I think you are all missing the point. Why speculate when Jesus told us. Two of the parables are explained. should not all the others be understood in the same light?

1-leaven IS a bad thing in the Bible. I think you are missunderstanding the verse. Three measures of meals refers to fellowship. In the mid-east culture this is well understood. Leaven would never be included. It would be insulting and shocking. Jesus was Jewish, His disciples were Jewish. We have to understand this from a Jewish perspective. The leaven is hidden and corrupts the whole lot. This is a WARNING from the Lord.

2-No all the kingdom parables are not 'bad' so to speak. The treasure is not bad. The treasure is the remnant of the body of Christ. The field however, represents the world which IS bad. The man of course is the Lord who did give up everything to purchase the field. And yes it is a corrupt field, but He paid the full price in order to get the treasure.

3-All these parables must be kept in context. Remember - Jesus explained two of the parables, the rest can be understood from this. Use the Bible for context, not our assumptions or imaginations. Jesus explained the two then asked if He had to explain the others. The disciples said basicly, 'no need, we understand now."(Matt 13:51)

In Christ

Jeffrey


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I was struck that the father did not run after the son to bring him home. He let him go and I think that was another powerful part of this incredible story. You see so many parents in this day not allowing their adult children leave to make mistakes. For example, I can think of several families dealing with adult children involved in activities such as drug abuse and lack of drive to earn a living. In many of these families, parents enable their children because of fear of what would happen if the child was made to leave the family nest. I think the father may represent tough love - his son left and had to deal with the consequences of his actions. But when the son was as low as he could get - then he went home with the repentant spirit and the father forgave him. Now the son is back home and in the right spirit. I think we parents can learn alot about parenting from this parable. Am I reading something into this parable that really doesn't exist?
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The sandals represent that the prodigal son was taken back not as a servant or slave but as a son. That goes along with the ring. The servants and slaves did not wear sandals!
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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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There is nothing that says the older brother is loved less, the father says in the story that what is his is the older son's also, jus because he isn't rewarded like the younger son is doesn't mean anything negative. The older son should not be jealous or envious because his reward will come also. It's just that God's love is also there for those who have sinned and have recognized their sin and return to accept God's love by asking for forgiveness.
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You confuse rich believers with rich folk of this world. The Apostle James condemned favoritism in the "church" or assembly of believers. It is rich believers who were dragging their poor brethren into court, and it is the poor among believers (that is, Jewish) whom Jesus most commended.

Wealth is not condemned; it is rich people of this world who pretend to be Christians and call themselves our brethren and sisters who are condemned. Jesus sent the rich young man away with His enormous demand because He could not speak favorably to his illiteracy and materialism. The need to hide the written Word in his heart was too great fot the rich young man to endure. Our command from Jesus in this Parable of the Unjust Steward is to make (more) friends with rich folk of the unrighteous mammon, all without mention of trying to keep them.

Resort to the magic of a rich sorcerer was rebuked as sin because sorcery itself was sin in Israel and because counsel for Christians should come from other believers (Psalm 1). If the request had been for money instead of magic powers, no sign of sin would be present. Please accept our need for friendship with rich folk of this world. If you try to earn all the money for ministry, sooner or later God will let it be given away unless you sin by withholding it, and poverty should show the need for the favour of the rich.

+++Kevin D. Rosenberg


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Time and again, the Parables of Our Christ Jesus has taught us so many things. Loving unconditionally is one of the golden rule. As I have read the passage once again after several years, (maybe a year or two), it still somehow touched my life and made me realized that we should not be selfish with our time in helping other people especially those outside of our homes. Accidents happen unexpectedly, anytime, anywhere. But if we are willing to help without asking anything in return, (rewards or financial compensation, that is), we could make peoples burden easier to carry. In what way, you may ask? This, by giving comfort, moral support, and aid to the victim, err, by calling 911 or any similar emergency departments. That we must help people in need regardlesss of race, nationality and religion... that we must show compassion even when forced during emergency cases. Christian love is what the Lord wants us to learn and feel towards our neighbor...must be difficult, but, very rewarding, isnt it?
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The Prodigal Son is a parable of a wayward son reunited with his father and family after having squandered all his inheritance through wasteful and idolatrous living. Learn of God’s overwhelming and encompassing love for those who humbly repent of their foolish ways. The example of the father’s joy of the return of his repentant young son is contrasted against the trust and rewards kept for those who do not waste that which God entrusts to them.



A terrific way to teach a child this story of God's faithfulness. This is a very wonderful lesson for children's bible stories which can be found at http://www.nestfamily.com

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How do you mean we need to identify the return of Christ with such a message?
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I can only Trust Jesus, to control me, because, when I obey Him, and sin no more (Ephesians-3-16) He srengthens me with might against sin and disobedience against Holy God, by His Spirit in my inner person!
With today's teaching, God gave His Holy Son, to die on a Cross, they He might understand your continued sin, and disobedience against Holy God, is not of God, but of the very devil!
Men, making themselves, the head over their churches, has lead many souls to Hell, in their justified continued sin against Holy God!
When Jesus is the Head to Rule over us, we HEAR His Words. When sinners came unto Him, and were forgiven their past sins, He also warned them, sin no more less a worse thing come upon you, The Judgment of God!
(Hebrews-10-26) For if we wilfully sin after that we have received the Knowledge of the Truth (Christ) there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
(27) But a Certain fearful looking for of JUDGMENT and fiery indignation which shall Devour the adversaries!
Religion that teaches God gave His Son, that He might understand, or justify man's continued sin, is not of God.
(29) Of how much more sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the Blood of the Covenant, wherewith He was sanctified, (to cleanse us of sin) an unholy thing (justified continued sin) and has done DESPITE unt the Spirit of Grace! Having total denied the Power of His Spirit to conform sinful man like unto His Image!
Woe to all who have made the Holy Blood of Christ Jesus, and the Power of His Spirit, of no more power then of the blood of bulls and goats, that could no take away sin, because the blood of bulls and goats, could not change the evil conscience of man!
(Hebrews-10-2-6) God had no pleasure in blood that could not take away man's evil conscience then, nor does He now!! (Hebrews-10-7-22) Jesus came to do away with the old covenant, that could not take away sin, that He might Establish the New Covenant, that fallen man might be cleanse from all sin and disobedience against Holy God, from the inside-out, having His Laws written in our hearts and in our minds, giving us His Spirit that we can and we do, keep His Commandments, thereby we follow Christ, not after man doctrine!
God does not dwell in Building made with man's hands, (called church) for we are the Temple of God!
If one does not worship Him, obey Him, seven days a week, they need not waste their time, playing Church on Sunday!

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How come some user has reported that the Rich Fool with a few comments had received the fewest when this one had not received even a single comment? I urge you to read the comments to all parables given on the site through before typing any comparisons. We need to listen and read more and talk and type less but more wisely. Now, I discuss this parable for the first time.

Of all parables spoken by Jesus, this one is the most inadequate from a single gospel. Only four verses are given because Saint Mark was a man of action with the Sensing function dominant in the MBTI personality indicator; his gospel, the shortest, reads like the script for a movie and omits details in order to keep the interest of a Sensing reader with a typically short attention span. His natural readers are the quickest to doze off, leave or interrupt. As if to answer in court, Mark cared to testify concerning Jesus' deeds at the expense of His teachings. In order to understand what the quoted Jesus actually taught, we need to remember what Matthew and Luke reported about watching and waiting for a surprise return (Matt. 24 : 32 - 25 : 46 , Luke 21 : 29 ff ). It is those accounts which will empower us to watch for the return of Christ.

Saint Mark's way for us to watch is to see and do, to listen and learn from those versed in the other accounts. He leaves the thinking, feeling, and intuition to others: Matthew, Luke, and John. Faith in the Bible will not resist them; fortunately for us, however, Matthew and Luke mentioned all those details so that John had no need to fill them in. Three gospels thus suffice to teach us what watching and waiting means in practical terms.

From Mark we know that of all the servants, we disciple of Jesus, the Messiah, are likened unto porters, "thyro^roi" (door + see, watch) or butlers in Greek, with responisibilities to answer the door (or telephone) when people come knocking (or calling) to ask and to seek (Matt. 5 : 42 , 7 : 7 ). One Sunday morning about two months ago, a homeless neighbor of mine and her man kicked out by her grown daughter knocked on my door at 5 a.m. on a Sunday before morning when they could not stand the cold night outside any longer. The woman asked for three hours inside. Found sleeping and hastily clad in a robe I let them in, even though the man was not mentioned, even though they disobeyed my command to sleep on my floor and left leaves on my new couch, and even though they stayed four hours before I moved toward kicking them out and they took the hint. My own night's sleep was ruined, and I felt jetlagged. I had, however, used my living room to keep them warm and to get four hours of televangelists' presentations of the Word into their ears and perhaps sinking into their hearts. I have planted a seed.

I was found sleeping by homeless unbelievers. Don't let Jesus, however, knock at your doors to find you sleeping on the job, so to speak. Mark omits all the details for the precise timing of Jesus' return. Back then, nobody save God knew anything about time zones, and many believed the earth to be flat despite observations of ships sinking beyond the horizon. Anybody who might predict such a time for Jesus return as 6 a. m. (regardless of location) would be a liar to the vast majority of the world beyond his narrow time zone even if He should chance to come then unto him. For our times, however, St. Matthew reports that Jesus taught that He would return by surprise in a time of plenty when people were not looking for Him and while women were grinding grain and men were at work in the field. All I assume below is that Jesus Christ, because of His good, loving character rather than a knavish, tricky character, would never return to an inhabited time zone without the signs of field work and milling there with word that Americans were hard at work far away, nor would He return to the Russians without the sign in winter with word that Americans far away were eating fresh fruits and vegetables flown in.

In that case, we can know general periods throughout which to watch for Christ from Matthew 24 : 32 - 44. The first sign, the fig tree, represents modern Israel. The generation which Jesus has promised will not pass away until the Glorious Appearing ... was twenty years old when modern Israel was founded in 1948 (v. 34; reference to Ezek. 38). Thus, out of all centuries of history, Jesus' Second Coming is for our times. Verse 35 is a warning to every believer who despairs of world evangelism in time (v. 14) that Jesus will live up to His Word to make it happen and return in time to find live Jews of the mentioned generation. Hallelujah! In need of warning are all Christians who made or believed promises to evangelize the whole world by the year 2000 but now forget them or cover them up. Mark elaborates on verse 36 while The sign of Noah in vv. 37 - 39 tell us when in the year or economic cycle to watch for Jesus: in the boom times with fresh fruits and vegetables to eat and weddings taking place.

We would be foolish, therefore, not to watch in June of all coming years. The more we learn about life in more austere mission fields such as Siberian settlements, the fewer weeks will remain in the year in which we must watch for Jesus, at the expense of having God call us to give your wealth away to help their people because they will ask. Next comes the time of day in our respective time zones with more admonition to watch (vv. 40 - 42), which I understand as follows:

Before the Industrial Revolution with its continuous processes and electric lighting, people worldwide farmed and ground grain by day and partied or slept at night throughout the week. Whenever the sign of field work and milling existed throughout one hemisphere, it was absent in the other. Nowadays, however, farmers in the United States and South America are observed with their equipment in the fields making progress at night whether to hide drugs or to finish in good weather, and Cargill and other milling companies process grains continuously throughout the week. Such a practice invites Jesus Christ to return by night. This leaves no promise from Christ for Americans concerning the time of day, yet He will keep his promise to the underdeveloped nations of the Old World, where farming the fields and grinding grain are still done only by day. If you go to Africa or Asia, where many peoples have yet to hear a testimony of the Gospel, you can see the signs in the daytime, while those who remain in the United States might have to watch around the clock. I thoroughly expect that the Rapture will occur between midnight and 4 a.m. in Indianapolis because of Jesus' promises to the Old World. That's a wide swath of four hours in the inconvenient night because no one but the Father God knows the day or the hour (v. 36). Those of us who cannot watch require sending out as missionaries to the Old World. And now, let us examine verses 43 and 44: that people will be caught sleeping and live to regret it like a successful burglary. This sign, like that of Noah, shows us that people will not be naturally seeking Christ at that time and tells us when in the week we must watch in season at the right time of ***night*** (American times). Our Lord will not return during any American church's Sunday School or Sunday Morning Worship or Weekly Bible Study or Wednesday Worship or on the Jewish Sabbath. He will not return when many pastors are preparing their lectures without cause and desire to demonstrate the apostasy of all their teachings. Therefore, since most pastors take Mondays off after teaching on Sunday, in season we had better watch on so-called Sunday nights and Monday nights actually falling in the wee hours (in Indianapolis) on Monday and Tuesday, although Jesus could return to take us home later in the week before Sabbath preparations. With at least two nights in the week to watch, we do not know the day of the week for Jesus' return (v. 36).

I have discussed the next parts at length on the Ten Virgins page. Now that we know when to be best prepared to meet Jesus, I turn to Luke for guidance on how to watch. While Saint Luke parallels Matthew in Chapter 17, it is Chapter 21 which shows Jesus' warning against being left behind to face the Tribulation (Luke 21 : 34 - 36 ). From Jesus' mouth in verse 34, it is a heart laden with overeating and drinking or drunkenness and
worries of life which set many of us up for being left behind by Jesus. Just belonging to Jesus will not spare us the Tribulation. If you are continually worried, that is habitual sin (Matt. 6 : 24 ff ). The worried believer who cannot or dare not ask, seek or knock for relief (Matt. 7 : 7 ) and whose prayers fail to avail relief gets called by God to fast. Why, with the guilt of Israel, Moses fasted forty days! Our Lord did the same in order to stand His Temptation. Yes, genuine Christians can, and many probably will, be left behind to face the Tribulation for living it up despite their persistent worries and sleeping when Jesus takes the prepared believers home.

I have desired to preach Second Thessalonians at some graveyard on television during Indiana's wee hours in season on so-called Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights to warn American Christians that the Lord Jesus Christ expects us to watch, to wait up for Him, and to go abroad as evangelists if they cannot stay up, but my friend in Christ, Dallas Barr, has discouraged me for fear that I might appear to be there to rob graves. I lack formal theological credentials and declare my informal learning good enough with the time short. (Lord's Prayer)

Yours in Christ,

+++ Kevin D. Rosenberg

a martyr for continuing to ask, seek, and knock (Matt. 7 : 7 )









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HARVESTING

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

QUALITY ASSURANCE

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



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what are some verses that say we are to donate to time- talents to GOD. I am looking for thee ref texts for saying to someone. yes you donate money but GOD expects you do doante your time and your skills to his ministry
dave

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check out the herb and spices section of the grocery store to see the mustard seed. Fully grown? I don't know.
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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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PLEASE FORWARD PHOTO OF MUSTARD TREE . THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.
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Denny,

I really enjoy your musings. I tend to agree with you about most of what you say. I think that makes you a very wise person - in my estimation :)

Humility is not groveling in the dust, calling God a liar. The apostle Paul called that "false humility". True humility is when we agree that God's view and opinion is reality. True humility is when we agree with God who says we are righteous. We WERE sinners but not now.

The parable of the "unprofitable servant", (Luke 17) when taken out of context might, at first blush, seem to be telling us to work hard for God and not expect any words of thanks. But Jesus had just finished telling of the great power that is available to us if we would just believe it. "Lord, increase our faith", prayed the apostles.

If I'm commanding sycamine trees to be uprooted and planted in the sea, then such power might go to my head, don't you think? Jesus warned us to do these great works of God and keep in mind that He is the source of our power.

Far from trying to connect people with a sense of inadequacy, Jesus parable is a warning NOT to let all this power go to our heads. Jesus has all power in heaven and earth and if we are in Him, so do we. If Jesus can walk on water then so can I. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in me. If Jesus can heal the sick then so can I. If Jesus can raise the dead, so can I. "I can do all things", the apostle said, "through Christ which strengeneth me".

Do all things, small and great and remember always to give God the glory. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6) By acknowledging God in all that we do, He keeps us on the strait and narrow. That's a promise I can use.

And the scripture was fulfilled which said, "And Rob and Denny believed God and it was credited to them for righteousness."

God has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Rest in the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit.

Your brother,
Rob

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Gospels V. Letters the bible, as we know it today, was compiled by the Roman Catholic Church in the 11th and 12th century by religious counsels, this Latin bible was then translated to English by a counsel authorized by King James of England. Why are the Letters treated with the same amount of authority (law) as the Gospels? The Letters seem to be just that letters from one church leader to another about contemporary problems of the day with their specific churches in the fist century, the Gospels seem to hold the actual philosophy and religiosity of Christ, or how Christ wants us to act.
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jesus christ is the good shepard, he is the source of salvation, if you want to go to heaven you have to go through christ.
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I tore off my handgrips to encircle affectionate with the dildo.
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There is disagreement amongst commentators concerning the identity of the Ten Virgins. Most believe this parable points to Israel at the end of the tribulation anticipating the Messiah. Some believe it points to the church prior to the Rapture. Either way, the focus is on being prepared. The contrast is between the believer who is a possesser, and the unbeliever who is merely a professor. The oil pictures the Holy Spirit whom the true believer will have (Rom. 8:9). The symbol of the virgin pictures those without reproach, blameless. The foolish virgins are typical of those professing Christians whose outward life and conduct is unstained with iniquity (externalism). Their lamps are a symbol of their profession. They all slumbered and slept (pictures the indifference of this age). When the midnight cry is heard the foolish virgins cry, "Give us of your oil" (v.8), but this oil (salvation) cannot be borrowed; it must be bought of Him who alone can sell it (Rev. 3:18; Isa. 55:1). When the Bridegroom returns it is too late as the door is shut (entrance to the kingdom). The lesson for all of us here is that we must have a personal acquaintance (v.12) with the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a great difference between knowing about him and knowing him by having a personal born again experience of regeneration.
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I agree with u about the lack of teaching on elder brother.
I think the teaching mostly about him is with totaly and utterly disguest
I too can identify with elder brother. I think great point is that Jesus was addressing differnent groups, and they all need to know the father better

I am glad that the issue with elder brother was brought up. i feel a release in my heart and spirit that someone else feel like they are the
prodigal son's elder brother.

God is revealing to the Pharissee(church folks) the Elder Brother
The righteous folks, the "Good People" Who work and mission for
God, sing on the Choir, Leaders,Missionary, etc. That your righteous is as filty rag, no not one is good, a man ways my seem right in his eyes but in the end lead to destruction. I beleive he was sending a flashing sign
WARNING!! WARNING!!! TURN RIGHT. WRONG DIRECTION
God children, cant earn there place by work, we are justified
As James says Faith without works is dead....Show me your faith by your works... but dont get it confuse or twisted or preverted that your Works prove you have faith but instead your faith shows by you working, and not you working shows you faith. Faith, love are first......
YEILD SLOW DOWN DANGER HEAD
ELDER BROTHER WORK HARD, AND FAITHFUL THERE PHYSICAL BUT
NOT THERE WITH ALL HIS HEART OR FAITH WHEN THE YOUNG BROTHER
LEAVE HOME, THE ELDER BROTHER LEFT TO NOT PHYSICAL BUt SPIRITUALLY IN HIS HEART HE DESIRE TO HAVE FUN.. DO THINGS OF THE WORLD HE DOUBT HIS FATHER LOVE, HIS FATHER RULES. LAWS,
HE DOUBTED AND QUESTION HIS FATHER IN HIS HEART.

Out of the ABUNDANCE of the HEART the MOUTH SPEAKETH.
Guard your HEART b/c OUT of IT COMES the ISSUE of LIFE
When the elder brother says(paraphrase- what i think he really say)
What is going on. My work has been in vain, i did all these things to
please my father so i could get Pleased. so i could have Joy....
I did not do,keep his commandments work b/c i love him with all my heart, yeah i do love him, but i love myself more(ABUNDANCE) THERE
IS THE ISSUE BEING EXPOSE OR REVEAL..... THE BABY BROTHER YOUNG AND WILD REBILLOUS SIN COULD EASILY BE SEEN AND DETECTED BUT THE SIN HIDDEN IN ELDER BROTHER HEART HAD TO BE
REVEAL IN HIS WORDS....HOW CAN U SAY U LOVE GOD YOUR FATHER
AND YET HATE YOUR BROTHER WHO YOU SEE EVERYDAY... YOU ARE LIAR....

God has been dealing with me on this issue with other parables, such foolish virgins, the rich young ruler...God wants you and me to not be
decived in thinking we are better or higher than others, we all are works in process, we must be forgiving and not like the man who was forgiven for his great debt, but would not forgive his brother for the same thing owing a debt he could not pay..

They are brothers, we are brothers and sister why b/c we all have
something in common.
Both brothers commit the same crime or broke the law of:
Love God with ALL your HEART, MIND and Soul
so in God the Father eyesight they both need to repent, turn themselves in for their crimes
God, the Father shows his mercy on the son who was outwardly rebillious
should be an encouragement not resentment to us who are inwardly rebillious, that God accepts both of his kids, no matter what, he wants and desire to bless them, love them, and have a relationship with them
he wants both of them to come to him with their emotions there feelings
desire, tell him how they really feel..... he told the elder brother all this things he was having a ISSUE ABOUT NOT HAVING THIS AND THAT
HE COULD HAVE HAD, YOU HAVE NOT B/C YOU ASK NOT.....GOD IS REWARDER TO THOSE WHO LOOK FOR HIM HE IS NEAR....SPEAK TO HIM
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can you tell me where I can find this quote about
the mustard seed in the Bible? The one about how even
the tiniest faith can grow? thank you.

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I have recently womdered more about the 2nd and 3rd 'plants'. Many times I see people who have a sincere faith but have allowed the cares and wories to push them down. It is the same with those who face persecution. How wonderful that we have a Father of Mercy who sees the heart of the weariest and most discouraged of His children, and will call them home.

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

God Bless.
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Luke 10: 25-37--
The love God teaches not only needs to be read or kept in my mind but must be shared thru our actions towards others. A simple
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Try http://www.alsirhan.com/Plants_s/Salvadora_persica.htm (Salvadora persica is the Mustard Tree's scientific name) - you won't be able to read the page ;-) but the picture's superb!

God bless

Mike

Purbeck Vineyard, Wool, Dorset, UK
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There is a Buddist sect that carries brooms with them and sweep the ground where they step so as not to step on a bug out of their respect for life. THis is taking things way to far! KJV1611 all the way!
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I think I've got a thorough understanding of your interpretation of this parable, thank you.

If this parable is teaching us God's principle for paying ministry expenses, why didn't Paul use it? (1 Cor.9:12-15)? He refused the 'right of support' as an example to the flock. If he wanted to be an example of your view wouldn't he insist on support and how to get it from rich unbelievers?

Where are the unbelievers--why is Paul only talking to BELIEVERS of his 'right to support' (which he did not use)? (1 Cor. 9:1-2)

Why does Paul praise the POOR Macedonians for their generosity when they gave "beyond their ability...entirely on their own..." and encourage the Corinthians to do the same? (2 Cor. 8:2,3,7,8)

Why is "according to your means" and "according to what one has, not according to what he does not have" worthy of praise? (2 Cor. 8:11,12)

Why is Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians completely opposite from your interpretation of the parable of the unjust steward? (1 Thess. 4:11,12 and 2 Thess. 3:6-12 esp. vs. 9)

Why did Jesus and the disciples allow Judas to hold the money bag even though they knew he was stealing from it? (For time's sake I can't reference it right now). What does that say about the import that Jesus put on money and the ministry? What or who was his faith in?

Is there an example or supportive teaching in scripture that supports or confirms your interpretation? What should we do with teachings and examples that seem to be contrary to your view?







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I need a picture of the mustard tree for Bible Study on mustard seed faith.
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I am teaching bible school to childeren 3 to 6 years and I would like the show them this picture. Thank You very much.
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pls. give me an ending to the parable of good samaritan!
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Every hurting person is your neighbor. Many times our concentration is on the good samaritan but what made him a good samaritan was the victim! What was his character, a hurting person and stripped of everything. Would you help or avoid him? They are every where, you do not need to travel to a third world country.

Christopher Lobo
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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 was looking for a picture of a mustard tree when this site came up. How wonderful is God to show me the way to this. Could some one please respond to my e-mail address and explain what this site is all about? Oh ya, I still want a picture of a mustard tree.
Blessing of the Father of us all on you!
Scott
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As a pastor of a church for college age people and older people that think more in the postmodern context , we find ourselves hearing a lot about the church being relevant. Some think that relevance is not necessary, but I think that is because most people associate relevance with being hip to the culture. While is it true that culture is important and that understanding the culture of the people you are talking to is important, I think this parable shown what true relevance is. True relevance is love, the type of love that Jesus showed, it did not matter to Jesus or the Samaritan for that matter, who the person was that they showed love to. This is not a call for tolerance this is a show of love for and from the unlovable. We as the body of Christ will be relevant when we love, and I mean truly love people, weather they are mature folk, kids, punkers, goths, or just people that we don’t like. Love is the transcendent. Love in spite of will open a persons heart and allow the Holy Spirit to heal them both physically , emotionally and spiritually.
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The 5 wise virgins were getting married to the bridgroom.


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The man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.
The feild is the whole world.
The good seed represents those who worship God, while the weeds represent the opposite: those who don't worship Him.
The person who planet the weeds is Satan.
The harvest is the close of probation at the end of the world, all who are wicked are picked out of those who are good and will not go to heaven.
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Only people who has the Holy spirit will understand the spiritual matter. May the Lord open your heart to understand
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The parable of the Sower, the first of four parables which Christ gave outside the house[Matt. 13:1], by the seashore, is comprised of four parts. Each part has to do with exactly the same thing: FRUIT-BEARING, with the Kingdom of heaven in view - a kingdom being offered[ during the time covered by this parable] to a people other than Israel [ to the new creation" in Christ "].
The parable of the Sower was given with a view to this entity not only being brought into existence but also being extended the opportunity to bring forth fruit for the kingdom. The parable of the Sower looks out a head to that time when the kingdom would be taken from Isael because of the nation's failure to produce fruit and given to a nation which would produce " the fruits thereof" [Matt.21:43]. In the first three parts of the parable through, indivduals comprising the one new man fail to bring forth fruit, as those in Israel had done relative to the proffered kingdom. Rather than overcoming and bearing fruit, they are instead overcome [through various means] and bear no fruit. But in the last part of the parable, that expected of the one new man during the present dispensation is shown. Unlike barren Israel, overcoming and fruit-bearing are seen. Thus, it is revealed at the beginning, before God brought this new creation into existence, that not all those comprising the one new man--not all Christians--would bring forth fruit. Fruit- bearing is seen in only one part of the parable, in the last part. In the first three parts individuals are shown to have been overcome through various means resulting in barrenness.
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The prodigal son -
1. He leaves his father's house (He leaves God)
2. He ie eligible for 1/3 of the wealth
3. He waste money earned by others
4. He is broke and he joins himself to a country in famine
(He is apart of the wrong sector - an unproductive realtionship)
5.Upon return his father is happier to see him than he is his father
6. under the jewish law he could have been stoned to death
7. he could have been beaten a breath away from death - but not killed
8.. incorrect theology - he wanted to be forgiven and placed on a lower status (a servant). But repentance restore you back to the same level (not title in the sight of man)in the sight of God
9. The ultimate revelation above God's grace and mercy is this: That life in full is not about us - but God is the central figure and the main character in every story
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Please send me via e-mail or inform me as to where I can obtain a picture of a mustard tree. Thank you!
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I don't really know about any of these things that are talked about and one of my teachers told me that there was a religion that was really into animal rights and said that the people of this religion wear masks over their faces in order to keep the bacteria out because anytime that you breathe in, you are killing living organisms. This struck me as very interesting and I was just wondering if this was that religion, and if not, then do you know what that religion is called because I need information on it for a speech. Thank you for your help,
Kayla
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teaching grandchildren faith is as a mustard seed

please send info as described

greatly appreciated

louise

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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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http://www.ilhawaii.net/~danrubio/mustard/
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There are a few major representations of the "oil". One, in the Old Testaments, it was instructed of Moses, by God, the use of the oil to anoint Aaron, the priest, for service for God. This was a great representation of separation and consecrating unto God to the priesthood. The anointing of God being represented on and in the presents of Aaron, which was also the same as the Holy Spirit in dwelling. Psalms 133:2 describes it as following: "It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body].

It also was the representation the Priests, Kings and Prophets that were anointed. Oil was poured on the head of the person being anointed. Kings were set apart through the ritual of anointing, which was performed by a prophet who acted in God's power and authority.

In the New Testament, anointing was represented with healing. The Holy Spirit's activities in a believer's life are picture in terms associated with anointing. The disciples anointed the sick in Mark 6:13 and James even instructed the elders to anoint the sick with oil (James 5:14).

Also in the New Testament, it represents the HOLY SPIRIT, which brings understanding to the believer (1 John 2:20, 27). The Holy Spirit anoints a person's heart and mind with the love and truth of God's word.
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What is the scientific name for a fungus on bread? If possible i really need the answer today..it is for a biology project!
Thanx a bunch!
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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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This matter has had my concern for some years now. I see that there is a great confussion in mainly wo the virgins realy represent.
My concern lies in the fact that if the virgins are wives to be of the groom, then Jesus was using a parable using poliginy (understandable for the jewish and new chritians). If these virgins are not the wives to be of the bridegroom, bu merely bride's maids, what is so devastating if 5 of the maids can not enter the marriage feast?

What is the relation 'Kindom of God" and not so significant brides maids?

If Jesus is the groom, should the parable not be talking about the wive(s) to be instead of the brides maids?

When we get a definite and eliable expanation on this matter, oter issues will become clearer.
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If by agape love you mean Gods unconditional Love towards all, then you are right on.
God Bless You,
chris
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