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Parables - email to Ray
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: sasscell on August 10, 2007, 09:36:18 AM ---Joe, are you saying that because something is "hard to be understood" or a"secret" that makes it a parable? I'm not getting that connection via the scriptures that have been posted.
--- End quote ---
Hi sasscell,
Remember the disciples asking Jesus why He spoke in parables and pleading with Him to speak plainly? They wanted to know the message contained in His Words. They were anxious to understand the hidden meanings, the secrets of these parables, what do they mean?
This statement of the bible being one big parable is in itself is a metaphor, simile, an enigma, a figure of speach, it is symbolism, unless the Spirit of God opens our eyes and ears these secret meanings will not be revealed to us.
The following quote is from Lake of Fire Part 1;
"For all too many, these marvelous Scriptures have no meaning beyond the literal meaning of the literal words. And so, for most, the Word of God remains a giant enigma. How sad!"
Also there is this from Lake of Fire Part 16;
THE GOSPEL THAT NO ONE UNDERSTOOD
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand'" (Matt. 4:17).
Did anyone know what Jesus was talking about? No. Did anyone know what "repent" really meant? No. Did anyone have even a clue as to what Jesus meant by "The Kingdom of Heaven?" No. The "Kingdom of Heaven" was the gospel that Jesus preached. But did anyone really know what it was? How many even today know what "the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven" really is? Do you know? Could you teach a class on exactly what the Kingdom of Heaven really is?
One will never know what Jesus preached until they understand how Jesus preached.
When will we begin believing what Jesus taught us concerning the words He used to teach? If you will pay heed to what Jesus taught, you will learn more in five minutes than you would otherwise is 50 years. Listen:
After reading parable after parable, beginning in Matt. 13, we read this:
"And great multitudes were gathered together unto Him… and He spoke many things unto them IN PARABLES…" (Verses 2-3).
"Another parable put He forth unto them…" (Ver. 24).
"Another parable put He forth unto them…" (Ver. 31).
"Another parable spoke He unto them…" (Ver. 33).
"ALL these things spoke Jesus unto the multitude in PARABLES; and without a parable spoke He not unto them" (Ver. 34).
"And with many such parables spoke He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spoke He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded [‘explained’ John 10:6] all things to His disciples" (Mark 4:33-34).
"These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs [Gk: ‘figurative language’]: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father" (John 16:25).
Remember that John 16 is recording the last words of our Lord before the crucifixion the following day. So up until that very last night with His disciples He had spoken His own public ministry in proverbs and parables—figurative language, symbols and signs. And we have a further verification of these statements when Jesus said: "…the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT…" (John 6:63)! Has anyone ever heard of a seminary which teaches these truths of Scripture?
All of the Scriptures were inspired by the Spirit of Christ, even the literal things have a deeper spiritual "secret" behind them. To the mainstream churches these spiritual messages are hidden there are verses that seem to be clear to the carnal ear but the spiritual parable is not understood or even recognized as such.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
sasscell:
What you are saying Joe is comming a bit more clear. I have experienced at times what I would call a depth to the scriptures. Sometimes, I am not just reading the scriptures but can almost look down into it as if the scriptures have dimension. I can see this happening in so called plain written scriptures as well. In that case, I can see what you are saying to be true.
hillsbororiver:
HI CIY,
It is so true about the spiritual blindness.
After a series of disasters in my young life I earnestly prayed, begged, pleaded through tears for God to let me in on His plan and purpose, it took Him 34 years to answer me, that day of understanding began on August 2, 2005 when I stumbled onto Bible Truths, Googling a combination of words that led me to the site. I have tried entering the same words "weather Revelation" and have never duplicated the result.
Between the time of that prayer which I misinterpreted as "The Final Answer" I was immediately led to the SDA church, lost interest, went back into the world, actually dove into the world of pleasure seeking and selfishness. There were many ups and downs, serious ups and downs but deep within me I always felt as if God was watching over me. After almost getting killed (more than a few times), almost getting myself long prison terms, living like a bum, living as a criminal, slowly but surely things got better.
At a time quite a few years later when many would have seen me as successful in virtually all measures I began to feel as if I was an empty entity, a hole in my being so large you could drive a truck through, something was missing but I had no clue as to what it was. Well, that night in August of '05 I realized what it was and my prayer of 34 years ago I could see was finally being answered in a way I could understand. I know now that all the things that led up to that night were beneficial and were not wasted moments in time but the method in which the Lord is creating me.
Having these secrets opened up is beyond gratifying but yet very humbling, I am almost always asking Him, why me? These treasures of His sacred secrets have begun to make me feel as if I am now being completed, to be formed into His image at that wonderful day to come, the resurrection. Even as I hope and pray to be included in the first it still gives me peace to realize there is a second resurrection that will also lead to salvation.
I guess I really got off track, but once I get on a roll I can't seem to shut it down.....
My apology & His Peace to you,
Joe
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: sasscell on August 10, 2007, 10:46:44 AM ---What you are saying Joe is comming a bit more clear. I have experienced at times what I would call a depth to the scriptures. Sometimes, I am not just reading the scriptures but can almost look down into it as if the scriptures have dimension. I can see this happening in so called plain written scriptures as well. In that case, I can see what you are saying to be true.
--- End quote ---
;D
Yes, the Scriptures are not one dimensional! They are richly textured and have levels of depth that become more apparent and more incredible as we study, pray and meditate on them.
The treasure that is His Word is richer and more bountiful than we ever could have imagined before His Spirit began to unlock them to us.
His Peace to you,
Joe
ciy:
Joe
I know what you mean about the working and leading of God in one's life. This summary of your testimony is encouraging.
I may have gone opposite of you. I got successful then got completely distracted in Bablyon. Put most of my time and effort in to having a "Christian business", lost it all and more, so now people think I am a nut and my crazy beliefs have made me a failure. I know that I was led by the spirit into what I have done the last 7 years and that everything had to happen exactly the way God caused it to happen or I would not be in this blessed position of knowledge and faith that I now possess.
Grace truly does abound.
CIY
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