1st century Christianity in the 21st century
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Returning Unclean Spirit
It is interesting to notice the references to demon possession in the Bible. Search the Old Testament, and there doesn’t seem to be any reference to such happening. In the gospels, demons appear to be a common occurrence, but as we continue in the New Testament, demon activity wanes in the book of Acts, and is non-existent in the epistles.
Continue reading “Empty and Exposed: The Unclean Spirit & the Swept Heart”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Tax Collector and Pharisee’s Prayer
It’s important for a speaker to know his audience. Of any speaker, we should expect that Jesus knew how to read an audience, and we see His ability to do so displayed several times in the gospels. To introduce the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Luke reveals that Jesus knew those who were listening to Him, and adapted His teaching to best serve their needs. Luke tells us that Jesus spoke to those whho trusted in their own righteousness and despised others.
Continue reading “A Vanity-Laden Supplication: The Arrogant Pharisee’s Prayer”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Unjust Judge & Widow’s Persistent Prayer
Jesus spoke about prayer a lot. Several of His parables address the need to pray as well as the manner of our approach to the Father. In Luke 18, Jesus taught of a widow characterized by her persistent prayer.
The Lord seeks for us to learn from her and make application in our prayers. Luke 18:1 reads,
...He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart... (Luke 18:1).Continue reading “The Powerful Lesson of the Widow’s Persistent Prayer”
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parables of the Mustard Seed & the Unprofitable Servant (Increase our faith)
Having heard the Lord talk about offenses and the need to forgive, Peter asked Jesus,
…how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? (Matthew 18:21)
Continue reading “Increase Our Faith: Building Devotion to God and Man”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Shrewd Steward
This is perhaps one of the most difficult of Jesus’ parables to grasp. As we read it and look for lessons, we must be careful what we apply and how. This isn’t the only time the Lord used an unfaithful servant in a parable, but His usage here is somewhat unique.
Continue reading “The Shrewd Steward: Walking in Wisdom and Faith”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Fig Tree
Some people told Jesus about a group of Galileans whom Pilate killed. Jesus’ reponse indicated those who brought it up believed they got what they deserved. He said to them:
Do you suppose these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered such things? I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:2-3)
Continue reading “Fruitless Faith: Cutting Down The Fig Tree”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Seed of the Kingdom
Mark 4 has some parables we’ve seen in other gospels: the sower (4:3-20), the lamp (4:21-23), and the mustard seed (4:30-33). He adds a different parable – a story of the growth of a seed.
Continue reading “Seed Of The Kingdom Leading To A Spiritual Harvest”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Rich Fool
As the Lord taught His disciples, a man from the crowd spoke up, asking for Jesus’ help:
Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. (Luke 12:13)
Continue reading “The Rich Fool: The Dangers Of Wealth And Selfish Living”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Talents
If we hear someone speak about “talents,” we tend to think about skills or abilities that one has. In Matthew 25, Jesus gave a parable about three servants and their use of the master’s talents. In this case, a talent was not their skill or ability, but a sum of money.
Continue reading “Being Wise Stewards of the Lord’s Talents”– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
In Matthew 24, Jesus gave a few parables addressing the need for His people to prepare for His return. He continued the same thought in Matthew 25, teaching the parable of the ten virgins.
Continue reading “The Need to be Prepared: The Ten Virgins”