Posts from September 2024

Jesus gave five parables very short parables that deal with various characteristics of “the kingdom.” Eleven of His parables begin with the statement “the kingdom of heaven is like….” To make sense of the comparisons He made in these parables, it is helpful to understand how those who heard them would likely have interpreted the words, “the kingdom of heaven.” In the old testament, the people of national Israel were chosen by God to be His special people. When Gideon…

(Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:3-20, Luke 8:5-15) This is probably the best known of all Jesus’ parables. It appears that He told it early in His period of ministry, and it was presented by the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum. The figure of a “sower” (farmer) would have been very familiar to those who heard this parable. Farms in Judea were small, divided by pathways between the fields rather than by fences. The soil of these paths tended to become compacted…

Rich Mullins compiled the words to a spiritual song, which was released in 1988, titled “Awesome God.” “Our God is an awesome God; He reigns in heaven above; With wisdom, power, and love; Our God is an awesome God.” It is a simple arrangement; yet, the words are powerfully true! Briefly, let’s consider four principles that the song sets forth to remind us of our God who should fill us with awe. First, the song reminds us that our God…