The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Five): The Parable of the Leaven
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMost commentators see this parable as a positive message of the growth of the church. However, deeper study shows that they have it exactly backward!
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMatthew 13 contains more parables than any other chapter in the Gospels. They are related in theme and organized to teach Christians specific lessons.
Dominion and Leaven (Part One)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDominion theology holds that the church's responsibility is to spread God's Kingdom around the world, but it misunderstands the Parable of Leaven.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe 'kingdom of heaven' is commonly interpreted to describe the church, but in the first four parables of Matthew 13, it has a clearer application: Israel.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeJesus' parables in Matthew 13 center on a repeated phrase, "The kingdom of heaven is like . . .," and thus they are often called His "Kingdom Parables." David Grabbe expounds on the Parables of the Wheat and the Tares, the Mustard Seed, and the Leaven, keeping this theme at the forefront and showing that Jesus' original audience …
Dominion and Leaven (Part Two)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeContrary to Dominion Theology, the Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven are not about the church but describe the history and condition of Israel.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.
What Is Christ's Hidden Treasure?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, asserting that the parable of the leaven hidden in the meal and the parable of the treasure hidden in the field serve as the juxtaposition of a negative and positive symbol (respectively, leaven and treasure), identifies a stark contrast between evil corruption and godly treasure, hidden for totally different …
Matthew (Part 18)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe ability to do miracles does not identify a speaker as a representative of God, especially if the signs entice one to depart from the Word of God. Jesus warns that if we ask God for protection from demonic influence, we cannot sit back passively; Satan always counterattacks. Evil must be displaced with good. Jesus encourages …
