Ever since there began to be two groups preaching and baptizing, there were those who wanted to set up a competition between them. In John 3:22-36, John the Baptist put an immediate stop to the idea of competition between Jesus and himself. His response provides not only pastors but all Christians with an excellent motto for our lives. (Here is a link to the full sermon notes.)
The parable often called the Wheat and the Tares gives hope that one day all will be made right.
As he traveled toward Jerusalem, Jesus sent out 36 missionary teams and made provision for many more, because then, as now, the harvest was...
Even though his people grumbled and quarreled, the Lord satisfied their needs at his own expense.
