It is easy to miss something right in front of us when we are looking for something else. Many people missed Jesus, because they were looking for a different kind of kingdom than the one Jesus came to establish. Specifically, they were expecting immediate judgment on sinners, but Jesus surprised everyone by associating with sinners and then dying for them. Following the Parable of the Sower are three other parables in Matthew 13:24-43. Together they emphasize that judgment is coming, but not yet. First the Kingdom of God must fill the whole earth.
We begin with an overview of the history of the church in Philippi, especially in relationship to Paul and his companions. Also, we were...
The parable of the workers in the vineyard reminds us that entering the kingdom of God is not about our work but God’s generosity.
A depressingly common theme that runs through human history is the oppression of the poor by the rich. In the first century, Christians were...