The “Love” of God

In both of the commandments which God calls all encompassing, there is the command “to love.” “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Unfortunately, in our language, the word “love” is used to mean many things. We love everything. We love our pets. We love our favorite foods. We love our days off. We love our families and our cars. We mean we like them very much or they give us a good feeling. Sometimes we really mean we love them. Sometimes we even mean we really “worship” them and they control much of our lives.  God states that the accomplishment of  pleasing him is found in obedience (John 14:15) and that correct obedience of all of his commandments is contained in these two. In both, the commandment is “to love.” In the original language of the Bible, God used several words to cover our different uses of the word “love.”  The Greek word used in the passages containing the commandments we are to follow is “agapao.”  This is a very interesting and specific word which, when understood, leaves little doubt about what God wants and expects from his people, if they are to please him. To understand exactly and completely what this word means, it is best to …

Responsibilities

Paul tactfully but bluntly reminded the Ephesian Christians, of the life from which the grace of God rescued them: “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others” (Ephesians 2:1-3, NKJV). It is a situation with which all the saved can identify. There were certain characteristics of the former life that remain no more in the new life in Christ. We, at one time, lived only to fulfill our lustful pleasures. We were led by the spirit of disobedience rather than a spirit of submission. We, indeed, were led about by the course of the world, just like everybody else. It is that last servile characteristic that is so intriguing. To be “dead in sin” (v. 1) is, in many ways, synonymous with just following the crowd, going along with the way things are going. It’s been called “peer pressure” and it’s been repetitively preached on, especially to the young. But, adults equally suffer from its deceptive clenches. Once we are satisfied with accepting “the way things are going” we yield ourselves to just the slavish, thoughtless trance in which …

Do You Still Believe in God?

Some imply it subtly.  A few come right out and say it.  You won’t get through your freshman year of college without noticing it in some class.  Belief in God is for the back-woodsy, uneducated – though perhaps well-meaning – folks back home.  It belongs to those who still use typewriters and think CDs are something you put in a bank.  It is not for a person worthy of a college degree.  Is this the case?  Don’t be intimidated by unbelieving philosophers, professors or scientists.  An intelligent, educated, up-to-date person can believe in God and in the Bible as his Word.  Some of the world’s greatest men – whose intelligence is indisputable – were believers.  Consider these quotations: Sir Isaac Newton:  This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.  This Being governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord God . . . I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatever. George Washington:  It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible . . . He is worse than an infidel who does not read his Bible and acknowledge his obligation to God. John Adams:  The Bible is the best Book in the world. Thomas Jefferson:  I have always said and always will say that the studious perusal of the Scared Volume will make better citizens, better fathers, …

Who’s to Say What Is Modest?

Hello.  I’ve read what you have to say in regards to modesty and as a Christian woman, I have to agree with most of it.  However, you have a pretty all-inclusive list here which let’s not forget, was created by “YOU.”  Who’s to say exactly what is modest and what is immodest?  We all have different opinions.  In the early 1900’s it was considered indecent or immodest for women to show their legs.  And therefore shorts were outlawed.  Today, women wear shorts. My point is that what was considered immodest in Biblical times is not considered immodest today.  Are you suggesting we stick to the fashions of Biblical times?  If so, you’ll have to throw away your pants then because modesty is not ONLY required of women, you know.  And men did not wear pants in biblical times. By the way, there are still some in Christendom who consider pants worn by women to be immodest.  So to say that to wear tank tops, for example, is sinful is just plain ridiculous in my opinion. . . . Who’s wrong, who’s right?  Who has been called to set the standard?  You?  And what EXACTLY do you expect women to wear at the beach if not swimsuits? ~ Sincerely, Eve Lopez The above statement is a typical response to lessons presented about the subject of biblical modesty, even among many members of the churches of Christ for whom I preach.  To reconcile the societal norms with which we have been inundated (which societal …

Women of the Bible: Rebekah

Beginning with the book of Genesis and ending with the book of Revelation, God’s inspired writers gave detailed descriptions of women worthy of study. We would do well to imitate some of these women, while others should be studied only to show a type of life not to live. However, the majority of these women had both strengths and weaknesses. An in-depth study of these women will help us to understand our lives, our strengths and weaknesses. Background Information Abraham, in his old age, sent his servant Elizar to Nahor to obtain a wife for Isaac. Abraham was very concerned that Isaac marry someone from his homeland rather than a Canaanite woman from the land in which they dwelt. The servant asked God to guide him to the maiden that would be the wife of Isaac. His request was that the young woman who volunteered to water the camels when Elizar asked for a drink would be the chosen one. Abraham’s servant saw a beautiful young woman approach the well.  When he asked her for a drink of water from her pitcher, she willingly gave him a drink and hurriedly filled the trough for the camels. Elizar discovered that the young maiden was from Abraham’s family and asked if there was a place for him to stay. As was custom for that time, Laban showed great hospitality to Elizar. Laban received Elizar into his home, fed the camels and ordered a meal to be prepared for the stranger. Before Abraham’s …

Individual Communion Wafers Vs. Traditional Communion Bread

. . . RECENTLY . . . STARTED USING INDIVIDUAL WAFERS ON THE COMMUNION PLATE [IN THE INTEREST OF SANITATION] THE REGULAR COMMUNION BREAD IS STILL PROVIDED HOWEVER.  I HAVE ALWAYS INTERRUPTED 1COR 11:24f AS AN EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED.  I REALIZE THAT I COULD BE WRONG HERE.  THE LORD BROKE THAT LOAF ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME IS ONE THING I’VE HEARD.  I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ANSWER ON THIS.  HOW WIDE SPREAD IS THIS PRACTICE IN THE BROTHERHOOD?  I’VE TOLD THE MEN I FEEL THIS TO BE AN UNSCRIPTURAL PRACTICE, IF I AM WRONG I NEED TO RECANT AND REPENT. I HAVE NOT TRIED TO PUSH MY UNDERSTANDING ON THE REST, JUST TOLD THEM MY UNDERSTANDING. ~ H. DEAN LEUCH, ANADARKO, OK Matthew 14:19; 15:36; Mark 8:6, 19 depict Jesus ‘breaking bread’ in his miraculous provision of a common meal for a great multitude.  In these instances, ‘breaking bread’ was merely the mechanism for dividing the available bread supply among the recipients.  After his resurrection, Jesus ‘broke bread’ with his disciples in an evening meal (Luke 24:30).  Likewise, Christians later (and others, too) ‘broke bread’ during ordinary meals (Acts 2:46; 20:11; 27:35).  No one would imagine that were bread for a common meal then or now divided among the recipients in some manner other than ‘breaking’ that it would be incorrect or even sinful to eat those provisions. It is true, of course, that Jesus also ‘broke bread’ in his institution of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; …

Moral issues: Are they also social and political issues?

Moral issues include such topics as abortion, homosexuality, gambling, drug abuse, suicide, prostitution, pornography, adultery, public nudity, pre-marital sex and the recreational use of alcohol. Other moral issues could be listed, but these are enough to show the range and type of conduct that is under consideration. Some of these topics (that is, abortion, homosexuality and gambling) recently have been the subjects of much controversy.  These issues, and others, are moral topics because God, through the Bible, has said something about them. Through the Scriptures, God regulates human conduct. They are issues because mankind resists God’s regulation of his behavior. Anyone who is even somewhat familiar with the Bible probably knows the difference between God’s position and man’s practices of these moral issues.  These topics are social issues because they affect our society. What we practice regarding moral issues determines what kind of society we are now and what kind of society we will become. With a little thought, it is not difficult to see that there is a great difference between our society now and our society just a few generations ago.  In part, this contrast is the result of a shift in moral values. This liberal shift in moral values is the result of a disregard for God and his Word (the Bible, in which he included his moral code for humanity). We, therefore, have changed. The moral nature of God, though, does not change (Hebrews 13:8). Further, God has not changed his instructions to mankind in about …

Abortion

In the eyes of God there is no difference between abortion and the murder of children of any age. A concise and easily understood biblical principle that confirms this fact has to do with the New Testament usage of the Greek word “BREPHOS.”   “BREPHOS” is translated as “babe” twice in Luke 1:41, 44 and refers to an unborn child (here John the Baptist): “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost . . . For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”   Elsewhere, “BREPHOS,” again translated as “babe,” denotes a new born child (here Jesus Christ): “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger . . . And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12, 16).   [See also Acts 7:19 and 1 Peter 2:2 where a form of “BREPHOS” in the former verse is applied literally to newborn “children,” and in the latter passage is used figuratively of new converts, fresh from the “new birth.” A form of “BREPHOS” is also used in the New Testament to identify slightly older children: “And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them” (Luke 18:15); “And that from a child thou hast known the holy …

Lord, Whithersoever Thou Goest, I Will Go

“Lord, I will follow thee” (Luke 9:57).  Once as Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, three men voiced their feelings as to a wish to follow him.  Jesus did not decline their offer, but he stated facts which may have caused them to reflect on their statement.  Sadly enough today, these same simple facts exist as disguises behind which many hide from the true work of a disciple. To one certain man Jesus says, “Foxes have holes, birds . . . nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke 9:58).  No excuse, just a plain fact: Jesus, after his mission on earth began, had no earthly home to call his own, yet truly the whole of earth was his!  He was here to teach and save the people, not to have a home to come to at the close of his day.  An earthly home cannot be the most important thing to one who will follow after Jesus.  His thoughts are to be centered on preaching the Word. To another who wanted to be his disciple, but needed time to first go and bury his father, Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead, but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61).  Even family matters must be placed second after the choice is made to follow after God.  Jesus said go, preach the kingdom of God, don’t wait on a family member to die and be buried!  Personal affairs cannot be an excuse …

That Dog Won’t Hunt

I knew a fine, old, southern gentleman whose passion in life was the breeding and training of coon dogs.  He would go to any length to own the finest coon dogs in the state of Mississippi.  He, of course, was the owner of many champion dogs and bred a number of exceptional dogs, which he sold for a nice profit.  Though he sold many dogs, he always kept the best dog of every litter for himself.  He was always looking for the perfect coon dog and hoped, through his breeding program, to produce such an animal. The time came when the conditions were right.  He owned the greatest male coon dog in the state, and was fortunate enough to purchase the most prized female.  He felt that his dream of producing the perfect coon dog would be realized through this pair.  After some initial difficulties, the female became pregnant.  She received the best care available.  The man was in a high state of excitement throughout the pregnancy.  Finally, the great day came.  The female dropped four pups.  Three of the pups were splendid animals, but the fourth was the most perfect the man had ever seen. This pup was absolutely perfect in form.  The man spared nothing in the care of this fine animal.  He grew into a beautiful, healthy, young dog.  He had a large frame and was extremely muscular for a young dog.  His voice was deep, even as a pup.  He was destined to be the champion of …

Where Is God?

He was just a little boy,on a week’s first day.He was wandering home from Sunday School,and dawdling on the way. He scuffed his shoes into the grass;he found a caterpillar.He found a fluffy milkweed pod,and blew out all the “filler.” A bird’s nest in a tree over head,So wisely placed on high.Was just another wonderthat caught his eager eye. A neighbor watched his zig zag course,and hailed him from the lawn;Asked him where he’d been that dayand what was going on. “I’ve been to Bible School,” he saidand turned a piece of sod.He picked up a wiggly wormreplying, “I’ve learned a lot of God.” “M’m very fine way,” the neighbor said,“for a boy to spend his time.”“If you’ll tell me where God is,I’ll give you a brand new dime.” Quick as a flash the answer came!Nor were his accents faint.“I’ll give you a dollar Mister, if you cantell me where God ain’t! Author UnknownSubmitted by Mark McWhorter

Are All Believers Saved?

Many people accept the doctrine that all one has to do to be saved is to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  Is this teaching of the Bible? Numerous examples are recorded in the Bible of those who became believers of Christ, yet were unsaved.  James gave one such example as he described the condition of the demons:  “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble” (James 2:19). When Peter preached the first Gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost, thousands of Jews became believers as the Word of God was spoken.  But they were unsaved believers for they asked, “What shall we do?”  Peter answered these believers, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38). Saul of Tarsus became a believer in Christ when the light from heaven blinded him on the Damascus road, but he was unsaved.  This believer asked Jesus, “What wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).  The Lord answered, “Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6).  The Lord sent Ananias to tell him what to do — “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).  Thus, he could NOT HAVE BEEN SAVED,  even though he was a believer, for he was yet in his sins. John recorded the story of a group of Jews who became believers in Jesus, yet they would not confess him (John …

Brotherly Love

Most children have brothers or sisters. Brothers and sisters are great to have. If they are bigger than you, they can help protect you from danger. Or they can help you with school work. Or they can be fun to play with. If brothers and sisters are younger, you can protect them. And you can help teach them. And you can play with them. Brothers and sisters truly are a blessing from God. But at times brothers and sisters can get on our nerves. They may get in the way of what we are trying to do. They may accidentally mess up something we are working on. We may want to do something they are doing. We may be jealous of what they get to do. We are not supposed to think bad things about our brothers and sisters. We are not supposed to treat our brothers and sisters in a bad way. We are supposed to love each other and always treat each other right. God says that the people in his church are supposed to treat one another just like a family. In Romans 12:10 it says, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”  How is the world supposed to think good things about the church if the members are always arguing and treating each other badly? If you are always treating your own brother or sister badly, or if you cannot get along with them, how are others supposed to …

Get An Addiction

I am sure that the title of this article got your attention. No matter what country you live in, you know how bad an addiction can be. Many, many people are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Governments all over the world are trying to stop the sale of illegal drugs. In the United States, there are several drug education programs which young people can go through to teach them not to take drugs that cause addiction.  They are taught that addiction causes all kinds of problems in a person’s life. It can lead to diseases, pain, suffering, loss of possessions, loss of family and loss of life. Why does addiction do this?  It is because a person only thinks about what he is addicted to. He constantly thinks about how to get the drug. He constantly thinks about how good it will be to have the drug. He has trouble doing anything unless he has some of the drug. In other words, the drug is the most important thing on his mind. But there is a good addiction. In 1 Corinthians 16:15 we read, “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints)” (King James Version).  The word “addicted” means to “set one’s mind on” or to “organize one’s mind on.” It is not wrong to have our minds set on doing good for other Christians. All Christians are members …

An Introduction to A Study of Messianic Prophecy

When we were children in our Bible classes, our teachers sought to teach us the meaning of some of the words with which we would become very familiar, if we studied our Bibles as we should have. We were told that a “Priest” was a man who spoke to God on behalf of man. Later we learned that a priest did much more than simply speak to God on behalf of man, but he also, under the law of Moses, offered sacrifices, and engaged in many rituals, according to the divine commands of God, that were designed to draw man closer to God. Thus we came to appreciate the priest in the Old Testament system which, in turn, gave us a greater understanding of, and appreciation for the priesthood in which we serve under the New Testament dispensation. We understand that as Christians each one of us is a priest, and we serve in our priesthood under Jesus Christ our great High Priest, who is after the order of Melchizedek. In those same Bible school classes we learned other definitions of other important words such as the word “Prophet.” We learned that a prophet was one who spoke to man on behalf of God. In the Bible classes, in which I studied as a boy, we were taught these simple definitions that need to be taught again and again with each succeeding generation. I have learned that many Christians want to define the word “Prophet” to mean one who predicts, …

Are You Sure?

Many times we speak of something being a “sure thing.” But while we treat minor things of this world as if they will help us obtain assurance, we often react differently to the things of God. In 2 Samuel 1 the prophet records the account of the Amalekite who came to David claiming to have killed Saul. It is important to recognize both his attitude as he approached David and David’s own attitude as he spoke with this man. This individual was from a nation that was hostile to Israel, yet he expected to receive a reward for his claim. He had not even actually done what he claimed, but he wanted David to reward him. The unexpected problem that he soon faced must have caught him by surprise. The question that David posed was one of great power: “How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Samuel 1:14). The motives of this man were surely self-serving, yet they benefited David as well. David, however, was concerned with the attitude toward God that this man had exhibited and called him into question because of his actions. There are so many today who claim to worship and follow Christ while adjusting this worship to suit their own self-serving motives. People throughout the world attempt to justify their actions through “sincerity” or “blissful ignorance.” But there is no excuse for failing to respect God’s authority. This man went to David feeling that he would …

Taking Responsibility

When Jacob’s sons returned from Egypt with food, Jacob was in no mood to allow Benjamin to return with them in order to buy more grain. But eventually their food supply ran out, so the brothers begged Jacob to allow them to take Benjamin to Egypt, knowing that otherwise they would not be given any food. Finally, Judah stepped forward and said, “I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever” (Genesis 43:9). Years earlier none of the brothers had been willing to take responsibility for what happened to Joseph, but at this time one stepped forward to personally accept responsibility for the life of his youngest brother. Taking responsibility is one of the major steps toward spiritual maturity. We must be willing to accept responsibility for doing what needs to be done and accept responsibility when things do not go as they should. One of the hardest things to do is to step forward and show a willingness to be active in the work of the church. It is a great responsibility that few ever consider. Taking responsibility is hard because it opens you up to have to take blame, but a willingness to accept both burdens is part of what spiritual maturity is all about (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Signs of Two Churches on One Post

I saw in Weakley County, Tennessee where I was born and reared, one sign post which held two signs.  The post stands by two church buildings which are only a few feet apart and are the meeting places of congregations of two very popular denominations. “It Makes No Difference” People in these denominations say that it does not make any difference to which one belongs.  Seeing those two church buildings so close together and the one sign post that holds both the signs concerning the two churches, made me wonder if people in such churches really believe it does not make any difference to which church one belongs.  If they really believe this, why do they meet in different buildings? I suspect that deep down in their hearts such people really believe it does make a difference to what church they belong and what they believe and practice.  Many nice and sincere religious people who say it does not make any difference to what church one belongs have been known to get very upset when one leaves a church to become a member of the church of Christ.  This also indicates that those who thus get so upset do not really believe it makes no difference to what church one belongs! A Problem in Some Marriages There are religious problems in some marriages.  One of these is involved where a member of a church of Christ is married to one who is a member of another kind of church.  There …

Intelligent Oak Trees?

For a biologist to call a tree “intelligent” would, for many non-scientists, be a call for raised eyebrows. However, it now appears that God may have indeed instilled into the mighty oak a type of intelligence. It seems that oak trees can synchronize their erratic production of acorns in a way that they can stay one step ahead of the local mouse population. The white-footed mouse depends primarily on the acorns as its main food source. The mice will eat large quantities of the nut which decreases the oak’s ability to reproduce its species. The rate of mouse reproduction increases or decreases in response to, in part, the availability of food supplies. When acorns are abundant, the next year will be a big one for mouse population. When acorns are scarce, then the mice will have a very low birthrate and a high deathrate. The mouse population cycles from low to high depending upon acorn production. It appears that oak trees in one area will produce huge numbers of acorns one year and then as the mouse population increases will decrease the numbers. Each year there are areas where large numbers of acorns will be produced, but this large production will move from area to area. How do the trees know when the mouse population is up? Do the trees communicate with one another by some type of chemical signal so as to coordinate acorn population? Can the tree detect the mouse presence? These questions are yet to be answered. …

The Camel’s Hump

The Camel’s Hump The camel is a very ancient and well known animal, and highly regarded because of its natural abilities. These abilities are so unique that they are often misunderstood and have been exaggerated for thousands of years. Let’s take a quick look at this “ship of the desert” and see how God designed it for its desert existence. Do camels store water? In a word, No! A popular myth that a thirsty traveler could kill a camel and in part of its stomach find water that could be drunk to survive, is not true. The camel does have a very complex digestive system, and its stomach does have pockets in it. But these pockets are filled with liquefied masticated food waiting to be absorbed. A truly desperate person might be able to consume this vile mess and live longer, but not otherwise. The camel can drink and store as much as 27 gallons of water in ten minutes. The water, however, is not stored in the hump! The camel’s hump is composed of fat that serves as an energy reserve and not a water reserve. The camel can lose a huge quantity of water without dying. It may lose 25% of its body weight and show no signs of distress. A man losing 12% of his body water is in very serious trouble as the blood becomes thicker and the heart has to work harder to move the blood. The camel has been created with a method of taking water out of …

Why Caleb Lived On A Mountain, Part 2

Some live on mountains to be isolated.  Others like the view.  A few (who moved from lower elevations) like it because “the basement never floods.”  In Old Testament times, mountain property was popular for a reason that might escape our modern notice.  Living for the most part in what we could call a “military state” in days of hand-to-hand fighting, they found that the high ground was much easier to defend than a valley.  Jerusalem, for instance, made an ideal capital for David because it is located on top of a mountain (cf., Isaiah 2:2-3).  Caleb received one of the mountains of Canaan as his family’s inheritance.  Why, of all the Israelites, did Caleb receive such a choice location? Caleb Lived On A Mountain Because He Refused To Hedge.  In a time when it was popular to diversify, Caleb put all his eggs in the same basket.  He wholly followed the Lord (Deuteronomy 1:36; Joshua 14:8-10).  Every ounce, every inch, every nerve, every fiber belonged to God (Psalms 119:145).  Jesus did not pour out his blood at Calvary so we could be half-hearted (John 6:27; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 2:3; 4:11; 2 Peter 1:101) or lukewarm (Revelation 3:16).  The house of Stephanas “addicted2  themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15) and the Macedonians “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5).  Paul wrote, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the …

The Parables Of Our Lord

[This introduction to the parables of Christ and 25 parables of Jesus are available in two volumes of reproducible Bible class material.  Each chapter has questions following it.  See our online bookstore for more information on how to obtain these class books.] Truly, the fitness of our Lord for teaching and preaching was unsurpassed.  Jesus was the Ideal Teacher — the Model Teacher.  Jesus became Truth Incarnate — the embodiment of Truth, and thereby he exemplified what he taught.  Further, our Lord was a precise teacher who taught with clarity, conviction, power and authority; his life was the demonstration of what he taught.  No man ever spoke and taught like Jesus (John 7:45-46).  Our Lord taught as one having authority (Matthew 7:28-29).  The common people heard him gladly (Mark 12:37).  Jesus the Master Teacher was also “. . . the very personification of parabolic preaching and story telling.”1   “Parables comprise more than one-third of the recorded teachings of Jesus.”2   No one has ever more effectively used pictorial speech to express and enforce Divine Truth.3 Parables are found before the Incarnation of Christ in the Old Testament, perhaps the most famous of which was uttered by the prophet Nathan to King David (2 Samuel 12:1-13).  Though, “. . . the use of parables was a unique feature of the popular teaching of Jesus . . . He did not invent this form of teaching.  Parables go back to antiquity.”4 Further, the Talmud, the official body of Jewish tradition, also incorporates parables within its …