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Post by michelle on Feb 8, 2007 20:55:07 GMT -8
1/18/06: There is not much to say about this chapter except I like these stories.
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Post by Josh on Feb 9, 2007 19:06:45 GMT -8
1/18/06:
I think it's funny that Jesus likens God unto a cutthroat investor in the parable of the talents: "I reap where I haven't sown and gather where I haven't scattered".
But there's a great truth here: God doesn't do all the work alone- He works indirectly through us much of the time.
And I also love how the story of the Sheep and the Goats emphasized that even our 'smallest' actions of love will not go unrecognized, etc.. Kind of like we were talking about last night regarding helping even one child.
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Post by sarah on Feb 9, 2007 19:07:43 GMT -8
1/20/06:
The Talents parable always makes me feel a little nervous as to how well I am managing what He has invested to and in me. Am I a good steward of his resources? I also wonder if I will be held accountable for gifts not used that I never discovered. For example, perhaps I have a God given gift for "X" that I never discover, or discover but don't invest in.
I wonder this sometimes in regard to horsemanship. Am I doing what he has called me to do with that passion and gift or am I letting it gather dust? Am I responsible to develop it to bring him greater glory? If so, how and when and where?
I also wonder this about such touchy things as weight loss. Am I preventing myself from all that God has for me by being overweight and out of shape? Does it prevent some of his plans for me from being fully realized? I think it does. There are so many things I believe I cannot do because of my weight, and other things that would be much improved with better health. God wants to bless me and he will find ways to do it, I just want to make it easier for him and not stand in the way of the blessings he has for me.
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Post by Josh on Feb 9, 2007 19:08:35 GMT -8
1/18/06:
Just think of how much hope these stories brought to the generation of believers that went through the tribulations of the 1st Century, as well as all the great tribulations that have occurred since then, right up to this present day. A story such as this does a lot more to calm the fearful heart than just being told, "It will all work out all right in the end".
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Post by Josh on Feb 7, 2008 17:30:38 GMT -8
For a separate discussion on whether the parables of Matthew 25 can be seen as referring to the surrounding the destruction of the Temple in AD 70, take this link to the Eschatology sub-forum: Matthew 25: AD 70 or Final Judgment?
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