Monday, March 17, 2014

The Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God

Luke 8:1-3, 9-10, 11-15, 16-21 It came to pass afterward, that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered to Him of their substance.

His disciples asked Him, saying, What might this parable be? He said, to you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (parallel passages Matthew 13:10-17, Mark 4:10-12, I will attach a brief study outline of the mysteries after I finish this study. A more commplete study can be found at the link on the front of this site.)

The parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (parallel passages Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20)

No man, when he has light a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither hid, that shall not be made known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how you hear: for whoever has, to him it shall be given; and whoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have. (parallel passage Mark 4:21-25)

Then came to Him His mother and His brethren, and could not come at Him for the press. It was told Him, Your mother and brethren stand without, desiring to see You. He said to them, My mother and My brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. (parallel passages Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35)

Luke 9:1-6 He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach (proclaim) the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. He said to them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. Whatever house you enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.They departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. (parallel passages Matthew 10:5-15, Mark 6:7-13)      

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