'Understanding Endtime'
Mat 13:34-35 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."
Mat 13:34-35 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."
Within the parables are the secrets of God concerning the kingdom of heaven.
Parable of the Sower
By the Wayside
Mat 13:18-19 "Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside."
All those by the wayside are those involved in worldly affairs and are busy pursuing their dreams of successes, riches or recognition. They don't have time for the gospel.
Stony Places
Mat 13:20-21 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles."
These are the ones with lots of problems - financial, health, business or family. With the proper presentation of the gospel, they will grab at His love and grace for they have just found the real Almighty Father. Please do not expose these new converts to be persecuted by family members and friends.
Strangled by Thorn
Mat 13:22 "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful."
Unfortunately, many Christians after their salvation still love the world.
Perfect Ground
Mat 13:23 "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
These are His disciples who follow Him. They want to please Him at all cost - by keeping His commandments and words.
2 Cor 5:9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
Parable of Hidden Treasures
Mat 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
These Christians gave up all when they can get His hidden treasures.
What are these treasures?
1. Spirit of Truth teaches all truth, understanding of His words, end time signs, etc.
2. Free from worldliness, bondages, etc.
3. Fruit of the Holy Spirit
4. Empowering of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation, persecution, etc.
5. Joy and Peace of His presence
6. Counted worthy to be His bride.
2 Cor 4:6-7 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Parable of the Pricey Pearl
Mat 13:45-46 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
When Christians can find the entrance (each pearl is a gate) into New Jerusalem (Kingdom of heaven), they will give up everything to be able to enter in.
Rev 21:21a The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl.
