Jesus is often challenged by the Pharisees, the religious authorities of the time, in the Temple at Jerusalem. In earlier conversations they try to trick Him but are defeated by Jesus using their own logic. In this conversation Jesus tells them their true position in the kingdom of heaven. Of course, they are angered. Let’s look at this conversation as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 21:29-32. We often call this the “The Parable of the Two Sons” Read More | Comments
- Kingdom of Heaven
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December1st
No CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 21:31, “The Parable of the Two Sons”
Posted in: Bible Difficulties, Kingdom of Heaven
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November26th
No CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 20:1, “”The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard”"
Posted in: Grace and Grits, Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus tells us that entrance into the kingdom of heaven is not earned, but given freely only because of God’s great generosity, which goes far beyond our human ideas of what is fair. Jesus goes further and clarifies the membership into the kingdom of heaven, that it is by God’s grace alone. In this parable, God is the landowner, believers are the laborers, and the vineyard is the kingdom of heaven. This parable speaks especially to those who feel superior because of heritage or favored position, to those who feel superior because they have spent so much time with Christ. It also speaks to new believers to reassure them of God’s grace. Read More | Comments -
October4th
No CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 19:12, “Jesus Teaches on Celibacy”
Posted in: Kingdom of Heaven
Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)
I found it interesting that the great Christian theologian from Alexandria, Origen (c. 185-254) took this verse literally and castrated himself so that might better minister to young women. I understand that he regretted this later in life. It is also interesting that in the council of Nicea under Constantine in 325 AD , one of the things that was discussed and decided in depth, was the prohibition of self castration. Read More | Comments
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May29th
3 CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 19:23 / Mark 10:23, 24, & 25 / Luke 18:24 & 29, “The Rich Young Man”
Posted in: Bible Difficulties, Kingdom of Heaven
As I studied this story in Scripture here in the Gospel of Matthew 19:16-26 as well as the Gospels of Mark 10:17-27 and Luke 18:18-27, I realized that there was a meaning that I had never seen. I realized that this Scripture is often taken out of context and that also, because it was taken out of context, I always thought that it was ignored. I had always believed, because that was what was taught me in church, that the story of the rich young ruler meant that it was impossible to achieve eternal life if a person were rich. I always wondered why we did not give all our possessions away as Christians and live communally. Actually, this is a story of God’s grace and sovereignty. Read More | Comments -
April12th
9 CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 19:14, “Jesus Blesses Little Children”
Posted in: Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus explained that little children have the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God’s kingdom. They came to Jesus in humility and received his blessing as a gift. They had no authority or rights, but they came to him in trust and love. Jesus spoke often of little children, let’s look at what He says in context of this story….. Read More | Comments -
December15th
2 CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 18:1 / Matthew 18:3 / Matthew 18:5: “Who is the Greatest”
Posted in: Kingdom of Heaven
I believe that in God’s kingdom, greatness lies in acceptance of and dependence upon the Savior. Together in the church, believers are to welcome and love one another, encourage one another, allow everyone a place to shine according to their gifts, and appreciate one another. There is an interesting message here. Read More | Comments -
November27th
11 CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 16:19, “Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ”
Posted in: Church, Kingdom of Heaven
Caesarea Philippi
Jesus tells us that He will build His church (assemblies of people who gather in His name) and gives the apostle Peter the authority by Jesus to interpret and make judgments about what would be permitted or forbidden in the church, the body of believers. It’s been a long journey looking at “The Kingdom of Heaven/The Kingdom of God”, and we’re not even half way there. Join me as we look at the very begining moment of what we call, “The Church”…… Read More | Comments
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November26th
2 CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 18:23, “The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant”
Posted in: Kingdom of Heaven
How forgiving should we be? We all know the answer. Jesus illustrates the need for unlimited forgiveness. If our forgiveness is in direct proportion to what we have been forgiven, then we must always forgive. I would note that it looks to me, from what Jesus was saying, that there is a penalty for unforgiveness. Read More | Comments -
November20th
2 Comments
Many people think that:Entering into the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God is not simply moving into a new status, like becoming a member of a club. No, more—you move into a new practice, like a doctor entering into the practice of medicine. You are now launching out on a new way of life, a new vocation, centered on the practice of Jesus’ message. Jesus put it like this: as a disciple , we learn to practice everything he has taught. Read More | Comments
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November6th
18 CommentsThe Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 13:47 / Matthew 13:52, “”The Parable of the Dragnet” & “Treasures New and Old”
Posted in: Kingdom of Heaven
Have you ever thought of “learning” as an act of worship? Seeking to understand God’s truth by reading, wrestling with, praying for understanding, seeking the meaning of, and sharing with others this great truths that we have found in Christ……….I believe that this also is an act of worship. Jesus describes this as “new treasures as well as old”. Jesus continues with the kingdom parables by relating the parable of the dragnet (no, this has nothing to do with detective Joe Friday!) and the parable of treasures, new and old. Read More | Comments
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