Is it true that when the small mustard seed is planted should grow into a large garden plant instead of a tree....?
^ TOP

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.
^ TOP

life application of the growth of mustard seed
^ TOP

Ok I do attend a catholic high school but I'm not that knowledgeable on this stuff so I have a question is somone could answer it quickly.........
True or False .... The message of Jesus given us in the parable of the Prodigal Son is God's unconditional forgiveness.
Thanx
^ TOP

Dear Sir: May I have a copy of your good shepherd sermon? I am not a pastor, just ibterest you sermon. also I am a forener student in OU.
^ TOP

I think this story gives us the clearest explanation in the bible of what happens to a person after they die
^ TOP

After reading all the comments on the Filling of the spirit I find this one to be right on the money. I was going to post a writing of my own, but after reading this I decided to commend this writing. God bless and an excellent job Robert.
Pastor Rick.
^ TOP

Are you the same George Banagis that scetched "Athena"?

I have been looking for more from you for ages now. I clipped your drawing out of a magazine in 1990 when I was station @ Fort Bragg as a parachute rigger. Being a woman paratrooper, I could relate to Athena. Please send me a website or other where I can find more of your work.

And Thank You, for Athena.

Paula Wargo
^ TOP

Jesus gives the example of the Good Samaritan for us to pattern ourselves after when it comes to loving our neighbor and other points of living.Anyone can be a Good Samaritan if Jesus is in your Heart and you are operating from the Love that he gives you.Help others . Not just the ones that you know , but be ready to share his love and Charity with all.
God Bless You,
chris
^ TOP

Webmaster, I found the link for the "Parable of Servants" to lead me afar to the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. Without a page for Matt. 24:45-51, I include it with this Parable of the Ten Virgins.

The preceding Parable of the Two Servants is critical to the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which begins with the word "Then" (Matt. 25:1). Therefore, the fulfillment of the Parable of the Ten Virgins will shorly follow that of the preceding Parable of the Two Servants (Matt. 24:45-51). Well, when will that be? Who are the servants in charge, and who is their master?

For centuries churches have taught that Jesus Christ is the Master of His parable, but this understanding is collapsing before our very eyes in today's end times. He has prophesied that the end of the age, when He would rapture us home to heaven, would come once the gospel of salvation through Him got spread throughout the whole inhabitable earth for a testimony to all peoples (Matt. 24:14). My problem with the traditional church teaching is as follows: what if the evil servant in charge should prevent world evangelism so that Christ should never return? Well, in that case, Jesus Christ obviously was not the master of His parable. Hebrew and Aramaic grammar can shed light on this.

In English, we usually speak of classes of things in the plural unless we use collective nouns. The same was true of Greek, yet Hebrew and Aramaic were exceptions. In those two tongues, there is a "general (use of the) masculine singular" as we see in Psalm 1, in which a righteous (man) in Hebrew represents righteous people ("am) in general. In the Parable of the Two Servants (Matt. 24:45-51), the general masculine singular "master," "wise and faithful servant," and "evil servant" have been retained upon translation to Greek and English rather than receiving grammatrically correct plural translations to preserve the meaning of the text. The verb "dichotome^sei" (will cut asunder) could merely mean "will categorize" if the evil servant were presented naturally in the plural in Matt. 24:51. By leaving the general masculine singular forms intact upon translation to Greek, Saint Matthew makes it completely clear to us that, yes, the master(s) will most certainly cut the evil servant(s) to pieces. Now that we understand the general masculine singular, I examine the plural meanings of the master and each servant in charge.

If the master be not Jesus, he must have entrusted the servants in charge of his wealth or at least now hold the position to return and judge them. Only the people, or successors threof, who entrusted the servants in charge of the goods of God's people and responsible to nourish them can then be this master. Furthermore, when this master returns, he must recognize faithful service and entrust the good servant with all his goods: who is so incredibly generous today? Furthermore, he must conceal his intentions to return to the evil servant unawares, do so in good times, cut him to pieces, understand how the evil servant was hypocritical and assign him his portion of the hypocrites, cast him out knowing the weeping and gnashing of teeth to result, and beat or flog the evil servant according to the servant's conscience (Luke's account). The text to condemn the evil servant is Matt. 7:7 to refute the spiritual claims of every pastor who browbeat his needy while he lived it up. By putting his needy down when they made requests, the evil servant has caused them to sin habitually (worth a curse, Matt. 18:5-7) by putting aside Jesus' commands not to worry but to ask, seek, and knock. In light of the general use of the Hebrew or Aramaic masculine singular forms, the master, if not Jesus, over servants, represent the following situations...

Board of elders (master) over pastor, treasurer, Sunday school teacher;
State legislature or accreditation board (master) over psychiatrists, corrections officers, physicians, psychiatric gatekeepers, etc.;
HR Department (master) over hospital billing staff, nurses, etc.;
College of cardinals (master) over Roman Catholic bishops (servants);
Head of the United Methodist Church (master) over itinerant ministers;

and so on. Still, this judgement cannot happen yet because these masters still have today's laws to fear, laws against aggravated assault and battery. Remember, in order to return as master, each of these gatherings in power must be able to amputate the evil servants, so literal a word in the Greek as to make Matthew retain the general masculine singular of Hebrew in Greek translation to preserve its meaning of cutting into pieces, of absolute amputations, perhaps just one, perhaps several amputations. Furthermore, from Luke's account they must have the power and will to beat the crying evil servants already kicked out severely according to the content of the conscience of each. How the various masters will gain their rights to impose these corporal punishments, judgements of Scripture, I leave to the Lord Almighty. (Lord's Prayer)

Next, after all this has happened, the Parable of the Virgins will be fulfilled as the church worship industry dies and loses its buildings. The five wise virgins with extra oil represent believers, such as churchgoers, with salvation and sufficient obedience to Jesus to be received into house churches. In contrast, the five foolish virgins represent lukewarm so-called or backslidden Christians who believe or go to church for social reasons and are unwilling to desist from sin in order to stay welcome at a house church. When the Kingdom of Heaven moves out of the dedicated church buildings and into house churches to meet in mundane places, will the social churchgoers indeed feel locked out! And thus our "extra oil" represents sanctification beyond the oil in the lamps, justification. Lastly, the wedding banquet will occur then in the house churches if not after the Rapture in heaven.

Finally, the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30) will be fulfilled as masters call their rank-and-file stewards to account. Each steward, each of us in charge of wealth of our own, however little, has been entrusted to make a profit according to our abilities. The good stewards or servants (not necessarily in charge of people) will have profits to show their masters, their rich friends of Luke 16 if not Jesus Christ in heaven. The lazy servants have failed to do what was right: to trade with their wealth and make profits. Perhaps the load of seventy-six pounds avordupois of silver was too heavy for the lazy to carry; soldiers who drop their seventy-pound rucksacks are those most likely to get killed because others have to carry their packs for them. Perhaps his experience is with funerals and burials rather than in trading; perhaps he does not trust in his master's return, thinking instead, "He won't ever come back. When he dies, I won't trust his heirs; they won't know what I have hidden to free myself." In the worst case, however, the lazy servants say they never had money to invest. In that case, I, Kevin Douglas Rosenberg, prophet of Luke 16, or some ally of mine, shall be their master if the faithful servants answer to their rich friends then instead of to Jesus Christ after the Rapture.

I will tell the hard-lot lazy servants that they had Luke 16:1-13 in their bibles; how come they contented themselves with financially limited congregations despising Jesus' commands to generosity as they hewed to their Budgets? Very few of them indeed in Christ can say they never had the chance to read this passage, only that no one led them to it. I will be far less sympathetic toward those lazy servants who did not have such a problem as incarceration yet still ignored Jesus' clear command to make friends with the rich people of the world so that people might welcome us into everlasting dwellings if we lost our homes and so that our congregations might be granted the wealth for our ministries. And the profitable servants will be commended by their grantors while the lazy servants get stripped of their little wealth and possessions and cast out into the outer darkness of homelessness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Yes, the lazy servants content to serve God by themselves with what they have will lose it all, and that will be given to the best stewards.

By obeying Luke 16, we may know the rich people of the world, and they may let us in on their investment advice. In contrast, the proud among us who avoid the rich will make dumb investments such as gambling. Therefore, faithfulness even in the unrighteous mammon of Luke 16:1-13 is even more important than investment advice for hard-earned money.

I wish you all the best of luck in these end times as we get our houses in order for these awesome events.

Yours in Christ,

+++ Kevin D. Rosenberg

(reply here; e-mail is exclusive of junk mail)



^ TOP

Yes, the symbolic name of the younger son is Ephrahim. The older's name is Judah.

Selah,
Donimus
^ TOP

Sinning through work on the Sabbath for the sake of my other message, I must reply here first. You have confounded the general riches and plain gifts of rich lost folk with their offerings and sacrifices. Only their offerings and sacrifices are an abomination to the Lord.

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is unwilling to accept their terms. Why, in the fifteenth century, rich folk bought false salvations without their repentance or faith when a monk named Johann Tetzel sold them indulgences! Our Lord, however, is unwilling to grant salvation in exchange for the willful offerings and sacrifices of rich lost folk: just read the story of the rich young man! (Matt. 19:16-26 ) The seeker of salvation who trusts in his or her wealth to purchase salvation even today still is to be told to sell everything he or she may own before returning to follow Christ.

I conclude that although Jesus plans for us Christians to use wealth from the rich folk of this world, never will He acquiesce in becoming thoroughly beholden to them. And so it is that our command from Him in Luke 16:9 is to make friends with the rich folk of this world without mention of keeping them. If we as congregations should deplete the favor of rich folk in our midsts, He will call us to flee the resulting persecution (Matt. 10:23) -- not necessarily for reasons explicitly of our faith. Jesus Christ can call groups of at least two Christians to flee, together or whither the first has taken refuge, just because psychiatry is coming after two of them, or just because psychiatry pursues one while another finds no welcome for his witness of Christ, or just because nobody among the lost people nearby will listen to the Word, or just because the rich folk never give freely but instead seek what Jesus in truth always denies them, or even because the rich folk of this world there see fit to give only what they most please, such as earrings, rather than what can be made useful for Christian ministry! I tell you, it is easy for groups of genuine Christians to get called by Christ to flee together!

In the name of Jesus Christ I warn you strongly not to use the Lord's Name in vain. By lumping the wealth of the wicked which they keep and their plainest gifts to the poor with offerings and sacrifices and calling it all "an abomination to the ****", Patsy, you have profaned the Name of the Lord. Please repent now! As for me, I am miserable, and we serve the Lord mostly in order to be happy. I need hearkenings to my requests for a congregation already faithful even in (with) the unrighteous mammon of Luke 16 as soon as possible to have any chance whatsoever to be happy and keep His commandments. Please read my newest posting.

+++Kevin Douglas Rosenberg
^ TOP

Hey, Rick......I don't know you personally, but I saw you were from home town, I thought I would say hello. I go to Spanish River and have lived in Boca 32 years now. How 'bout you?
There are quite a few interesting comments on this web-site. I think it's neat how people break stuff down and look for meanings. Like, "what do the sandals represent?"
I've been the prodigal son recently. got really off track. wheh! I mean really off track. It's so wonderful to be able to come to God with a broken and contrite heart and accept His forgiveness. What a pleasure being back in fellowship. Let me hear from you.
^ TOP

for all my life i've belived in jesus and his teachings even though i have never read the bible i have decided to live in jesuses footsteps WWJD, but as i grow old i get deeper in the belive but i get the sence that i am going very insane with my intence belive because i do not belive in having to go to church every day that is to teach children, i think if u have god on your mind all the time and live in Jesuses footsteps as he told us to live that is being a true cristian please get back to me i was brought up in a very strict catolic family and if i said this to people i know they would laugh at me.
^ TOP

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.
^ TOP

Not much is ever mentioned of the elder son and his position in this parable. Is he not a "prodigal" son as well? Can one not stray or turn from what is right and not leave home physically him? Also, I think about the demand of the younger son for what he thought should be rightfully his inheritance. Again, little is ever mentioned about the father giving to both his sons their rightful inheritance.
^ TOP

I would like a copy of the good shepard sermon

Thank You
sharan Jones
^ TOP

I have been tyig to figure out a parable my pastor gave me it goes as follows

I have friends but no friends

the second one is

Sometimes i laugh sometimes i cry can you help me figure out why

Any help would be appreciatd
^ TOP

1. why is this parable only recorded by luke?
2. Why is there no mother in the story?
3. Could this parable refer to the story of Jacob in Genesis? There seem to be many parallels.
4. Many of us do what the prodigal son did--leave home and misuse our inheritance. I know of many cases. But was the son completely restored to his former priveledged position after he came home, or was he treated as a guest?
5. It seems unfair that the older son was never given a party--but God is a God of justice--there seems to be a contradiction between the justice of God and the mercy of God.
^ TOP

My heart goes out to Edwin who reached out and helped accident victims and became a victim himself. Edwin, I do not believe that this is God's perfect will for your life -- to serve time for giving of your time, talents and the love of God in your heart to help someone. Certainly we can see the hand of the enemy in this. I will pray and ask God to turn this thing around, to cause you to find favor and to reward you for your efforts to walk in love. I believe in prayer and I know that prayer changes things. Begin to speak a positive message of change. Know, by faith, that God has not forgotten you. He will save you and deliver you from this cruel thing that has happened to you. In addition to that, He will reward you for the 10 years you have spent fighting this thing. He will reunite you with your wife and cause your life to be filled with abundance. I decree it in the Name of Jesus!
^ TOP

Kevin, you are walking on very dangerous grounds! The scripture you use, does not say what you are trying to make it say!
(Luke-16-9) And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness: that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations! Meaning, we know, the unrighteous go to Hell, therefore they may receive you in everlasting habitation of Hell!
(13) No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other: or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other, you cannot serve God and mammon. (unrighteousness)
You cannot serve both good and evil, you cannot serve satan and God!
(Matthew-6-25) Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink: nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more then meat, and the body than raiment?
also note verses- 26-34

^ TOP

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!!!
^ TOP

Well this present kingdom(till JESUS returns and included his reign). The church started off small and now it is big(just like the mustard seed) and there are other religions considered as CHRISTIANDOM which are not and it is up to CHRIST in the end to get rid of the tares among the wheat. These kingdom of heaven parables are not the goody goody thing that everyone thinks they are. You have two groups in this section of Matthew: the multitude(Those with no ears to hear and no eyes to see) and the diciples (who represent GOD's people).The multitude will never understand these parables and JESUS explains them to the diciples how to interpet them in Matt. chapter 13,the parable of the sower. You see the Kingdom (this present day) there are Non believers and satans people (Tares in the wheat) masked by all other christian organization,they are the birds perched in the large mustard tree(the fowl that take the seed in the Sower parable).When Christ comes in his second coming he is going to change all that with his glorious rule in the millineum. You notice the LEAVEN was HID,what is there to hide,our salvation or GOD's great gift to the world I THINK NOT.



^ TOP

hello fellow my Christian neighbors!! i was wondering what yall thought of what the religious significance was of this parable, the Good Samaritan, and how it pertains to our lives today. What is God trying to say in this parable? what message is HE trying to convey? PLEASE get back to me!! thankyou ever so much
^ TOP

the parable also exists in buddhism: see http://www.comparativereligion.com/prodigal.html

^ TOP

need for my sunday school lesson Feb. 25, 2004
^ TOP

Interesting post you guys have,and I wanted to share Be wise!Keep Your Lamp Lit with(JESUS CHRIST)Filled With oil(As with the Holy Ghost)

There will be wise and foolish believers!

In the parable of the ten virgins, King Jesus Christ reveals that there will be wise and foolish believers in the day of His coming. He compares five wise virgins with five foolish virgins, they were ALL VIRGINS!

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste (virgin to Christ)

The WISE are those who usher a deep Love,and Personal Relationship with the Bridegroom and know King Jesus Christ is coming again for His bride.

(The Wise are Awake,and Watching)

Jesus Christ is the lamp,the light of the world John 8:12

Five/Half were Wise

Five/Half were Foolish!

The Foolish once lived in the wonderful joy of being ready and watching, but turned back to accept the careless lifestyle of worldly living and conduct(Back Sliding,Lukewarm) as Shared in Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth)

The Lord is our LAMP

2 Samuel 22:29

For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Only the WISE had OIL! Only the wise had received the infilling of the Holy Spirit.Throughout Scripture, the oil is used as the symbol for the Holy Spirit.

Only the wise hungered and thirsted for righteousness and received God's promise of His fullness. They received,and ushered the fruit of the Spirit(Galatians 5:22-26)The fruit is produced as you abide in His infilling, as you abide in His fullness. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the oil that makes your light shine, that makes you an overcomer, that empowers you to overcome your sinful nature producing garments that are clean and white without spot or wrinkle.

OIL in the dwelling of the WISE

Proverbs 3:35

(The wise shall inherit glory:) but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Proverbs 14:35

(The king's favour) is toward a (wise servant) but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Proverbs 21:20

(There is treasure to be desired) and (oil in the dwelling of the wise) but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Proverbs 28:26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool (but whoso walketh (wisely) he shall be delivered)

The Wise Virgins(As Pure Heart)The Children of God who abide(Intimate)Who have a personal Relationship(Born Again)with JESUS CHRIST!Lamps Lit,and filled with oil(As Holy Ghost)

The Foolish Virgins were not thankful,and were not grateful enough to love King Jesus Christ more than anything,and everything(with all their Heart,Soul,and Mind)

This is the first and great commandment)as Shared in Deuteronomy 6:5,Matthew 22:37-38,and Mark 12:30

The foolish had none of the oil that comes from surrender of self. They did not replenish the oil of the Holy Spirit. They did not hunger and thirst for righteousness and become filled.

The Foolish let their Love,and fire for the Lord dwindle to a lukewarm ember as Shared in Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

(Matthew 25:10) This is incredible language that leaves no room for misunderstanding. The door is shut on these foolish virgins and they miss the welcome into the wedding chamber. The warning would suggest that these foolish virgins are just like much of our church world. They once lived in the wonderful joy of being ready and watching, but turned back to accept the careless lifestyle of worldly living and conduct(Back Sliding,Lukewarm)

To read More of the Message about The Rapture, WISE,and Foolish visit http://www.raptureprophecy.com and see the webpage called (Rapture of His Bride)


^ TOP

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!
^ TOP

To Lucius,

The Holy Spirit has caused me to consider the brother who stayed home with the Father. For years I thought the brother's indignation was justified. Jesus was speaking to the Pharasees when teaching this parable. So I must consider am I like the Pharasees? If I take the side of the brother who stayed home then I do not have a tender heart for the lost. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves. If the brother cannot even love his brother and celebrate his return how can he love his neighbor.
^ TOP

I'd like more parables to read and appreciate. The Sower is wonderful.
^ TOP

The second message is more complete, it has more to it at the bottom!
^ TOP

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

The main subject is about growing and bearing fruit. Other places in the bible talk about fruit of the Spirit. Other places talk about backsliders, who hear the word of God, live by it, but then start to sin again. Thats the soil (heart) that receives the word among thorns, other places Jesus talks about thorns being the fruit of evil on trees. The 2nd soil is the person who goes through persercution, Jesus said we will all be persecuted John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.", those people are beat up or sent away from everyone and hate them, they can't handle it, so they turn from the faith, and become unfruitful. May grace be with you.
^ TOP

Hello; When Christ was on earth the first time there were two major religious parities in Judaism--the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees were the fundamental legalists. They believed the letter of the law. They believed in a future resurrection, in angels, and in the spirit realities. The Sadducees though were more liberal in their theology. They rejected any thought of a future resurrection, and they didn't believe in angels or in spirit realities [ Acts 23:8 ]

But the Pharisees and the Sadducees did have one thing in common. Neither would have anything to do with the message surrounding the proffered kingdom [Matt. 16:1-6 ]

The Pharisees followed Christ about the country, seeking to counter the signs being manifested , and seeking to bring about unbelief on the part of the people. They formed, by far, the largest religious sect in Israel. And, because of there numbers, they held undisputed sway over the people and masses. The sadducees were the second largest sect in Israel and sometimes joined themselves with the pharisees who controlled the religious like of the nation. They sat "in Moses seat" [Matt.23:1,2]. I hope this helps , Bye.....
^ TOP

Can we be a good samaritan in this era...? can we humble ourselves and help others despite of everything; being a stranger or an enemy? how can we be like the good samaritan when we ourselves don't know how to love and to be humble in every actions we did...
^ TOP

the older son has been misunderstand for a long time. He is a good kid. What more can a father ask from his son? But he is blinded by his bitterness. And in v. 31 the father tells the older son that all the father has is the older son's. If this is the case, the older son can choose to ask the father to give him and his friends a BBQ party. But the son doesn't ask. He gets mad at the father and turns bitter.

Very often we are more like the older sons. Not many of us live an exciting life like the younger son. We make complaints to our Father for not having what we want. But we don't spend time to ask.
^ TOP

Please help me find congregations already faithful in the unrighteous mammon of Luke 16. I call on another Scripture passage for help:

"Ask [keep on asking] and it will be given to you; seek [keep on seeking] and ye shall find; knock [keep on knocking] and the door will be opened unto you. For everyone who asks [continues to ask] receives, and everyone who seeks [continues to seek] finds, and everyone for everyone who knocks [continues to knock] the door is opened unto him." (Matt. 7:7; I read in Greek)

I am at a loss for where to turn to find a congregation already faithful even in the unrighteous mammon of Luke 16, and I continue to knock on my keyboard despite medical hindrances so that doors from your replies may open up for me. Such a congregation must not be full of members who claim not to know any rich people, and it must not turn its bankrupts over to unbelieving lawyers out in the world. Our God is great with His rich heart, yet the vast majority of American churches professing faith in Him remain severely limited financially because they are trying to earn almost all the wealth for Christian endeavors. Budgets are tight because most of today's building-based ministries have served Mammon rather than God. Now, brethren, I ask you where this is not so, and I am willing to look far away, so far as to have to flee, if such a congregation have welcome and great wealth to give me.

I despair of becoming a bankruptcy lawyer because I believe that Jesus will return too soon. If I do not know where or how to meet rich people somewhat near me, that leaves me a horrible search for a church or Christian gathering or organization which already has done as I have written that the churches should have done to assure plenty of wealth, for if I must strike out in search, I can expect to run into many tens or even hundreds of wrong churches still financially limited and unwilling to be taught Luke 16:1-13. Each of these has a terrible surprise or a concealment of their limitations in store for me when I press on and persist for faithfulness according to Jesus Christ (Luke 16:1-13). Obviously, I refuse to waste Sunday morning attendance on them out of tact (Matt. 7:6). Overwhelmed, I ask you for guidance which the Lord has not given me clearly.

After establishing ties to such a group of Christians mostly obedient according to Jesus (Luke 16), I shall at long last possess the wealth for my ministry and be free of many worries (Matt. 6:24) which have plagued me ever since I was browbeaten and harmed and ruined by the evil servants Richard Smith and William Meier of Twin City Bible Church in Urbana, IL in 1993 (Matt. 24:45-51). I have had to pursue the education for ruined careers before because God's people failed me; please help me build my life on the solid Rock of faith by showing me where to turn for a congregation you know to be already faithful in the unrighteous mammon as I have described.

Please post your replies here because oppressive spam has forced me to acquiesce in exclusively filtered e-mail. If you do not happen to be aware of any congregation already faithful according to Luke 16:1-13, please ask around. Great will be your reward in heaven. Amen.
^ TOP

The scripture I used, as (11Thess-3-12) should have been (11Thess-2-3-12)
^ TOP

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.
^ TOP

need for school
^ TOP

HI..WANT A COPY OF THE SERMON FOR THE GOOD SHEPPERD


THANK YOU....SO MUCH

SINCERELY YOURS,

RAUL GAWEC
^ TOP

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

^ TOP

MUSTARD (Black) BRASSICA NIGRA
An excellent sauce for clarifying the blood.
An annual growing three or four feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) high with small yellow flowers. The seed pod is long and pointed and contains about a dozen dark brown seeds which have a hot, biting taste.
Where to find it: Waste places, roadsides, beside streams and on sea cliffs. Flowering time: Early summer.
Astrology. A herb of Mars.
Medicinal virtues: Excellent for weak stomachs, but unfit for choleric people. It strengthens the heart and resists poisons. Those with weak stomachs should take one dram (1.7 g) each of Mustard seed and Cinnamon beaten to a powder with half a dram (390 mg) of powdered Mastic and Gum Arabic dissolved in Rose-water and made into troches of half a dram (390 mg) each. One troche is to be taken an hour or two before meals. Old people may take much of this medicine with advantage. Mustard seed has the virtue of heat, discussing, ratifying and drawing out splinters of bones from the flesh. It is good for falling-sickness or lethargy and to bring down the courses.
A decoction of the seed in wine resists poison, the rnalignity of Mushrooms and the bites of venomous creatures, if taken in time. Taken in an electuary the seed stirs up lust, helps the spleen and pain in the sides and gnawings of the bowels.
An outward application eases the pain of sciatica and the gout and aching joints.
Modern uses: Mustard seeds are used mainly in poultices for acute local pain and congestive lung conditions, such as bronchitis. The poultices are made by mixing the powdered seeds into a paste with warm water and spread onto brown paper. The poultices should be removed when they make the skin red. Mustard oil, a powerful irritant, is incorporated into liniments for rheumatic pain.

http://www.magdalin.com/herbal/plants_pages/m/mustard_black.htm
^ TOP

does not matter if p-son hated father, dont let hate scare ya it's normal
part of existence in material plane...from some angles we all hate that
we were thrown onto this plane thru no reckoning of our own, and
mostly coerced to accept or deal with it...if we're truly awake/aware
we're being the prodigal son/daugher/entity incessantly in each
here-now moment and so shaping our next moments - even the
luxury of having a little bit of clarity/real-consiousness doesn't
guarantee that we will be comfortably accepted, embraced, cared-for
by some (god, father, mamma) entity...but ownership of how this
parable can really work for you is reeeallly something!

it's neither good nor bad,only thinking tends to make it so.
all men wanna be better and aren't but for lack of knowing how.
this one can only suggest how you might: we get to being parts of
each other this way
^ TOP

I'm writing to you because visiting your site I saw pictures of the mustard tree. I have a group of children that I will be speaking of the mustard seed parable and would very much like to show them a picture of the mustard tree.
Could you send me one?
I would really appreciate that
God Bless you.
Claudia
^ TOP

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.
^ TOP

Here the parable in the beginning says that Kingdom of heaven is as this. We know that Jesus gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom (Matt 16:19), and Peter did opened the door of the kingdom in the day of Pentacost (Act 2). So here definitely he is referring to the disciples (or christian) in church. Some commentaries refers the last servant as those of old days who were afraid to be corrupted by the world that moved out of cities to live by themselves rather than being the salt and light of the world. I believe the talents can be all that we have recieved from God including the salvation and opportunities of sharing the salvation. And yes, we will be judged by our Master for our own deeds as Jesus talked about fruits and its tree to be relatable.

And I don't care what people or pastor says about "once saved always saved" theology which is taught nowadays. Bible clearly says sin will kill us. as it is written in Heb 10:26~27

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."

Though we are not perfect and often sin time to time (or everyday even!!)
if we insist to have sinful "life-style" meaning justifying ourselves to sin as in Gal 5:19, we will be lost though we could be saved previously.

I believe this parable should be also studied with Parable of Ten Virgins, which starts with same heading.
^ TOP

"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

^ TOP

pls. give me an ending to the parable of good samaritan!
^ TOP

You're right. Salvation is enough to be ready. And you can't lose your salvation. That's why they call it eternal life. If a person could lose it then it wouldn't be ETERNAL LIFE; it would be TEMPORARY LIFE.
Being ready means being truly saved and not just going through the motions. It means being born again by the spirit of God.
^ TOP