Podcasts about Matthew 13

In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus tells two parables about a hidden treasure and a precious pearl to reveal a profound truth: while we often see ourselves as seekers of God's treasure, we are actually the treasure that God seeks. God takes the first step in pursuing us, demonstrated ultimately when Jesus gave His life on the cross because we were worth everything to Him. Understanding that God traded His life for us should lead us to trade our lives for Him, making Jesus our greatest treasure above all else. This creates a beautiful rhythm where Jesus sought us out and paid the ultimate price, and we respond by declaring Him as our treasure and giving everything to Him.

* This originally aired as a video episode on YouTube HERE. We live in an age where "knowing mysteries of heaven" has taken on an entirely new - unbiblical - meaning. In this episode we use the Word to highlight and then connect several texts to reveal that the mysteries of heaven may be different than we thought. Using the Matthew 13 text, we establish that "walking with Messiah" alone is not enough *by itself* to rightly understand what He was saying. Have you been granted the ability to know the mysteries of heaven? Let's find out!

Sermon By: Pastor Roman Folia (The Gospel of Matthew pt. 48)

Sermon By: Pastor Roman Folia (The Gospel of Matthew pt. 49)

This sermon is a part of our King and His Kingdom series. If you live in the Raleigh area, we would like to invite you to join us in person on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am or 11:00 am. We look forward to worshiping together!

Minister to Married Young Adults and The4 Venue Pastor, Brad Talbert, explores the four types of hearts that receive God's word differently revealed in Jesus' parable of the sower. The hard heart has no room for spiritual truth to penetrate. The shallow heart receives God's word with initial joy but falls away when difficulties arise. The crowded heart allows worries and material concerns to choke out spiritual growth. The fruitful heart hears, understands, and responds to God's word, producing abundant spiritual fruit. Rather than representing different types of people, these hearts reflect our spiritual condition in different seasons of life.

* This originally aired as a video episode on YouTube HERE. As the crowds and disciples gathered to listen to Messiah, His taught ones asked Him a seemingly simple question. Yet His answer was a very deep one. Whether we like it or not, biblically, there are those who have been granted the ability to know the mysteries of heaven and there are those who have not. Which will we be? Let's find out!

Wheat, Weeds, And Mustard Seeds (Matthew 13:24-43)

I don't quite get the logic in 13:13. If the reason he speaks in parables is because the people will not perceive or understand, doesn't that mean would be free to speak plainly (given the crowd would not understand either way?).  I think it is interesting in v15 that God could clearly present the secrets of the kingdom yet deliberately obfuscate it, yet in v18-23, he reveals it to us. I wonder if this has implication of how we proclaim the gospel, that there seems to have been some difference between Jesus teaching crowds and the apostles teaching where the latter is more clear as per v52. Perhaps the question is why does he obfuscate his message and then why does this change? I have heard it said that the parable of the 4 soils is different after the cross and we now only have those that accept and don't, and Tim said there will be 4 types. Is the parable of the sower consistent with our certainty of salvation? How can we be sure what type of 'soil' we are - that we won't initially respond favourably before the world chokes the faith out of us? (like the thorns, or the rocky ground) Is it weird to use hell/weeping and gnashing of teeth as a motivator to trust Jesus? Do we want to focus on God's grace where possible?

Sunday morning sermon by Pastor Justin Braun

In this special replay of the June 19, 2023 Morning Manna broadcast, we revisit two of Jesus' shortest and most powerful parables—the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44–46). These twin stories reveal the incomparable value of God's Kingdom and the radical joy that compels true discipleship. A man stumbles upon treasure and sells everything with gladness; a merchant searches for the finest pearl and gives up all he possesses to obtain it. In this teaching, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore the nature of kingdom desire, the cost of genuine commitment, and the surpassing worth of Christ Himself, who remains the greatest treasure a believer can ever find. Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961. MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com

In this follow-up to Thursday's broadcast, Morning Manna returns once more to Jesus' paired kingdom parables—the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44–46). Part 2 deepens the focus on the seeker's joy, the totality of the exchange, and the holy urgency that marks those who recognize the surpassing worth of Christ and His Kingdom. Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart revisit the themes of discovery, evaluation, and decisive surrender, showing how genuine disciples gladly release all lesser things to gain the one treasure that cannot fade. Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961. MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com

2024-03-21 - Matthew 13_31-58 Small But Big [nZP_0y32_Pc] by Salvador Flores III

2024-03-14 - The Parable Of The Wheat & The Tares： Matthew 13_24 Mikey Sanchez [8WK36Pe23C4] by Salvador Flores III

2024-03-07 - What Is Revelation： Matthew 13_1-17 [Yn4st-cvZwU] by Salvador Flores III

The parable of the mustard seed reveals that God's kingdom grows through small, faithful actions rather than grand gestures. Just as the tiny mustard seed becomes a large tree over time, our spiritual lives are built through daily moments of obedience and trust. This principle applies to marriage, parenting, career, and faith - all are strengthened through consistent small steps. The key is taking ownership of what we can control, fostering growth through intentional effort, trusting God's timing, and embracing eternal purposes. Small beginnings with faithful tending can create extraordinary results that ultimately serve others and glorify God.

It is our prayer that today's word would encourage and challenge to walk out your faith in Jesus, shine brightly in darkness and experience Kingdom impact in all you do! Stay connected with Belmont Church on our Facebook page, website or on the Church Center App.

Matthew 13

What Does Dirt Have to Do With My Life? (Matthew 13:1-23)

Sermon By: Pastor Roman Folia (The Gospel of Matthew pt.47)

Todaywe're specifically looking at Ephesians 3:16. Two things we're going to talkabout and that's, “the riches of His glory” and “in the inner man”.As we look at this passage of scripture, we realize that the power of the HolySpirit is given to us “according to the riches of His glory”. Christreturned to glory. But remember He said, "If I don't go away, I can'tsend the Holy Spirit. But if I go away, I will send the Comforter, the HolySpirit." (John 14; John 16:7). Christ returned to glory and sent theHoly Spirit from heaven to indwell and to empower His people.  So,it's not necessary for us to work something up. The power of God has been sentdown. Jesus said, "Tarry at Jerusalem till the power of the Holy Spiritis come upon you." (Acts 1:4-8). They did tarry and the HolySpirit, 10 days later, on the day of Pentecost, came down upon them. The HolySpirit was sent down. The Holy Spirit is the “gift of God” according tothose first passages of Scripture in the book of Acts (Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45;11:17). Now the Holy Spirit dwells in us and empowers us.  Goddoesn't give us the Holy Spirit's power out of His riches, but “according toHis riches” and that is a far greater thing. If I'm a billionaire and Igive you $10, I've given you out of my riches. But if I give you a milliondollars, I have given you according to my riches. The first is a portion, butmy friend, the second is a proportion. Oh, God has His riches in heaven thatare immeasurable, unfathomable, endless, eternal. He gives you not out of Hisriches but “according to the riches of His glory”. Nowvery interesting this power is available for “the inner man”.This means the spiritual part of man where God dwells and God lives in us. Weread in Romans 8:16; “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit thatwe are the children of God”. The inner man of the lost sinner is dead (Ephesians2:1), but that inner spirit becomes alive when the Holy Spirit of Christ,Christ Himself comes to indwell us. We find that the inner mancan see in Psalm 119:18, "Open mine eyes that I may see wondrous thingsout of your law." The inner man can hear Matthew13:9, Jesus said, "He who has ears, let him hear."  “Theinner man”has taste in Psalm 34:8; “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. We findwe can feel with the inner man (Acts 17:27). According to 1 Timothy 4:7-8,we find that bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness exercises greatprofit for those who trust and believe in Him. The outward man is perishing.But the inner man, the inner man can be renewed day by day in spite of thephysical outward decay that takes place. I love that passage in 2 Corinthians4:16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man isperishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our lightaffliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceedingand eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen,but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen aretemporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal”.  Whatdoes it mean to have the Holy Spirit empower “the inner man”? Itmeans that our spiritual faculties are controlled by God, and we are exercisingthem and growing in the Word (Hebrews 5:12-14). It is only when we yield to theSpirit and let Him control the inner man that we succeed in living to the gloryof God. This means we are feeding the inner man the Word of God, praying andworshiping, keeping clean, and exercising the senses by loving obedience. MayGod help us to trust Him today to have that strength that only He can give forHis glory and for His ministry of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ withthe world around us.  Godbless!

In this Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore Jesus' own explanation of the Parable of the Sower. Together we see why some hearers lose the Word to distraction, why shallow roots fail under pressure, how cares, riches, and pleasures choke spiritual growth, and how the humble, prepared heart bears enduring fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. The call is clear: seek understanding, welcome discipline, expect opposition, and let the Holy Spirit plow the heart so the Word takes root and thrives. Join the live class weekdays at 8:00 AM ET and grow with believers gathering from many nations to study God's Word. Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961. MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com

In this Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore Jesus' own explanation of the Parable of the Sower. Together we see why some hearers lose the Word to distraction, why shallow roots fail under pressure, how cares, riches, and pleasures choke spiritual growth, and how the humble, prepared heart bears enduring fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. The call is clear: seek understanding, welcome discipline, expect opposition, and let the Holy Spirit plow the heart so the Word takes root and thrives.Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc BurkhartYou can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today!www.megafire.worldGet high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!www.Amazon.com/Final-DayApple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books!www.books.apple.com/final-dayPurchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today.www.Sacrificingliberty.com

Today's teaching unpacks Jesus' own explanation of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18–23) and why it's the “master key” to understanding every other parable. Rick and Doc stress Jesus' solemn call—“Hear ye therefore”—as an invitation to active listening and willing hearts. Drawing from Luke 8:11–15 and G. Campbell Morgan's rules, they show that Jesus is the Sower, the Word is the seed, and people who receive the Word are “sown” by the Lord into the world's places of pain. Fruitfulness is determined by the heart's condition: wayside, rocky, thorny, or good ground. We're urged to let the Holy Spirit plow our hearts, cut away the thorns of distraction, and bear lasting fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold—for the King's harvest. Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961. MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com

Today's teaching unpacks Jesus' own explanation of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18–23) and why it's the “master key” to understanding every other parable. Rick and Doc stress Jesus' solemn call—“Hear ye therefore”—as an invitation to active listening and willing hearts. Drawing from Luke 8:11–15 and G. Campbell Morgan's rules, they show that Jesus is the Sower, the Word is the seed, and people who receive the Word are “sown” by the Lord into the world's places of pain. Fruitfulness is determined by the heart's condition: wayside, rocky, thorny, or good ground. We're urged to let the Holy Spirit plow our hearts, cut away the thorns of distraction, and bear lasting fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold—for the King's harvest.Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc BurkhartYou can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today!www.megafire.worldGet high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!www.Amazon.com/Final-DayApple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books!www.books.apple.com/final-dayPurchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today.www.Sacrificingliberty.com

Why did Jesus suddenly begin teaching in parables? Today's study (Matthew 13:10–13, KJV) shows that parables both reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom to hungry disciples and conceal them from hearts hardened by unbelief. Rick and Doc unpack how God gives understanding in abundance to those who seek, why spiritual growth follows faithful use of the light you already have, and how persistent rejection leads to spiritual blindness. We're encouraged to “come to the table,” pick up the fork, and feast on God's wisdom—daily. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us that while some things belong to the Lord, He has gladly revealed Kingdom truths to His children. Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961. MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com

Why did Jesus suddenly begin teaching in parables? Today's study (Matthew 13:10–13, KJV) shows that parables both reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom to hungry disciples and conceal them from hearts hardened by unbelief. Rick and Doc unpack how God gives understanding in abundance to those who seek, why spiritual growth follows faithful use of the light you already have, and how persistent rejection leads to spiritual blindness. We're encouraged to “come to the table,” pick up the fork, and feast on God's wisdom—daily. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us that while some things belong to the Lord, He has gladly revealed Kingdom truths to His children.Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc BurkhartYou can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today!www.megafire.worldGet high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!www.Amazon.com/Final-DayApple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books!www.books.apple.com/final-dayPurchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today.www.Sacrificingliberty.com

Sermon by: Pastor Roman Folia (The Gospel of Matthew pt. 46)

In today's Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart open Matthew 13:1–9 (KJV) and show Jesus as the Sower who plants not just words but people carrying the Word. After slipping away to rest by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus teaches from a boat so that receptive hearts receive truth while the hard-hearted remain unmoved. The “field” is the world, and the “seed” includes men and women whose hearts have embraced the gospel—whom Jesus then sows into families, vocations, and communities to produce a harvest of 30, 60, and 100-fold.Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc BurkhartYou can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-800-576-2116, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today!www.megafire.worldGet high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!www.Amazon.com/Final-DayApple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books!www.books.apple.com/final-dayPurchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today.www.Sacrificingliberty.com

In today's Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart open Matthew 13:1–9 (KJV) and show Jesus as the Sower who plants not just words but people carrying the Word. After slipping away to rest by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus teaches from a boat so that receptive hearts receive truth while the hard-hearted remain unmoved. The “field” is the world, and the “seed” includes men and women whose hearts have embraced the gospel—whom Jesus then sows into families, vocations, and communities to produce a harvest of 30, 60, and 100-fold.Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc BurkhartYou can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-800-576-2116, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today!www.megafire.worldGet high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!www.Amazon.com/Final-DayApple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books!www.books.apple.com/final-dayPurchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today.www.Sacrificingliberty.com

In today's Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart open Matthew 13:1–9 (KJV) and show Jesus as the Sower who plants not just words but people carrying the Word. After slipping away to rest by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus teaches from a boat so that receptive hearts receive truth while the hard-hearted remain unmoved. The “field” is the world, and the “seed” includes men and women whose hearts have embraced the gospel—whom Jesus then sows into families, vocations, and communities to produce a harvest of 30, 60, and 100-fold. Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting FaithandValues.com, calling 1-800-576-2116, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961. MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com

CURRENT SERMON SERIES: "Deeply Rooted" In an age when the world's problems can feel overwhelming and immovable, we are called to trust that our small, faithful acts can move mountains over time. In seasons of social turbulence and upheaval, when everything feels unsteady, we need deep roots—an anchor that holds us firmly in faith, community, and courage. Like the mustard seed that grows into the greatest of trees, like the oak whose roots run deep enough to withstand every storm, we are called to be sources of stability and resilience when life churns around us. This series explores how daily commitment to faithful, merciful, and generous living strengthens our inner reserves—ensuring we remain unshaken by life's challenges and fruitful through every season.

It seemed to me that my mom was on a perpetual hunt for some valuable antique that would somehow turn the tide of her fortunes. She wasn't materialistic, per se, but just had this indefatigable hope that some day she would discover treasure. By and large, the stuff she had (either passed to her from her family, or found in some market) was of little value. Nevertheless, she persisted in hoping for that bountiful encounter.Finding something of value is the theme for the passage we'll be looking at this Sunday as we continue our study of Matthew, reading chapter 13:44-58.The parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price carry on the prior theme of something hidden and unexpected (like that of the wheat and weeds, the mustard seed and the leaven), but now a new dimension is added: value. Jesus is trying to get across the great value of God's in-breaking kingdom in comparison to all other things/religions/philosophies/pursuits of life. In what way do you understand God's kingdom to be something of great value to you? What do you think it means to prioritize and value God's kingdom more than anything else?If you're not too clear on how to understand what the Kingdom of God is – check out this helpful video from the Bible Project: Heaven and EarthThe parable of the dragnet leaves the world of agriculture and sets us out to sea. Once again, we have something hidden yet productive as our motif. Why do you think its important that Jesus describes the indiscriminate nature of the net in that it gathers all kinds of fish? When the net gets filled, it gets pulled to shore. There is a finite amount of time for gathering. How does that reality impact your valuation of God's kingdom?The parable of the old and new treasure seems to be making a closing point to the line of thought we've been on. What do you think the old and the new treasure represents in this story? How can something old shed light on something new, and visa versa? How did we see that being played out in Jesus' ministry and later in that of the church?I'm looking forward to exploring this series of parables together. Hope to see you on Sunday!Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.

Monday, 3 November 2025   Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58   “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that the people were offended at Jesus. Because of this, He said that a prophet is not without honor except in his fatherland and in his house. With that stated, Matthew next records, “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.”   A new word, apistia, faithlessness, is seen. It is derived from the negative particle a and pistos, faithful. Therefore, depending on the context, it means not faithful, unfaithful, unbelief, an unbeliever, faithlessness, etc.   The preposition preceding this, dia, through, signifies that the cause of His not doing many miracles was their unbelief. In the parallel account in Mark 6, this is stated more firmly so that it is understood –   “And He could not do any miracles there, if not a few infirm, having laid the hands, He cured.” Mark 6:5 (CG)   This is similar to what Jesus said to the apostles after the transfiguration –   “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?' 20 So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'” Matthew 17:19-21   In Nazareth, the unbelief of those who resided there kept Jesus from being able to cure them. In the case of the apostles, their faith blocked the healing process. Either way, a lack of faith was a hindrance to what otherwise could have been possible.   Life application: Unfortunately, it is common today for people in charismatic churches, or who carry around the name it and claim it attitude, to accuse those who have health problems, financial problems, etc., of lacking faith.   They strut around like roosters, boasting of the supposed spiritual superiority as if they have access to such things on a whim. This type of attitude laughingly extends to claims of being able to protect homes from tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.   This is neither acceptable nor responsible. We live in a fallen world. People get sick, we have troubles and trials, and people die. Such things are a part of human existence. God is not looking for super spiritual showoffs.   Rather, He is pleased with the simple faith of those who trust in Jesus despite their trials and troubles. Nothing in Scripture ever says that believers will be immune from the woes of this world. In fact, just the opposite is true, both in spiritual and physical matters.   Don't let the arrogant, boastful, and theologically uninformed rob your joy in Christ through such false claims or accusations. Rather, pity them. Because when their times of trial and woe come upon them, and they will, they will have nothing to fall back on.   Be responsible, read your word, and have faith in God and His promises, despite the trials and catastrophes that come your way. In this, God will be pleased with you.   “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4   Lord God, we know that we are ordained for trials and troubles in this life. Despite this, we thank You for the promises You have given us in Christ Jesus. Whatever happens now, no matter how great and troubling it is, we know it is temporary and just a glitch on our path to eternal glory in Your presence. Thank You for the surety we possess in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Matthew 13   13 And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea. 2 And they gathered to Him, great crowds, so too He, having in-stepped into the boat, sat. And all the crowd, they had stood on the beach. 3 And He spoke to them, many in parables, saying, “You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing to sow.' 4 And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road, and it came, the birds, and it devoured them. 5 And others, it fell upon the rock-like, where it had not much earth, and immediately it out-rose through not having soil depth. 6 And sun, having risen, it burned, and through not having root, it desiccated. 7 And others, it fell upon the thorns, and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them. 8 And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty. 9 The ‘having ears to hear,' he – hear!”   10 And the disciples, having come, they said to Him, “Through what in parables You speak to them?” 11 And having answered, He said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries ‘the kingdom the heavens.' And to them, not it has been given. 12 For whoever he has, it will be given him, and he will superabound. And whoever not he has, and what he has, it will be lifted from him. 13 Through this I speak to them in parables, because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend. 14 And it fulfills upon them Isaiah's prophecy, saying,   ‘News you will hear and no, not you might comprehend, And seeing, you will see and no, not you might see. 15 For it thickened, the heart of this people And their ears, heavily they heard, And their eyes, they shut, Lest not they should behold – their eyes, And they should hear – their ears, And they should comprehend – the heart, And they should return, And I will heal them.'   16 And you, blessed the eyes, because they see, and the ears, because it hears. 17 Amen! For I say to you that many prophets and righteous, they passioned to see what you see, and not they saw, and to hear what you hear, and not they heard.   18 You, therefore, you hear the parable, the ‘having sown.' 19 Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not comprehending, the evil, he comes, and he seizes the ‘having been sown in his heart.' This, he is, the ‘having been sown near the path.' 20 And the ‘having been sown upon the rocky places,' this, he is, the ‘the word hearing and immediately with joy receiving it.' 21 And he has no root in himself, but he is temporary. And having come pressure or persecution through the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 And the ‘into the thorns having been sown' this is the ‘the word hearing,' but the care of this age, and the delusion of wealth, it strangles the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 And the ‘upon the good earth having been sown,' this, it is ‘the word hearing and comprehending' who surely he fruit-bears and it yields – some indeed hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”   24 Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field. 25 And in the ‘sleeps the men,' he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away. 26 And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit, then it appeared, also, the darnel. 27 And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field? Whence, therefore, it has darnel?' 28 And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!' And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?' 29 And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat. 30 You allow both to co-grow until the harvest. And in the harvest season, I will say to the harvesters, “You gather first the darnel, and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them, and wheat you collect into my barn.”'”   31 Another parable He presented them, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field. 32 Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds. And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings, and it becomes a tree, so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches.”   33 Another parable He presented them, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like leaven which a woman, having taken, she concealed in flour – three measures – until it all, it leavened.”   34 All these, He spoke, Jesus, in parables to the crowds, and besides parable, not He spoke to them. 35 So it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken through the prophet,' saying,   “I will open My mouth in parables. I will blurt things having been concealed from foundation – world.”   36 Then Jesus, having dismissed the crowds, He went into the house. And His disciples, they came to Him, saying, “Expound to us the parable of the fields' darnel.”   37 And answering, He said, “He, the ‘sowing the good seed,' he is the Son of Man. 38 And the field, it is the world. And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom. And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil. 39 And the enemy, the ‘having sown them,' he is the Traducer. And harvest – it is the age's consummation. And harvesters – they are messengers. 40 Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation. 41 The Son of Man, He will send His messengers and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares and those doing lawlessness. 42 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth. 43 Then the righteous, they will irradiate as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The ‘having ears,' let him hear!   44 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed, and from the joy of it, he withdraws and all that he has he sells and he buys that field.   45 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant, seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, having found one highly valued pearl, having departed, he has sold all – as many as he had, and he purchased it. 47 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine having been cast into the sea, and from every kind having been gathered, 48 which, when it was filled, having dragged upon the beach, and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out. 49 Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst. 50 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   51 Jesus, He says to them, “These all, you comprehend?”   They say to Him, “Yes, Lord.”   52 And He said to them, “Through this, every scribe, having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens,' he is like a man, a house-master, who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies.”   53 And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence. 54 And having come into His fatherland, He taught them in their synagogue, so they are outstruck and say, “Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles? 55 Not this, He is the artificer's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” 57 And they stumbled in Him.   And Jesus, He said to them, “Not, he is, a prophet dishonored if not in his fatherland and in his house.” 58 And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.

My brother Daniel used to work as a manager in the Publix deli. It seemed like a hard job with long hours, demanding customers, and endless sandwiches. Yet when I asked him what it was like, he said he loved it because every day he got to “feed the hungry.”That perspective changed how I think about ordinary work. Daniel could have focused on the frustration, but instead, he found fulfillment in serving others.It made me wonder, how would our view of daily work change if we saw it as a way to serve rather than just something to get through?In Matthew 13:24–43, Jesus shares three parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. The last two show how something small can become something extraordinary in God's Kingdom. We learn that God's kingdom often works quietly and unseen, transforming small acts into meaningful impact.This gives me pause as I consider, what small or hidden ways might God be at work in our lives and community right now?The world may look like an endless line of sandwiches, but in God's kingdom, every act of service becomes part of feeding the hungry and building something eternal.Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. as we study the book of Matthew and reflect on how God's kingdom grows through everyday moments.Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal explores Jesus' parable of the leaven from Matthew 13:33, revealing profound insights about the nature of God's kingdom on earth. This short but powerful parable illustrates how the kingdom of heaven operates not through outward glory or conquest, but as a hidden, transformative influence throughout the world. Tony examines how this parable connects thematically with other parables in Matthew 13, showing that believers are called to be like leaven - seemingly small and hidden, yet profoundly impacting the entire "loaf" of society. This teaching offers a refreshing perspective on how Christians can understand their role in the world and how God's redemptive purposes work through His people. Key Takeaways The kingdom of heaven operates not through outward glory but as a hidden, transformative influence in the world Just as leaven permeates an entire batch of dough, Christians are called to influence the whole world around them The parable of leaven shares thematic connections with the parables of the sower and the wheat and tares in Matthew 13 God preserves the world (the "whole loaf") because of His redemptive purposes for those within it The seemingly small presence of believers in the world has a disproportionate impact, similar to how a small amount of leaven affects a large amount of flour Common grace benefits both believers and unbelievers as part of God's redemptive plan The church may not always appear dominant in society, but its influence continues to work invisibly and powerfully Understanding the Parable of Leaven The parable in Matthew 13:33 is deceptively simple: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour till it was all leavened." Tony notes that just as leaven is often the same color as flour but with a different texture, and just as a small amount can affect an entire batch, the kingdom of heaven may seem small and unassuming in the world, yet its influence permeates everything around it. This parable teaches us that God's kingdom doesn't operate through visible conquest or outward glory. Rather, it works quietly from within, transforming the whole of society as believers live out their faith in various contexts - whether at work, with family, or in other relationships. The impact of the kingdom, like leaven, is not always immediately visible but ultimately transforms everything it touches. The Kingdom's Hidden Presence This parable helps us understand that while the church may not always be the dominant visible institution in the world, its influence continues to work powerfully. Tony explains how this connects with the parable of the wheat and tares, where both grow together until the harvest. Similarly, the kingdom of heaven is present within the world, often hidden from plain sight but still exerting tremendous influence. This perspective counters triumphalistic views that expect Christianity to always visibly dominate culture, while also rejecting defeatist attitudes that minimize the church's impact. Instead, it offers a balanced understanding that even when believers are in the minority, they serve as God's means of leavening the whole of society with kingdom values and influence. Memorable Quotes "We should look at this parable and think about how the kingdom of heaven on this earth is not going to be about outward glory. It's not gonna be about outward conquests, accoutrements or accolades." "As we go into our workday, as we interact with our family, whether that's our immediate family, our wives or children, our parents, or it's our extended family, some of whom may not even know Christ, as we interact with our fellow Christians in the church or online, as we interact with unbelievers online, we are to be like leaven that is hidden in the flower and our presence in the flower, our presence in the world actually leavens the whole world." "If it were not for God's intent and desire to save a remnant from fallen humanity, if it was not for the covenant of redemption in which the father, son and the spirit pacted together to redeem a people for their very own, God would've had no reason not to just destroy the whole thing and start over. But because he has seen fit to redeem out of the fallen whole, a portion, he is leavening the whole with that portion." Full Transcript we should look at this parable and think about how the kingdom of heaven on this earth is not going to be about outward glory. It's not gonna be about outward conquests accoutrements or accolades. [00:00:21] Introduction and Experiment Setup Welcome back to episode 467 of the Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Tony and this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey, brothers and sisters, if you are joining us for this second part of, uh, episode 467, any of you have not listened to Jesse's contribution, then you are like me. I also have not listened to Jesse's contribution yet, but, uh, you should go back and listen because, uh, we're doing a fun little experiment this week, Jesse and I. Our schedules didn't quite line up, so we thought we would do something interesting. [00:01:03] Exploring the Parables of Christ Uh, we've been working through the parables of Christ, which has been an absolute joy, and we come to these two sort of little micro parables that, um, commentators and editors often clump together. And Justin and I thought it would be a fun experiment for us each two separately talk about, uh, one of the parables. Uh, and then next week, uh, we're gonna come back together and we will probably talk through all of it after we've had some chances to, uh, process and marinate in it a little bit. We thought it'd be fun to see kind of how the two episodes gel together or don't gel together, uh, when uh, we have not talked about it and did not record together. So I'm gonna go ahead and kick off. I don't know if Jesse did affirmations or denials. I don't know what Jesse did. I, all I know is he recorded an episode and I'm sure that it's amazing. Uh, but I'm just gonna go ahead and kick off right into the, uh, the. Uh, reading here. So we're looking at Matthew chapter 13. Uh, we've spent our entire time in this series so far in Matthew chapter 13, and I'm gonna pick it up at verse 33. It reads here, he told them another parable. The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, that a woman took and hid in three measures of flower till it was all leavened. Now this is a short parable. Uh, it's, it's pretty straightforward. And this episode will be a little bit shorter. I don't know how long Jesse went. I mean, I, I guess I kind of have an idea 'cause I edited the, uh, episode, but I dunno how long you went. So I'm gonna keep this short and sweet and we're gonna talk more about all of this next week. So I just wanna share a few observations with you first. I think it's important for us to sort of recognize that. Matthew as the inspired, uh, writer of this, uh, gospel and in some ways, uh, as an inspired compiler and editor of Christ's public Ministry. Right. He's writing the gospel, but he's also a witness to the events. He is probably, um, ordering things in particular ways to make a theological point. Christ probably also taught this same message multiple times in multiple venues, so there's nothing shady or a historical going on. Um, but Matthew is. Putting together these, uh, counts and particularly these parables, which probably were all given at the same time. Um, Christ probably deliver them all at the same time as well. And there's some good reasons in the text to think that. But these parables all fall within the context of each other. So when we talked about the parable of, uh, the soils, um, or the parable of the sower, we, we recognize, um, that the kingdom of heaven is not as obvious as we would think, right? The sower sows the seed, um, he sows it promiscuously a across various different kinds of soils, fully knowing that some of it will not be receptive. And then of course, we saw the outcome. And then when we looked at the parable of the weed, weed, uh, wheat and the tears, uh, we see that, you know, the, the good sower recognizes that the wheat and the weed will grow up next to each other, and that at the end of all things, he will separate those things and will, you know, destroy the wicked and will reward the righteous. And an interesting feature of this chapter is that Christ often tells a parable, and then there's either some commentary, or in this case today, there's actually additional parables in sort of inserted, and then Christ gives the, uh, interpretation of the parable. So the, the parable of the mustard seed immediately follows in the parable of the 11, kind of considering those together. Immediately follows the parable of, uh, the explanation, or no, sorry, the parable of, um, the weed and the weeds. And so he gives us this parable right in the middle there. Then he gives us a little explanation and a second, you know, explanation of why he speaks in parables. And then he goes on to interpret and. There's a, a technique that was often used in ancient text, in ancient documents called an iuso, where they would start an account. Uh, they would start sort of a literary segment with, um, a phrase or a concept. Then they would explain, you know, they would give all their explanation and then they would close that same section with a similar theme or a similar, um, kind of, um, concept. We see this in Luke, right? We see at the beginning of Luke. There's a statement that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature. Then we see the, um, the account of Jesus in the temple. And then we see again at the end of that, it says again, he grew in wisdom and stature. And so Luke, there is telling us that we should read that whole section, that whole area as a, a single unit. And the theme of that unit is Jesus growing in, um, wisdom and stature. A similar thing is happening here. So we have the, the parable of the sower. We have some commentary, then we have the interpretation of the parable of sower. Then we have the parable of the wheat and the tears, and then we have this in the middle, the parable of the weed of the, um, mustard seed and the lemon. And then we have the explanation or the interpretation of the parable of the wheat and the tears. So we should see this parable as part of that literary unit. That's, that's what Matthew is doing here. So we have to interpret it in light of that. [00:06:17] The Kingdom of Heaven and Its Implications And so what do we see in the first, uh, parable that we talked about? Well, we see that the kingdom of heaven is, uh, is sort of hidden within the world. We see that God sows or the, the good sower sows his seed. The master of the household sows his good seed into the world. The field is the world and it starts to grow, and then the enemy comes and he sows his seed into the world, and that starts to grow. And until the end of things, um, the good weeds, the good wheat is sort of hidden among the weeds just as the weed is hidden among the good wheat, the, the parable of the mustard seed, um, Jesse, I'm sure explain. We'll find out. Um, explain that the, the mustard seed is small. And so when it's planted into the garden, it becomes kind of hidden and it's an unexpected, um, influence on the, the rest of the garden. Not only does it grow, but it becomes, uh, it becomes a central feature of the garden. Uh, it gives shade to things. It, you know, birds come and live in it. Um. It becomes a central feature in an unexpected way. And the Parable of 11 is, in my opinion, is really just a restatement in some ways of the parable of, uh, the wheat and the tears. It says the kingdom of heaven is like 11 that the woman took and hid. In three measures of flour till it was all lemon. So Jesse could tell you more about baking bread than I could. Uh, he, he probably would've been better to give you this parable and, and if we did any sort of planning at all, we would've thought about that, but. Lemon is often, um, the same color as flour. Um, it's a different texture as flour, but it takes just a very small amount of it in a large portion of flour or bread dough or whatever you're putting into to then permeate and affect the whole thing. So you might have, you might have a pound of flour. Um, or in this case, three measures of flour, which I, I don't know off the top of my head how much that is. Um, my logos Bible software is, is not helping me all that much here. But you may have a, a large quantity of flour, say a pound of flour, you might put just a few, um, a few grams into that flour, and once you've mixed it all up. Even though that lemon, uh, that lemon is, is at a much lower ratio than the flour, it still affects the entire, the entire outcome and the entire loaf of that, uh, bread that you're making. So, in one sense, what Christ is saying is that the kingdom of heaven, uh, it's it's small. It's, it's unassuming. It is hidden in this broader bunch, just like the wheat is in the good field. Um, it's hidden in the good field in that when you first, you first sow it, you don't see it. And as it starts to grow alongside the weeds, it's hidden among the weeds just as the weeds are hidden among the weeds because you can't tell the difference. In this case, the lemon is, is hidden among the measures of flower, and that's what the kingdom of heaven is like. And so we should look at this parable and think about how the kingdom of heaven on this earth is not going to be about outward glory. It's not gonna be about outward conquests or outward, um, accoutrements or accolades. Um, it certainly should be visible, right? Christ also says that, uh, the kingdom of heaven is like a city on a hill, and we'll get to that when we get to that, or we'll talk about that at some point. But it's not as though this parable is saying The kingdom of heaven should be invisible. But it's not, um, it's not going to be the dominant outward force in the world, just as the wheat in the first parable we talk, or in the second parable we talked about is not gonna be outwardly, uh, visible and apparent. Um, but it's still present in the world and it's still. Part of the reason that the master retains the field instead of just burning it over. If, um, if we saw that an entire loaf was ruined, we'd throw it away. But because the leaven is present in the loaf or it's present in the three measures, it, it permeates that. And the second thing that I think that we should think about, uh, and this will be where I close here, is the kingdom of heaven is, um, is not an, an inert force in the world. Even though it's not going to be outwardly dominant, dominant, it's not going to be the primary, uh, visible institution in the world. Um, it, it certainly has been at points if, if you equate the. The visible church with the Kingdom of Heaven, which our tradition certainly does to a certain extent, but regardless of how present or hidden it, it visually appears and how apparent it is, it still is leavening the whole loaf. So when we read passages like God so loved the world, we don't have to do exegetical gymnastics to try to say, well, God so loved part of the world, or the world only means the elect. We can say without, you know, crossing our fingers or talking outta both sides of our mouth, that God loved the world, the whole world, but part of the reason he loved the whole world is because. One, he created it. But his love for the world in that passage and his sending of the sun is a particular love for the whole world. On the account of all of those who would believe so the, the, the parable here, just like the parable of the weeds. Or maybe as an extension of the parable of the wheat and the tears is teaching us that Christians, particularly the sons of the Kingdom, to use the language from the, the parable of the wheat, the sons of the Kingdom of God are hidden among the world. And just as we are commanded to be salt and light earlier in the gospel, here we are to leaven the whole world. So as we go into our workday, honestly, I'm sitting in my office at work recording this episode right now 'cause it's the most quiet place I can get. Um. As we go into our workday, as we interact with our family, whether that's our immediate family, our wives or children, our parents, or it's our extended family, some of whom may not even know Christ as we interact with our, our fellow Christians in the church or on online. As we interact with unbelievers online, we are to be like leaven that is hidden in the flower and our presence in the flower. Our presence in the world actually leavens the whole world if it were not for God's intent and desire to save a remnant from fallen humanity. It was not for the covenant of redemption in which the father, son and the spirit, uh, pacted together to redeem a people for their very own. If it were not for that, God would've had no reason, would have no reason not to just destroy the whole thing and start over. But because he has seen fit to redeem. Out of the fallen hole, a portion he is leavening the hole with that portion. So I'm obviously not arguing for some kind of universal salvation, but the the common grace that the fact that the rain falls on the just and the unjust or the fact that we all have air to breathe and there's food to eat and that. Uh, evil is restrained, uh, to a certain extent and, and that, um, the good things in life are preserved and that even, even the unbelievers can experience good and pleasurable things like marriage and good food and drink and, and other, um, common grace pleasures that God has provided. All of that is on account of, and because of his desire to redeem the whole, to have a kingdom of God on Earth. So I'm gonna leave you there and it'll be an interesting, fun experiment once these, uh, two dueling episodes come out to, to compare notes and to see how close Jesse and I. Are in interpreting these and where we overlap and where we may even disagree. And we will come back next week and see, uh, where we go when we start to discuss the two together. So thank you for bearing with us with this sort of interesting, unorthodox experiment. I hope that you've enjoyed this, and until next time, honor everyone. Love that brotherhood.

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew8:18;23–27;Mark4:35–41;Luke8:22–25;Matthew8:28–34;Mark5:1–20;Luke8:26–39;Matthew9:18–26;Mark5:21–43;Luke8:40–56;Matthew13:54–58;Mark6:1–6;Matthew9:35–38 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew13:1–53;Mark4:1–34;Luke8:4–18 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

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