Church Blog

Church Blog

The Parable of the Tares Among the Wheat

Matthew 13:24-30 This parable appears only in Matthew, between the parable of the “soils” and the parable of “mustard-seed faith.” Careless readers may find it challenging because Jesus does not immediately explain it, but first presents additional short parables which also illustrate the nature of His kingdom. His explanation (vv. 36-43) comes in response to His disciples’ questions – they were clearly struggling to understand these parables. This is also one of the few “parables of the kingdom” which presents…

The Parable of the Two Sons

Matthew 21:28-32 At the beginning of the crucifixion week, Jesus had entered Jerusalem in the manner of a king (an event often described as the “triumphal entry”). By doing this, He openly acknowledged the legitimacy of His claim to the throne of Judah. He then cleansed the temple (for a second time, cf. John 2:15) by driving out merchants and moneychangers who were doing business in the courtyard. Jesus presented this parable in the temple the next day, to illustrate…

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30 Like the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the parable of the talents stresses being prepared for judgement. The entire discourse of Matthew 24-25 was given in a relatively private setting, as the disciples sat with Jesus on the Mount of Olives, across from the “beautiful” gate of the temple. This parable presents an image of the Lord’s servants working for Him as they await His return. “Talents” were actually measures of weight (about 94 pounds). In…

The Laborers in the Vineyard

This parable stands out because it speaks to the idea of “seniority” among the Lord’s servants as a way of illustrating the nature of the heavenly kingdom. The background is Peter’s question about the rewards he and the other apostles could expect, in view of their (perceived) sacrifices (Matthew 19:27). Jesus promises them positions of “prominence” (vs. 28), but tempers their expectations by noting that ALL who sacrifice for the sake of His kingdom should anticipate a rich reward (“an…

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

This parable was addressed to people “who trusted in themselves, that they were righteous.” It may have been presented in the actual location where the “story” was set (between the altar and the temple wall). Jesus shows two men who enter the temple specifically to pray. In the ancient Hebrew mind, actually praying IN the temple was being as near God’s presence as was humanly possible. The men enter at one of the normal hours for prayer, but the similarities…

The Parable of the Unjust Steward

(This parable was probably addressed to the same audience as the parables of “lost” things in Luke 15. It seems to be directed more specifically at the Lord’s disciples, but verse 14 shows that that there were scribes and Pharisees present too.) In the Lord’s “story,” a wealthy man has learned that his steward is misusing his estate. He sends word to the servant word that his “accounts” will soon be audited. It appears that the master has already seen…

Rules for Happy LIving

Do you desire a “Happy Life”? Follow these rules and you will enjoy happiness that cannot be found in “things” of this world. 1. Count your blessing, not your troubles. Though we have many problems in life, we are still richly blessed. The plaque on the wall stated, “I grumbled and complained because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had not feet.” 2. Live one day at a time. Regardless of what Satan may throw at…

The Parables of “Lost” Things

These parables emphasize rejoicing at the recovery of “lost” things. The original hearers were scribes and Pharisees who accused Jesus of “guilt by association” for fraternizing with those they considered sinners. They were scandalized that He would eat with such “unclean” people. By their standards, there was no way Jesus could be a truly “great” teacher if He associated with such people! The common thread in these parables was intended for their benefit. Most people then were very familiar with…

No Limits!

No limits! Two negative words. Usually, we do not like to hear the word “no”, and we do not enjoy having “limits”. But when you put the two words together, they became something very powerful. They then change their meaning. When it comes to evangelism and benevolence, the church has no limits. Now please understand me, we must stay within the commands of God; but when we stay within those limitations, the possibilities are unlimited. Jesus told his disciples to,…

A Sheep Without a Shepherd

By and large, Americans know so little about sheep, yet the Bible is filled with references to shepherds and their flocks. My nearly ten years of living in New Zealand allowed me to be around them. When I went to New Zealand, there were three million people living in that beautiful land and there were eighty million sheep! I remember driving to conduct a Bible study at a residence on one of the large sheep farms (in New Zealand they…

Why I Attend Church Services Regularly

(Editor’s note: Adair Chapman was the oldest brother of our dear Forrest Chapman, and was a great source of encouragement in Forrest’s decision to preach the gospel. Also a gospel preacher, Adair “emigrated” to Dallas, Texas early in his preaching career, where he became both wellknown and well-loved for his great work in the kingdom.) Members of the church will often ask, “Is it necessary for me to attend church services?” No intelligent person would ask, “Must I eat every…

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

In Matthew 18:15-17 Jesus discusses right relationships among His disciples. His words (seemingly) prompted Peter’s thoughts and his questions led to the parable Jesus presented (vs. 21). Rabbis of that time commonly taught that one who sinned against another was to be forgiven three times; after that, the wronged person was not obligated to forgive (he had “done his duty”). Peter seems to display a degree of pride in suggesting that he would go farther than required, offering to forgive…