THE GREATEST PARABLES

POWERED BY

THE CHURCH OF LIVING GOD MINISTRY

TCLGM – MAKING PEOPLE CANDIDATES OF HEAVEN

TCLGM – THE PLACE WHERE BIBLE REIGNS SUPREME

 

Copyright © 2017

By The Church of Living God Ministry

All Right Reserved

The Author assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of all facts and quotations as cited in this book.

You can obtain additional copies of this book by calling

0242647193/0278635786

Or

Visit our Blog on tclgdefender.blogspot.com // mytclgm.blogspot.com

 

Author: Mr. Robert Arthur

 

INTRODUCTIONS:

The Church of Living God Ministry presents this book titled “THE GREATEST PARABLES”. It contains two books in one and a twenty-one (21) pages leaflet.

This book explains two of the many Parables Jesus Christ ever spoke during His earthly ministry; The Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Ten Virgins.

A parable was literal spoken by Christ but contains moral and religious lessons.

Thus this book brings each verse of these Parables to bare in the light of the scriptures to ascertain their spiritual meaning and also to give us a simpler and better understanding of each Parable.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. The Parable of the Sower                               – 1-9

2. The Parable of the Ten Virgins                      – 10-17

 

THE GREATEST PARABLES

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER – LUKE 8:4-15

Christ spoke many parables to the multitudes during His earthly ministry. Ps 78:1-2. The Parable of the Sower is one of the many fascinating stories Christ ever told.                                                                                                                     A parable is a wise-saying story normally taken from our everyday lives to instill in us knowledge and gives a broader and better understanding of the subject under consideration.

Therefore a parable is a summary of long story or a proverbial representation of stories which give moral and religious teachings. The Parable of the Sower gives us a better understanding of how our hearts relatively react to the Word of God.

Christ began the parable by saying: “....A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” Vs. 4-8

The parable mentions four (4) different types of lands in each of which the sower cultivated the seed. The story is literal but it contains moral and spiritual lessons.

We need to analyze each land in the light of the scriptures to ascertain their moral teachings.  The word of God has the power to explain itself. Vs. 9-10

From Vs. 5 it reads: “A sower went out to sow his seed”. Note: not different species of seeds but he sows only one seed.

Well we all know from the little basic agricultural knowledge we have that first, every farmer goes out in search of land to sow his seed. This in reference is the great commission the Lord assigned us to: “Go ye out therefore”. Mat 28:19.

The Vs. 11 explains the type of seed cultivated: “The seed is the word of God”. Then this same text should indicate to us who the sower is; He is Jesus Christ (Father) who sows his word into our hearts. “My Father is the husbandman (farmer, sower)” John 15:1. The seed was a good one and has life in it: “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God” 1 Pet 1:23

Generally, the grounds (lands) represent the different types or number of hearts which hear and accept the implanted word of Christ.

Now let us take the time to explain the various types of lands the farmer cultivated on: “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God” Vs. 10

 

(1). THE WAYSIDE GROUND:  “Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and take away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” Vs. 12

This category of people is there when the preacher preaches the gospel of Christ. They hear the scripture reading, clearly see the preacher’s invitations of hope and of eternal blessings through the gospel of Christ but they simply do not believe in them at all.                                                                                                             (1). “But without faith it is impossible to please God” Heb 11:6                                

(2). “And faith comes by hearing of the gospel of Christ” Rom 10:17

Our salvation process starts from hearing the word of God and have faith (believe) in it. To ignore and turn-down this clarion call or invitation means you shall never be saved. Mk 16:16

This type of land (wayside ground) represents the many people who never become Christians for once.

 

(2). THE ROCK (STONY) GROUND:  “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” Vs. 13

This category of land represents the masses of believers who never consider in counting the cost of Christianity before following the Lamb. Lk 14:28 33.                                                 They heard the preacher’s sermon, received the message with joy and believed in it but for a little while (a momentarily). They failed to consider sufferings and temptations as one part of the equation in the Christian life.

Remember temptations sometimes come but to strengthen us. Listen to the exhortations from Paul in Acts 14:22: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”

But these believers consider following Christ as sleeping on bed of sweet roses and never did they expect trials on the journey. Rom 14:17-18. They easily quit believing when the unexpected happens.

Let’s listen to how Mk 4:16-17 renders our study verse: “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arise for the word's sake, immediately they are offended”

The verses here remind us that those believers’ afflictions and persecutions did not happen automatically (per chance) but arose as a result of having the word of God in them. But still they reject the assurances the Lord Christ made to them and forfeit their salvation.

1. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”. Mat 5:10-12

2.  “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another…. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”. Mat 24:9-13

(3).  THE THORNY GROUND:  “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” Vs. 14

The verse here indicates to us who the thorny land refers to. They are the one time faithful Christians who have served their Master for many years of long standing. They have walked the walk, ran the race. But unfortunately suffered a fatal shipwreck of the faith once delivered. As well as forfeiting their salvation in the middle of the journey. 1 Tim 1:19, Jude 3.

The cares and riches of this world have the propensity of infections to affect the seed once cultivated on this land to yielding more fruit.

The sad aspect of these believers is the unforgivable decisions and mistakes they made in these times of situations. They had all what it takes to have stood on their feet: 

(1). Christ as the finisher of our faith – Heb 12:1-2

(2). The Word of God as the guide – 1 Cor 10:13, Rom 15:4

(3). Early fathers of faith – Heb 11:32-40.

These are more than enough evidence to have given this category of believers’ hopes to prove steadfastness and perseverance but fail abysmally and quit following Christ again. John 6:60-66

Mark’s rendition is much clearer: “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” Mk 4:19.

This verse shows the deception, influence and the power of worldly riches.

In several references to Paul’s admonishments and warnings which he gave to the churches of God, he described it as “Filthy Lucre” 1Pet 5:2; 1Tim 3:3, 8; Tit 1:7, 11.

In 1Tim 6:6-10 it exhorts and speaks of us as Christians to be content in the Lord: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” Read Heb 13:5, 1 John 2:15-17

(4).  THE GOOD GROUND (FERTILE LAND):  “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” Vs. 15.

The good ground (fertile land) is good to every farmer for cultivating crops and vegetables. The sower planted on this land as well. The harvests were plentiful: “some in thirty and some sixty and some in hundred” Mk 4:8.

This good and fertile ground represents those True Believers who have faithfully served the Lord with perseverance and endurance. They once heard the glorious sermon being preached, believed in it and kept it to the end.

The key word in this verse is “keep it”. Keeping the word of God involves practicing it. The purpose of our calling in the service of God is to keep Christ words in our hearts and “bring forth much fruit” till He comes. John 15:16.

We receive blessings from the Lord if we abide in His word. “But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continue therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” Jam 1:25.  Read also John 8:31.

This proves our faithfulness in the Lord. Trials and temptations may come but with patience the true believer overcomes them. 1 John 5:4-5, Jam 1:12

This category of Christians are commended and rewarded by the Lord.

(1). “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” Rev 2:10                                          

(2). “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” 2 Tim 4:7-8

 

CONCLUSION:

This lesson requires each and everyone to have a critical look at himself into the mirror of God’s Word to decipher which ground or land he represents.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” 2 Cor 13:5

 

 

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN (10) VIRGINS – MAT 25:1-13

As we have studied in the Parable of the Sower, The Parable of the Ten Virgins is another intrigue parable Christ Jesus spoke which needs to be brought bare in the light of the scriptures. The parable of ten virgins is also referred to as the Parable of Ten Maidens.

Let us listen to the full story: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” Mat 25:1-13

This is classical lesson we need to be mindful always in the service of our Lord. The weight of its moral and spiritual teachings should not be underestimated.

The Parable of Ten Virgins teaches watchfulness, preparation and readiness.

Now let us explain this parable. Jesus began the parable by saying: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins” Vs. 1. Christ spoke this parable in a typical reference to His Church. The kingdom of Heaven (the kingdom of God) and the Church are frequently used interchangeably in the Bible.

(1). Jesus Christ referred to his church as the kingdom of God coming down with power in Mark 9:1. Compare Luke 9:26-27

(2). In Mat 16:18-19 the church and the kingdom of heaven are used interchangeably and simultaneously to refer one thing; His church.

(3). Mat 18:1-6 describes the attitude of humility as a sign of greatness amongst the membership of Christ church when the disciples referred to the church as kingdom of heaven. 

(4).  2 Thess 1:4-5 also mentioned these two subjects: “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure…that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God”

(5). Apostle Paul referred to church at Corinth as the kingdom of Christ which shall be delivered to God at the end: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet” 1Cor 15:24-25

The point is established that to be member of this glorious church means you are in the kingdom of heaven, God or Christ. Heb 12:28, Col 1:12-13.

Therefore the Ten Virgins is a representative of the universality of the Church of God.

These ten virgins or maidens “went forth to meet the bridegroom” Vs. 1.

As we have learnt about who these virgins are; the church, then the bridegroom is Jesus Christ.

Compare the Vs. 11-12: “Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh”

These statements have been frequently used solely by the Lord Jesus Christ. Mat 7:21-23, Lk 13:25-27, Mat 24:42-44

A number of scriptures also confirm and conclude on this point:

(1). John the Baptist testified about who this bridegroom is: “Ye yourselves bear me witness that I said; I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoice greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease” John 3:28-30

(2). Apostle Paul referred to the church at Corinth as virgins married to Christ, the husband (bridegroom): “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” 2 Cor 11:2

(3). John the Revelator in Rev 21:2 pictured the church of God as being “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband”

Out of these virgins are five wise and five foolish. “And five of them were wise, and five were foolish” Vs. 2. Who are they?

 

(1). THE FIVE (5) FOOLISH VIRGINS: “They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them” Vs 3.

There is no way one could represent this five foolish virgins to infidel or unbelievers. They are in simply terms Christians; for they took their lamps. They have the word of God in them. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” Ps 119:105.

Solomon said: “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” Pro 6:23.

The sad aspect of this group is they refuse to take additional oil for rekindling their lamps. They forgot to consider emergencies on the journey, not well prepared, not ready to meet the Lord. It was total slackness on their part. The judgment seems confusion and uncertain to them.

They simply ignored the frequent warnings of Christ to be ready and watchful. Mat 24:44.

On the surface this group seems active and prefers to be called Christians but inwardly they are not ready. They have no holy spirit (oil) which teaches, reminds, comforts and quickens us to be more prudent and proactive in the service of God. John 14:26, 1 John 2:20, 27-28

The parable reads: “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept” Vs. 5

Dark hours sometimes dawn on the life of each and everyone, when all things face the opposite direction, things may seem to be delaying so: “they all slumbered and slept”. This sometimes takes off our minds from the goal. We need to keep the vigil and be ready all the times.

Prophet Habakkuk once said: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” Hab 2:3.

Thus the bridegroom came at the midnight hour Vs. 6

In verse 8-9 of our study texts we see a clear request denial on the part of the five wise virgins which may seem to be a merciless and cruel attitude to some critics.  But if you are familiar with the Word of God, you will see the five wise virgins rightly answered them in accordance with the scriptures. 

The word BUY has been severally used in the Bible. Most of them are in direct reference to the word of God.

(1). Pro 23:23 says “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding”

(2). Isa 55:1 reads “Ho, every one that thirst, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price”

(3). The Lord’s advice in Rev 3:18: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou may see”

Who trades and gives wisdom and understanding, white raiment and has priceless water of life etc? All these commodities are freely provided by Christ.

So for the wise virgins to direct those fools to rather go to them that sell, and buy for themselves extra oil is right and biblical.

Before the return of these fools, came the long awaited bridegroom and the door was closed behind them.

Another strong and vital request was denied them again, this time by the Lord himself: “Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not” Vs. 11-12

Prophet Amos echoed his voice into this: “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” Amos 4:12

What a sad end for the unprepared and lazy Christians!

 

(2). THE FIVE (5) WISE VIRGINS: As we have dealt lengthy on the five foolish virgins, we just have to face this category of virgins on the other side of the coin of the above or in the vice versa.

The five wise virgins or maidens depict the faithful followers of Christ who have fully prepared themselves and are ready with the hope of meeting the Lord on the Judgment Day.

For they “took oil in their vessels with their lamps” Vs. 4 with the guarantee to light up (trim) their lamps if emergency happens Vs. 7. They have the word of God in them and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Rom 8:14-16

They knew the times and seasons we live in. And the Lord refers to them as “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage” Vs. 10    

 

CONCLUSIONS:

To achieving the purpose of this study is to bring to the memories of the followers of Christ to be fully prepared, be watchful, be on the alert, keep the vigil and be ever ready to meet the Lord.

The gap that existed between those foolish and the wise virgins was readiness and preparedness.

“Therefore watch, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” Vs. 13

 

APPRECIATIONS

From the outfits of the Church of Living God Ministry we say very special big thanks to the Almighty God for making this project a successful one.

We show our appreciation to the following persons for supporting our work.

Mr. & Mrs. Awuku

Brother David Arthur

Mrs. Grace Arthur

Evangelist John Rockson

Mr. & Mrs. Quainoo

Brother John Acquah

Brother Muntamana Abbey

Evangelist Nicholas Mensah