How do you mean we need to identify the return of Christ with such a message?
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The Word says, we are to look for Heavenly Things, not earthy things. Jesus called His sevants, that we might teach others to observe all things He has commandment of us, and to preach The Gospel of Christ! That repentance and remissions of sin shall be preached to all Nations!
(Luke-1-75-77) That we walk before Him in righteousness and holiness al the days of our life!

With His calling in mind, what has your posting, of the rich, money, reward, or the eviliness of another, have to do with the Kingdom of God?
One speaks from the love of their heart, with you, this seems to be the love is money! For with the mouth, man speaks from his heart!
Not onetime have you posted anything concerning Salvation, not onetime have you repeated the words of Jesus, whereby man might be saved.
You want to use the evil rich man for your benefit, does your heart not break to EVEN THINK, the very people you want to use may end up in Hell?
If the people you talk against are as evil as you say, why are you not praying for them, instead of trying to destroy them? Do you not know, Even the Religious can be saved!

Like I said to you before, Jesus is the Head to Rule over His True Chruch, this Authority has no man! Revenge is Mine saith The Lord, whereby, it is best that you leave it alone!
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In response to one of the postings found below, there is no question that leaven has been traditionally deemed a contaminating element. That being said, was Jesus bound to using that pattern in relation to the leaven and the dough parable?

Jesus said that he would reveal things kept secret from the foundations of the earth. The idea of leaven traditionally being bad is taught all over the bible. Is that a big secret? The leaven and the dough is a parable of the kingdom (secret).

Jesus used supernatural power to open the ears of those who had a good heart and intended to hear by saying “he that hath ears to hear, let him hear”.
Obviously those who were attempting to ensnare him in his words would not get the jest of what he was conveying. And Jesus did this intentionally. He declared they have eyes and don’t see, they have ears and don’t hear…and when they’re converted…

I don’t see any problem with using a prominent teaching or custom to express a different aspect or analogy.

But still I don’t think it’s contextually logical for Jesus to after saying in Mark Chapter four verse 20, one thing, and then to meander off into another subject.
(Amplified bible):

20And those sown on the good (well-adapted) soil are the ones who hear the Word and receive and accept and welcome it and bear fruit--some thirty times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some [even] a hundred times as much.
21And He said to them, Is the lamp brought in to be put under a [6] peck measure or under a bed, and not [to be put] on the lampstand?
22[[7] Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known.
23If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend.
24And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [8] [of thought and study] you give [to [9] the truth you hear] will be the measure [10] [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you--and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.

Now, are people aware that they are saying that Jesus, after laying down the foundation of the parable of the sower, that he immediately began talking about sin, the church, immoral women and Satanic infiltration? And thereby totally changing the subject? Isn’t it more logical to stay on the same theme and maybe say the same thing in a different way? That’s what I believe he did. Remember; know body knew what he was saying anyway until he said, “he that had ears to hear let him hear”.

Are we to believe that Jesus went on hiatus in verse 21-25 and picked up on the idea again in verse 26?

26And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground,

Or is it more logical to believe that he stayed on the same subject matter? What if I was to say, after saying all this, “the cream rises to the top-all we are is dust in the wind”. Wouldn’t you think, “what on earth is he talking about? That has nothing to do with what he just said”. And yet people are accusing Jesus-the Son of God of doing the same thing. In the presence of possibly hundreds of people.

The reason I chose the Amplified version of this scripture is to bring out something that isn’t as strong in the other translations. Look at verse 22. Things are HIDDEN temporarily only AS A MEANS to revelation. For there is nothing hidden EXCEPT TO BE REVEALED, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret EXCEPT in order that it may be made known. Notice the purpose or intent in this scripture. A person HID something in his heart FOR THE PURPOSE OF bringing it to light. They got on the front end of the deal. It worked against the scribes and the Pharisees in the negative.

Luke 12
1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the LEAVEN of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. (The same thing stated in Mark’account)
3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

The above verse shows the tie between Mark chapter four “there is nothing hid…” and the parable of the leaven. Now, someone will probably say, “SEE, leaven is a bad thing”. Then why would somebody purposefully hide something in their heart if it were a wicked thing? No, it’s the principle that Jesus is laying down. Leaven isn’t good or bad. It’s just an agent that reacts with our hearts that eventually gets painted on the picture screen of our lives. Why can’t it be the Word of God? Why couldn’t righteousness be the leaven? The person in the above scripture hid it AS A MEANS to revelation. HE WANTED IT MANIFESTED.

It’s very clear that some people just don’t do their studying. And that’s a shame because the Son of God put it in a way that can be figured out, if people will spend some time meditating on it.

I often wondered how Jesus could say to a man “tell no man” without violating the precepts of this very principle. Isn’t he declaring something a secret? Isn’t he whispering something in the ear that will be proclaimed form the housetops? Check out the results of his doing that.

31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
36 AND HE CHARGED THEM that they should TELL NO MAN:

Now look at the results.

but the more he charged them, SO MUCH THE MORE A GREAT DEAL THEY PUBLISHED IT.

Go figure!

If these things are hard to glean from scripture, it may be because of something else. There is a spirit of humility that rests upon all the teachings of Jesus, and if you don’t understand that, then you won’t get the jest of what Jesus is saying. For more on that, see what I wrote in the article “true humility” under the subject, the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. It may help you to understand these things.



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Could you please send me your picture of a mustard tree? I need to use it at my church for our current topic of Bible study. Thank you.
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The very point I have been telling you, if you don't have the strength God gave to Paul, it's because you have not received the Spirit of Living God in your inner man, therefore not Saved! No wonder you keep Knocking, But your problem, you are knocking for the wrong things!
First seek the Kingdom of God, then the things needed for the body will come to you!
(Romans-8-9) For we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if be that the Spirit of God dwell in you: Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His!
The Riches of His Glory, which does strengthen you with might, by His Spirit in the inner man, just like God gave Paul!
God has promised His Children, all things work out for the good, to those that love Him! Your words speak who it is that you truly love, which is YOURSELF!
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You're pretty quick on the draw! Thank you.

And, in addition to that:

"...his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice...I know my sheep and my sheep know me..." (John 10:4, 5, 14)

It took me many years to begin to develop the courage to let false teachers teach their lies and remain calm, if not quiet. It wasn't until 9-11 and my concern about Islam's growing influence in the world that God spoke to me through the Matthew 15:14 scripture I shared before.

I don't remember where it is in the gospels, but remember what Jesus said to his disciples when they asked if they should call fire down on those who had rejected the message at a certain place? Jesus restrained them. (Anybody remember where that is?).

In regard to the wheat and the tares, Jesus teaches that he intends to "let both grow together until the harvest. AT THAT TIME I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned..." (Matthew 13:30).

"Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." (2 Peter 2:3)

A good reminder for us all is Jesus's own words: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. REJOICE AND BE GLAD, because great is your reward in heaven..." (Matthew 5:11, 12)

"...Christ suffered for you, LEAVING YOU AN EXAMPLE...When they hurled their insults at him, HE DID NOT RETALIATE; when he suffered HE MADE NO THREATS. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:21-23) God give us the courage to live this!

At the same time, Peter gives us the warning that "if you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, OR EVEN AS A MEDDLER." (1 Peter 4:15)

God give us the discernment to know when we're meddling in the conceit of knowledge; the "unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments that result in envy, quarreling, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind..." (1 Tim. 6:4)



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The virgins are the church ofcourse. The wise ones are the church or the body of believers who live wisely in this wicked world and work out their salvation with fear and trembling. They walk by the spirit (oil). They love the bridegroom (Jesus) and stay in wait for him. They live as citizens of heaven.
The foolish ones in contrast although christians, yet fail to live up to the calling. They forget the binding they will have with the bridegroom (Christ), they lack a love realtionship with the bridegroom instead they love the world and the cares and things of the world (sleep). They walk according to their flesh rather than the Holy Spirit indwelling in their hearts. Lukewarmness, worldliness,Shallowness and Immaturity is the characteristics of the foolish ones. They are unprepared for the marriage with the bridegroom. Hence they are left behind and only the wise ones are joined to the bridegroom.
The Bible says the Lord is preparing the bride (Eph 5:27 KJV) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

If the believer is unprepared he will not be raptured but go through the process of refining in the tribulation. These two points must be kept clearly in mind: 1) the kingdom is a reward to the overcoming believers, and 2) rapture requires the maturity of the overcomers.

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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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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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I think what the Hebrew translates more accurately to is "Which of these three...proved neighbor" which in this case, only the Samaritan "proved" to be the neighbor in the biblical law sense of it. Before this the "lawyer" or religious scholar with a lot of spiritiual knowledge of the law recites that "You shall love...your neighbor as yourself." Thus the only one to prove his is a neighbor through loving another person as himself was the Samaritan. Isn't Jesus deep?! God is good...continue seeking, ye shall find.
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Thanks Brother Prater,
OPEN HEAVEN!
It is a wonderful revelation to experience inheritance. Some will receive and others will be looking right at it and never experience any more. OUR LORD CAME TO TAKE BACK WHAT THE ENEMY HAD STOLEN. We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ and sons of God. We are all wanting more, but the level of wanting is only quickened by the Holy Spirit. HAVE WE ASKED? Father God I want more of YOU?
This warning to us about the two sons is a sad story to say the least when one brother takes what is given and runs with it and loses all, ending up in the pig slime. The other stays in his boundaries, limited, shutting himself down. wanting inheritance but not wanting to spend quality time with the Father The son who stayed home has set his limits and will never take the fullness of all that has been given to him. Faith, believing in the Word Of The Lord. receiving revelation to all that had been given and how THE KINGDOM OF GOD is not by works or presumption, It is a wonderful koinonia relationship, intimate, and personal. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, The love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 13:14). This is where we receive inheritance, and this is how we become full of the Glory of God. Romans 14:17 (Righteousness, Peace, and Joy In The Holy Ghost).
Rev. 3:20 is the key to knowing (YADA) Him. He's knocking, Open the door and let Him in. He wants to banquet with us. The Father said prepare a feast as he gazed at his son coming home. A couple of verses later there was a open door in heaven. Our Father has a open door policy and we can all come home to his banquet table. Have we taken the time to sup with Him lately? Do we know how to? Let's Ask OF HIM!
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I need to find a picture for my Sunday school class of a full grown mustard tree....I always use the teaching on Faith comparing it to a mustard seed...have the seed, but the kids need to see how big it grows.

So far, after a few yrs of teaching I have not found a picture of a FULL GROWN TREE I hope you can help me in this endeavor....
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The father in the story of the prodigal son required no proof of repentance. God's love is stronger than his vengeance, as seen in Hosea 11:9.It also teaches us that the Father's love does not depend on our actions, and He loves us unconditionally.
To Davobrian, perhaps we could think of some of the offenses we have particular difficulty forgiving. Do we give others a second chance? Take, for instance, the ex-convicts, do we give them a chance to reintegrate themselves back to society without discrimination?
The younger son travels a journey similar to all Christians. We sin and fall from grace but the Holy Spirit within us constantly reminds us to return to the father, and when we are spiritually dry, we will return. Yet, when that happens we also yearn for our brothers and sisters to welcome us, not only the Father.
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i want every body to change and go back to GOD almighty.i am nigeria living in wiss
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"leaven" - n. - a substance due to fermentation which causes bread dough to rise - Webster's Dictionary

"leaven" - n. a substance to make dough rise, esp. yeast; anything that makes a general change, --vt to raise with leaven; to spread through, causing gradual change. [Fr levain--L levamen-- levare, to raise--levis, light. (There is an accent " - " over the "a's" in levamen and levare, unfortunately I do not know how to do this)] - Webster's New Dictionary and Thesaurus

"meal" - is food, or bread

The kingdom of heaven is like unto yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of flour/bread, till the whole was risen??

Jesus is the Bread of Life see John 6:48


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If you want to know the true meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed, you must take it in the context of the Parabolic Teaching itself, and then compare it with the rest of the symbolism it touches upon in the Word of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom,

David
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I just took the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Course for catechesis of 3-6 year old child and they have a meditation on Mustard Tree seeds and then use a photo of the tree with a child standing in front of it.

Contact yardsaler2@erols.com (Mary Ann Wood) for details on how to get her copy.
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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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This has been a great study to learn how to apply this parable to my own life and pass on my findings in the LORD. I have a wonderful time looking at this small but great seed for my life.
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pls. give me an ending to the parable of good samaritan!
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I know the parable, but I know Jesus went to Samaria. Why couldn't the Samaritan have heard and perhaps accepted Jesus? Yes, I realize that non Christians show love. I teach primary children. The concept is to show love even when it is not convenient. When we know Jesus, He enables us to do this if we listen to Him.
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I am teaching this Sunday on parables. A picture of the mustard tree will help my visual presentation. Can anyone point me to any source?
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Dear Friend,

Kindly send me a picture of the mustard seed.

Thanks,

Lea Fiegalan
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In reading again the articles found below, I am going to attempt to prove that Jesus was talking about a PRINCIPLE and not sin, as many seem to think that leaven represents. My concern is that if this idea of leaven pertaining to sin is not purged (no pun intended) from believers hearts (and yes sometimes it does pertain to sin but not in this instance) then a lot of the teachings of the Kingdom will go unrecognized.

An example: if the leaven being hid in meal pertains only to sin hidden wherever, the church, society, etc., then how does it relate to the other parables that are related to good things?

Luke 13:
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure HID in a field; the which when a man hath found, he HIDETH, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that FIELD.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Notice the words HID, HIDETH, and FIELD. Aren’t those words that are found in the parable of the leaven and the dough?

Luke 13:
33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and HID in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Might the field (in verse 44) be the dough-the meal (the heart)?

Now, where is the “TREASURE” in sin? Where is the “PEARL OF GREAT PRICE” in sin? You would think that if this idea of leaven being sin were true, then the scripture would have to read something like this:

The Kingdom of God is like unto a man walking through a field, upon which he stepped in something…So he bought the field! (Lorde, lorde, lorde, it waz nassy.)

Joking aside, it doesn’t fit. Sin does not fit in with the whole of the parable teaching. Treasure, and Pearls of great price are BLESSINGS-GOOD THINGS. They’re not foul and putrid things as these people believe they are (I realize they haven’t given it much thought).

Can you see how you can take a wonderful idea and turn it into a real stinker?

The dough, the meal, the field, the ground-in this network of parables-is the heart of a man. THERE’S A TREASURE HID IN YOUR HEART. And it’s worth “SELLING ALL THAT YOU HAVE, TO AQUIRE IT” (paraphrased).

Look at this scripture.

33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

People think that this is difficult to understand because it’s filled with idioms and metaphors. But if you understand that Jesus is talking about the same idea here-what goes into the heart, gets radiated to the world around us-if done properly, then you can see how that it’s about a principle that can work either way. In the good direction or bad.

The light in this instance is the heart of a man. It’s the part of us that retains spiritual vision. That’s why Jesus likened it to an eye. But this eye can radiate things good and bad. “as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light”.

Mathew 13:52
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Matthew 12:35
A good man out of the good TREASURE OF THE HEART bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the EVIL TREASURE bringeth forth evil things.

Once again, it’s the principle. We can deposit things in our hearts good or bad. And our hearts radiate it forth to the world around us good or bad, light or darkness.

Jesus said how great is that darkness!

If the human being was designed to carry about this inner light, “let your light so shine” and yet darkness gets injected into it, you can see how that it’s almost a double negative. A light bulb that can radiate darkness-hey a “black light”-just kidding.

I think this will serve as food for thought for now. But just remember that the Scribes and Pharisee’ probably seized upon this (idea that leaven is always bad) and thought that they knew what he was saying, and yet they really didn’t. The Kingdom principles are hidden FOR us, not from us. For we are the good hearted ones desiring to hear.

May God bless.





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The Mustard Parable was a fulfilled Prophecy from Ezekiel 17!
Quote:
Ezekiel 17
22. Thus saith the Lord God; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
23. In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.
24. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the Lord have spoken and have done it.












Other info....

Psalms 104
12. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

Proverbs 11
28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Isaiah 4
2. In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them...

Isaiah 11
1. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

Isaiah 60
16. Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
17. For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.
18. Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
19. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
20. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
21. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.


Jeremiah 23
5. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah 33
15. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
_________________

The Harvest is soon......
and
If any person comes to Jesus Christ,
and doesn't love Jesus Christ over,
their father,
or their mother,
or their spouse,
or their children,
or their brethren,
or their sisters,
or even their own life,
they are not able to be a followers of Jesus Christ!

The Truth Shall Set You FREE!
http://www.freejesus.net/salvation.php
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The ring is a symbol to represent apart of the convenant again. The robe is his robe of righteousness. The shoes identify him as a son as opposed to a servant.
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i love jesus sooo much
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Big Island,

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

Notice the expression “self-evident”.

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

What is the “secret”?

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

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

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

“KEEPING A SECRET”.

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

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

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

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

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

Why would that be?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope this helps.

Tell know man.

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Who are the tares and when were they first planted and do their progeny still exist today? Is it possible that the source of these tares is directly connected with the "sons of God" and their offspring, the nephilim as recorded in Genisis 6:4? Does the book of Enoch have any relevence to this. After reading it, I believe that the all this is very possible.
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Dan,
As a mother in a similar situation, I empathize with you. since you wrote almost 1 year ago, I just wanted to write to ask how things are going. I know I never stop praying for my younger child (Is it something to do with birth order?!). I have become devoted to St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine of Hippo. She prayed for THIRTY YEARS for the conversion of her son from his paganistic, hedonistic ways! Her bishop told her that the prayers of a mother who had shed so many tears for her son would not go unanswered. St. Augustine eventually converted to Christianity and became one of the greatest scholars of the early Church.
Praying for the same miracle for all our sons...
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Please could anyone send me a photo or picture of the mustard tree mentioned in scripture, which is reputed to grow around 15 feet tall(4 metres)
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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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Dear Brother,

Greetings in the nameof Jesus Christ.

I am preparing a message on Christ the Good shepherd and would like to have some good messages of the same and hope you can help me. Waiting to hear from you very soon.

Your friend,
Cheryan
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This is such a neat parable, and probably the most easily understood. prod·i·gal adj. Rashly or wastefully extravagant: prodigal expenditures on unneeded weaponry; a prodigal life. Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse: prodigal praise. n. One who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance.

This son knew the comfort and security He would have if he would abide with his father, but the thought of his own money and freedom was alluring. He asked for what he thought he deserved, and the Father let him have it. Instead of the glamorous life he thought he would have, after the initial fun he ended up having to work with pigs just to barely survive. To a Jew, this was the ultimate disgrace, for pigs are considered the uncleanest of animals. But then look at what happens when he returns to his father, humbled, no longer feeling he had the right to be given anything, and with the intent of working for him. He is not driven away because of his previous actions and behavior....the father knew and was so overjoyed at his return he didn't even wait for his son to get all the way back...he ran out and met him! Not only did he meet him with joy, he gave him the best of what he had. The best clothes, the best food, and celebrated his return. Our Father is always there for us. He will not deny us if we come to Him, and He will not shame us for our past actions when we do. Like in the story, He knows we're coming, and is prepared and isn't thinking of our past, just rejoicing for our future. Chrys _________________ Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.


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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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First thing to note is that there are three parables given.

Why are they given? The occasion for Jesus to give them is back in chapter 15:1-3. The phrarisees and scribes are grumbling because sinners come to Jesus.

He then tells three stories (keep in mind these are parables - the details are not important but the main point Jesus makes).

Note these similarities -

1) Lost sheep --something is lost (sheep), something is found, the finder rejoices, others rejoice with the finder.

2) Lost coin -- something is lost (coin), it is found, the finder rejoices, everyone rejoices with the finder.

3) Prodigal -- something is lost (son), he is found (comes to the father), everyone rejoices (they have a party). But then we get to a different element than the first two stories, the older brother grumbles because the father receives the sinful younger brother. Does that sound like anyone else? It is exactly like the attitude of the pharisees and scribes in verses 1-3 (the reason Jesus tells these parables).

The meaning of these three parables is plain. The proper attitude should be joy when someone comes to Christ.

It is easy to get bogged down by trying to figure the meaning of each of the things in the story of the prodigal. I don't believe Christ ever intended us to try to place a meaning on every element of this story. Just like today when a preacher gives an illustration, every detail of it is not important - just the main point. I fully believe in the inerrancy of scripture - but I still think that these three parables have a simple meaning.

Todd
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A mustard seed should stay an herb,if it becomes as a tree it is not good for seasoning.It has become something it shouldn't be and the birds perch in it looking for an easy meal.
Mustard seed = The Church,GOD's children Birds = satan and his croneies,false teachers
To GOD be the glory.

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i think it really teaches about thing what about you?
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please send me a pictures of mustard tree.
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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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Fred what did you mean by yet he was saved yet so as by fire. I don't understand what you are saying here?


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reverend father,
i am a 4th year theology seminarian from st.mary's theologate i would like to secure a copy of your sermon on "good shepherd" for my homily guide regarding the same subject....tnx
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picture
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Just a Question:

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

Not a lot of sermons on him.

Thanks.
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Would you help me in my project about the parable of the prodigal son???
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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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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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Does anyone know the meaning of "Abrahams Bosom"?
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Verses 27 -31 is not as it seems.

No good can come from hell.

This man was still selfish enough to protect himself against the ever lasting hatred of his brethran. He was not saving them to heaven, he was trying to avoid them coming to hell to add to his torment forever.

They would inflict more torment on him for him setting them on their path to hell, he was still thinking of self.

I repeat the first comment, "No good can come from hell."

Rob t
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the good samaritan is a person full of blessing and understanding and he is not self-concieted he had a humble heart like jesus christ that never be change even yesterday and today.Be with jesus so that you will be like a good samaritan and the gift of god which is the eternal life is waiting for you in the golden paradise of heaven.

GOD BLESS TO US!!!
BE WITH JESUS AT ALL TIMES!!!
READ AND APPLY THE WORD OF GOD!!!
BE LOVABLE AND CHEERFUL TO YOUR NEIGHBOR!!!
FORGET EVERYTHING BUT PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR HEART!!!

YOUR BROTHER,
VICAR
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