If you want to, you can check it out Part 1 and Part 2 here.
--------------------------------------------
Matthew 13:10-11
The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are only given to the disciples...
This is like our "sacred secret" with God
What is this sacred secret?
It appears that the church, Christianity and Christians are on a decline and defeated.
But from the heavenly perspective, God's purpose and plan goes on. His purpose and plan is to discover and recover Christians who are worthy to inherit His kingdom in the age to come.
In the midst of the chaos He finds the pearls of great price. God is in control.
This current period we want victory but what God wants the remnant to be the pearl of great price.
While we look for quantity, God is looking for quality.
The purpose of this age is not to expand but to reduce.
In John, Jesus said "you have to eat my flesh and drink my blood" --- obviously he meant communion but He didn't explain.
John 6:66-67 (MSG)
After this statement a lot of His disciples left.
Instead of trying to win them back or explain Himself, He gave the disciples the option to leave.
Jesus is in the process of refining.
While most pastors want church growth, God sees at a higher way.
It's not about winning or losing. It's about selection. We should keep loving Jesus no matter what.
7. Parable of the Dragnet
Parable 1-6 tells us what will happen during this age.
Parable 7 tells us what will happen at the end of the age.
At the end of the age, Jesus will separate the wicked and the just.
We think the opposite of wicked is good, loving, caring --- but Jesus says the wicked and the just.
Who is the just?
Romans 5:1 "being justified by faith"
To have peace with God we need to be justified by faith through Jesus.
8. Parable of the Householder
Matthew 13:51-53
Have you understood all these things?
If you understood then you are like a scribe - someone who preserves, studies, and applies the truth
Householder - home owner - landlord
The kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old
Things new and old: ancient timeless truths with new methods and applications
The Bible is timeless. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. But while the message is the same, the methods can change.
