Bible Study Matthew Chapter 13

[Douglas Summers]

Matthew Chapter 13 begins the Mystery of the Kingdom in parable form by the Lord, after His rejection by His own. (The Chief religious leaders of Israel) That is what John 1: 11 is referring to when it says,"He came unto His own and His own received Him not). Chapter 12 of Matthew is the Chapter of His rejection, especially when they account His work by The Holy Spirit to Bellzebub.. The reason for the parabolic teaching is explained in (Matt. 13: 10-16). After Chapter 13 He does not preach the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven again, But preaches to the Gentiles and the Israel people preparing for His death.
Verse 1 starts out, "The same day went Jesus out of the house and set by the seaside." The symbolic meaning is that He walked out of the house (of Israel) and sat by the seaside (the sea typifies the Gentile nations of the world). Taking His place by the sea shows that our Lord was to cover a wider sphere than just the lost sheep of Israel. In Chapter 12 he teaches among the people, but starting with Chapter 13 He teaches separated from the people. The parables start out with (3)Behold a sower went forth to sow. But the original Greek text says, "The sower went out to sow" . The sower is our Lord (13:37) and He went out "of the house of Israel). This indicates the change in His ministry from the nation of Israel to those of His own. The "mysteries of the Kingdom of the Heavens" starts with our Lords earthly ministry, but in a wider application it is the entire age in which He is absent from the earth when the "Kingdom of the Heavens" has been left in the hands of men.(Acts 1: 8). The "Kingdom of he Heavens" is plural, covering all 3 heavens. (2 Cor. 12: 2)

Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2: 2) The first heaven. Since God has dominion over His creation, the earth is a mixture of wheat and tares. The beginning of the parables He explains to His Disciples, and others He leaves unexplained.

"The Mustard Seed" Many years ago I was taught that this parable was about the world wide reform of Christians, and that what started with the smallest seed grows world wide that everyone can rest in it's branches. But at further study this explanation is false. The mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds . It represents the start of single faith of what the lord sowed.(that part is true) but when it was left up to men to sow (acts 1:8) the mustard seed grew into a GREAT TREE. This is unnatural, for the fruit of the mustard does not grow on a tree! It comes from a bush. The tree is so big that the birds of the air can rest upon it. In these parables and else ware the birds of the air represent Satan and his minions (Rev. 18: 2; Matt. 13: 4) So the birds of the air are comfortable with false doctrines, yet in that tree there is still the true church from the faith as a mustard seed, No where in Scripture does the Lord say there is world wide conversion. In fact, He says otherwise. (Matt. 13: 24-30). Christ is calling out His Church at this time to be one new body of the two men (Eph. 2: 14-22) . Another mystery of the kingdom of the Heavens has much the same meaning. Leaven "always" represent sin and pride. Notice the women HIDES in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.(Rev. 3: 14-19) Enough for now.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[eddif]

Luke 16:16
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

In Matthew 3 John begins to clarify the Kingdom (IMHO).

In Matthew 5 Jesus teaches kingdom principles (inward abstract) to disciples. In Matthew 13 Jesus explains how parables hide the reality in parables so that the multitudes will not understand (so that the multitudes hearing - they will not hear).

Tradition teaches that parables teach to simple people. Matthew 13 and Mark 4 help us understand why parables ( going back to Isaiah 6).

I think we can study and see.

eddif

 

[Douglas Summers]

Luke 16:16
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

In Matthew 3 John begins to clarify the Kingdom (IMHO).

In Matthew 5 Jesus teaches kingdom principles (inward abstract) to disciples. In Matthew 13 Jesus explains how parables hide the reality in parables so that the multitudes will not understand (so that the multitudes hearing - they will not hear).

Tradition teaches that parables teach to simple people. Matthew 13 and Mark 4 help us understand why parables ( going back to Isaiah 6).

I think we can study and see.

eddif

Hi eddif, John's ministry starts at the Jordan, and he preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, the one crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. (Luke Chapter 3). By preparing the way of the Lord was to give witness that Jesus was the Christ. And that his ministry would decrease and the Christ would increase.(John 1:15-34) He bore witness to the Christ. John The Baptist was the last OT saint. The OT saints are not in the Church, they are friends of the Bridegroom. (John 3:27-30; James 2:23; 2 Cron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8).

The parables in Matt. 13 were for the curious or idle who did not perceive or acknowledge the word of God. They were satisfied with what they believed and it would be taken away because it had not foundation (self will worship). But to those who were looking for the Christ were looking and listening, they would receive an abundance. He had just spoken to the religious leaders of Israel and they accused Him of having the spirit of Beelzebub knowing it was not true. It was to those kinds of religious people that would not hear or see. Did you understand what I wrote.....or not.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[smaller]

In these parables and else ware the birds of the air represent Satan and his minions (Rev. 18: 2; Matt. 13: 4) So the birds of the air are comfortable with false doctrines,

In Christ
Douglas Summers

I would observe that to be quite a brilliant deduction.

The very much allegorical studies of "birds" of the air are actually twofold in the scriptures. There are good/clean birds (thoughts) and there are bad/unclean birds (thoughts.) All these birds nest in the branches of the faithful. There were for example two birds released from the Ark of Noah. First the (black) raven, then the (white) dove, both with much spiritual significance.

We might even note that the baker (not the butler) of Pharaoh had "birds" which devoured the breads from the basket upon, interestingly, the uppermost basket on his HEAD, and Pharaoh subsequently had him decapitated. Genesis 40. There are many Gospel messages therein that will progressively "unfold" for you in these directions. These types of studies will engage a student for their lifetime. They are quite marvelous, and all with "personal" applicability. (Luke 4:4, Matt. 4:4)

 

[eddif]

John 1:32
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

John seems to have a two fold ministry:
1 repentance
2 Jesus is greater than me (John's message)

John 1:30
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

eddif

 

[Douglas Summers]

John 1:32
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

John seems to have a two fold ministry:
1 repentance
2 Jesus is greater than me (John's message)

John 1:30
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

eddif

AMEN!

 

[Douglas Summers]

I would observe that to be quite a brilliant deduction.

The very much allegorical studies of "birds" of the air are actually twofold in the scriptures. There are good/clean birds (thoughts) and there are bad/unclean birds (thoughts.) All these birds nest in the branches of the faithful. There were for example two birds released from the Ark of Noah. First the (black) raven, then the (white) dove, both with much spiritual significance.

We might even note that the baker (not the butler) of Pharaoh had "birds" which devoured the breads from the basket upon, interestingly, the uppermost basket on his HEAD, and Pharaoh subsequently had him decapitated. Genesis 40. There are many Gospel messages therein that will progressively "unfold" for you in these directions. These types of studies will engage a student for their lifetime. They are quite marvelous, and all with "personal" applicability. (Luke 4:4, Matt. 4:4)

Hi smaller, Matthew Chapter 13 are "parables". Christ told us what the birds represent (Matt. 13:3-4 / 19) The Tree in the parable of the Mustard Seed is a symbol of great political power. (Daniel Chapter 4). If you will notice in (Gen. 8:6-12) that the Raven was never beneifical to Noah, Only the Dove. I was not saying all birds were bad, but in the use of warnings and parables birds is consistent .

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[smaller]

Hi smaller, Matthew Chapter 13 are "parables". Christ told us what the birds represent (Matt. 13:3-4 / 19) The Tree in the parable of the Mustard Seed is a symbol of great political power. (Daniel Chapter 4). If you will notice in (Gen. 8:6-12) that the Raven was never beneifical to Noah, Only the Dove. I was not saying all birds were bad, but in the use of warnings and parables birds is consistent .

In Christ
Douglas Summers

Mark 4:13 provides us with the instruments of sight to dissect every parable/allegory/similitude. And yes, all scripture is parable/allegory because it deals with "unseen" agents, and therefore the information is conveyed allegorically, to point to the unseen operations.

In the dissections there are 3 critical components depicted in Mark 4:15

-Gods Word(s)
-Man, the ground or dust/clay bodies into which the Word is sown
Satan, the deceiver and chief thief (and his minions/kingdom) who enters the "land" or the "heart" where The Word is sown

All of these components are in every account of scripture in some way.

Luke 8:11
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Paul employed this same term, Seed, to Jesus in Galatians 3:16

The most difficult engagement is to accept that Mark 4:15 happens to us, as individuals. Most believers, when they read it, will have a cloudy thought come upon them, advising that it doesn't happen to them, when in fact, it does. If any believer is led by Christ, by the Spirit of Truth, to get over this hurdle, the scriptures will unfold for them in dramatic fashions. If we read Mark 4 from 15 on, we might even see that it is a progression, signified by the terms "and these are they" connecting every step of the way from the first one. Most drop it from being applicable at the first line of engagements, in Mark 4:15, as being inapplicable to them.

Yes, the Seed has been planted in our own dark ground, and yes, the deceiver does attempt to steal from the ground therein, and also plants his own seed therein as well.

For those who emerge from the ground and sees the light, the first thing that appears is "the tare" growing with or next to them, in the same ground.

Matthew 13:26
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

By command of Jesus, both the wheat and the tare grow together:

Matthew 13:25
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Matthew 13:
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

If you get this far, let me know. If you do, you have heard directly from Jesus.

 

[Douglas Summers]

Mark 4:13 provides us with the instruments of sight to dissect every parable/allegory/similitude. And yes, all scripture is parable/allegory because it deals with "unseen" agents, and therefore the information is conveyed allegorically, to point to the unseen operations.

In the dissections there are 3 critical components depicted in Mark 4:15

-Gods Word(s)
-Man, the ground or dust/clay bodies into which the Word is sown
Satan, the deceiver and chief thief (and his minions/kingdom) who enters the "land" or the "heart" where The Word is sown
This above sounds like a lesson produced by a church denomination for Sunday school, it it?
All of these components are in every account of scripture in some way.

Luke 8:11
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Paul employed this same term, Seed, to Jesus in Galatians 3:16

The most difficult engagement is to accept that Mark 4:15 happens to us, as individuals. Most believers, when they read it, will have a cloudy thought come upon them, advising that it doesn't happen to them, when in fact, it does. If any believer is led by Christ, by the Spirit of Truth, to get over this hurdle, the scriptures will unfold for them in dramatic fashions. If we read Mark 4 from 15 on, we might even see that it is a progression, signified by the terms "and these are they" connecting every step of the way from the first one. Most drop it from being applicable at the first line of engagements, in Mark 4:15, as being inapplicable to them.

Yes, the Seed has been planted in our own dark ground, and yes, the deceiver does attempt to steal from the ground therein, and also plants his own seed therein as well.

For those who emerge from the ground and sees the light, the first thing that appears is "the tare" growing with or next to them, in the same ground. Hi smaller, A tare comes from a Darnell seed. The wheat and the tares look exactly alike while growing. The difference is easier to tell once the plants matures. That is why they did not separate them while
growing. You could not tell the difference. Satan did not steal, he tried to contaminate by counter fitting the true Gospel. Every church has tares. Everything, and I mean everything that is of self will is not of God. What I'm telling you is not self willed. When the plants begin to grow, the wheat does not know the tares are the enemy.

I have given you what I know to be true. Some times people miss the Truth because of pride of self willed teachings. One who walks with Christ. will know the Truth
Thanks
In Christ
Douglas Summers

Matthew 13:26
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

By command of Jesus, both the wheat and the tare grow together:

Matthew 13:25
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Matthew 13:
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

If you get this far, let me know. If you do, you have heard directly from Jesus.

 

[reba]

Another mystery of the kingdom of the Heavens has much the same meaning. Leaven "always" represent sin and pride. Notice the women HIDES in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.(Rev. 3: 14-19) Enough for now.

Mat_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.

IMO this verse shows a change in leaven.... as it is different
Lev 23:17 Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

I dont see Jesus teaching sin in His Kingdom..

 

[ezrider]

Mat_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.

IMO this verse shows a change in leaven.... as it is different
Lev 23:17 Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

I dont see Jesus teaching sin in His Kingdom..

I agree with you reba, but there is a scripture that has been on my mind lately, and I am still pondering the breadth and depth of its meaning, but none the less it gives me pause about not teaching sin in His kingdom.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

What does it mean that he has been made sin for us? He has been made sin for us so we can know the Righteousness of God?

I have posted a question in my Bible study thread on the Two Covenants, to which no one has thus far answered, and is in fact very much related. I may post more of my thoughts on this in my own thread, but then again if nobody shows any interest in engaging in that discussion, I might just keep it to myself.

 

[eddif]

Now, if we face some of this, true bible study begins to surface. Reba's scripture has to be examined to see if it is totally for that time or prophetic for the future also.

Peter had to face a deceleration from God.
Acts 11:7
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed,that call not thou common.

From Moses to John the Baptist, the law was taught. I have no problem with using the Law lawfully. By declaration of God the law was enacted. By deceleration of God unclean is now stated to be clean.

I Timothy 4:4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

I understand this is creatures. Are we able to see amoebas or all of creation?
Acts 10:28
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Acts 10:35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

I Corinthians 10:27
If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

We're things once unclean by deceleration? Yes. We're these unclean things later declared clean? Yes. Does it take study and prayer to deal with this? Yes.

The whatever is set before you -- might contain leaven. What was once unclean is a whatever, and now declared clean. Foreshadowed in the scripture Reba quoted.

ezerider has brought up how sin is dealt with. Through the work of Jesus (the Son --of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit), this deceleration of forgiveness of sin and deceleration of unclean made clean is possible. The shedding of blood has been applied.

Matthew 13 is the chapter that discusses why parables were used. The law of sabaths, holy days, new moons are a shadow of things to come. The reality / body casting the shadow is Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:16
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

The law is not gone, but the law must be understood and used lawfully. The veil is removed in Christ Jesus.
We study shadows just long enough to realize there is something real that cast the shadow. All of creation contains hidden information to understand God. Romans 1:19-20 Oxen are preachers I Corinthians 9:9 area.

Them Mississippi rednecks...
eddif

 

[ezrider]

Now, if we face some of this, true bible study begins to surface. Reba's scripture has to be examined to see if it is totally for that time or prophetic for the future also.

The scripture from Lev 23 that reba posted is relevant to the discussion because it shows how an offing to the Lord was commanded to be made with leaven, demonstrating that leaven in and of itself is not sin, or why would it be included in the offering. As to the scripture being prophetic, I would say it was the shadow that pointed to the resurrection of Christ. There is one offering to the Lord when the dead appeared in the streets of Jerusalem at the resurrection of Christ, and then you see a second offering 50 days later, or the day of Pentecost when the promise of the Holy Spirit was sent forth.

What is interesting to pay attention to, it this was for the time when they came into their land, or in other places where the scripture says where the Lord chose to place His Name. In each case the place where the Lord chose His Name to dwell was in Jesus Christ, so those offering found there fulfillment in the work of Christ.

Peter had to face a deceleration from God.
Acts 11:7
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed,that call not thou common.

Deuteronomy 12:9
For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the Lord your God giveth you.

Christ is our inheritance and He is our rest that He has called us to enter into.

Deuteronomy 12:11
Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the Lord.

Jesus is the place that the Lord chose to cause His Name to dwell.

Deuteronomy 12:14-16
But in the place which the Lord shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee. Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart. Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.

Deuteronomy 12:20 When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.


Peter was being reminded what Moses had already foretold them of.

 

[eddif]

The scripture from Lev 23 that reba posted is relevant to the discussion because it shows how an offing to the Lord was commanded to be made with leaven, demonstrating that leaven in and of itself is not sin, or why would it be included in the offering. As to the scripture being prophetic, I would say it was the shadow that pointed to the resurrection of Christ. There is one offering to the Lord when the dead appeared in the streets of Jerusalem at the resurrection of Christ, and then you see a second offering 50 days later, or the day of Pentecost when the promise of the Holy Spirit was sent forth.

What is interesting to pay attention to, it this was for the time when they came into their land, or in other places where the scripture says where the Lord chose to place His Name. In each case the place where the Lord chose His Name to dwell was in Jesus Christ, so those offering found there fulfillment in the work of Christ.




Deuteronomy 12:9
For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the Lord your God giveth you.

Christ is our inheritance and He is our rest that He has called us to enter into.

Deuteronomy 12:11
Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the Lord.

Jesus is the place that the Lord chose to cause His Name to dwell.

Deuteronomy 12:14-16
But in the place which the Lord shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee. Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart. Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.

Deuteronomy 12:20 When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.


Peter was being reminded what Moses had already foretold them of.

You are doing pretty good.
Moses did shadows of what was to come. New Testament Jewish authors tell us about shadows.

Parables are a type of the hidden things of creation. The disciples had to ask what the parables meaning was. The disciples did not approach Jesus with the explanation of the parables. The disciples asked, and jesus gave them the meaning. We still ask, and any man can ask. Today (after the coming of Holy Spirit we may get a glimmer of what creation says).

The leaven was offered to The Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ was prophetically mentioned in Lev 23 was a shadow, but the reality was later (the light of Christ casts shadows of his body back / forward in time). The shadow promise of the Holy Spirit begins in the OC, repeated in the life and words of Jesus and manifested in us (if we open the door).

The land is now in us. Revelation 3:20
Hearts of flesh and minds of Christ
The rivers divide in the heart
The information flows from the brain (Father and Son are the light of the New Jerusalem)

The border was enlarged to accept Gentiles. Otherwise this Mississippi feller would be left out (if I did not have the New Jerusalem in my head). Romans 7:25 The river of the mind of the Father and Son flow symbolically past the tree of life (Arbor Vita / cerebellum). The shadow symbolism is in us, but we have to invite him in. One day the flesh will be changed.

eddif

 

[smaller]

I agree with you reba, but there is a scripture that has been on my mind lately, and I am still pondering the breadth and depth of its meaning, but none the less it gives me pause about not teaching sin in His kingdom.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

What does it mean that he has been made sin for us? He has been made sin for us so we can know the Righteousness of God?

I have posted a question in my Bible study thread on the Two Covenants, to which no one has thus far answered, and is in fact very much related. I may post more of my thoughts on this in my own thread, but then again if nobody shows any interest in engaging in that discussion, I might just keep it to myself.

I might observe that God in Christ was powerful enough to take upon Himself all the sins of the world, and still remain Absolutely Perfect. His dead body was glorified, evaporating any sin that was taken in His Death.

 

[ezrider]

I might observe that God in Christ was powerful enough to take upon Himself all the sins of the world, and still remain Absolutely Perfect. His dead body was glorified, evaporating any sin that was taken in His Death.

Why do we assume that the absence of sin is the measure of perfection? When Adam was in the garden of Eden, did he live in the absence of sin? Or did he live in the absence of the "knowledge" of sin?

 

[smaller]

Why do we assume that the absence of sin is the measure of perfection? When Adam was in the garden of Eden, did he live in the absence of sin? Or did he live in the absence of the "knowledge" of sin?

Adam lived as a subject of the parables, just as we all do.

 

[reba]

Mat_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.

IMO this verse shows a change in leaven.... as it is different
Lev 23:17 Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

I dont see Jesus teaching sin in His Kingdom..

Dont know if i can find the words to convey my thoughts but i will try, speaking in general terms .... 2000 years age how many people were in His kingdom? a good handful, then Acts 2:4 hit and the numbers grew... His kingdom has been growing ... When His kingdom grows every day life is better for those around... Maybe we don't this in our life time, because of ebbs and flows, is life better today then years ago?

The 'world' benefits from His kingdom..
Some simple reasons why i say this...
cancer is no longer a death sentence,
more of the world has clean water
food is plentiful ...Noted that bad guys starve folks
other advances in the medical field
the blessing of being able to set here and talk to others in His kingdom around the world...


I am not of the 'camp' thinking all is doomed and Christ will rescue a pitiful group.. He is my King and HE was/is victorious.

 

[eddif]

Hebrews 1:1
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by hisSon, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Symbolism / shadows faced Adam.
The reality of Christ's sacrifice is available for us today.

Adam saw the skins for a covering (slain animal blood).

Jewish authors reveal the reality of Christ Jesus forgiving our sin by his death on the cross. Previous symbols explained.

eddif

 

[Douglas Summers]

Mat_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.

IMO this verse shows a change in leaven.... as it is different
Lev 23:17 Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

I dont see Jesus teaching sin in His Kingdom..

Hi reba, so what do you think the parables mean? The parables in ( Matt. 13 ). BTW these parables cover a time the ministry of God and does not promote world wide conversation of the world.

In Christ
Douglas Summers