Mark
King James Version (KJV)
Discuss Mark 4 Page 2
Viewing page: 2 of 8
< Previous Discussion Page Next Discussion Page >
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
If you feel inspired and have time, would you mind expounding on parables and Mark 4:10-12?
More specifically:
What is perception according to you and or scripture?
What is the purpose or meaning of "not understand" in verse 12?
Will you provide an example/s of a principle/s that God established to interpret scripture?
Peace
Mark 4:10-12 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
When God uses the term "Israel" or "Judah" or "Jerusalem" He can be talking about the corporate body(National Israel or the New Testament Church) or ALL True Believers (the Elect of God). When talking about Salvation and the Gospel it is usually the latter; this is the case in Jeremiah as in many other parts of the Bible.
Furthermore, God is revealing truth in our Day that was hidden until we are near the end. Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
God did not write the Bible in a way that it can be read like any other book to understand truth. We must use the principles that God establishes in the Bible to interpret Scripture. And then it is only God Himself that opens our spiritual understanding as we compare Scripture with Scripture applying those principles.
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The liberty that you indirectly or directly speaking of, is an allowance or plead to continue in sin, resulting in a form of godliness but denying the power to make you truly godly. Your book learning that you so greatly esteem, has veiled you to shun the cross. Rom 8:5; Philippians 3:3; Philippians 3:18,19; No wonder Holy Spirit led me into mentioning the cross in our previous discussion, which you says, you didn't understand why I would mention this as relating to our topic. John 1:5; Reread.
Sad to say, as of now, these things maybe hidden from you & according to your faith, so is it being done unto you, for how can an unclean faith bring forth a pure vessel, 2 Timothy 2:21;
God in His great love for you is reaching out to you, I have not spoken from myself, but waited for His counsel in all our conversations, this is O & NT pattern; I've spoken plainly & felt from the beginning in reading your testimony, that God has a future purpose for you, when a farmer plants a seed, it takes much nurturing & patience & pruning to bring about fruit, but it is only accomplish within us, by a sincere love for the Truth, especially when His two edged sword is facing towards us, this I have had very much experience in. There He will make us to know His wisdom that is from above. & yet, same sword that cuts, also heals, bless the Lord, don't allow His Seed to remain among thorns, Mark 4:7; Jeremiah 4:3,4; Rev 18:4;
Philippians 2:2-11 goes through a detailed synopsis of how Christ; a member of the infinite Godhead came to earth and humbled himself to live as a man and to die on a cross. We often focus on how Christ's intimacy with the Father was affected; with the peak of course being at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:46). The reverse; no doubt would have been excruciating for God the Father as well. For Christ to die for His enemies is beyond our comprehension; but for the Father in His eternal plans to plan on crushing the Son ( Isaiah 53:10) is also beyond our understanding. Yet God was "pleased" to do this!
The victory was complete; when He said "it is finished" and gave up his spirit at death. ( John 19:30). Death could not overtake Him ( Acts 2:24-32).
Looking at the entire earthly existence of Christ we see how profoundly He humbled Himself as a servant. One who created the heavens and the earth chose to live with total abandon to the cause; He had no place to rest His head ( Matt. 8:20). No doubt there were transient lodgings as recorded in scripture; the only place where it mentioned Him sleeping was on the boat ( Mark 4:38). Often He was up before dawn praying; and before He chose the 12 Disciples He was up all night ( Luke 6:12). Being the Son of God of course He knew all things; but nonetheless prayer was a key factor indicating communion with God. In the case of Peter Jesus prayed against the Devil's schemes ( Luke 22:32); in that case He knew about Peter's eventual restoration and strengthening of His brothers before the denial at Christ's trial took place. Doubtless He also prayed similar ways for the others; and clearly in these passages He knew all would betray Him as the prophecies indicate ( Matt. 26:31 from prophecy in Zech. 13:7). He also demonstrated the ultimate care for His mother ( John 19:25-29); but always put God above men's desires ( Matt. 12:46-50).
Hebrews 4:15 allows Him to intercede ( Heb. 7:25).
Your strengthening the fig leaf covering here!
Chris, tell me, the experience you spoke of in your car, did you pull out your Strong's concordance for understanding, to correct your thoughts or for that matter to make you aware them? Or, was it the Light of God Spirit within you, that admonish you? Ephesians 5:13;
New life equated; being free from sin, not just in & of itself, but the best part, being partakers of the Divine Nature, union with John 17:21,22,23; Jesus came to show us the image & likeness that God created man in, Matt 11:29; Gal 5:22-24; this is the true dignity & glory of our creation, & how he took dominion over the earth. Mark 6:48,49; Mark 4:39-41; Matt 17:27; etc; fulfilling Gen 1:26 & will ultimately fulfill it through His body, the church, here on earth as it is in heaven.
I have not stated; as you're implying the perfecting of the body, physically, it still remains under the penalty of sin consequences. Yet can be pure & holy, being animated by the new birth & renewing of the mind by His Spirit; John 3:3-6; 1Thess 5:23,24; "wholly", not of position only, but possession.
The anti-Christ is Satan himself. Throughout history many have tried to identify the anti-Christ as some tyrant or other dastardly human being. But none of that fits when we understand that there are only two kingdoms that God is primarily concerned about. These two kingdoms are the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan. And the warfare that exists between these two kingdoms is a Spiritual warfare. It is not national, political or social.
All of mankind throughout history ultimately belongs to one of those two kingdoms.
And much of the language that God uses in speaking about those two kingdoms is parabolic in nature.
We must remember:
Mark 4:9-13 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Mark 4:33,34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Those are good questions.
One of the principles for interpreting the Bible is laid down in Mark 4:33-34.
And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
The book of Revelation is replete with parabolic language that must be understood spiritually and not absolutely literally. And I understand that is not a very comfortable statement to accept for those that want to look at every verse in the Bible very literally. But it is what the Bible declares.
Unfortunately that makes the Bible very difficult to understand in many instances. And much of Revelation falls into that category.
The "first resurrection" spoken of in Rev 20 is, I believe, what happens when our spiritually dead soul becomes Born Again, i.e. raised to life, and God gives that person a brand new "resurrected soul". That person then is not subject to the "second death" i.e. the wrath of God which will be experienced if we have not become saved.
The Resurrection of our bodies occurs at the Last Day, simultaneous with the Rapture when believers will receive their Resurrected Spiritual bodies.
The 1000 years in Rev 20, I believe, is referring to the binding of Satan at the time of the Cross until the beginning of the Great Tribulation when Satan is loosed. ( Matt 24 and Mark 13).
This is a very incomplete answer to your questions, I know.
Christ is the author of the whole Bible. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1,14
"Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" 2 Peter 1:21
Christ spoke in parables, earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. "But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples." Mark 4:34
We compare spiritual with spiritual. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that we are to compare spiritual things with spiritual to discover the underlying gospel message.
Moreover, the churches fail to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, where we are today, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie.
"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habakkuk 2:2-3
I would like to say that I don't do any grumbling or complaining; but alas then I would be lying. Thankfully anything but blasphemy against the Spirit can be forgiven. As Jesus pointed out to the self-righteous Pharisees; these bad fruits come from within. And 2 Peter 2:21 makes it clear that it is better not to have known the truth than to become reprobate. The blood of Christ is our only hope as Jeremiah 17:9 shows how sick the heart is.
There are Post Millennialists who dispute this; but I don't believe anyone from the church age who is a believer will be at the Great White Throne Judgment. I DO have the opinion that since the verse indicates that those who aren't in the Book of Life are going to the lake of fire; there is room for those who physically survive the Millennial period to go through that as saved people and hence be translated into heaven without dying.
In any event; 1 Corinthians 3:15 indicates that one can make it into heaven and suffer loss. That would be analogous to losing rewards as Revelation 3:11 warns. Paul indicates how we run for the prize. Only a few gain great rewards; as would be indicated by those making 100 fold as opposed to 30 fold returns or others ( Mark 4:20). We should not be confined to just the saved and lost divisions when scripture gives us admonitions for certain crowns that those who persevere; are martyred or are pastors as well as other situations are given for faithfulness.
Matthew 6:19-21 shows us that our treasure is to be in heaven. And that means that He must trust us with earthly riches as well ( Luke 16:10-12) as a test; a prerequisite for heavenly riches. Our brothers in Christ that we support in the ministry will be able to enjoy the harvest with us (see John 4:37). That and personal witnessing are components of fulfilling the Great Commission to finish well.
it is Jehovah's ( psalm 83:18) will for believers to understand and bear fruit.
2Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 7:7,8; Mark 4:20; John 17:3
P.S. Yes I am married to a wonderful woman that is supporting me in this fast and is helping through this. She prays for me every day.
To really hammer this home; I need to discuss the other technique the enemy uses; namely that of telling us what we want to hear. All throughout church history; there has been a vacillation between outright persecution of the saints and damnable heresies that allow for any distraction and comfort in this life to take over and blind men to the truth. I would propose that the latter is far more damaging to the Saints today. Fear of man is something scripture warns against; but also flattery such as is warned of in Daniel 11:32 which the Antichrist himself will use to convince others to break his covenant and attack the Jews in the midpoint of the Tribulation.
No matter how you slice it; if we aren't truly convinced that the admonitions and warnings of scripture are real in our souls; we are not delivering a message that will prick the consciences of the recipients. This is really the firm root in ourselves spoken of in the parable of the seed and the sowers. ( Mark 4:17). This comes in conjunction with trusting God; and having a willing attitude towards reading and obeying it. I have found that if we trust in the Lord enough we can fairly predictably see the course of events when one is in error; including ourselves of course. Many seem to think that the curses and blessings in the Old Testament only were relevant to the Old Covenant. I would argue not. There are certain things that are ceremonial laws; and I believe the Sabbath Day is overruled; as it were with the Son of Man being Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). As far as the other 9 of the 10 Commandments along with other scriptures these are universal laws affecting a covenant of marriage (fornication and adultery); the sacredness of human life (murder); and boundaries (see Deut. 32:8).
In light of this; a true believer has some awareness that they are in a Covenant relationship with their Lord and Savior. See 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
> Christ is the author of the WHOLE Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience. This method, however, fails to recognize that GOD is the AUTHOR of the WHOLE Bible and that the WHOLE Bible is written for us TODAY.
Moreover, as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God did not write the Bible so that it is easy to come to truth. Faithful Bible teachers that apply these principles can guide us in our understanding.
But THE BIBLE ALONE AND IN ITS ENTIRETY must be our ultimate authority as we compare scripture with scripture praying that God in His mercy would open our our understanding and lead us into Truth.
I agree Matthew 24 is PROPHECY, but it's meaning is HIDDEN in a PARABLE
Psalms is also a PROPHECY.
Psalms 49:4 I (the spirit of Christ wrote Psalms) will open my mouth in a parable .....
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable ....
The whole bible is written by the SPIRIT OF CHRIST, the whole bible is a parable, the meaning is HIDDEN from the physical eyes.
Job is a PROPHECY, but it's meaning is hidden in a Parable, the physical eye can't see the truth of the parable.
Job 27:1 Moreover Job CONTINUED his PARABLE ...
Job 29:1 Moreover Job continued his PARABLE ...
If Job is continuing his parable, it has been a parable from the beginning.
Ezekiel is a Prophecy, but hidden in a parable.
Ezekiel 17:2 Son of Man, put forth a riddle, and speak a PARABLE to the house of Israel of Israel.
Ezekiel 24:3 Utter a PARABLE unto the rebellious house .....
Ezekiel, through the spirit of Christ, is PROPHESYING that the words of God are a PARABLE, and can't be understood without the spirit of Christ revealing it to you.
Micah 2:4 In that day (the day he is speaking the words of Matthew 24) ONE (CHRIST) shall take up a parable against you ....
Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables, and without a parable spake he not to them.
You know ALL of God's words a Parable, because his word says so.
Mark 4:34 But with a parable spake he not to them, (the disciples never understood a word he was saying) and when they were alone, he expounded all things to them.
You have to be alone also, and the spirit of Christ will expound all things to you.
Revelation 19:10 ...for the testimony (words) of Jesus is the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.
You need to rethink the abomination of desolation, the rapture, and a single anti-christ.
God Bless YOU as HE reveals his words to you.
Romans 14:12, 1Peter 4, Jude 1, Zechariah 3, 1Chronicles 21:1, Job 1, Job 2, Matthew 4:10, Mark 1:13, Luke 4, Luke 22, John 13,
Mark 4:15, Luke 13:16, Acts 5, notice Acts 4:32-37, continued into Acts 5, - Acts 5:13, 1Corinthians 7:5, 2Corinthians 11:13,14, 2Thessalonians 2:9, John 7:24, Romans 14:13,
Acts 26:18, Romans 16:20, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20, Psalms 98:9,
James 1:5,
Hopefully these give you wisdom
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
Psalms 49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Psalms 49:4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
Mark 4:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
Mark 4:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Matthew 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Hopefully these are helpful in your discussion & study
There is only one sin that sends you to hell and that sin is to reject Christ. Do you believe that?
Because according to what your saying is that, a person would have to be completely sinless to hold onto their salvation.
I was saved 23 years ago and I was so born again, became a new creature, repenting of all sin, giving my whole life to God. No longer of the world, and still that way, except in the last 12 years I backslid lacking in visitation, and commiting to church activities. But before that I head usherd, cleaned the church, went on visitation, led my mom and brother to Christ and spread the word to others, worked in the church office adding up tithes. I had to stop a lot of that because of health reasons; it kept me from being faithful to my services. I don't think God is going to close the doors on me for that.
The Lord spoke in parables so that the Pharisees would be blinded lest they see the truth at any time and repent (see Mark 4:11 and following verses). The human being is the only species which deliberately blinds themselves to the truth and hardens their heart. This is given to man to whom God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). There is a way; a door or opening to heaven by which we MUST go through to enter; there is no other way. That; of course is Christ and being Born Again. After all; only the "sick need a physician". ( Mark 2:17). Consider those who most often rejected Christ. These were all those who had heard the message; and mostly the Jews who knew the law and the commandments and the prophecies thus they were without excuse killing the Lord of Glory. That was made clear by Stephen's speech and subsequent martyrdom in Acts 7 and the beginning of Acts 8. Their history was spelled out as to how they sinned and killed the Prophets before them; Christ Himself also brought out these things.
In seeing these things we are reminded with a fair and impartial view of scripture in terms of it's literary composition that men by and large were going on with their personal lives and decisions much of the time. We certainly needn't look at "free will" as something that is diametrically opposed to God's predetermination in our lives as though He is holding us to a standard that we as human beings are paralyzed with our everyday life. He points out to David only when He goes after Bathsheeba that he was given much latitude ( 2 Sam. 12:7-8) and even more wives if he asked; but of course murder and adultery was not to be tolerated. God can't look upon sin; therefore had to turn His back on His own Son. However it is our sin NATURE that is the root of all these things; or the heart ( Jeremiah 17:9; etc.) But after this life ends there is no more freedom for the unregenerate to sin.
Exodus 25, Romans 11,
Hopefully these are also helpful in your study
My understanding, Jesus coming, the Messiah/Christ was not a secret, Daniel 9:25 prophesied when He would come. Jesus came to fulfill the prophets and the law, and when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and Jesus was filled without measure, John 3:34.
John the Baptist proclaimed it, John 1:34 and His disciples did as well, John 1:41 Jesus told the woman at the well He was the Messiah, John 25:25-26 and Martha John 11:27. It was confirmed by all the miracles Jesus did by the Spirit of God, Matt. 12:28 the kingdom of God has come, but the death and resurrection were, at that time a secret/mystery, Rom. 11:25.
The kingdom of God has come, John said it was at hand, Matt. 3:1-2. After John was put in prison Jesus came preaching Mark 1:14-15. The mystery of the kingdom; they were looking for the stone to crush Rome and the kingdom would be set up then Daniel 2:44, but it was like the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast Matt. 13, increasing even today until the crushing blow at Jesus second coming.
The disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah/Christ, so I am sure that was part of their preaching, but Jesus' death and resurrection were hidden even from the disciples Luke 9:45. We see how they fled when Jesus was arrested, Matt. 26:56, and they did not believe He resurrected Mark 16:10-11 Luke 23:10-11 it was hidden from them for if Satan had known the results, he would have tried to stop it.
Jesus spoke mainly to the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables to fulfill the prophecy, Matt. 13:10-15 Mark 4:10-13 Luke 8:10. The mystery was not revealed until after Jesus was resurrected as Jesus told them the Holy Spirit would bring remembrance and teaching to them John 14:26 John 16:3-4 Romans 11:25 Romans 16:25 the promise to Abraham Genesis 17:4-7 and that seed was Jesus the Messiah/Christ.
This is my understanding may someone else have another, pray and study for your understanding.
God bless,
RLW
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
Psalm 56:7kjv: My heart is fixed , O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Mark 4:39 kjv: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,
Peace be still.
Romans 15:13 kjv: Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Ghost.
To clarify, you wrote "BUT his words are a parable, because he said they were a parable."
Do you believe all of Jesus's words are parables? If so, then when Jesus said He was speaking in parables that also would be a parable, right? It would seem strange to believe 99.9% of what Jesus says is a figurative parable, except only one verse or phrase where He says He's speaking in parables, correct? For example Mark 4:11 is literal?
To me its evident when Jesus or anyone else in the Bible is speaking literally, telling a story, using a figure of speech, metaphor, simile, just as its usually evident when conversing with anyone else in person.
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" John 9:35 KJV
Jesus said He's the Son of God, do you believe he was being literal or telling a parable when He said that?
"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" Luke 22:48 KJV
Another literal quote from Jesus which do you believe is literal that Judas did in fact betray Him with a kiss, or do you believe this is also a parable?
Do you believe Jesus is Lord as it says in Colossians 2:6-9 and the Mighty God as it says in Isaiah 9:6?
God bless
It is the same word used in both places, not the English word fearful because it says fearful in both places, but the Greek word DEILOS is used in both places. This word means cowardly, not fearful like PHOBOS.
In Mark 4:40, can you imagine such a big storm like that and all He says is "Stop and be quiet!" Everything is like nothing happened!
So Jesus asks them two questions. First, why are ye so fearful?
Now if it was me, if I understood from the English what fearful means, I would be like "Fearful? You got to be kidding! We were in the biggest storm of our life. What do you mean fearful?"
Jesus was saying, why were you cowards? How is it that you have no faith? That is not a challenge. He is saying take inventory. Why don't you have faith?
It says they feared exceedingly. They had no courage to face the storm, and rightly so. No human being would have the courage to face the storm. And he asked them, why don't you have faith?
You see, faith is produced by the Holy Spirit. Jesus continually put them in circumstances that were beyond their human means and their human ability.
That is true for every Christian. The bible says that the Lord directs the steps of every righteous person.
Every storm, every trial, and every tribulation, is designed by God. And for the Christian, the design will be that this will be too much for you, because only God can do it!
Why is the word used in the same context, in Rev. 21, as the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars?