The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Five): The Parable of the Leaven

Most commentators see this parable as a positive message of the growth of the church. However, deeper study shows that they have it exactly backward!

The Leavening of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod

Jesus warned of three varieties of leaven that we must guard against, staying aware of the pitfalls that will pull us down and corrupt us.

How Much Leaven Can God Take?

The tares and wheat must coexist until the harvest when the fruit will become clearly seen, at which time a separation and judgment will take place.

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven

The Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.

Dominion and Leaven (Part Two)

Contrary to Dominion Theology, the Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven are not about the church but describe the history and condition of Israel.

The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded

Bitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.

Leavening: The Types

The holy days are reliable teaching tools, emphasizing spaced repetition to reinforce our faulty memories and drive the lesson deep into our thinking.

What Is Christ's Hidden Treasure?

The parables of the leaven and the treasure hidden in the field show two sides of the same coin. The hidden treasure is the God-given solution to the leaven.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)

The strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.

Freedom and Unleavened Bread

Christian freedom has nothing to do with location or circumstance but how we think. By imbibing on God's Word, we will incrementally displace our carnality.

The Unleavened Life Is a Happy Life!

The Days of Unleavened Bread define our responsibility in God's plan to purge out habits, attitudes, and teachings that do not conform to God's way.

Matthew (Part Twenty-One)

Why Many Do Not Understand

Biblical truth cannot be discerned by human intellect alone, but must be spiritually discerned. God has hidden spiritual truth from the majority for now.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Three): Hidden Treasure

In Matthew 13, the hidden treasure the man finds provides the spiritual solution to the leaven - corruption - the woman hides in the three measures of meal.

Unleavened Bread and Hope

After we purge the corruption from our lives, we must replace it with the anti-leaven of truth and sincerity, or our last state will be worse than the first.

The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)

The meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.

Amos (Part Seven)

God, through His prophets, warns that He will chasten His people with increasing severity until they repent and begin to reflect His characteristics.

Government (Part Five)

Only those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.

Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)

Outcome-based religion holds large membership as its measure of success, believing that the ends justify the means. It avoids doctrine that might divide.