Kingdom Parables: Final Separation

The final parable of Matthew is barely a parable at all. Here, Jesus describes the final judgment. What will Jesus have to say to you when you stand before him?

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Kingdom Parables: Called to Account

This week is the Parable of the Talents. Stewardship is a basic Kingdom concept. What will you present to God at the end of your life?

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Kingdom Parables: The Invitation

Today’s parable is the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. God invites us all to dine with his Son. Will you accept the invitation?

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Kingdom Parables: The Ugly Truth

As the time approached for Jesus' crucifixion, he began to teach about the ramifications of the rejection of Jesus by the Jews of his day. The parable of the tenants is such a clear condemnation of unfaithful Israel that these religious leaders, who mostly did not understand Jesus' parables, clearly understood that he was speaking against them. What does this parable illustrating the sin of unfaithful Israel have to do with modern people? As we look at this parable, we learn that while it is certainly the story of those Jews who rejected Jesus, it's also the story of all of sinful humanity... and it can even be the story of a local church.

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Kingdom Parables: "Yes" Is Not Enough

We've all been let down by someone who said they would do something, but then did not follow through. How often do you do that to God? What are God's thoughts when we do that?

Jesus gives a simple illustration to remind his religious listeners that saying "yes" is not enough. Words are meaningless without obedience.

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Kingdom Parables: Grace and Envy

We always hear about how God’s grace is amazing, but in today’s parable, Jesus talks about how it can be irritating to us. So what’s so amazing (and irritating) about grace?

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Kingdom Parables: Forgiveness

We can be grateful that there are no limits to God's forgiveness of our sins. But in the kingdom of heaven, God's treatment of us is what we should extend to others. Jesus told a parable to teach his disciples about forgiveness without limits.

Associate pastor Sandy Carter brings the message.

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Kingdom Parables: Kingdom Perspective

A good perspective gives us a better view of the truth. To gain the best perspective on God and this world where we find ourselves is to study the life and teachings of Jesus. At the end of Matthew 13, Jesus provides a kingdom perspective on final judgment and on religion.

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Kingdom Parables: Worth Everything

Some find him when they're not looking. Others find him after a long search. But when we truly encounter Christ, it's life-course-altering moment of joy. Have you had an experience with Christ that mirrors the discovery-joy-total abandon rhythm of the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl?

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Kingdom Parables: A Little Changes Everything

The Mustard Seed parable and the Parable of the Yeast are similar in meaning, but they come from a different perspective. Why did Jesus use imagery usually associated with sin to teach about the kingdom? What do we learn about Christian life from this parable?

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Kingdom Parables: Where It Starts

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is well-known, but its principles still run contrary to our intuition about how we want or expect God to work. What can we learn about the kingdom of heaven through a tiny little seed?

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Kingdom Parables: What's With the Weeds?

If God is good, why is there evil and suffering? In a simple little story, Jesus addresses this question and teaches how the kingdom of heaven coexists with evil until the appointed time.

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Kingdom Parables: Why Parables? (Matthew 13:11-17, 34-35)

Jesus told everyone who listened that the Kingdom of heaven had come near. When people asked what that meant, Jesus often responded with a story. Why?

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