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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.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Four): The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Mustard Seed parable is commonly interpreted as an illustration of church growth. However, rightly dividing the word of truth shows a sobering reality.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part One): Sower and Seed
'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.
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.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Two): Tares, Mustard Seed, and Leaven
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn the Parables of the Wheat and the Tares, the Mustard Seed, and the Leaven, Jesus was speaking to the physical nation, which the parables clearly reflect.
Parable of the Two Sons
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsPeople react to God's calling differently. The Parable of the Two Sons explains that one's ultimate obedience to God is what really matters!
Parables and a Pearl
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is often wrongly interpreted, ascribing meaning that contradicts the Bible. Here is how the Scriptures remain unbroken.
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.
Parables and Prophecy
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAside from being only simple stories, parables can have prophetic implications as well.
Biblical Symbolism (Part One)
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible is full of symbols, allegories, parables, types, and keys. What do they mean? How can we understand them and thus understand God's Word?
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.
Like a Growing Seed (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Growing Seed is unique to the book of Mark, the most basic of the gospels, perhaps due to it being so simple and its point self-evident.
Learning from Clichés
CGG WeeklyThrough every medium, Satan spreads his values, hidden within the stories our televisions broadcast, our movies so spectacularly feature, and our songs rehearse.
Elisha and the Shunammite Woman, Part I: Reviving God's Children
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughSome of Elisha's miracles read like parables. There are parallels between modern church history and the second of these miracles in II Kings 4.