ability to be “watchful” was slipping away. All because they didn’t maintain the brilliant glow of this inner lamp. Which is our faith-our inner light.

What’s the solution? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Hebrews four says, “We which have believed do enter into rest”. Be master of your own domain in the prayer closet. But leave it there. Don’t attempt to manifest it in the light because that’s God’ job. He’ll reward us openly. But above all else, BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING, don’t let that stuff into your heart; it will dim your EYES, CANDLE, LAMP, FAITH. Do you get it?

HE THAT HATH EARS TO HEAR LET HIM HEAR.

Watch the peace process between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Many feel that the signing of a peace agreement commences the seven-year tribulation period of time spoken of by Daniel. Could this be the “revealing” (of the man of sin, the Anti-Christ) that the book of Thessalonians hints that the rapture occurs before? God only knows. But be watchful.

Have a good one!



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Well done... The thought is not necessary how hard or how long one works, but how faithfull one is in carrying out the task which the Lord has delivered into his hands during the time allotted [cf Matt.20:1-16]. Through comparing the parable of the talents with the parable of the pounds, faithfullness among Christians to do do the task at hand is not always the same. It would seem apparent that there could be increases of less than or more than one hundred percent, allowing a two- talent Christian to realise an increase above that of a five- talent Christain, or vise versa. The number of talents is not really the issue. Faithfulness to the task at hand is that which God looks upon.

Blessings, rewards, and crowns are for those exercising faithfulness in the proper use of the talents/ pounds entrusted to them. A commendation of " Well done..." from the Lord awaites Cristains exhibiting faithfulness after this fashion. But, a task "well done is just that -- one well done. By following his commandments and overcoming the World, and the Flesh, and the Devil, thus the tasks at hand.
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I WAS TOLD THAT A MUSTARD PLANT IS ONE OF THE FEW PLANTS THAT WON'T CROSS POLLENATE WITH ANYTHING ELSE. IT THAT TRUE?
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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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I would like a copy of the good shepard sermon

Thank You
sharan Jones
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Thank you for replying:My whole reason for writing the way I did was in case someone read it who does not know the word of God.Why refer to things some do not understand.Jesus used parables for a reason,b/c he knew everyone does'nt understand the word.(John 4:13)''Everyone who drinks this water will be thristy again,but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thrist.Indeed,the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'' This scripture speaks for its self.People cannot know God,Jesus Christ,nor The Holy Spirit through you.Yes we can wittness to others of God and His greatness,but that would only quench their thrist.People must get to know God for themselves,we are to witness to them yes,but they'll be judged alone.(Jerimiah 17:5)''Cursed is the one who trust in man,who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.'' People must trust God and know Him,not just read scripture;but have a intimate relationship with God.(Psalms 1:3)He is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yeilds its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.Whatever he does prospers.The only way to obey this scripture is to be planted in a word church first.Futhermore,knowledge is good but wisdom is knowledge acted upon.Wisdom is very good ,but w/o the love of God both of these are void.I understand exacly where you are coming from and everything you said made sense,so this will be my last reply;B/C I don't intend on arguing the word w/ anyone.Perceptions are always different even when it comes to the word of God. So I pray that you be led by the Spirit of God. Love you with the love of the Lord!!!
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Not completely do I hold your inpression of my tenets. I agree with Point #1 that Jesus expects us to make friends of rich people, with the qualifier that some people in each congregation and not actually every believer will do so. In point #2, I say that some of the rich people, not all, will take care of us in failure. I agree with points #3 and 4 completely. I differ with Point #5 because most Christians are actually silent on Luke 16; they are not leading Christians astray unless they teach, and even if they teach it wrong, God expects us to hearken unto His Word and not turn him a deaf ear. I agree with Point #6 just to the extent of the teaching. I differ with Point #7 in that heretical sects such as the Mormons may do these things.

I disagree with your belief that it is of the devil to confuse and confound because God confused the language of the builders of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9). Futhermore, I actually reinterpret what I have read in response to the Greek texts, and I abandon preconceived notions in English in light of the Greek.

Yours in Christ,

+++Kevin D. Rosenberg
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My take is first thing I have read the tree by the rivers take and I must say I disagree. Jesus never has need for anything. He is the almighty, omnipowerful God. He wants something he has it.
Anyway, My take is that Jesus had come to the barren fig tree and used it to symbolize the man. The man as a christian had not beared fruit for three years and I think God is trying to tell us that if our christian tree doesn't bear fruit then it is more useful to be cut down. As christians we have a spiritual fig tree and It is our job to make it bear fruit. And that comes through studying the Bible,praying, and believing and working for the Lord. If we do not do these things and our tree's do not bear fruit than we are useless as christians. That's my take. Love ya Jim
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Often times when we stray away from the Body of Christ, we feel as if we can't return. We are often embarrassed and ashamed of our actions. Sometimes we feel as if God has somehow revealed to everyone the dirt that we have done. In similarity to the Prodigal Son for a while he rather stepped down from returning to his father because of the wrong he had done. He had went out and had a worldly time with his share of the wealth. He felt bad about his actions,but he knew his father, he didn't know what to expect but he knew his father. Just the same as we know the "FATHER", if you are saved, and you have fallen short, you still know God and can identify with his fogiving and loving spirit. You may not know the consequence, but you know that through the blood of Jesus, you are saved and forgiven if you go to our Lord with divine, and sincere repentance. All you have to do is call on the Father and we will restore you to your rightful place, just as the Prodigal Son was restored to his.
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Tare's love liberal idea's, and organizations of destruction....they "tare" things apart. Also, are found in the 4 agencies, Polictic, Econmics, Education, Religion.....that reglious teaching that is destructive and compromising....."falls short"....they twist the scripture to meet their agendas.....They appear very sweet....yet their teeth are sharp.
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I was also wondering what became of Barabas after his release. I had always thought of him as a murderer, but "sedition" appears to indicate that he was a revolutionary..... and I wonder about his crimes also.
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This short parable contains a significant and salutary warning to us all not to lose sight of God in a world of rampant materialism. For our purposes, the parable can be seen in two contexts: the context in which it was first applied, and the context in which we find ourselves today.

The first context is the Graeco-Roman world in which both the historical Jesus and the Gospel writers existed. It was a world in which the major power of the age (Rome) dominated the region. Palestine was subject to Roman rule, and subject too to the trade and economic practices which had brought great wealth to a very few, and deep poverty and suffering to a great many. Given the Roman control of the economic and fiscal life of the region, it became the goal of some individuals who aspired to wealth, to work within that political and economic system, to achieve this. But, as is so often the case, this form of materialism could so easily become a self-destructive process, in which the rights and dignity of the poor was trampled upon, and the pursuit of gain became the only goal.

These individuals propped up the totalitarian Roman political system by failing to recognise the basic human dignity of their fellow human beings, and recognising instead only the need for more and more individualist material gain. And in doing this, God became forgotten. Love of God became replaced by love of individual gain and materialism.

Now this materialism could take many forms. In the parable, the easiest form to understand is employed - a wealthy man stores up more wealth, hoarding from his successful produce a great store of goods and materials with which he sought to enrich himself. But he loses sight of the point of life in this pursuit of gain. He thinks only of himself. He does not of share his good fortune with the poor and the downtrodden. Above all, he refuses to think of the only individual relationship that matters ultimately. He forgets about God. So when he faces a sudden, unprepared death (which is implied by verse 20), the emptiness of his relationship with God is revealed in all its bleakness.

And the context for today? It is interesting that this parable seems to have attracted the fewest comments so far. Is this because we are uncomfortable to condemn materialism as much as we were prepared (rightly) to condemn the Communism of the previous decades? I think so. I think the Western world especially is guilty of an individualist materialism which sees the pursuit of individual gain and wealth as the only "worthwhile" thing to do, and which deliberately forgets God.

Today's materialism takes many forms - financial, sexual, political, and emotional, to name a few. What this parable teaches us is that we should think about sharing our wealth and striving for a common good, and, above all, to remember God, who is the source of all goodness, and who will call us to account at a time not of our own choosing. Have we lived in a way that puts God first, or have we ignored that relationship, choosing our own individual materialism instead?

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At our home group tonight wed 16th July there was a suggested tie between the 2 fig tree accounts the one where Jesus looks for fruit and the husbandman says that he would till about it for another year that it might bring forth fruit. and the other account where Jesus finds the fig tree without fruit. This was suggested that prehaps it showed that the farmer was not merciful to the poor in not leaving figs on his tree for the poor. or prehaps like a picture of Israel were fruitless as a nation in leading others to the living God whom they had a mandate to share the truth of the merciful and just God whom men will have to do with at the end time. they obviously did not think the way Paul the apostle thought after his conversion shown to us in his letter to the Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek".
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Like the other parables of Jesus, this one is about fruit-bearing, and the un-fruitful are thrown into hell. Those who hear the TRUE word of God, they are cleansed by it by doing it. Christ abides in the TRUE hearers and doers. Luke 6:47 - Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them..." John 8:47 - He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 1 Corinthians 4:15 - For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." The branch cannot bear fruit by itself. 1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" Philippians 3:9 - And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" 3 John 1:11 - Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." Who can do good, but the true ones on the vine? Even TRUE faith is not from flesh and blood, but from God. John 3:27 - John answered and said, A man can receive NOTHING, except it be given him from heaven." 1 Corinthians 12:9 - To another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;" Not one man can TRULY say that Jesus Christ is the son of God nor can any man truly tell people,(so-called preachers, ministers, or pastors) Matthew 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Also, to put an end to false teachers that say if you believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and saviour, you'll be saved, NO MAN can come to Jesus unless God Himself decides that he would. Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." But then, those people heared the TRUE word of God, and the words of JESUS CHRIST, John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 - Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." Then again, same gospel, 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.(God revealed it to them, and had faith in him, that faith is not from their own heart, but from God) 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve(God approved those 12, not the other disciples, because if He did give it to them to come to Jesus, they would of stayed, like the true disciples), and one of you is a devil?" Now all you people that read this, the false christians will not believe this, but the true christians will. John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." These sayings are in the bible, those who just ignored them in the bible will ignore my words(no, not truly mine) also. Those who believe these things, or knew them already, please, please contact me, at dallascourchene @ hotmail.com (NOTE: there are no spaces in the address.) Also to the so-called born-again christians, what did God call you to do? Live a normal life? I don't think so. People who are truly called are CALLED to do something for the LORD, not just worship Him and those who are called, know what they have to do by a certain wonder, or phenomemon. Acts 16:10 - And after he had seen the VISION, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had CALLED us for to preach the gospel unto them." Romans 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, CALLED to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 1 Corinthians 7:20 - Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." Ephesians 4:1 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called," We MUST be also worthy of this calling. 2 Timothy 1:9 - Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," 1 Peter 2:21 - For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" 1 Peter 5:10 - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you PERFECT, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 2 Peter 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" And yes, we can be perfect like Jesus. Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." 2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." Philippians 2:6 - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:" John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 1 John 2:13 - I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father." 1 John 3:9 - Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." Revelation 3:21 - To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." We are called to be made into the image of Christ, who is the image of God. Jesus said so himself, the called can and will be like him. Matthew 10:25 - It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord..."
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I have heard in the natural a mustard seed does not turn into a tree, it is an herb only. Is this true and where can you find info on a mustard seed tree?
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Dear Kevin, Count it all joy, when we suffer for the Lord's Sake. God also says, revenge not yourselves, for God will Revenge! We are living in evil days, many profess His Name, but their hearts are far from Him. This battle belongs to God, but He also said, have not fellowship with the works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Onething you said that has me concerned, your judgment of 50 million dollars, in which you said, caused you to sin habitually.
Now ask yourself, has anyone suffered from the hands of man, more then our Lord?
Where would you and I be, had He required such a Judgment for you and for me?
Test the spirit, if it has caused you to sin habitually, then know, it is not of God!
Wait on the Lord, Knowing, He is true to His Word. Vengeanace is Mine saith The Lord!
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I am looking for information that is at once Biblical and biological and reconciling the seed and the tree or large shrub.
Thank you.
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All we have to do to recognize the leaders of the Church Growth Movement each as a "Rich Fool" of Luke 12 : 16 - 21 is to conceive of the harvest of fruits as a harvest of followers. Most church expansion projects never had the approval of God. They result in stringent budgets and stinginess.

Our Lord and Saviour never will forgive the stingy, domineering practices of the Church Growth Movement leaders toward His needy folk, who were commanded by Him to keep on asking, seeking, and knocking (Matt. 7 : 7 ). The Judgement of the Good and Evil Servantis in Charge is coming right up! (Matt. 24 : 45 - 51 ) Should these judgements occur on this earth, the evil servants will be most thoroughly chastened with amputations, assignments of their portions with the hypocrites, rejections of pleadings with weeping and gnashing of teeth, and floggings according to their former knowledge of their moral wrong before Christ, and only if afterwards they repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour for real.

Jesus Christ will demand their lives, whether in heaven after the Rapture after complete world evangelism this very winter or on earth to prod His people to get it done for His Name's sake (Matt. 24 : 14 , 34 ). If as I expect it happens here, the evil servants in charge of their fellowservants, now known by honorable titles, will lose their livelihoods, their wealth, their good names, and flesh off their own bodies to their Judgements (Matt. 24 : 45 - 51 ). There is no need to murder the evil servants to make them likened unto the Rich Fool. What good is a large church or an ample bank account in time of need of physical restoration of amputated and destroyed arms or genitalia? Yes, many pastors and ministers and most psychiatrists shall live on earth with such mutilations unless world evangelism be complete by next Passover because I have made these requests in prayer with faith and another brother in Christ and thanked God for this vengeance in place of the deliverance I needed.

You see, I have been atrociously harmed by the church expansion project of Twin City Bible Church in Urbana IL in progress in 1993 under pastors who ducked the heat from the next pastor of Newchurch for turning me away in need, but turned me over to needless, hostile psychiatry through his lies of more blatant need than the truth. Only after Psychiatry wracked my body and wreaked the havoc to shipwreck my career path did I quit TCBC with a statement in pubic, "YOUR church isn't loving." I have requested fifty million dollars in writing from later churches in my walk with God and told them to complain to TCBC to beg for the money if the local congregation could not afford it. The evil servant at TCBC cajoled each that I liked him and convinced them to try to keep me and conform me to contentment. It was hard to learn to quit each. Since then, in 2001, in order to protect their wealth and flesh from my demands in the name of Jesus Christ, TCBC resorted to worldly lawyers to protect their wealth, names, and flesh. Judging from the Word of Jesus Christ as I have taught it in my postings on the Parables of the Ten Virgins, Pounds and Talents, and the Unjust Steward, the defenses of all churches such as TCBC will soon fall to the judgements prophesied by our Lord Jesus.

The needy people persecuted as mentally ill who were referred to psychiatry, sinful and worldly as it was, never will allagree together to forgive the evil servants in charge of churches to avoid. These mentally ill Christians good as sentenced to psychiatris maltreatment include many martyrs like me, called by Jesus Christ (Matt. 7 : 7 ) to keep on asking for gifts, to keep on seeking to find, and to keep on knocking expecting the door to be swung open, and to continue to press our luck when we failed to understand the trouble we were in with the pastors. If we "mentally ill believers" were spoiled rotten brats converted as adults to Christ, Jesus knew, and if we were wrong to persist for fear of reprisals (Matt. 7 : 6 ), upon our repentance Jesus wishes to avenge us upon the evil servants because He will not turn back time and will not intervene miraculously to heal us and set our lives straight. His will is that His people minister unto our needs, yet for us with severe grievances against evil servants in charge, we are called to keep our complaints out of the ears of the evil servants in charge as best we can.

It is such martyrs as I whose forgiveness every currently evil servant in charge needs to earn in deed and in truth, rather than by domination, in order to escape the finding of evil culpability as servant in charge and the judgement of loss of life, say vitality, of the rich fool (Matt. 24 : 45 - 51, Luke 12 : 20 ). These martyrs consist mostly of people who will never again return to the church of the evil servant for worship, not of the supporters whose presences enrich the church under an evil servant. If you happen to be such an evil servant in charge now, you have to make complete amends to every such individual still alive at your Judgement to be found good. It is too late for Bill Meier, evil senior pastor of Twin City Bible Church, who repeatedly refused to beg for tens of millions of dollars in amends and falsely claimed my admiration only to get judged through my telephone call in 2001. He shall suffer and endure his Judgement as an evil servant, and his expensive home church will not avail him. What a perfect example of the Rich Fool!

In order to get the boards and committees who hire and fire staff to wake up and take control as masters of their servants in charge under Matt. 24 : 45 - 51, I need to teach them, and they need newly resurgent faith to entrust the master with all his goods and sweeping authority to execute Jesus Christ's utterly corporal sentences. God is omnipotent and can bring this about. When the mentally ill who nowadays never return for worship find sympathy from the boards, many martyrs may ask that the entire congregation sell everything they own and donate the proceeds. My actual request in May 2001 of TCBC was that the entire congregation, one by one, either (1) if unbelieving, swear that Jesus Christ never had any power whatsoever to save souls or (2) if believing, sell everything they own and give me the proceeds and ask another nearby church to sends them out to Turkey to spread the Gospel and yet another amputation from the Meier family for each member or attender who does neither. In order to obey Jesus Christ, now extremely scarce sympathy toward such crazy-sounding requests will be required of the boards who hire and fire pastors or ministers.

The wealth of the evil servants in charge (Matt. 24 : 45 - 51 ) and their supporters, the rich fools (Luke 12 : 16 - 20 ), and of their expansive churches, is stored up for "who"-soever dare keep on asking when it becomes tolerated, such as the most determined mentally ill in Christ (Luke 12: 21 ). The needs and requests of the martyrs such as I are to be squared off against the faith of the churches. Boards and committees which run churches claiming faith in Christ cannot continue to turn the needy away and proclaim faith in Christ indefinitely. Time is long in coming and has almost come for the judgement to befall the Church Growth Movement!

Yours in Christ,

+++ Kevin Douglas Rosenberg
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i need to know a modern day example of thee good sameritain. if you can help me that would bu great
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In both parables of the talents and the parable of the pounds, unfaithfulness on the part of the Lords servants and the end result of unfaithfulness are shown in the latter part of each parable. Such unfaithfulness resulted in rebuke and loss in each instance; and also in each instance, the unfaithful servant was not associated in any manner whatsoever with positions of power and authority in the kingdom.

Those who refuse to use the initial investment will not only remain profitless but they will , as a consequence, suffer "Loss" {cf Matt.25:15, 18, 19, 24-30; Luke 19:15, 20-26}. They will experience the loss of their souls {cf.Matt. 16:24-27 }.

Consequenly, that which is involved in James 2:14, as explained in subsequent verses, is simply faithfulness to one's calling [ resulting in works ], or unfaithfulness to one's calling [ resulting in no works or valueless works not assocated with faith]. Works of this nature referred to in this verse emenate out of faith and bring faith to its proper goal, which is the salvation of one's soul [ James2:22; 1 Peter 1:9]. Apart from such a manifestation of faith, giving rise to works, there can be no profit; nor can the inherently connected salvation follow [ the savation of the soul]. We must obey the Lords commandments overcome the world,the flesh,and Satan. Works are believing what the Lord has said in his word ...
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Kevin,

You made some heavy references to Luke 16:1-13. Considering how important it seems to you, how could you have overlooked Luke 16:13? "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."

Be wary in your pursuit of money.
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I added them several days ago. Please email if anybody finds anymore pictures. Also anybody email if something is (C), I am running 4 websites and don't have the time to check everything. I really need some moderators and other help on the websites.

Thanks
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Dear Sir: May I have a copy of your good shepherd sermon? I am not a pastor, just ibterest you sermon. also I am a forener student in OU.
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Better late than never to understand that his work to empower those bidden to supper was done. He wasted no time at all but extended what was intended for them to any within his reach. So it began again, to embolden others to forge ahead and gain their relationship to god. I see it as a positive outcome. The strength of the parable was in the nature of the giver to give, not the receiver to receive.
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The father loved both sons equally. He celebrated the return of his lost son because he was found, not because he loved him more or less than the other (older) son. The older son was reminded by the father that all he has was his and that he should not be upset by the celebration for his younger brother but to rejoice with the father over the return of the younger son (brother). The father is still trying to teach us about the very basic meaning of love. Love is a choice and God's Love is enduring!
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I am doing a report on the Prodigal Son for my Christian Ethics class and we have to answer some questions and i can't seem to find nething that i can use. Can someone help me?
Here are the questions:

A) What is the setting of the Parable?
B) What everyday event or happening is this parable modelled around?
C) List and explain all the symbols in this parable.
D) In what way does this parable relate to the Kingdom of God?
-describe God's Kingdom?
-tell how we should live if we are to build God's Kingdom?
-tell of the future coming of God's Kingdom?
-describe God?
E) What does this parable tell us about the Reign or Kingdom of God?
D) What does this parable teach us today?

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

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I am currently doing a paper, for school, on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I do not have much background in Christianity. I am to write a Modernized version of this parable and would greatly appriciate any advice or suggestion that you have.
Thank-You
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The lost sheep of any religious sect should be considered the most sought after of all-even above the often sought after new converts. I feel many Shepherds avoid the pessimistic response of the lost sheep- fearing rejections and the all familiar comments that reminds them (and us) of valid offenses they have received among the house of friends-the church. An all too familiar status the lost sheep falls prey to is the offenses of their fellow worshippers. Thus it is the obligation of the whole 'body' not to slander, belittle or speak meaningless words or works that open the gates of our Lord's pasture-sending the precious sheep to the dangerous pastures of the world. After all, are we sure that the fence that divides the Christian from the lost ones has found us on the inside or are we on the outside of the grace of God also?
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Neither would mine! Why? Because God has the control of our hearts, giving us His Love for the lost, that no flesh shall die from lack of knowledge. whereby we don't look for earthy things!
Our only desire is to see a sinner turn to Our Lord, that they might be saved!

If Kevin, or anybody else, is looking for reward, instead of leading the lost to Christ, maybe they should try something besides the Ministry!
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" Three " is the number of Divine perfection. This number shows Divine perfection within that which is in view. "Three measures of Meal"- three measures of ground grain, used to make bread- are in view. The reference is to the Word of God [Matt.4:4;cf.Isa.55:1,2],though not the word in general sense. Rather , the reference, contextually, is to the word in a specific sence, a specific part of the word, a specific teaching in the word.
The subject at hand has to do with the WORD OF THE KINGDOM. It has to do with how the message surrounding the coming kingdom of Christ would begin to be proclaimed in Christendom and how this message would progressively change because of something [a foreign substance] placed within the message [Matt.13:19-24,31,33].
And ,again, it is that part of this Divinely perfect revelation having to do with the Word of the Kingdom which is in view. Satan simply began placing those proclaming a false message about the kingdom among those bearing fruit for the kingdom. The false message took root and began to spread, resulting in corruption and deterioration. Understanding the parable of the leaven is that simple. This parable has to do with a progressive, continuing deterioration. It has to do with the corruption agent placed within that part of God's Divinely perfect revelation referred to as " the word of the kingdom." And it has to do with this corruption agent working " till the whole [the message surrounding the coming kingdom of Christ]" has been leavened. Near the end when the Word of the kingdom has been completly corrupted, that which Jesus fortold in his parable will be fulfilled. In those days, at that time, the true message surrounding the coming kingdom of Christ will not be- it cannot be-heard throughout the Churches of the land.
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The non-Prodigal son was guilty of the sin that many of us fall subject to: Pride. He had clearly lived his life with an objective of pleasing his father (or others) so as to receive their acceptance and approval. When the praise and glory was given to another (who he concluded was less worthy) it was more than he could bear. We should live our lives with a mind to please only God. In doing so, we are guaranteed God's approval, and will never be disappointed as the brother was here. Moreover, in doing so, we are likely to please our fellow man anyway, as they experience the warmth that come from associating with a christ-like person.
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I am teaching childeren ages 4 to 6 years at campmeeting and I would like to show them a picture of a mustard "tree". Do you still have the one with the little boy standing in front of such a tree? Thank You very much
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