Salvation 10.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Matthew, please read Chapters 13-14 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. You can also cut & paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%20-%2014&version=9

Today, we will read and learn about some parables by Jesus; the execution of John the Baptist; feeding 5000 people; and Jesus walking on water. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that no matter how one appears to be on the surface, Jesus knows our hearts and unless we personally accept Him nothing we do will be acknowledged.

In the first parable, (a parabale is a short, simple story that is to the point) Jesus describes four different kind of responses to hearing His Word. "And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Matthew 13:3-9). The true disciple of Christ is represented by the good ground that received the seed, which in turn is fruitful.

The second parable was of tares (weeds) that grew within the same field of wheat, yet produced no fruit. "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." (13:24-30).

The tares look identical to the wheat in their early stages, but as they grow they become more defined. They represent the world of so called Christian's who appear to be converts, but have never truly accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;" (13:38). They think that by joining a church, talking about Jesus, and giving tithe makes them a Christian, but they are being decieved. The only way to be converted is by personally repenting of our sins and asking Jesus to come into our lives.

Jesus also foretold of the end of the world, "The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. " (13:39-43). It is startling to think that many lives will be lost simply because they failed to acknowledge the Lord, Jesus Christ. That is why we must do everything we can to lead them to Christ, if they refuse then at least we did all we could to show them what they will be facing.

Today, if you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins nor accepted Him personally you can do it right here.

Just repeat this prayer:
Dear Jesus,
I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me and my sin. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Now, if you read this prayer and it came from your heart than you are now written in the book of life and saved from the furnace of fire. Congratulations, and may God bless you in a mighty way.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

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