'But what do you think?' —Matthew 21:28a Short and to the Point This short parable of 'two sons' (Matthew 21:28) is introduced with a question: 'But what do you think?' It is an engaing question, stimulating, or perhaps provoking, thinking. Being a thoughtful person is important in life if we want to understand life and how to best live it. Many people just follow the masses and do what everyone else does. Jesus encouraged thinking. He challenged norms and pointed people back

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:7 Titles of Parables The parables in Scripture have no titles. Most Bibles use titles for parables, added by the translators/editors as overheads. In the case of 'the parable of the sower' (P1), Jesus used these words when He gave the interpretation (Matthew 13:18). He also spoke of 'the parable from the gift tr

Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding. —Jeremiah 3:15 NASB Summary Leaders matter because they have influence over people, impact their lives and can shape their future. Scripture has a high standard for leaders, from exemplary maturity (character) to competent service (charisma) to impartial administration and people management (conduct). Leaders will have a stricter judgement, especially the teachers, because of

Question Is God's Love Unconditional? The LORD appeared of old [from afar] to me, saying, "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." —Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV Context To understand God's love for His people and all of humanity, we need to search the Scriptures. How has God related to His covenant people, Israel, and how has God demonstrated His love to the whole world in Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour of the world? Answer Go

Question Why was Jesus so merciful to repenting sinners yet so tough on the religious people? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?​ —Micah 6:8 Context Jesus was known as a 'friend of sinners' due to His association with sinners and His merciful attitude in forgiving them when they repented before God. The term was, at the time, a form of slander, not a compliment. He

Question What does it mean to be heavenly-minded? Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ​ —Colossians 3:1-2 Context Paul wrote to the Colossians to 'keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God,' and to 'set your mind on the things above' (Colossians 3:1, 2). What did the apostle

Question What are 'the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' and why was it given to some and not to others? Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. —Matthew 13:11 Context Jesus often spoke in parables, especially about the kingdom of God/heaven (e.g., Matthew 13; Mark 4; see P1; P2). His disciples asked Him why He spoke to 'them,' i.e., the crowds (v 2), in parables (v 10), to which He responded that i

Question What is 'the mystery of Christ' and 'the mysteries of God' according to Paul? By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the same body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ through the gospel. —

Sound doctrine matters because it is the only way to have healthy teaching that nourishes healthy believers. Sound doctrine with the Apostolic Gospel as its framework will serve to bring clarity, establish consistency and empower the faith community. Clarity is vital in a time of confusion, consistency is crucial in a time of apostasy, and sound doctrine is essential for the faith community. Here is why these issues matter. Introduction In the time of Samuel's youth, revelati

The centrality of the Apostolic Gospel matters because it is the foundation and framework for all doctrine and must remain our main focus since it is the main message of the Bible and the central message of the apostles. Paul preached the gospel as the word of God and it must therefore be central. Shifting the Gospel away from the centre of our teaching and mission will jeapordise all doctrine and activity. The Gospel must be central because it is main message we are to preac

Paul preached Christ as Lord (2 Corinthians 4:5). We explained why that matters. Before the birth of Jesus, the angel announced that He is the promised Saviour; He is Messiah and Lord (Luke 2:11). Peter proclaimed that the crucified Jesus is 'Lord and Christ' (Acts 2:36), being a witness of His resurrection, ascension and exaltation (vv 32-35). The letter to the Hebrews shows the divine identity of the Son and the divine atonement of Him as Saviour. Preaching Christ as Lord m

Preaching Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:2) is the heart of the gospel. 'The word of the cross' is 'the power of God' for salvation (v 18). Preaching Christ matters because it reveals the central message of the salvation God offers the world and awakens faith in the hearers which leads to salvation. Preaching Christ matters for three main reasons: blindness, belief and blessing. It breaks spiritual blindness, shapes belief in accordance with divine truth and