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To really hammer this home; I need to discuss the other technique the enemy uses; namely that of telling us what we want to hear. All throughout church history; there has been a vacillation between outright persecution of the saints and damnable heresies that allow for any distraction and comfort in this life to take over and blind men to the truth. I would propose that the latter is far more damaging to the Saints today. Fear of man is something scripture warns against; but also flattery such as is warned of in Daniel 11:32 which the Antichrist himself will use to convince others to break his covenant and attack the Jews in the midpoint of the Tribulation.
No matter how you slice it; if we aren't truly convinced that the admonitions and warnings of scripture are real in our souls; we are not delivering a message that will prick the consciences of the recipients. This is really the firm root in ourselves spoken of in the parable of the seed and the sowers. ( Mark 4:17). This comes in conjunction with trusting God; and having a willing attitude towards reading and obeying it. I have found that if we trust in the Lord enough we can fairly predictably see the course of events when one is in error; including ourselves of course. Many seem to think that the curses and blessings in the Old Testament only were relevant to the Old Covenant. I would argue not. There are certain things that are ceremonial laws; and I believe the Sabbath Day is overruled; as it were with the Son of Man being Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). As far as the other 9 of the 10 Commandments along with other scriptures these are universal laws affecting a covenant of marriage (fornication and adultery); the sacredness of human life (murder); and boundaries (see Deut. 32:8).
In light of this; a true believer has some awareness that they are in a Covenant relationship with their Lord and Savior. See 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
> Christ is the author of the WHOLE Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience. This method, however, fails to recognize that GOD is the AUTHOR of the WHOLE Bible and that the WHOLE Bible is written for us TODAY.
Moreover, as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God did not write the Bible so that it is easy to come to truth. Faithful Bible teachers that apply these principles can guide us in our understanding.
But THE BIBLE ALONE AND IN ITS ENTIRETY must be our ultimate authority as we compare scripture with scripture praying that God in His mercy would open our our understanding and lead us into Truth.
I agree Matthew 24 is PROPHECY, but it's meaning is HIDDEN in a PARABLE
Psalms is also a PROPHECY.
Psalms 49:4 I (the spirit of Christ wrote Psalms) will open my mouth in a parable .....
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable ....
The whole bible is written by the SPIRIT OF CHRIST, the whole bible is a parable, the meaning is HIDDEN from the physical eyes.
Job is a PROPHECY, but it's meaning is hidden in a Parable, the physical eye can't see the truth of the parable.
Job 27:1 Moreover Job CONTINUED his PARABLE ...
Job 29:1 Moreover Job continued his PARABLE ...
If Job is continuing his parable, it has been a parable from the beginning.
Ezekiel is a Prophecy, but hidden in a parable.
Ezekiel 17:2 Son of Man, put forth a riddle, and speak a PARABLE to the house of Israel of Israel.
Ezekiel 24:3 Utter a PARABLE unto the rebellious house .....
Ezekiel, through the spirit of Christ, is PROPHESYING that the words of God are a PARABLE, and can't be understood without the spirit of Christ revealing it to you.
Micah 2:4 In that day (the day he is speaking the words of Matthew 24) ONE (CHRIST) shall take up a parable against you ....
Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables, and without a parable spake he not to them.
You know ALL of God's words a Parable, because his word says so.
Mark 4:34 But with a parable spake he not to them, (the disciples never understood a word he was saying) and when they were alone, he expounded all things to them.
You have to be alone also, and the spirit of Christ will expound all things to you.
Revelation 19:10 ...for the testimony (words) of Jesus is the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.
You need to rethink the abomination of desolation, the rapture, and a single anti-christ.
God Bless YOU as HE reveals his words to you.
Romans 14:12, 1Peter 4, Jude 1, Zechariah 3, 1Chronicles 21:1, Job 1, Job 2, Matthew 4:10, Mark 1:13, Luke 4, Luke 22, John 13,
Mark 4:15, Luke 13:16, Acts 5, notice Acts 4:32-37, continued into Acts 5, - Acts 5:13, 1Corinthians 7:5, 2Corinthians 11:13,14, 2Thessalonians 2:9, John 7:24, Romans 14:13,
Acts 26:18, Romans 16:20, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20, Psalms 98:9,
James 1:5,
Hopefully these give you wisdom
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
Psalms 49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Psalms 49:4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
Mark 4:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
Mark 4:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Matthew 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Hopefully these are helpful in your discussion & study
There is only one sin that sends you to hell and that sin is to reject Christ. Do you believe that?
Because according to what your saying is that, a person would have to be completely sinless to hold onto their salvation.
I was saved 23 years ago and I was so born again, became a new creature, repenting of all sin, giving my whole life to God. No longer of the world, and still that way, except in the last 12 years I backslid lacking in visitation, and commiting to church activities. But before that I head usherd, cleaned the church, went on visitation, led my mom and brother to Christ and spread the word to others, worked in the church office adding up tithes. I had to stop a lot of that because of health reasons; it kept me from being faithful to my services. I don't think God is going to close the doors on me for that.
The Lord spoke in parables so that the Pharisees would be blinded lest they see the truth at any time and repent (see Mark 4:11 and following verses). The human being is the only species which deliberately blinds themselves to the truth and hardens their heart. This is given to man to whom God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). There is a way; a door or opening to heaven by which we MUST go through to enter; there is no other way. That; of course is Christ and being Born Again. After all; only the "sick need a physician". ( Mark 2:17). Consider those who most often rejected Christ. These were all those who had heard the message; and mostly the Jews who knew the law and the commandments and the prophecies thus they were without excuse killing the Lord of Glory. That was made clear by Stephen's speech and subsequent martyrdom in Acts 7 and the beginning of Acts 8. Their history was spelled out as to how they sinned and killed the Prophets before them; Christ Himself also brought out these things.
In seeing these things we are reminded with a fair and impartial view of scripture in terms of it's literary composition that men by and large were going on with their personal lives and decisions much of the time. We certainly needn't look at "free will" as something that is diametrically opposed to God's predetermination in our lives as though He is holding us to a standard that we as human beings are paralyzed with our everyday life. He points out to David only when He goes after Bathsheeba that he was given much latitude ( 2 Sam. 12:7-8) and even more wives if he asked; but of course murder and adultery was not to be tolerated. God can't look upon sin; therefore had to turn His back on His own Son. However it is our sin NATURE that is the root of all these things; or the heart ( Jeremiah 17:9; etc.) But after this life ends there is no more freedom for the unregenerate to sin.
Exodus 25, Romans 11,
Hopefully these are also helpful in your study
My understanding, Jesus coming, the Messiah/Christ was not a secret, Daniel 9:25 prophesied when He would come. Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and the law, and when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and Jesus was filled without measure, John 3:34.
John the Baptist proclaimed it, John 1:34 and His disciples did as well, John 1:41 Jesus told the woman at the well He was the Messiah, John 25:25-26 and Martha John 11:27. It was confirmed by all the miracles Jesus did by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28 the kingdom of God has come, but the death and resurrection were, at that time a secret/mystery, Rom. 11:25.
The kingdom of God has come, John said it was at hand, Matt. 3:1-2. After John was put in prison Jesus came preaching Mark 1:14-15. The mystery of the kingdom; they were looking for the stone to crush Rome and the kingdom would be set up then Daniel 2:44, but it was like the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast Matt. 13, increasing even today until the crushing blow at Jesus second coming.
The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah/Christ, so I am sure that was part of their preaching, but Jesus' death and resurrection were hidden even from the disciples Luke 9:45. We see how they fled when Jesus was arrested, Matt. 26:56, and they did not believe He resurrected Mark 16:10-11 Luke 23:10-11 it was hidden from them for if Satan had known the results, he would have tried to stop it.
Jesus spoke mainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables to fulfill the prophecy, Matt. 13:10-15 Mark 4:10-13 Luke 8:10. The mystery was not revealed until after Jesus was resurrected as Jesus told them the Holy Spirit would bring remembrance and teaching to them John 14:26 John 16:3-4 Romans 11:25 Romans 16:25 the promise to Abraham Genesis 17:4-7 and that seed was Jesus the Messiah/Christ.
This is my understanding may someone else have another, pray and study for your understanding.
God bless,
RLW
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
Psalm 56:7kjv: My heart is fixed , O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Mark 4:39 kjv: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,
Peace be still.
Romans 15:13 kjv: Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Ghost.
To clarify, you wrote "BUT his words are a parable, because he said they were a parable."
Do you believe all of Jesus's words are parables? If so, then when Jesus said He was speaking in parables that also would be a parable, right? It would seem strange to believe 99.9% of what Jesus says is a figurative parable, except only one verse or phrase where He says He's speaking in parables, correct? For example Mark 4:11 is literal?
To me its evident when Jesus or anyone else in the Bible is speaking literally, telling a story, using a figure of speech, metaphor, simile, just as its usually evident when conversing with anyone else in person.
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" John 9:35 KJV
Jesus said He's the Son of God, do you believe he was being literal or telling a parable when He said that?
"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" Luke 22:48 KJV
Another literal quote from Jesus which do you believe is literal that Judas did in fact betray Him with a kiss, or do you believe this is also a parable?
Do you believe Jesus is Lord as it says in Colossians 2:6-9 and the Mighty God as it says in Isaiah 9:6?
God bless
It is the same word used in both places, not the English word fearful because it says fearful in both places, but the Greek word DEILOS is used in both places. This word means cowardly, not fearful like PHOBOS.
In Mark 4:40, can you imagine such a big storm like that and all He says is "Stop and be quiet!" Everything is like nothing happened!
So Jesus asks them two questions. First, why are ye so fearful?
Now if it was me, if I understood from the English what fearful means, I would be like "Fearful? You got to be kidding! We were in the biggest storm of our life. What do you mean fearful?"
Jesus was saying, why were you cowards? How is it that you have no faith? That is not a challenge. He is saying take inventory. Why don't you have faith?
It says they feared exceedingly. They had no courage to face the storm, and rightly so. No human being would have the courage to face the storm. And he asked them, why don't you have faith?
You see, faith is produced by the Holy Spirit. Jesus continually put them in circumstances that were beyond their human means and their human ability.
That is true for every Christian. The bible says that the Lord directs the steps of every righteous person.
Every storm, every trial, and every tribulation, is designed by God. And for the Christian, the design will be that this will be too much for you, because only God can do it!
Why is the word used in the same context, in Rev. 21, as the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars?
I expected her to be on the same page we both failed her sin was greed I knew I had the special tool to receive his word she wanted it all and took it from me that put us apart it's more than being together we could have been on separate beds and yet together but it wasn't working greed brought us both to lust then the father of all lies spoken lies that I could only respond with anger now my friends think I'm a nut my partner even crazier and everyone in my circle hates me and we all missed our word I said some aweful mean things and repeated things I should have kept to myself and this girl who I would have givin my life for has need of an excorsist it's all messed up I had resisted lust up to a point but satan persisted in us both now my special tool is gone and so is our friendship hope faith and there's no more love and it makes me sad and I've been now overlooked and so has she what can we expect now now from what mete shall I be took from I can't help but to feel despaired and lonely and empty I haven't talked to her but I know she feels the same what can we do now? The devil clouded me until 1:11 am then I remembered mark 4 omg I feel so sick looking to free myself from this pollution I feel now I missed it and I'm gonna die alone I'm afraid I will be stuck here eternally to re dieoverandove
Sadly, flip-flopping is the kind of action that negatively affects their walk with God. This kind of flip-flopping is a change of mind. It's a decision to reverse an earlier decision. Flip-flopping faith seems common among some who say they believe God one day but easily change their minds the next.
Apostle James wrote about flip-flopping Faith. He said, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" ( James 1:8). A double-minded man is someone that believes today but changes his mind tomorrow. This is the flip-flopping saint that can't be trusted. He is double-minded. He is not dependable, breaks rank, is lukewarm, and doesn't keep his word. The Holy Spirit says this person is unstable and double-minded. You should be careful around such a person.
Abraham refused to walk in flip-flopping faith. The Bible says, "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform" ( Romans 4:20-21).
Flip-floppers can never please God. Remember, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Don't let the seed of God's word fall on hard ground. Build your house on the rock. Scripture declares, "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred" ( Mark 4:20). God rewards steadfastness.
Watch your walk. As already said, be careful around flip-flopping faith. Stagger not in unbelief but give glory to God. Think about this. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" ( Numbers 23:19)
Listen to this song: "Lay Down This World" by Darrell Mansfield
There is a great tendency for categorizing people as "saved" or lost without further distinction as to the state of saved people especially. The concept of rewards or loss thereof ( Rev. 3:11) is found in a number of scriptures. Some; no doubt bring forth different levels of fruit ( Mark 4:20). Some make it in but suffer loss ( 1 Cor. 3:15). There is also a tendency to brush over sins committed after a confession of faith as somehow not having consequences in the lives of a believer. Again; we see a reference to this in Corinthians about anyone who destroys the "Temple of God". ( 1 Cor. 3:16-17). If we dishonor God we can shorten our life through natural causes; and God's discipline can be part of this refining process even to death. See also 1 Cor. 5:5.
We must keep in mind that as God's children; he "chastises every one He loves." ( Heb. 12:6). We cannot be certain of the salvation of Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts 5:1-11) but it fits the same pattern. Whoever has "tasted and seen" ( Heb. 6:4-5) God's goodness but is not truly Born Again has greater judgment. When we see churches today that clearly lack the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom ( Proverbs 1:7 and other passages); there is a tendency to ignore the exhortations and rebuke which need to be given along with encouragement for the edification of the saints ( 2 Timothy 4:2). Just because as Protestants we don't believe in transubstantiation; we do well to heed to the fact that His presence is in communion. Churches need to emphasize salvation along with living without a LIFESTYLE of unrepentant sin is necessary when partaking in communion. Unforgiveness should also be addressed ( Matt. 5:23-24
1Corinthians 4:1 "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of CHRIST, and the stewards of the mysteries of GOD." references: Mark 4:11, in context Mark 4:1-34, Romans 11:25, Romans 16:25-27, Ephesians 3, Revelation 10:7, some Old Testament references: Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, Zechariah 13:6, Leviticus 16:17, John 19,
Romans 14:12 : reference for several
1Corinthians 4:2, references: Titus 1:7,
1Corinthians 4:3-4, ref: Romans 8:33, Isaiah 50:8, Jude 1:24-25, Romans 14:13, Psalms 98:9,
1Corinthians 4:5, ref: Matthew 25:31-46, Hebrews 10:30, 2Thessalonians 2,
1Corinthians 4:6,7,8, ref: 1Corinthians 12, Deuteronomy 8:18, Psalms 75:6-7, John 19:11,
1Corinthians 4:9-14, Hebrews 11,
Hopefully these are helpful
John 1:5 also prophetic of Isaiah 60:2, if crucifixion isn't dark, I don't know what time is. Ephesians 5:11,
Isaiah 5:20, John 12:46,
Isaiah 6:8-10, Mark 4:12, also prophecy, fulfilled
Hopefully these are helpful
Psalms 37,
Be not fearful, Mark 4:40, only fear GOD ALMIGHTY Hebrews 10:31, Matthew 8:26, Isaiah 35:4, Revelation 21:7,8, * Deuteronomy 20:8,
Be not suddenly moved, * 2Thessalonians 2:3-17,
Psalms 62:2,6,
2 Thessalonians 2:12, Ephesians 4:25, Psalms 119:30, Psalms 85:10-11, Ephesians 6:14, Ephesians 6:12,
1 Corinthians 4:5, Luke 8:17, Mark 4:22,
* Luke 12:1-7,
Hopefully these scriptures are helpful to encourage & strengthen.