Bible Study Matthew Chapter 13

[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, This Feast of the Lord (Wave Loafs and Wave sheaf) is in complete harmony with the parable in (Matt.13:33) The wave loafs is 50 days after the Sheaf Loafs. This fits in to the day of Pentecost. It is the time between the Resurrection of the Lord and the beginning of the Church by the baptism of The Holy Spirit. The Wave Sheaf no Leaven was offered, for Christ was Holy and there was no evil in Christ. But the Wave Loaves are baked with leaven, Typifying the Church. For in the Church there is still sin. This fits everything the Lord teaches. That is what Matthew 13 is all about. What the Lord preached in simple truth and faith, sowing the seed to the world, becomes corrupted by the enemy in the physical absence of our Lord. The warnings in the NT are to the deceived, self-righteous and idol in the Church. (these are not born again Christians (2 Tim. 3:1-9) (2 Peter Chapter 2). If we can not recognize the enemy, how can we contend for the faith? God does not TOLERATE SIN, HE FORGIVES SIN. So how can we contend for the faith if we don't know all truth. No where in the Scriptures is Leaven a sign of good...It is always associated with evil.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[reba]

we are bride without spot or wrinkle.... Only through His Sacrifice which is complete.
we will differ on this Bible study forum is not a debate forum .. Having stated my piece a couple times .. i will drop the topic for now .

 

[eddif]

Jeremiah 31:33
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

It seems we have an individual person in filling and a corporate body kingdom already posted. It seems we need to discuss both.

I will try and show something that I may have trouble showing.
Leviticus 16:6
And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
7 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer himfor a sin offering.
10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:

This Leviticus passage is just listed to show the individual and corporate complexity and repetition. We are facing some of this complexity in Matthew 13.

Also IMHO the OC / OT shadows have NC / NT realities to face. This really will take some time.

Why parables....

eddif

 

[turnorburn]

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

The Lord doesn't say there will be a world wide conversion but he does say the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in all the world to all nations..

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

tob

 

[Douglas Summers]

The Lord doesn't say there will be a world wide conversion but he does say the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in all the world to all nations..

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

tob

Yes tob, but that does not happen until the tribulation where the majority will be saved....more than you can count. (Matt. 24:14) is parallel to (Rev. 7:1-17) God is not saving the world at this time, He is calling out His Church, His body at this time (Eph. 1: 3-22), and then shall the end come when He will have put all enemies under His feet.(1 Cor. 15:20-28)

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[Douglas Summers]

Jeremiah 31:33
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

It seems we have an individual person in filling and a corporate body kingdom already posted. It seems we need to discuss both.

I will try and show something that I may have trouble showing.
Leviticus 16:6
And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
7 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer himfor a sin offering.
10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:

This Leviticus passage is just listed to show the individual and corporate complexity and repetition. We are facing some of this complexity in Matthew 13.

Also IMHO the OC / OT shadows have NC / NT realities to face. This really will take some time.

Why parables....

eddif

You are correct eddif. some scriptures are to individuals, but others are corporate, until we all agree (Eph. 1: 3-14; 2:14-18). Individually we incorporate into one body.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[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, here is something to study


Jewish Calendar Sivan - 50 days after Firstfruits.
Gregorian Calendar May/June
Spring or Fall Spring Feast
Scripture Exodus 34:33
Leviticus 23:15-16
Deuteronomy 16:10,16
II Chronicles 8:13
Significance Weeks (Shavuot), also known as Pentecost, speaks of origination. Symbolizes Jesus giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit which inaugurated the New Covenant and Church Age.

The Feast of Weeks, also known as Harvest (Exodus 23:16), Shavuot (Hebrew), the Day of Firstfruits (Numbers 28:26), or Pentecost, was a festival of joy and thanksgiving celebrating the completion of the harvest season. It was the second major feast in which all able-bodied Jewish males were required to attend (the other two being Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles). It was celebrated as a sabbath with rest from ordinary labors and the calling of a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:21; Numbers 28:26).

Essentially a harvest celebration, the term weeks was used to describe the time period from the grain harvest to the barley harvest and finally to the wheat harvest. It is called the Feast of Weeks because God specifically told the sons of Jacob that they were to count seven sevens of weeks (seven complete weeks) from Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9), and then on the "morrow" this fourth feast was to be observed (Luke 23:16). Seven sevens of weeks are forty-nine days. Add one additional day ("on the morrow"), and it brings the total number of days to fifty. This fourth feast was to occur precisely fifty days after Firstfruits (Christ's resurrection). Therefore, the feast was given the name "Pentecost" (Acts 2:1) which means "fifty."

On this occasion, the children of Israel were not to simply bring the firstfruits of the wheat to the Temple (as they brought the firstfruit of the barley at the Feast of Firstfruits), but rather two loaves of bread. These two loaves were specifically commanded to be made with fine flour and baked with leaven (Leviticus 23:17), and they were to be used as a "wave offering" for the people.

These two loaves, however, could not be eaten until after the ceremony was completed (Leviticus 23:14; Joshua 5:10-11) and could not be placed on the altar due to its leaven content. In addition to the wave offering, two lambs, one young bull, and two rams were to be offered as burnt offerings before the Lord (Leviticus 23:15-22; Numbers 28:26-31). The feast was concluded by the eating of communal meals to which the poor, the stranger, and the Levites were invited.

What Does It All Mean?

The Feast of Weeks is a symbolic festival which pointed to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church. The Son of God arose from the grave on Firstfruits. He then spent forty days with His disciples in post-resurrection ministry (Acts 1:3).

Immediately after forty days, Jesus informed them that it was necessary that He leave them and ascend to His Father in Heaven (in order to apply the benefits of His once and for all sacrifice). However, He told His disciples that they would not be left abandoned and comfortless. He would then send them His Holy Spirit who would come alongside to help in His absence (John 14:16-17).

The disciples were commanded to tarry at Jerusalem until He came (Acts 1:4), and they knew exactly how long they would have to wait. The coming of the Holy Spirit would occur on the next Jewish holiday - a festive time when Jews from different countries were to be in Jerusalem to celebrate the completion of the harvest season. This annual feast was none other than Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. The disciples waited as they were commanded; however, their wait was not long - only ten days. And then it happened. The Spirit of God descended on those first-century believers.

The two loaves which were brought to the Temple represented both Jew and Gentile; however they became one in Christ with the advent of the Spirit's coming. Writing to the Ephesian believers, Paul said" "For he is our peace, who hath made both (Jew and Gentile) one, and have broken down the middle wall of partition between us ... to make in himself of two (Jew and Gentile) one new man, so making peace" (Ephesians 2:14-15).

There was to be leaven in those two loaves, for the Church had not yet been glorified. During this age, there is still sin within the Church. Messiah Yeshua (the head) is unleavened. On the other hand, the Church (the body) still has leaven within her. Therefore, leaven was to be included in those two loaves.
in Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[eddif]

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

I Corinthians 15:23
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Matthew 13:10
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
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.
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.

The reality is Christ. The shadow is first fruit. While I study symbolism, I try to realize the solid object is the reality, and the shadow only contais information that can not be understood without asking God.

Luke 8:9
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

Any man can ask. Will the seed remain and bring forth fruit?

The doctrine of Jesus using parables to teach truth, needs to be evaluated by Matthew 13.

Matthew 13:13
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

eddif

 

[eddif]

Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Psalms 27:2
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Unleavened appears with the effort of Jesus.'

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Some translations are (reason together) showing mind.

Romans 7:25
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

My redemption cometh from ?
Psalms 121:2
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

eddif

 

[Douglas Summers]

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

I Corinthians 15:23
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Matthew 13:10
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
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.
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.

The reality is Christ. The shadow is first fruit. While I study symbolism, I try to realize the solid object is the reality, and the shadow only contais information that can not be understood without asking God.

Luke 8:9
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

Any man can ask. Will the seed remain and bring forth fruit?

The doctrine of Jesus using parables to teach truth, needs to be evaluated by Matthew 13.

Matthew 13:13
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

eddif

???????

 

[eddif]

we are bride without spot or wrinkle.... Only through His Sacrifice which is complete.
we will differ on this Bible study forum is not a debate forum .. Having stated my piece a couple times .. i will drop the topic for now .

???????

I am probably where reba wants me to be careful of who and where I am and who I am speaking to. Although I have used symbolism and scripture not everyone is comfortable.


I tend to believe in pushing for looking at passages and see what they say. If the answer is (parables are so that hearing they do not hear and seeing they do not see) then I just go with scripture. I was taught that in Jesus time (that a simple people understood better through listening to parables), but scripture seems to not agree. The response of the disciples seems to show they needed help to understand.

I will at this point drop the issue like reba.

There are forums for debate. I hope I have just been studying, but then I realize how pushy I can be.

Redneck
eddif

 

[reba]

The Lord doesn't say there will be a world wide conversion but he does say the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in all the world to all nations..

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

tob

Rom_10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Rom_1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Col 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Col 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

 

[Douglas Summers]

I am probably where reba wants me to be careful of who and where I am and who I am speaking to. Although I have used symbolism and scripture not everyone is comfortable.


I tend to believe in pushing for looking at passages and see what they say. If the answer is (parables are so that hearing they do not hear and seeing they do not see) then I just go with scripture. I was taught that in Jesus time (that a simple people understood better through listening to parables), but scripture seems to not agree. The response of the disciples seems to show they needed help to understand.

I will at this point drop the issue like reba.

There are forums for debate. I hope I have just been studying, but then I realize how pushy I can be.

Redneck
eddif

I am probably where reba wants me to be careful of who and where I am and who I am speaking to. Although I have used symbolism and scripture not everyone is comfortable.


I tend to believe in pushing for looking at passages and see what they say. If the answer is (parables are so that hearing they do not hear and seeing they do not see) then I just go with scripture. I was taught that in Jesus time (that a simple people understood better through listening to parables), but scripture seems to not agree. The response of the disciples seems to show they needed help to understand.

I will at this point drop the issue like reba.

There are forums for debate. I hope I have just been studying, but then I realize how pushy I can be.

Redneck
eddif

Hi eddif, I meant nothing by the question marks other than I did not know what you were trying to say. In a Bible study you have to ask questions if you do not understand something. That is not always a debate. I was explaining what I know about The Parables in Matt. 13. Leaven is nowhere in the Scriptures to be of anything good or Holy. You will not find that reference anywhere. Leaven in every case represents evil. Always! eddif, I pray that you would ask the Father to give you Spiritual insight to His teachings. Every born again Christian has access directly to the Father through Christ, (for The Christ is our eternal mercy seat, "propitiation" before The Father) (Heb. Chapter 10)
All born again believers are priest . You will not find "priest" in the "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" Because it is an office, not a gift. That is for another study, but I mention it because you can ask for these things directly (if you believe). We just can not study the Scriptures with the spirit of man and expect Spiritual answers................well, you can, but you just won't get them. Human logic is not privy to Spiritual teachings.(1 Cor. 2:1-16) That is what is meant when Scripture say's" it is not for private interpretation. (2 Pet.1: 19-21). For what I wrote about the Leaven hid in three measures of meal was according to the teachings of Christ. There is sin in the church upon the earth (Matt. 13: The wheat and Tares; The Mustard Seed; The Leaven; Rev. The Seven Churches; Acts 8: 9-25; 1 Cor. 6: 1-7; 5:1-8; 2 Pet. 2:1-22) But Christ knows those who are His.
In the majority of the churches of the world today, Christ is left outside, asking if He can come in. For He is a stranger to most Churches. (Rev. 3:20). Pray earnestly and seek and you will find the truth. I'm not asking you, Christ is asking us.
In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[Douglas Summers]

I am probably where reba wants me to be careful of who and where I am and who I am speaking to. Although I have used symbolism and scripture not everyone is comfortable.

eddif, But are you where Christ wants you?

 

[Douglas Summers]

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.

Hi reba, If anyone is looking or paying attention, the world is on a moral decline. Of course the world benefits from God's will, but what is salvation? We are saved from the wrath of God, for He is coming the second time with judgment against all those that are against God's rule. Not only to destroy them, but the whole earth and make a new one. God tells us that the world will continue to decline until he comes.(2 Tim. 3:1-17; The book of Revelation; Matt. Chapters 24&25) Tribulation is not a world better. Christ is not our King...He is not King of The Church. He is the Head of the Church and we are His body. Christ is King of Israel and the Nations, and we shall rule with Him. If it were any different then written, we would have told you so. Read, study, ask the Lord in Prayer. Not with a preconceived idea of what you might have been taught or thought. And if this post answer seems indignant to what you believe, it is not meant to be. But if you disagree without a bible study, then this is all mute.

I will answer any questions you ask, for my calling and election is pastor/teacher. For Ia'm driven by the Spirit to preach the Gospel which has been corrupted by the enemy.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[smaller]

Hi reba, If anyone is looking or paying attention, the world is on a moral decline. Of course the world benefits from God's will, but what is salvation? We are saved from the wrath of God, for He is coming the second time with judgment against all those that are against God's rule. Not only to destroy them, but the whole earth and make a new one. God tells us that the world will continue to decline until he comes.(2 Tim. 3:1-17; The book of Revelation; Matt. Chapters 24&25) Tribulation is not a world better. Christ is not our King...He is not King of The Church. He is the Head of the Church and we are His body. Christ is King of Israel and the Nations, and we shall rule with Him. If it were any different then written, we would have told you so. Read, study, ask the Lord in Prayer. Not with a preconceived idea of what you might have been taught or thought. And if this post answer seems indignant to what you believe, it is not meant to be. But if you disagree without a bible study, then this is all mute.

You are RIGHT. The world of the spiritually blind is PROMISED by Gods Own Words, to progress, worse and worse. We only think it's bad now. But everyday, the headlines continue to send SHOCK WAVES of IMMORALITY through our system, and we seem quite helpless to be able to stop it.

Romans 7:
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

So, do we FIGHT this reality? Or, rather, do we pour GAS on the fire and be IN LINE with the intentions of God, by His Commandments?

God gave the COMMANDMENTS exactly for the underlined purposes above. I respect His Sovereignty in this matter, and it can be no other direction, than that which Paul stipulated above.

When Gods Laws are upheld, it was, is and will be to send the world headlong, into MORE SIN. It is in fact A PROMISE of the Gospel.

2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

That is A PROMISE of the Gospel!

 

[smaller]

Yes tob, but that does not happen until the tribulation where the majority will be saved....more than you can count. (Matt. 24:14) is parallel to (Rev. 7:1-17) God is not saving the world at this time, He is calling out His Church, His body at this time (Eph. 1: 3-22), and then shall the end come when He will have put all enemies under His feet.(1 Cor. 15:20-28)

In Christ
Douglas Summers

I'm starting to like your sights Douglas!

Here is another promise of the Gospel. Unfortunately, when we read it, we tend only to take part 1, and we neglect part 2:

Luke 20:18
Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

When we "fall" upon The Rock, Jesus, our Lord, we are in essence, BROKEN from Satan's power. (Acts 26:18) But, as you also note, sin remains in the "churches" and "sin is of the devil." 1 John 3:8. So there REMAINS that which is to be GROUND TO POWDER.

Paul notes where this "grinding or bruising," if you prefer, will transpire, here:

Romans 16:20
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

or, as stated in the NIV:

20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.-

 

[reba]

... Leaving dispenstaionalism years ago. He is my King
...Rom_10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

 

[ezrider]

You are RIGHT. The world of the spiritually blind is PROMISED by Gods Own Words, to progress, worse and worse. We only think it's bad now. But everyday, the headlines continue to send SHOCK WAVES of IMMORALITY through our system, and we seem quite helpless to be able to stop it.

Romans 7:
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

So, do we FIGHT this reality? Or, rather, do we pour GAS on the fire and be IN LINE with the intentions of God, by His Commandments?

God gave the COMMANDMENTS exactly for the underlined purposes above. I respect His Sovereignty in this matter, and it can be no other direction, than that which Paul stipulated above.

When Gods Laws are upheld, it was, is and will be to send the world headlong, into MORE SIN. It is in fact A PROMISE of the Gospel.

2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

That is A PROMISE of the Gospel!

I agree with everythingg you have said here, and I might add that you stated that "when God's Laws are upheld, it was, is and will be to send the world headlong, into more sin."

This is the strong delusion that Paul speaks of in Thessalonians. The desire to obey the law of sin and death so one can walk righteous before the law so they can please God and not sin has the oppositte effect.

The lesson we should take with the ever increasing knowledge of sin is a reminder from Jesus, that because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.


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I agree with everythingg you have said here,
This is the strong delusion that Paul speaks of in Thessalonians. The desire to obey the law of sin and death so one can walk righteous before the law so they can please God and not sin has the oppositte effect.

The lesson we should take with the ever increasing knowledge of sin is a reminder from Jesus, that because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
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BINGO! There remains the very needful, ever present need, for Divine Mercy, Grace and Forgiveness, precisely because we are, in fact, sinners, regardless of how purty we can paint up the tomb on the outside. Matt. 23:27