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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i agree with u phil, I dont think that this is a parable.
Jesus never used proper names when He spoke in parables


God bless
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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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have a good day. can you provide me the picture resembling the following
parables of Jesus,

1. The Laborers in the Vineyard
2. The Good Samaritan
3. The weeds in the grain
4. The Sower and the Seeds
5. The two Debtors

I'm very much thankful if you can provide it for me and let me to view it.


Thank you very much and may God bless you always.

Abet
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What happened to Barabas, after the death of Christ? Did he change his life? Any information is helpful.
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Matt,

Not only does the parable speak to me, but so does your message. In my younger days I worked hard and exploited my professional talents. I amassed sizable wealth and had the pleasure of building homes that I and buyers were proud of. I became more and more playful, coasting on the material wealth and "security" that I "created", ignoring God and thinking that I alone controlled my destiny. Rather than praise God and continue my profession in earnest, I decided to invest my $$$ and look forward to an early, comfortable retirement. Work days became shorter. Recreation became expensive. I was smarter than the average Joe, right? WRONG! God reminded me who was boss. Sizable losses in the stock market was the large helping of humble pie I sorely needed. I now treasure what I have, most of all my God and my family. I know that if I use my talents wisely, I will multiply and honor God. With that comes peace of mind knowing that I've done my best.

Good luck in your studies of law. After 20 years experience in practicing law, I hope to give you some advice: you can be a good lawyer without compromising your Christian beliefs . . . even the most vexing problems can be solved with meditation and prayer.
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Interesting and varied comments thus far. I have given this parable some thought. I do not agree with the reverse parable conclusion. Jesus spoke to his audience in a way that they would understand. Servants or managers were entrusted to carry out the business of their master. Each of the servants were chosen to manage the talents according to their abilities. God does not entrust great authority and responsibility to a new believer.
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HOW POWERFUL AND PROFOUND that artical is. It describes exactely howI feel for THE LORD GOD our FATHER the HOLIEST of HOLY! AMEN thank you for it. May GOD BLESS you + KEEP you
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The parable is about the kingdom of Heaven, Jesus said the kingdom is inside of us(his true disciples). What was inside of his disciples? His word. Jesus Himself was a humble man, showing us an example to follow. He existed before we were all created, the Word was with God in the beginning, the Word was God. The Word dwelt in the flesh and was so humble, more humble than any man, because of that, he was exalted to sit beside the highest. The parable has connection with the sower and the seed, the seed can be related to the mustard seed, and He interpeted the seed to be the word of God. Jesus is the bread of life, and whoever eats his flesh, has eternal life. But bread must come from wheat, from a seed. And water must feed the seed. And people must tend and labour for the harvest. We must tend to the word of God, not only hear it, but do it, not be a slothful servant(proverbs talk about slothful servants, they are overcome with thorns and tares). When we tend to it, it grows, the word of God increases(the bible talks about this, I wont tell where the exact scriptures are, you'll have to work for that yourself) inside of us,(Jesus said one must be born of water and Spirit to inherit eternal life) the word of God is like water, washing our conscience(so we have a new conscience, born to abstain from all sin) so we can be baptised and then baptised with the Holy Spirit, born of Spirit. But before that we labour for the word to grow so the birds of the air with nest in it(the Spirit of God, there are gifts of the Spirit, working miracles, speaking differant languages, prophecy, revelation, faith, knowledge and wisdom), be not deceived, Paul said that everyone attending to the TRUE church of God, will and has to bring these things to every gathering. 1 Corinthians 14:26 - How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, EVERY ONE of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying." Most of these so called churches are worshipping in vain if the gospel is not preached with power also, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross have no effect. 1 Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." 1 Corinthians 2:4 - And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:" Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." 1 Corinthians 4:20 - For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." 1 Thessalonians 1:5 - For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." 2 Thessalonians 1:11 - Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:" 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:" 2 Corinthians 3:6 - Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
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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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Yes it is complete.
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I read a story years ago in a booklet entitled the "Good News." It said that at some point in history, the people who lived in the area the good Samaritan was from, departed from their homeland. They were led by an old man with a long beard, possibly Ezekial (this might be wrong). However they rolled a large stone with them as they left, and eventually reached England......and today (said this article) the stone they rolled all this long distance now sits HIDDEN UNDERNEATH the throne of the English Queen/King. Was this just my imagination??? Does anyone have any information on this?
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Read Matt. ch. 13 again,fowls are are satan and his demons and look at the parables of the sowers especially,the fowls swoop down and take the seed which was sown."
We might wonder how leavend bread was prescribed for peace offerings, peace being a good thing and all. But you''re right about those foul fowls,,,especially the white doves...
Hitch
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At times in the Christian life, we have to believe before we can see. Other times, it is important to see first. It seems to me, that in the area of missions mobilization, seeing is an important ingredient as well. The Bible states in Matthew 9:36 that "When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion them..." Several other places in scripture it states that seeing can lead to compassion.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a good example. Luke 10:33 reads "but a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him." Do you see as Jesus sees? The parable then ends with Jesus' command, "Go and do likewise!" This actually does not mean go and do the same thing. ie: look for a foreigner beat up along side the road and help him. I suggest rather that "go and do likewise" implies we need to see as Jesus sees and do something about that which is before our very eyes!
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Seed=Plymouth Plantation

Large Tree=America as a Super power Nation(Daniel 4 Ezekiel 31)

Branches=Our Churches grafted onto our goverment, politics,money, patiotism rather than Christ.

Birds=not a good sign read Revelation 18 devouring faith and growth in our churches

The Bad News=These trees are always chopped down.

Good News=Seeds will come from chopped tree.After our cutting down faithful communities will grow.


www.seedofaith@injesus.com
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Dear Phil,
I have read ur commentary on the topic of 'the fig tree' i only now came across this page and found it ...
could u explain what u mean?

I dont knwo if u remember that what u wrote there but i cant copy and paste...:(

it sounds interesting but i would like to hear a bit more if possible

thank you very much
with God's Blessing

Goshia
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The section of the wise and foolish builders is basically the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. Therefore, in order to understand this final section we must have in perspective the complete Sermon on the Mount that covers chapters 5-7 in the gospel of Matthew. The Sermon of the Mount is a brief summary of the whole message of the gospel preached by Jesus. We can say that it is the gospel in a "nutshell." The wise-foolish builders is an analogy about obedience and disobedience. Jesus uses this analogy to explain who are those that are OBEDIENT and who are those DISOBEDIENT to his teachings. The wise people HEAR the words of Jesus and puts them into practice. The foolish people only LISTEN but not hear the words of Jesus and disobeys them. So, the analogy of the Wise and Foolish builders is about obedience and disobedience. The Wise people obey Jesus and build their house on the rock and the Foolish people disobey Jesus and build their house on the sand. Where is your house build? Are you obedient?
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god is telling us as christians to leave out of the church go to the homeless ,the projects your friends and invite them to your church so they can hear and recieve the word of god !
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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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Hey Sue,
Good guess. Actually pretty well thought out. If not for the surrounding texts I might be convinced to agree.
In Mat 13, Jesus is trying to warn us of the dangers coming in the church age. The leaven parable must be taken in context with the rest of what He is talking about here. He explains two of the parables. Let's not jump around with interpretation. Although it is an interesting concept that the leaven represents the Holy Spirit, I think that puts Him in pretty shotty company with the way leaven is represented in EVERY OTHER mention in the Bible.
Remember, we must keep the teachings of Jesus in context. See my post above for the meaning of leaven, 3 measures, etc.

Jeffrey
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My problem is why did the father not send for the elder son in the field. He told his servants to do a lot of things, but never thought to send for the brother.

He had to come home and see all that was happening. I would have been upset.

The father did not think of the older son.
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What do you mean "symbolic name"?
What provenance is there for the actual name of the youngest son who is descibed? Or are you just assigning the names in the order that they would have be given? We think?
Interested but not convinced.

Regards
John


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

He hears the Gospel but never believes!

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

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

**************************************

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

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

**************************************

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

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

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I would like a copy of the good shepard sermon

Thank You
sharan Jones
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I see so many different answers above. I can tell you that most of you guys are wrong. Those who said that the birds of the tree are a good thing has a misunderstanding of the scriptures. Please read Job 28:21. For those who believe the leaven parable is a good thing, I suggest you read Leviticus 2:11. Jesus was prophesying the apostasy of the church in the last days. One reader said that mustard seeds don't grow to be trees. He made a good point because they grow to be herbs, and were never meant give shade to the birds. The Roman Catholic church has become the mustard tree in this parable.
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Dummelow writes: " The vegetable or herb, not the so-called mustard tree, is meant. In hot countries it sometimes grows to a great size. The Jerusalem Talmud says, 'There was a stalk of mustard in Sichin from which sprang out three boughs, of which one was broken off, and covered the tent of a potter, and produced three cabs (12 pints) of mustard.' Rabbi Simeon said, 'A stalk of mustard was in my field, into which I was wont to climb as men are wont to climb into a fig-tree.' Although the mustard seed is not really the smallest of all seeds, it was so in popular estimation." (Dumm. pg. 673)
Mark's version says that the mustard tree is "greater THAN all herbs" and Matt's version is the same as Webmaster writes, "greatest AMONG herbs". "Greater than" is different than, "greatest AMONG." To make my point, I am larger than an apple, but that doesn't mean that I am the largest among apples! NEB and J.B. Phillips write of the mustard tree, "---it springs up (grows up) and grows taller (becomes bigger) that any other plant." RSV, "becomes the greatest of all shrubs", NI and NAS, "largest of all garden plants, with (forms) such big branches---" LB, "one of the largest of plants, with long branches---." Only the Amp Bible writes, "greatest of all garden herbs---" All interpretations are much the same for both Matt and Mark. I guess the point is that everything is a matter of human interpretation and and it seems to me that what is most important is to gain the SPIRITUAL import of the Scriptures of which there is only one. It is not mine or yours but God's given to each of us in the quiet of silent prayer. I agree that word definitions are MOST important and useful in discovering the spiritual aspect of the Scriptures, but only to that end.
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thats it, brother
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The sharing of our blessings with those who are already blessed with the comforts of life is an empty and meaningless gesture. Often those who have a lot take their blessings for granted Their focus is on maintaining what they have and acquiring more. Often this is because they believe that they will be respected because of their wealth and power. They bolster their own self-esteem.

Those who give away money, food, kindness, shelter, and other necessaries to those who have not and cannot return the gift, need not worry about respect and self esteem. This is because when we give to those in need, without conditions, we are getting power greater than any money can bestow. We are getting the power to make a tremendous difference in another life. We are changing the life of those who are ignored by all but God.

In return God grants the giver a sense of peace and happiness that material goods cannot provide.
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Do you think that there are consequences for our sin? Is it possible, for example, that health problems can be a direct result or consequence for a life of eating junk food?
I'm dealing with a rebelious kid... he's lied, then we've caught him and he's apologized. Then he's lied again. Again, we've caught him later on and he's apologized. Each time, we've gone straight back to having the arms wide open like the father in this story. But it keeps happening again and again. The kid says that he's sorry and that he's been like the prodigal son and we must forgive him because that's what God wants us to do. And forgive, I will gladly do. However, trust is another thing completely... and I'm really struggling with understanding how the "unconditional forgiveness" fits into the whole picture. Does God want us to continue to put ourselves in the position of being lied to and yelled at over and over again? Is that healthy and a part of loving people like He does?
And I'm wondering, are we projecting an attitude onto the older son that was never expressed in Scripture? I think that the older son must have seen how hurt the father had been during the time that his younger son was gone. And that must've hurt him too. And I think that there is the part in me (as the older son type) that wants to know that there is a reason that I'm following hard after God and being faithful to my family and to the things He has called me to. If living life for myself and giving into my ungodly desires has no consequence, then why shouldn't I indulge myself? See, the difference I see between the two sons is that one gave into the sinful desires and another held strong because of his faith in God and his love for his father. It's not a sin to be tempted - heck, Jesus Christ was tempted in the New Testament. What IS a sin though, is when we give in to those desires.
How do I PRACTICALLY respond to the prodigal son... especially when it's hard to tell if he's really returned? After the arms wide open and the party and the ring... what then? PLEASE HELP ME!!!
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pls. give me an ending to the parable of good samaritan!
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You have made this homework so much easier! THANK YOU!!!
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How are you? I believe that we have to look at the fact that a talent was worth many years wages back then. So this is something valuable that is given to each of us...."the gospel" We all have a measure of faith and talents (which is how we get this english word for an ability) to spread this word to others. If we do this and incooperate our ability with the spreading of God's word to others than we will receive rewards and the Lord will be pleased w us...Faith without works is dead. Therefore if we just internalize the gospel and keep if for ourselves (bury it) than we don't have anything at all. the nature of the gospel is to spread it to others that we may win some. He who wins souls is wise. We are all called to evangelize and to spread what we know about Jesus to others. If all you know is John 3:16, then spread that to everyone. God bless you and continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Jesus reigns!!!
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Violation of any command is an act of disobedience or rebellion. Sin entered the world through the disobedience of one man. There are many commands from God unambiguously expressed in different parts of the Bible. Contravention of these commands is a sin punishable in different ways.

The most rtragic consequence of disobedience, however, is the hardening of heart due to habitual practice, which makes it impossible for the guilty to confess his/her sins and seek divine forgiveness. The sin of disobedience thus separates us from the glorious presence of God, an eventuality played out in the very early days of God-human interaction.

Another point to be noted is that there is very little leeway for us to justify ourselves by means of contextual explanations of our disobedience. Once we are convinced of our error, the only way back to His grace is through confession and renunciation. Remember the Pharisee and the tax collector at the synagogue, and the contrasting cases of the two thieves on the crosses flanking our Lord's cross on Calvary.
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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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1o years ago Ihad an opportunity to be a "good" samaritaln by accident. A vehicular accident happened near the area where I am fixing my car. Upon witnessing that accident I responded to the situation and being a nurse its my duty to respond to the situation without any hesitation.Iwas lucky to revive that poor victim where I rushed her together with another samaritan to a nearby hospital where he was able to live another 3 weeks of her life then passed away. It was a clear case of hit and run but victims relative was so powerful enough and desperate to solve the crime so they pulled some strings and involved me and the other person as the culprits. They produce false witnesses to the crime and created a different scenario to justify their claim, deviating to what had really happen.But my concsience is very clear and still proud of what I've done. thinking that I did the best I could to save that poor girl.But now I'm the one needing to be saved. Last september after 10 long years of battlling the court and proving innosence, judge ruled in favor of them and charge me guilty beyond reasonable doubt sentencing me to 4mo. to 2years for a crime I did not do. SOME GRATITUDE FOR A GOOD SAMARITAN.Now i'm appealing my case to a higher court hoping to reverse the decision and go on with my life. My family needs my support my wife is in abroad working hard away from us . It is suppose to be me who is working for my family but because of this case I feel my life is through. Why did all this has to happen at my expense? Is this really the fate of a good samaritan?
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I don't have a picture right here of a mustard seed but if you go into your local grocery store to the spice/food rack section you can locate them there. They are tiny little almost circular shape things. I am doing a presentation about them in my youth group. So, there ya go! Good luck!
Amanda
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the way a minister explained it to me, God always welcomes those that are lost back. The older son was never lost and he was never tempted to leave, so he didn't do anything unusual. of course his father loved him, but the point is that, like sheep, most people are not tempted into riotous living. they stay with the flock by choice.
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I hope your study of the good Samaritan brings forth amazing fruit in your life. I think it is time for all of us to realize that time is running out and we should spend ourselves, as the good Samaritan demonstrated, seeking out and caring for the lost. We can truly be ambassadors from heaven if we're willing to take Christ to a lost and perverted world. Jesus is the only answer. May God bless you and anoint you to proclaim his Word with boldness to all who will listen. My prayer is that He will give you such a love for souls that you will spend time in prayer and fasting believing for a harvest of souls. God Bless.............in His service, Bro. Pat
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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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soaking in a bath of mustard seeds will make you have an abortion. is this true or myth
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I am looking for a large picture of a tree grown from a mustard seed to
use as an object lesson with children - young and old!
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In Mark 4 Jesus tells the parable of the sower.

The sower is the messenger spreading the gospel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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The best sermon I ever heard was about "the other son". It is also why this parable to me is NOT the most easiest to understand. When is it ok to say "what about me???" Perhaps "the other son" was really "the lost son".
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"It seems by the way Jesus told the story, that one need not be a christian to inherit eternal life. "

True, by the parable alone it does seem that way. But remember the context. The original question was in verse 25 where a teacher of the law tests Jesus:

"Master, what have I to do that I may have eternal life?" (BBE)

Then Jesus gets him to answer his own question in verse 27:

"Have love for the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and for your neighbour as yourself." (BBE)

Jesus basically says 'yep, that's it.' And then I think the teacher feels a bit embarassed so he asks "And who is my neighbour?" (BBE) Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan.

All that to say: The parable of the Good Samaritan does not answer "How shall I have eternal life?" It answers "Who is my neighbour?"


In regards to eternal life, I think anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, came to Earth and died for our sins would agree that part of loving Him includes accepting the forgiveness He offers us and following Christ and His teachings.

Jesus did say "judge not, lest you yourself be judged." But He also said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one gets to the Father except by Me."


Please let me know if you believe I've left something important out or misinterpreted something.

--Peter

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discription as to what jesus is refering leaven to be is not mention so then leaven could be any thing that would spread rapidly. ie. leaven of the Pharisees- hipocrisy Luke 12:1, ie. pursuasion Galatians 5:8-9, ie. Malace and wickedness, sicerity and truth 1 Cor 5:8, ie. spread of the gospel Mat. 13:33.
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I think his name should be Aragorn.
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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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Peter,
I am a father who for 20 years trusted in and raised 2 children. My oldest stayed faithful to the Lord as you are. My youngest has turned to the same place your brother has returned from.

I can only speak as a father here, but work “real hard” to find peace in your brother’s homecoming. It was because of the Lord’s love for you and your family that He restored your brother. It does sound like your brother needs to still learn lessons. Pray for him because if this is true than the dealings in all of your lives may continue for a little longer.

Stay close to His Spirit and He will show you both peace and rest in this. Family can cause use the most pain, but also the most growth. Jesus is closer to you in this trial than you know. Keep your faith. Pray that your heart not become harden because of this trial.

As a father I pray that God will do the miracle in my life that He has done in yours.

God Bless,
Dan

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(Mathrews-13-22) He that receives the seed (Word of God) among the thorns is he that hears the Word: and the CARES OF THE WORLD, and th DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES, choke the Word and he becomes UNFRUITFUL!
(39) The ENEMY that sowed them is the DEVIL: and the reapers are the angels.
Again, we look at a Lost deceived World, on it's way to Hell, that Christ loved so much, that He gave His life that man might be saved, and all you can do is keep knocking for Riches!! Pray tell me, what do you think He still OWES you?
Again I will say, You are walking on dangers ground! You gave me until Friday, for a list, what happens if God should require your soul before Friday? Would you be ready?
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I've recently seen some facetious replies to this perfectly serious question by people who obviously dismiss the whole story as a fiction. Wrong! Back in the 1970s I spent several years researching the identity of the Prodigal and privately published a book on the subject (Brussels, 1981, in French). There seemed to be several approaches to the problem, some starting at the family end (stories of exultant fathers, calves unexpectedly killed, jealous brothers etc., possibly legal documents relating to the original unconventional division of the property), others at the "far country" end (stories of extravagant strangers, records of itinerant Jewish labour). The problem is, of course, that the documentary record for any of this is very patchy. For example, I found a possible 882 pig breeding farms where the prodigal might have worked, but only 17 (SEVENTEEN) had any surviving labour records. However it as while examining some pig farming records in the National Archives of Syria that I found what I believed, and still believe, to be a possitive identification. Another resercher was working on prostitution at around the time of Jesus, and shared some notes with me. I was *thrilled* to discover that he had found a kind of diary kept by a prostitute called Lilia in Damascus (really a client record with comments). Several records referred to a Jewish stranger who had recently come to the area and was spending lavish sums of money on parties and women. Lilia seems to have been a little bit in love with him, and included more details than usual: she says he was short, but strong and aggressive-looking, and most importantly that "he had had his inheritance." She records his visits for 6 months, then he is mentioned no more. HOWEVER she mentions chronic food shortages just after the last reference to the Jewish stranger. These facts fit the Biblical account of the prodigal son so well that I think it 99.9% certain that it was him.
But his name? That's still a bit of a problem, as Lilia seldom referred to her clients directly by their names. And on only one occasion (in what remains of her "diary", which has several missing pages) did she actually refer to the Jewish stranger by name, and there, as bad luck would have it, the manuscript has been torn. The first part of his name can be read however, and it is "Ron...". There are several possible names of the period, all discussed in my book. As further information is unlikely to be forthcoming I suggest that we simply call the prodigal "Ron", though.
Your readers may be interested to know that I am now writing a book identifying the Good Samaritan. I hope to publish this in English, and possibly to make parts of it available on the internet. There is still a huge amount of reasearch to be done identifying the persons in the parables.
Peter

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