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Welcome to Exploring the Word and Introduction to Jesus' Parables in Matthew 25
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
It's been said that a parable is an earthly story with a spiritual or heavenly application. And on today's edition of Exploring the Word, we are going to get into some of the very, very famous, well known parables of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 25. We invite you, if you're at a place where you can get a copy of God's Word, turn to Matthew 25 and we'll begin there in a moment.
Gratitude for Share-a-Thon Support and Commitment to the Ministry's Calling
But I want to welcome you to the program. It's a very special day on Exploring the Word. We're, back, for one thing, after last week's Share a Thon. And I want to say on behalf of Tim Wildmon and everyone at American Family how much we sincerely appreciate the thousands of people that called in and made pledges. And like us, they said we want the gospel to go to America. We want America and beyond to hear the good news of Jesus. And many, many people, pledged their support to the American Family Radio Network through Share a Thon. And for one thing, we thank everybody, but we sincerely give God all the glory. And our pledge to each and every one of you is that we will do our best, prayer prayerfully, diligently, to live out the calling of this ministry. And for everyone's support, we are deeply, deeply grateful.
Introduction of Guest Dr. John Boler and Setting the Stage for Matthew 25 Discussion
It's a special day also because, Bert Harper's traveling, but with us is a, just a valued colleague, Dr. Jon Boler. He is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Tupel, Mississippi, Just one of the great churches in this region. And I had the privilege of visiting with him some last week. He's just a great leader and, and a mighty man of God. And he's with us now as we look at Matthew 25. Dr. Jon Bowler, it's great to have you, sir. Thanks for being with us.
Thank you, Brother Alex. It's always a joy to, sit in and big shoes to fill, to fill in for Brother Bert. And it's an honor to be here with you today and, to jump right in this second, part of the Olivet discourse here in Matthew 25.
Contextualizing the Olivet Discourse: Matthew 24 and 25's Dual Application
Well, it is part of that Olivet discourse. And let's go back and give a little bit of context. Matthew 24 is just a well known and some struggle with Matthew 24. but for one thing, as that chapter concludes, Jesus says no one knows the day or the hour and we're called to be faithful. you want to give us kind of a little synopsis as we queue up chapter 25.
I can. So chapter 24 and chapter 25, as you mentioned, it's the Olivet Discourse. You can go back to Matthew 24,3 and that's why it's called the Olivet Discourse is because Jesus is on the Mount of Olives and he's teaching, his disciples. He's teaching those. And I've heard you guys talk over the last couple of programs and I certainly agree that you have to kind of look at the Olivet discourse through two lens. You've got to look at it through the context of the first century, especially, especially the prophetic passages in reference to AD 70 and the fall of Jerusalem through the Roman, empire. But also there's a lot in Matthew 24 and even as we get into 25 that is prophetic, that is yet to take place, and it doesn't necessarily refer to A.D. 70, but the second coming of Jesus, which we're all waiting for. Amen, brother.
Yeah, amen.
Eschatology, the Fall of Jerusalem, and the Reformation's Impact on Understanding Prophecy
Amen. And well, I will grant you, and folks, this is the topic of eschatology of, of future things. And this is, I agree with you, a lot of it was it did prefigure what happened in A.D. 70. In March of 70 A.D. the city of Jerusalem was really blitzkriegged by Rome and the Jews were dispersed all around the world. And in some ways, in fact during the Protestant Reformation. This is worth talking about because, you know, October 31st is coming up and I call that Reformation Day. the rest of the world does some things on October 31st, but in my heart it's the day of the Reformation. And of course as Luther and then others 10 years after Luther was Jon Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland, in the Netherlands, there was Minnow Simons laying a lot of the foundation that would become the Baptist Church. But the Gospel spread throughout Europe 500 years ago. Salvation by faith not works.
Interpreting Prophetic Scripture Regarding Jerusalem and Israel Post-Reformation
And here we are, and we are really, in many ways riding on the ripple effect of the Protestant Reformation. But Jon, as you know, one of the things that the Reformers and others, they try to make sense of, well, revelation and much of the prophetic scripture talks about Jerusalem and Israel, but my goodness, there is no Israel. So what do we do with that. So for a while, a lot of people assumed, like Matthew 24 and Revelation 4 through 20, it was all past. And there's a word called preterism, as in all of the eschatological passages, have already happened. But. But they all haven't happened. Much of it is future. You know, I think about, like, in Matthew 24, 29 through 31, where Jesus says, immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened and there's, the, the coming of the Son of man in verse 30. And so that. That has to be future. Yes, because we. So one of the things that I say, and you feel free to agree or disagree, Jon, the point of orthodoxy on which we all agree is that the Lord is coming back. Jesus is coming back. And that's why I tell people on the prophetic passages, we have to show grace to each other.
The Certainty of Christ's Return and the Darkening Trajectory of the World
I've got an opinion on about everything, but I don't know that everybody has it all buttoned up every single bit. We know Jesus is coming back.
That's right.
evil men will wax worse and worse. the course of this age, in other words, the trajectory of this fallen world seems to be getting darker and darker. Jon, I look at the world and the news of the day, and it sure does seem like history is reaching a, tipping point. And I think Christ is coming back. But you're right. Much of it is applicable to AD 70. Some of it is applicable to, to the current drift, and much of it is applicable to at some future point when there's a tribulation.
The Church's Need for Prophetic Understanding and Christ's Solitary Return as King
And ultimately Jesus cracks that eastern sky and returns.
If there was ever a time where the church needed, to hear prophetic passages, it's today. And as, you know, revelation starts out the revelation of Jesus Christ, and as a follower of Jesus Christ, we don't run from prophetic passages. We run to them, because that's our hope and that's our existence for living. this is not our home. Heaven is our home. According to what Paul says in Philippians, we look forward to what is going to happen. it causes us, to live faithfully today, knowing that Jesus is coming back. So whether it's Matthew 24:25, or, Revelation or the evening, even prophetic passages in the Old Testament, we don't shy away from them. Yes, they can be a little challenging, but you said it a while ago, we agree on the main thing. Jesus is coming back. And that ought to be shouted. From the rooftops. and he's the only king that's returning again. He's the only one. The only one.
You know, different religions have different beliefs. you know, the Muslims believe about, you know, the final imam. No, there's one king and one king only. And it's the Lord Jesus Christ I love.
Matthew 24:44 - The Parable of the Coming Thief and the Call to Readiness
I've always loved Matthew 24, 40, 4. Well, I'm going to read 45. 43 and 44. Know this, that if the master of the house, if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into the. Therefore you be also ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. So here's the thing. We know Christ is coming back. We don't set a date. We don't know the day or the hour. We are to be ready, and we're to help others get ready.
Our Assignment: Helping Others Find Christ Amidst History's Conclusion
And, I think our assignment now, we're mindful of the fact that Jesus is coming. History as we know it will come to a conclusion. And I just believe our driving passion, until we leave this world or Christ returns, we're to help others find Christ and be saved as well. Jon, I do think in the aftermath of the Reformation, if the reformers had lived to see the rebuilding of the nation of Israel, March 14, 1948, I think a lot of the theology, of the last 500 years would have looked different.
I think so.
The Reliability of God's Word: Predicted Events and the Master Teacher Jesus
I think even in our lifetime, seeing, the Bible come to life and seeing the things that were predicted in the Old Testament, yes, there's still a lot more that is prophetic. But to see some of that come to pass, you know, it encourages us. It just reminds us of the reliability of the word of God, that, it is a book like. It is a book like no other.
Amen.
yes, there is history, but if you want to know the future, there is no other book than the Bible. And everything that the Bible has predicted has either already come to pass or it will be in the future. And, that is something to rely on. And as we jump in here to chapter 25, and you mentioned it in the intro, the Jesus was a master teacher. And as he talked about parables, I think it drove some people, a little bit crazy because he was telling a story that nobody really understood.
Understanding Parables: Earthly Stories with Heavenly Meanings and Urgency of Christ's Return
And, that word parable is a neat word in the original. It just means to kind of throw beside. and you mentioned it's an Earthly story with a heavenly meaning and putting it aside. And Jesus oftentimes would close parables by saying, he who has an ear, let him hear, let him understand. And, as we begin chapter 25, these parables that are here gives us, a good glimpse, but also a reminder of the urgency of how soon Jesus could return.
Blessed is the Servant Found Doing the Master's Will Upon His Return
Amen. Amen. And, you know, as we, get into, 25, you know, Jesus said in the conclusion of 24, like in 46, blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find him so doing. And so, we need to live, as if today might be the day that we would see Jesus. Now, we got a break coming up pretty soon, but chapter 25 begins.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Preparing for the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus says, then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. All right, the kingdom of heaven. And, I don't mean to go too slowly. I know we got a roll here, but one of the things, Jon, that is so wonderful and frankly, unique about Jesus's teaching style, he talks so much about the kingdom of heaven. And, that is, many scholars have noted how unique that is. It's not just religion and rules and do's and don'ts, but Jesus talked about the kingdom of heaven and how. Well, for one thing, the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of Satan has opposed the kingdom of heaven. But as sure as you can, you know, touch the nose on your face, God's kingdom will prevail. In fact, the kingdom of heaven is coming. And when you become a believer, you're a citizen of that kingdom. And the word like that's called a simile, that part of speech. He's going to tell us what the kingdom of heaven is like. Well, Dr. Jon Bowler, is with us today. We've got a break. Get a Bible, turn to Matthew 25, and we're going to learn about this parable of the virgins.
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Some wise, some foolish. But more about God's coming kingdom after this brief, brief break on today's edition of Exploring the Word.
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Hymn: Thank You Jesus for Finding Me
thank you, Jesus, for finding me.
Like a good shepherd, your mercy he
leads back to your arms where I'm meant to be.
So I thank you, Jesus, for finding me.
Amen.
Continuing the Parable of the Ten Virgins: Wise vs. Foolish Preparation
Praise to the Lord that he found us. Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here along with Dr. Jon Bowler. We're in Matthew 25. Jesus is talking about 10 virgins. And this is. Sometimes they call it the second half of the Olivet discourse. And we're gonna get into some parables here. But in verse two, ten, virgins. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. And those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Well, Jon, I've read that, some theorize in a historical, Jewish wedding processional, there may have been 10 lamps. You know, very ceremonial, you know, engagement, betrothal and then the ceremony. And, why in this parable Are there 10 virgins? Well, maybe representative of the. The 10 lamps. And so, to be ready when the bridegroom came, they needed oil in their lamps. And, you know, the earthly, assumption might be. Well, in this wedding processional, to have an unlit lamp would be, inappropriate.
Spiritual Application of Oil: The Holy Spirit and Genuine Relationship with Jesus
The larger spiritual, application. and oil very often represents the Holy Spirit. there are people going through the motions, but, they are unlit, shall we say. They don't have a relationship with Jesus. But, let's talk about this. What are your immediate context and things, that you draw from this, Jon?
Well, very, very similar, with the Jewish, terminology of the preparation of a wedding feast. you've got the oil and the lamps, which is, like you said, the wedding celebration. that third part where, the groom and the groom would go and meet with the bride and, the bridesmaid. There was already, a ceremony, and here's the feast. And oftentimes it would be, like, a parade, celebration, atmosphere coming down. And these who, were here, five of them were wise, five of them were foolish. It's interesting that they're walking together, that the only difference is that there's not oil in the lamp. But that's not exactly visible, from everybody. It could be from some.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Urgency, Lack of Preparation, and Readiness for the Groom
But, verse three says those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. So as you begin to develop and break open this parable, you begin to see, as Jesus is talking here, the. The urgency and the lack of preparation. And we go back to the Context of Matthew 24:25, the soon coming Son of Man. You can't miss. Sometimes parables can be, I Wonder really what Jesus is saying because oftentimes he didn't just exactly say, this is what it is. Like the parable of the Sower, he explains it all in detail a little bit later on when his disciples asked him. But you can't miss it here. The, the urgency, the preparedness.
The Groom's Delay and the Virgins' Slumber: The Need for Personal Preparation
The groom is coming to get the bride. You better be ready.
Amen. Well said, well said because look at verse 5 of 25. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard. Behold, the bridegroom is coming in. Go out and meet him. And just as you know, the virgins, needed to be ready because the bridegroom would appear when he would appear. These virgins in this parable, they all get up. But the foolish said to the wise, give us some of your oil for our lamps are going out. But the wise answered saying no, lest there should not be enough for us and for you, but rather go out to those who sell. Verse nine, Buy for yourselves. Now this is not really about, not being generous and sharing with each other. The fact is every one of us has to come to Christ on our own volition.
Personal Salvation: God Has No Grandchildren, Each Must Come to Christ Individually
Yes, you might have the most godly family ever. And Jon, I've shared the gospel with people and somebody might say, well I'll have you know, my family's been in that church for decades. wonderful. Have you been born again? See, you cannot. It's been said God has no grandchildren. God has many, many born again children, but no grandchildren. And so just as the virgins in this parable, they couldn't light their lamp with somebody else's oil, they had to get it for themselves. Every one of us personally, you know, Jesus asked the disciples, who do men say that I, the son of man, am? Some say Elijah, the prophet Jesus said. And this, this question is posed to us to this day, who do you say that Jesus is? And so there's a very pointed application about, for each one of us to be sure that we have had that experience of being saved.
Nobody goes to heaven by groups. Whether it's amen, whether it's well, I'm a, I'm a, this denomination or this religion, nobody goes to heaven by groups. And at the same time, I'm thinking now in the church of godly grandmothers that are praying desperately for their children to come to faith, if there was anything that a grandmother would want to do, it was to pass on her relationship with Jesus to her child or to her grandson. She Cannot do that. That child has to make their own decision for the Lord. And these verses that you just, about not selling or not providing salvation is a personal decision. One day every person will bow before Jesus individually, not by groups, not by families, not by church membership as an individual, and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. And the only way that.
The Parable of the Talents: Introduction to Stewardship and Personal Accountability
And we see this towards the end of the parable is if, an individual makes a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. And every person must give an account.
Amen. Amen. You know, I think it's very interesting in Matthew 25, the.
Evangelistic Application of the Parable: Do You Have Christ or Not?
The wise and foolish virgins. I mean, there. There's a lot that could be said, but, one of the great. I mean, if you preach through this evangelistically, you know, do you have Christ or do you not? And the fact is that we can't, like you say, can't go to heaven on the salvation of another, then you've got in 14.
The Son of Man Title for Jesus and the Parable of the Talents Context
And following the parable of the talents. And in a way, this is very, very applicable just to the believer and what we do. although, I mean, there's a lot in here, but, you know, verse 13, wrapping up the first section of Matthew 25, watch therefore, for, you know, neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Obviously the Son of Man, Jesus is the bridegroom. Son, of man is one of the titles for Jesus the Messiah, used about 82 times.
The Parable of the Talents: A Master Entrusting Goods to His Servants
It's really a title from Daniel, Daniel 7. The son of man really could be rendered the Son, the Son from the Father co. Equal with the Ancient of days. actually the title Son of Man really speaks to Christ's deity, that he is God incarnate. You know, Jon, in Mark 14:61, 64, when Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. they ripped their clothes, they said, well, he's blasphemed. Of course it wasn't blasphemy, because that's who Jesus is. But he says the Son of Man comes at a time we don't know. Then he goes on, and this is just like. It begins in verse one. But for the kingdom of heaven is like. And again, Jesus is talking about the kingdom of heaven is. It's compared to something. What is it like? A man traveling to a far country who called his servants and delivered his goods to them.
Stewardship: Understanding Our Responsibilities with God's Entrusted Gifts
And he gave one five talents and another two and another one talent to each according to his own ability. And immediately he went on a journey. Jon, for parenthetically, let's Talk about stewardship. Because born again believers, we have some things that we steward or some things God's given us responsibility over. Now I know talent here is like a unit of money.
Generosity as a Mark of the Holy Spirit and Broadening the Definition of Talent
We often think of an ability or a competency, but we're whatever God entrusts to us. Time, abilities, influence, finances. We're not to be wasteful stewards, are we?
That's right, as, ah, Christians who are, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, are generous and you know, you take two words, you've got a Christian who is not generous. And those three words, they don't go together. Christians who are, who are indwelt with the Holy Spirit are generous not just with their resources, their money, but also with their time, their talents. And you said it right, this word talent, is used for money, but it can be used. This word can be used in any different measure, of weight, in the Bible. so as you look at that, a lot of times we want to put this in a financial realm and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. But I think it can be whether it's the gifts of knowledge or health or strength, time, opportunities, your vocation, any area that you give back to the Lord, everything we have comes from God.
The Parable of the Talents: Continuous Application of Readiness and Stewardship
I was preaching a couple of weeks ago. This has come to my mind out of Romans. And there at the end of Romans 11, it talks about quotes from the Old Testament who could pay God back something. In other words, everything we have comes from God and he calls us to be good stewards. And this parable, is not isolated in Matthew 25. It comes right off verses 1 through 13. So I think the thought continues, I think the flow of Matthew 25 all goes together. So here talking about the parable of the talents just continues. This be ready, be urgent, because the kingdom of heaven is like, is like a man traveling in a far country and he's given some, these talents, these, these resources to be good stewards of what we have. Some of them did.
The Servants' Actions: Trading Talents vs. Hiding Them and Future Accountability
Two of them did. One of them did not.
Yeah, like in verse 16, the man with the five traded and got another five. Verse 17, the man who had two talents traded and got two more. But the one who had received one went and dug in the ground, verse 18, and hid his Lord's money. And after a long time the Lord of those servants came back and settled accounts. That's very important because there is a day that we'll all give an accounting. Romans talks about the day that God reveals the secrets of Men. Now, before we go through what, the interaction, the five talent, the two talent, the one talent person. Jon, you said something that is really.
What Do You Have That You Did Not Receive? Recognizing All Gifts from God
I've pondered on it for a lot of years. In First Corinthians 4:7, Paul asked the question, you know, Paul asks a lot of questions, folks. And Paul, I love the way the apostle Paul, you know, asked questions. Like in First Corinthians 6, he says, what do you know that you're not your own? Well, in 1 Corinthians 4:7, Paul asks this question. What do you have that you did not receive? Jon, when I was a young believer, that kind of stopped me in my tracks. I thought, well, what could this mean? What do you have that you did not receive? And I pondered on that and studied on that verse. Well, the fact is, anything we have, we did receive from God. Life is a gift God entrusted to us, where we were born. And, maybe you were born with, a roof over your head and a family that loved you and food on the table. Well, those are gifts from God. Then you heard the gospel.
Transformative Realization: All Good Things are Gifts from a Loving God
That's a blessing. The Spirit of God drew you to Jesus. That's a blessing. Maybe you've got things you're good at and God's allowed you to make a living or even, exceed in some area. That is a gift from God. And Jon, I think it's transformative to realize that every good thing we've got, these are gifts that a, ah, loving God entrusted to us. What do we have that we did not receive? Well, the answer is nothing, really. Isn't it?
Well, I think, is it James that says every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights?
Giving Back to God: Obedience, Trust, and Faithful Response to His Blessings
And you have to ask yourself, is there anything that God gives that's not good? And the answer to that is no. God gives. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Light. We are so blessed. And even, the word talent here is reference to money. You can use this word for others. But here specifically, it is referring to money given to your local church or given to ministries. You say, well, I can't afford to do that. I don't know I shouldn't do. Everything God has given us comes from the Lord. And he's, entrusted us. And giving back to him is not because we need to repay God. He's God. He owns it all.
The Purpose of the Parable of Talents: Stewardship and Eternal Life Application
And he certainly does, not need anything from us except our obedience and our trust and our faith. And giving is not so much given to the Lord. It is, but it's a response to our heart in being obedient, saying, lord, I trust you. Everything I have comes from you. And I believe that so much I'm going to give back to you faithfully. And, that's the purpose of this parable of the talents, not just from a stewardship standpoint, but ultimately, when it comes to eternal life. And if you look at this evangelistically, which I believe you can, especially the last few verses of this parable, you certainly can apply it that way.
Amen. This is Exploring the word Voice you're hearing is Dr. Jon Bowler of Calvary Baptist in Tupelo. Alex McFarland here too.
Call to Action: Telephone Number for Bible Questions and Upcoming Break
I want to give the telephone number because we are going to take your calls and Bible questions. 888, 589, 88, 40. That's 888-589-8840. get in the queue and you'll be in line. And Jon and I will do our best to give a biblical answer to each and every Bible question exploring the Word. We've got a brief break. We're going to come back and we'd like to hear from you. Give us a call.
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All my life you have been faithful.
Hymn: All My Life You Have Been Faithful
All my life you have been so, so good with every breath that I am able.
Welcome Back and Thanks to Pastor Roy Burkett for Hosting
To word. Alex McFarland here. We're going to get to questions, the toll free number. If you have a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840. before we go too much further, I want to say a big thanks to Pastor Roy Burkett at Living Hope Church in Somerset, Pennsylvania. That's where I was this weekend. I got up to Pittsburgh Friday and we had a great weekend of getting into God's word, talking about biblical worldview. And people drove from all over Pennsylvania. There were people that they love, afr and we give God the glory. Pastor Roy Burkett, thank you for hosting us over the weekend.
Question on Mark 4:11: Understanding 'Those Outside' and Parables
Well, Jon, we've got a question that's come in over the Internet. Before we pick up the phones, may we, can I throw a question at you? That this is Katy. says reading mark right now. Mark 4:11 perplexes me. it says to you has been granted the knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdomnomics of God. But to those outside, everything comes in parable that they may look and see, but not perceive, hear but fail to understand. What does it mean those outside? Is that Gentiles? Does he speak in parables so that we must seek the Holy Spirit to help us understand?
Jesus Taught in Parables to Reveal the Heart's Readiness to Hear and Understand
Jon, what would you say to Katy about the Mark 4, very similar,
context wise, of what we're talking about in Matthew 24, 25, especially 25, where Jesus is talking in parables. Jesus taught in parables because there were so many people who had a, mixed, belief of who the Messiah is and what their mission is. And that's why they rejected Jesus. They expected a king on a white horse to come through. And Jesus was born in a manger outside of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. So Jesus oftentimes spoke. And those who were on the outside, you could say that those are Gentiles. I think more specifically it would be those that do not have an ear to hear or those that, have chosen to reject those who have no desire to hear. Jesus later on talks about those who can see and those who are blind. and Jesus oftentimes taught in parables, but he taught in a way where there was much grace. And I, look at how Jesus taught and how he responded to even his close circle with his disciples, because even his disciples didn't, didn't understand everything that Jesus was saying and how he continued to just show grace after grace. So I think Matthew 4:11, the mystery of the kingdom of God to those who are on the outside, all things come in parables. And then verse 12. So that here's the reason why, seeing that they may see and not perceive and hearing, they may hear and not understand, lest they should turn and their sins be forgiven them.
Mark 4:11 Reveals the Heart's State and Encourages Callers
So I think it's those who come to faith in the Lord and those who have rejected the Lord and have no desire to repent, they hear, but they don't understand.
And Jon, I think much of it reveals the state of our heart really. by the way, I'm going to give that number and you will get through on this Monday edition of exploring the word. Triple 858-9884. 40.
Josh McDowell's Method: Addressing Truth and Openness to Belief
If you've got a Bible question, Jon, does. Does the name Josh McDowell ring a bell?
Yes, absolutely.
Josh has been like a father to me, almost like a mentor. And we've done. Before he kind of retired from travel, Josh and I, over 30 years. We did many, many events all over the Nation. And Josh McDowell used to do this. somebody would Ask a question. And Josh said, well, I'm going to give you an answer, but let me ask you this. If Christianity is true, would you believe it? And if I can give you a good solid answer, would you be open to following Jesus? And sometimes college students would say no. And Josh McDowell would say, really, if Christianity is true, you wouldn't believe it? And some would say yes.
Mark 4 Reveals Those Who Hear but Won't Understand Due to Heart Condition
Many would say, no. And Josh would say, well then I'm not going to answer your question because you're not really seeking truth. So I think the mark four, it revealed the people that hear but won't understand or open. I think it reveals the state of their heart. Brent Austin, Brother Brent, if you would come to the mic.
Question on Voting Responsibility: Juxtaposing God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Where do we go with our questions? Brent?
All right, let's go first to Barry in Texas.
Barry, thank you for calling.
Okay.
Brother Barry, welcome sir.
Thank you. Thank you. George Barnard, Dr. George Barna has some very sobering statistics on the number or the percentage of church going Christians that have a biblical worldview. But even more, he's got some even more sobering statistics on the number of pastors that have a biblical worldview. Now, this raises the question with me with the coming up elections, it seems to me that a large majority of pastors are completely silent as to the necessity for their congregants to get out and to vote and to explain to them, without becoming political about the, issues at stake, many of which are diametrically opposed to the Bible. So, you know, my question is regarding responsibility. Now, we all believe in the sovereignty of God, but where does the responsibility of man juxtaposed with the sovereignty of God when it comes?
Pastoral Responsibility: Guiding Parishes to Be Salt and Light Through Voting
Like, do you like something like exercising one's vote?
M. Barry, thank you for this very timely question. This is phenomenal. And Jon, we haven't rehearsed this ahead of time, so we're all just speaking from our hearts and our convictions right now. I've pastored two churches and preached in many, many churches. I believe that we in the pulpit, we have a responsibility to give moral, ethical and spiritual guidance to our parishioners. And I do think Christians are to be citizens. Obviously our ultimate home is heaven, but we are to be salt and light till we get to heaven. And Jon, I personally believe every born again believer should be registered to vot. I'll say this, I'll throw it to you.
Christian Citizenship: The Right and Responsibility to Vote and Influence for Godliness
Jon Paul, when necessary, he frequently would invoke his Roman citizenship. The Apostle Paul, he would say, I'm a Roman citizen, and we Americans, we have a voice and a vote. And I think to not vote. And I think pastors, you who influence so many people, and the people are hungry for what? Thus saith the Lord. And how do I take the truths of God's holy word and cast, to the best of my ability, cast votes for the good, the godly, the true righteousness. I think pastors have to preach, and encourage their parishioners to vote and vote godly. What say you, Jon Bowler?
I certainly agree with that. And as a pastor, I would say that we as Americans have a right to exercise our freedom. And if we choose not to do that, there will come a day where that freedom is taken away. And I think that's what separates us from many other countries around the world. I also believe that there are enough Christians in the United States of America to make a difference in midterm elections, in national elections. And we can sit around and talk about the depravity of the United States. And it's real. We do not deny that. But if you want to make a difference in elections, if you want to make a difference in our country, it comes where Christians, where, we are on the front lines. Think about this. Every other cult, every other belief system is on the front line of the voting booths. And we as Christians, whether it's, we don't want to separation, of church and state or yada yada, whatever that may be, that is no excuse. We have a right to exercise our vote. And you said it right. And the Apostle Paul was not shy of that. And our hope is not in Washington, but we have a right. We have the freedom to be able to vote and to, carry on as best we know the mission that God has given us.
Pastoral Encouragement: Speak on Moral Issues and Embrace Occupational Hazards
So, yes, I firmly believe every Christian ought to be registered to, to vote. Not just registered to vote. They ought to vote. And, it starts with our pulpits.
Amen. And pastors, let me just say, George Barna, he's a friend and a colleague of many years. Study after study says that, somewhere around 85% of parishioners want their clergy to speak about moral, social, political issues. So don't be afraid. Get up there. maybe there's a little bit of pushback sometimes, but that's just one of the occupational hazards of being Christ's ambassador in a fallen world.
Question on 2 Corinthians 3:18: Knowing Our Degree of Glory
Mr. Brent Austin. Where to, my friend?
Let's go to Thomas in South Carolina. Thomas, thank you for calling.
Well, thank you for having me. Enjoy your program. Pastor Alex And Pastor Jon, this is Thomas, and I'm an associate pastor. My church, and I have a question for you. From 2nd Corinthians 3:18. But we all know with unveiled face that we are being transformed actually into the image of God from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. And the question is, how do we know what degree of glory we are in at the moment? Huh?
That is a great question. And by the way, thank you for serving the church as you're doing there, Thomas. God bless you.
The Glory of the New Covenant: Unveiled Face and God's Transformation
Well, you know, Second Corinthians 3. Is the latter half of that chapter really talking about the glory of the new Covenant? It says, but we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image. From glory to glory. Well, for one thing, the unveiled face, to each other, much is veiled, but not to God. God sees everything. First Corinthians 13 talks about. Now, we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face, down here, humanly, I don't know that we can know where another person is. We can barely know where we are because Jeremiah 17 says the heart is deceitful and wicked. I'm, going to say this. Jon, I want you to feel as you want, to respond, all right? One of the keys to that consistent upward walk and the growth is to be in the word of God. Now, to measure the degree of glory to the next. I don't know that we can quantify it. I know this.
Monitoring Our Spiritual Walk: The Holy Spirit's Conviction and Growth in the Lord
The conviction of the Holy Spirit, when I'm not where I ought to be, I know it in my heart because the Holy Spirit is kind of gently nudging me. And when I'm, growing in the Lord, I know that, and so don't you think, Maybe, Jon, this. 2nd Corinthians 3:18 is a call to personally diligently monitor the state of our walk and the state of our heart.
I think so. I think so, Thomas.
Glory to Glory: Experiencing God's Presence and Growing Through Trials
Thank you for the question, my friend and a fellow minister of the Gospel, press on and, continue to serve the Lord. And, you know, glory to glory, as Alex has said, it's not measurable from, maybe those from the outside, but, you know, the glory of God and being in the presence of God as a part of the new Covenant, which is what 2, Corinthians 3 talks about, and having the Holy Spirit of God in our heart and whether it's walking out of a church service and maybe you hear things like, man, I felt like we were in the glory of God. I just felt like his presence singing to the Lord and studying his Word and to see those growth measures in the word of God. it could be a corporate setting, like a worship service, but it could be just, you're on your back porch and you're reading God's word and you just feel like the Lord's just sitting right beside you, speaking right to your heart and, and just glory to glory. Psalm 84 talks about how we go through the valley of Baca, which is a valley of, testing, and we're to dig a well, and we go from spring to spring.
The Journey to Seeing Our Savior Face to Face
In other words, we go from place to place that we're stronger today because of our previous, trials that we've gone through where we've learned so much the same way in our walk with Jesus. Just from glory to glory, until our glory, our faith is made sight. And we see, with an unveiled face, we see our Savior face to face. What a day that will be. What day that will be.
Final Question Opportunity for the Hour
Amen. great question and a great motivation to all of us. I think we have probably time if we go quickly for another question. Brent Austin. And where to, sir?
Question: Why Did Jesus Refer to Himself as the Son of Man?
Next up is Fred in Kansas. Fred, thank you for calling.
Thank you. Hello, man.
Hello, sir.
How you doing?
Good, good. Time. We're going to have to go quickly because we're almost at the end of the hour. What you got there, brother?
I've always wondered why Jesus refers to himself as the Son of. Of man instead of the Son of God.
Great question. I mentioned it earlier. Jon, you want to speak to that a little bit from Daniel there?
The Significance of the Son of Man Title from Daniel 7 and Christ's Return
I can. I think Daniel 7 is just, it's a prophetic word where Jesus is talking about, fulfilling this promise of being the ancient of days and the Son of man. And one of the things that, just because Jesus said he's the Son of man doesn't mean he's the Son of God. He is the God, man, man, and fully God. But I do think, Alex, this is coming from Daniel, chapter seven, where, he sees this Son of man and the ancient of days. And it's a picture, of Jesus as the Messiah. And by the way, as we've Learned from Matthew 25, it's that son of man that one day we'll return, and we cannot wait for that day.
Daniel 7, 13, and 14. Dr. Jon Boler, thank you for being with us today on Exploring the World Word.
Thank you, Alex.
Concluding Remarks and Thanks to Dr. John Boler and Staff
Always a blessing, my brother.
back at you, my friend. Hey, and thank you all for listening. Thanks to Brent Austin for helping run the board. Bert is traveling.
Final Encouragement: Pray for America, Vote Godly, and Tell Others About Jesus
He'll be back. But Alex McFarland here, thanking you for listening to Exploring the Word. If you want to read on more in Matthew 25, Good Lord willing, we'll pick it up again tomorrow. In the meantime, pray for America. Pray for these elections coming up. And be. Be prepared to vote and vote godly. Hey, thanks for listening to Exploring the Word. Tell somebody about Jesus.
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Welcome to Exploring the Word and Introduction to Jesus' Parables in Matthew 25
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
It's been said that a parable is an earthly story with a spiritual or heavenly application. And on today's edition of Exploring the Word, we are going to get into some of the very, very famous, well known parables of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 25. We invite you, if you're at a place where you can get a copy of God's Word, turn to Matthew 25 and we'll begin there in a moment.
Gratitude for Share-a-Thon Support and Commitment to the Ministry's Calling
But I want to welcome you to the program. It's a very special day on Exploring the Word. We're, back, for one thing, after last week's Share a Thon. And I want to say on behalf of Tim Wildmon and everyone at American Family how much we sincerely appreciate the thousands of people that called in and made pledges. And like us, they said we want the gospel to go to America. We want America and beyond to hear the good news of Jesus. And many, many people, pledged their support to the American Family Radio Network through Share a Thon. And for one thing, we thank everybody, but we sincerely give God all the glory. And our pledge to each and every one of you is that we will do our best, prayer prayerfully, diligently, to live out the calling of this ministry. And for everyone's support, we are deeply, deeply grateful.
Introduction of Guest Dr. John Boler and Setting the Stage for Matthew 25 Discussion
It's a special day also because, Bert Harper's traveling, but with us is a, just a valued colleague, Dr. Jon Boler. He is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Tupel, Mississippi, Just one of the great churches in this region. And I had the privilege of visiting with him some last week. He's just a great leader and, and a mighty man of God. And he's with us now as we look at Matthew 25. Dr. Jon Bowler, it's great to have you, sir. Thanks for being with us.
Thank you, Brother Alex. It's always a joy to, sit in and big shoes to fill, to fill in for Brother Bert. And it's an honor to be here with you today and, to jump right in this second, part of the Olivet discourse here in Matthew 25.
Contextualizing the Olivet Discourse: Matthew 24 and 25's Dual Application
Well, it is part of that Olivet discourse. And let's go back and give a little bit of context. Matthew 24 is just a well known and some struggle with Matthew 24. but for one thing, as that chapter concludes, Jesus says no one knows the day or the hour and we're called to be faithful. you want to give us kind of a little synopsis as we queue up chapter 25.
I can. So chapter 24 and chapter 25, as you mentioned, it's the Olivet Discourse. You can go back to Matthew 24,3 and that's why it's called the Olivet Discourse is because Jesus is on the Mount of Olives and he's teaching, his disciples. He's teaching those. And I've heard you guys talk over the last couple of programs and I certainly agree that you have to kind of look at the Olivet discourse through two lens. You've got to look at it through the context of the first century, especially, especially the prophetic passages in reference to AD 70 and the fall of Jerusalem through the Roman, empire. But also there's a lot in Matthew 24 and even as we get into 25 that is prophetic, that is yet to take place, and it doesn't necessarily refer to A.D. 70, but the second coming of Jesus, which we're all waiting for. Amen, brother.
Yeah, amen.
Eschatology, the Fall of Jerusalem, and the Reformation's Impact on Understanding Prophecy
Amen. And well, I will grant you, and folks, this is the topic of eschatology of, of future things. And this is, I agree with you, a lot of it was it did prefigure what happened in A.D. 70. In March of 70 A.D. the city of Jerusalem was really blitzkriegged by Rome and the Jews were dispersed all around the world. And in some ways, in fact during the Protestant Reformation. This is worth talking about because, you know, October 31st is coming up and I call that Reformation Day. the rest of the world does some things on October 31st, but in my heart it's the day of the Reformation. And of course as Luther and then others 10 years after Luther was Jon Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland, in the Netherlands, there was Minnow Simons laying a lot of the foundation that would become the Baptist Church. But the Gospel spread throughout Europe 500 years ago. Salvation by faith not works.
Interpreting Prophetic Scripture Regarding Jerusalem and Israel Post-Reformation
And here we are, and we are really, in many ways riding on the ripple effect of the Protestant Reformation. But Jon, as you know, one of the things that the Reformers and others, they try to make sense of, well, revelation and much of the prophetic scripture talks about Jerusalem and Israel, but my goodness, there is no Israel. So what do we do with that. So for a while, a lot of people assumed, like Matthew 24 and Revelation 4 through 20, it was all past. And there's a word called preterism, as in all of the eschatological passages, have already happened. But. But they all haven't happened. Much of it is future. You know, I think about, like, in Matthew 24, 29 through 31, where Jesus says, immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened and there's, the, the coming of the Son of man in verse 30. And so that. That has to be future. Yes, because we. So one of the things that I say, and you feel free to agree or disagree, Jon, the point of orthodoxy on which we all agree is that the Lord is coming back. Jesus is coming back. And that's why I tell people on the prophetic passages, we have to show grace to each other.
The Certainty of Christ's Return and the Darkening Trajectory of the World
I've got an opinion on about everything, but I don't know that everybody has it all buttoned up every single bit. We know Jesus is coming back.
That's right.
evil men will wax worse and worse. the course of this age, in other words, the trajectory of this fallen world seems to be getting darker and darker. Jon, I look at the world and the news of the day, and it sure does seem like history is reaching a, tipping point. And I think Christ is coming back. But you're right. Much of it is applicable to AD 70. Some of it is applicable to, to the current drift, and much of it is applicable to at some future point when there's a tribulation.
The Church's Need for Prophetic Understanding and Christ's Solitary Return as King
And ultimately Jesus cracks that eastern sky and returns.
If there was ever a time where the church needed, to hear prophetic passages, it's today. And as, you know, revelation starts out the revelation of Jesus Christ, and as a follower of Jesus Christ, we don't run from prophetic passages. We run to them, because that's our hope and that's our existence for living. this is not our home. Heaven is our home. According to what Paul says in Philippians, we look forward to what is going to happen. it causes us, to live faithfully today, knowing that Jesus is coming back. So whether it's Matthew 24:25, or, Revelation or the evening, even prophetic passages in the Old Testament, we don't shy away from them. Yes, they can be a little challenging, but you said it a while ago, we agree on the main thing. Jesus is coming back. And that ought to be shouted. From the rooftops. and he's the only king that's returning again. He's the only one. The only one.
You know, different religions have different beliefs. you know, the Muslims believe about, you know, the final imam. No, there's one king and one king only. And it's the Lord Jesus Christ I love.
Matthew 24:44 - The Parable of the Coming Thief and the Call to Readiness
I've always loved Matthew 24, 40, 4. Well, I'm going to read 45. 43 and 44. Know this, that if the master of the house, if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into the. Therefore you be also ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. So here's the thing. We know Christ is coming back. We don't set a date. We don't know the day or the hour. We are to be ready, and we're to help others get ready.
Our Assignment: Helping Others Find Christ Amidst History's Conclusion
And, I think our assignment now, we're mindful of the fact that Jesus is coming. History as we know it will come to a conclusion. And I just believe our driving passion, until we leave this world or Christ returns, we're to help others find Christ and be saved as well. Jon, I do think in the aftermath of the Reformation, if the reformers had lived to see the rebuilding of the nation of Israel, March 14, 1948, I think a lot of the theology, of the last 500 years would have looked different.
I think so.
The Reliability of God's Word: Predicted Events and the Master Teacher Jesus
I think even in our lifetime, seeing, the Bible come to life and seeing the things that were predicted in the Old Testament, yes, there's still a lot more that is prophetic. But to see some of that come to pass, you know, it encourages us. It just reminds us of the reliability of the word of God, that, it is a book like. It is a book like no other.
Amen.
yes, there is history, but if you want to know the future, there is no other book than the Bible. And everything that the Bible has predicted has either already come to pass or it will be in the future. And, that is something to rely on. And as we jump in here to chapter 25, and you mentioned it in the intro, the Jesus was a master teacher. And as he talked about parables, I think it drove some people, a little bit crazy because he was telling a story that nobody really understood.
Understanding Parables: Earthly Stories with Heavenly Meanings and Urgency of Christ's Return
And, that word parable is a neat word in the original. It just means to kind of throw beside. and you mentioned it's an Earthly story with a heavenly meaning and putting it aside. And Jesus oftentimes would close parables by saying, he who has an ear, let him hear, let him understand. And, as we begin chapter 25, these parables that are here gives us, a good glimpse, but also a reminder of the urgency of how soon Jesus could return.
Blessed is the Servant Found Doing the Master's Will Upon His Return
Amen. Amen. And, you know, as we, get into, 25, you know, Jesus said in the conclusion of 24, like in 46, blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find him so doing. And so, we need to live, as if today might be the day that we would see Jesus. Now, we got a break coming up pretty soon, but chapter 25 begins.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Preparing for the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus says, then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. All right, the kingdom of heaven. And, I don't mean to go too slowly. I know we got a roll here, but one of the things, Jon, that is so wonderful and frankly, unique about Jesus's teaching style, he talks so much about the kingdom of heaven. And, that is, many scholars have noted how unique that is. It's not just religion and rules and do's and don'ts, but Jesus talked about the kingdom of heaven and how. Well, for one thing, the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of Satan has opposed the kingdom of heaven. But as sure as you can, you know, touch the nose on your face, God's kingdom will prevail. In fact, the kingdom of heaven is coming. And when you become a believer, you're a citizen of that kingdom. And the word like that's called a simile, that part of speech. He's going to tell us what the kingdom of heaven is like. Well, Dr. Jon Bowler, is with us today. We've got a break. Get a Bible, turn to Matthew 25, and we're going to learn about this parable of the virgins.
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Hymn: Thank You Jesus for Finding Me
thank you, Jesus, for finding me.
Like a good shepherd, your mercy he
leads back to your arms where I'm meant to be.
So I thank you, Jesus, for finding me.
Amen.
Continuing the Parable of the Ten Virgins: Wise vs. Foolish Preparation
Praise to the Lord that he found us. Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here along with Dr. Jon Bowler. We're in Matthew 25. Jesus is talking about 10 virgins. And this is. Sometimes they call it the second half of the Olivet discourse. And we're gonna get into some parables here. But in verse two, ten, virgins. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. And those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Well, Jon, I've read that, some theorize in a historical, Jewish wedding processional, there may have been 10 lamps. You know, very ceremonial, you know, engagement, betrothal and then the ceremony. And, why in this parable Are there 10 virgins? Well, maybe representative of the. The 10 lamps. And so, to be ready when the bridegroom came, they needed oil in their lamps. And, you know, the earthly, assumption might be. Well, in this wedding processional, to have an unlit lamp would be, inappropriate.
Spiritual Application of Oil: The Holy Spirit and Genuine Relationship with Jesus
The larger spiritual, application. and oil very often represents the Holy Spirit. there are people going through the motions, but, they are unlit, shall we say. They don't have a relationship with Jesus. But, let's talk about this. What are your immediate context and things, that you draw from this, Jon?
Well, very, very similar, with the Jewish, terminology of the preparation of a wedding feast. you've got the oil and the lamps, which is, like you said, the wedding celebration. that third part where, the groom and the groom would go and meet with the bride and, the bridesmaid. There was already, a ceremony, and here's the feast. And oftentimes it would be, like, a parade, celebration, atmosphere coming down. And these who, were here, five of them were wise, five of them were foolish. It's interesting that they're walking together, that the only difference is that there's not oil in the lamp. But that's not exactly visible, from everybody. It could be from some.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Urgency, Lack of Preparation, and Readiness for the Groom
But, verse three says those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. So as you begin to develop and break open this parable, you begin to see, as Jesus is talking here, the. The urgency and the lack of preparation. And we go back to the Context of Matthew 24:25, the soon coming Son of Man. You can't miss. Sometimes parables can be, I Wonder really what Jesus is saying because oftentimes he didn't just exactly say, this is what it is. Like the parable of the Sower, he explains it all in detail a little bit later on when his disciples asked him. But you can't miss it here. The, the urgency, the preparedness.
The Groom's Delay and the Virgins' Slumber: The Need for Personal Preparation
The groom is coming to get the bride. You better be ready.
Amen. Well said, well said because look at verse 5 of 25. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard. Behold, the bridegroom is coming in. Go out and meet him. And just as you know, the virgins, needed to be ready because the bridegroom would appear when he would appear. These virgins in this parable, they all get up. But the foolish said to the wise, give us some of your oil for our lamps are going out. But the wise answered saying no, lest there should not be enough for us and for you, but rather go out to those who sell. Verse nine, Buy for yourselves. Now this is not really about, not being generous and sharing with each other. The fact is every one of us has to come to Christ on our own volition.
Personal Salvation: God Has No Grandchildren, Each Must Come to Christ Individually
Yes, you might have the most godly family ever. And Jon, I've shared the gospel with people and somebody might say, well I'll have you know, my family's been in that church for decades. wonderful. Have you been born again? See, you cannot. It's been said God has no grandchildren. God has many, many born again children, but no grandchildren. And so just as the virgins in this parable, they couldn't light their lamp with somebody else's oil, they had to get it for themselves. Every one of us personally, you know, Jesus asked the disciples, who do men say that I, the son of man, am? Some say Elijah, the prophet Jesus said. And this, this question is posed to us to this day, who do you say that Jesus is? And so there's a very pointed application about, for each one of us to be sure that we have had that experience of being saved.
Nobody goes to heaven by groups. Whether it's amen, whether it's well, I'm a, I'm a, this denomination or this religion, nobody goes to heaven by groups. And at the same time, I'm thinking now in the church of godly grandmothers that are praying desperately for their children to come to faith, if there was anything that a grandmother would want to do, it was to pass on her relationship with Jesus to her child or to her grandson. She Cannot do that. That child has to make their own decision for the Lord. And these verses that you just, about not selling or not providing salvation is a personal decision. One day every person will bow before Jesus individually, not by groups, not by families, not by church membership as an individual, and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. And the only way that.
The Parable of the Talents: Introduction to Stewardship and Personal Accountability
And we see this towards the end of the parable is if, an individual makes a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. And every person must give an account.
Amen. Amen. You know, I think it's very interesting in Matthew 25, the.
Evangelistic Application of the Parable: Do You Have Christ or Not?
The wise and foolish virgins. I mean, there. There's a lot that could be said, but, one of the great. I mean, if you preach through this evangelistically, you know, do you have Christ or do you not? And the fact is that we can't, like you say, can't go to heaven on the salvation of another, then you've got in 14.
The Son of Man Title for Jesus and the Parable of the Talents Context
And following the parable of the talents. And in a way, this is very, very applicable just to the believer and what we do. although, I mean, there's a lot in here, but, you know, verse 13, wrapping up the first section of Matthew 25, watch therefore, for, you know, neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Obviously the Son of Man, Jesus is the bridegroom. Son, of man is one of the titles for Jesus the Messiah, used about 82 times.
The Parable of the Talents: A Master Entrusting Goods to His Servants
It's really a title from Daniel, Daniel 7. The son of man really could be rendered the Son, the Son from the Father co. Equal with the Ancient of days. actually the title Son of Man really speaks to Christ's deity, that he is God incarnate. You know, Jon, in Mark 14:61, 64, when Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. they ripped their clothes, they said, well, he's blasphemed. Of course it wasn't blasphemy, because that's who Jesus is. But he says the Son of Man comes at a time we don't know. Then he goes on, and this is just like. It begins in verse one. But for the kingdom of heaven is like. And again, Jesus is talking about the kingdom of heaven is. It's compared to something. What is it like? A man traveling to a far country who called his servants and delivered his goods to them.
Stewardship: Understanding Our Responsibilities with God's Entrusted Gifts
And he gave one five talents and another two and another one talent to each according to his own ability. And immediately he went on a journey. Jon, for parenthetically, let's Talk about stewardship. Because born again believers, we have some things that we steward or some things God's given us responsibility over. Now I know talent here is like a unit of money.
Generosity as a Mark of the Holy Spirit and Broadening the Definition of Talent
We often think of an ability or a competency, but we're whatever God entrusts to us. Time, abilities, influence, finances. We're not to be wasteful stewards, are we?
That's right, as, ah, Christians who are, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, are generous and you know, you take two words, you've got a Christian who is not generous. And those three words, they don't go together. Christians who are, who are indwelt with the Holy Spirit are generous not just with their resources, their money, but also with their time, their talents. And you said it right, this word talent, is used for money, but it can be used. This word can be used in any different measure, of weight, in the Bible. so as you look at that, a lot of times we want to put this in a financial realm and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. But I think it can be whether it's the gifts of knowledge or health or strength, time, opportunities, your vocation, any area that you give back to the Lord, everything we have comes from God.
The Parable of the Talents: Continuous Application of Readiness and Stewardship
I was preaching a couple of weeks ago. This has come to my mind out of Romans. And there at the end of Romans 11, it talks about quotes from the Old Testament who could pay God back something. In other words, everything we have comes from God and he calls us to be good stewards. And this parable, is not isolated in Matthew 25. It comes right off verses 1 through 13. So I think the thought continues, I think the flow of Matthew 25 all goes together. So here talking about the parable of the talents just continues. This be ready, be urgent, because the kingdom of heaven is like, is like a man traveling in a far country and he's given some, these talents, these, these resources to be good stewards of what we have. Some of them did.
The Servants' Actions: Trading Talents vs. Hiding Them and Future Accountability
Two of them did. One of them did not.
Yeah, like in verse 16, the man with the five traded and got another five. Verse 17, the man who had two talents traded and got two more. But the one who had received one went and dug in the ground, verse 18, and hid his Lord's money. And after a long time the Lord of those servants came back and settled accounts. That's very important because there is a day that we'll all give an accounting. Romans talks about the day that God reveals the secrets of Men. Now, before we go through what, the interaction, the five talent, the two talent, the one talent person. Jon, you said something that is really.
What Do You Have That You Did Not Receive? Recognizing All Gifts from God
I've pondered on it for a lot of years. In First Corinthians 4:7, Paul asked the question, you know, Paul asks a lot of questions, folks. And Paul, I love the way the apostle Paul, you know, asked questions. Like in First Corinthians 6, he says, what do you know that you're not your own? Well, in 1 Corinthians 4:7, Paul asks this question. What do you have that you did not receive? Jon, when I was a young believer, that kind of stopped me in my tracks. I thought, well, what could this mean? What do you have that you did not receive? And I pondered on that and studied on that verse. Well, the fact is, anything we have, we did receive from God. Life is a gift God entrusted to us, where we were born. And, maybe you were born with, a roof over your head and a family that loved you and food on the table. Well, those are gifts from God. Then you heard the gospel.
Transformative Realization: All Good Things are Gifts from a Loving God
That's a blessing. The Spirit of God drew you to Jesus. That's a blessing. Maybe you've got things you're good at and God's allowed you to make a living or even, exceed in some area. That is a gift from God. And Jon, I think it's transformative to realize that every good thing we've got, these are gifts that a, ah, loving God entrusted to us. What do we have that we did not receive? Well, the answer is nothing, really. Isn't it?
Well, I think, is it James that says every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights?
Giving Back to God: Obedience, Trust, and Faithful Response to His Blessings
And you have to ask yourself, is there anything that God gives that's not good? And the answer to that is no. God gives. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Light. We are so blessed. And even, the word talent here is reference to money. You can use this word for others. But here specifically, it is referring to money given to your local church or given to ministries. You say, well, I can't afford to do that. I don't know I shouldn't do. Everything God has given us comes from the Lord. And he's, entrusted us. And giving back to him is not because we need to repay God. He's God. He owns it all.
The Purpose of the Parable of Talents: Stewardship and Eternal Life Application
And he certainly does, not need anything from us except our obedience and our trust and our faith. And giving is not so much given to the Lord. It is, but it's a response to our heart in being obedient, saying, lord, I trust you. Everything I have comes from you. And I believe that so much I'm going to give back to you faithfully. And, that's the purpose of this parable of the talents, not just from a stewardship standpoint, but ultimately, when it comes to eternal life. And if you look at this evangelistically, which I believe you can, especially the last few verses of this parable, you certainly can apply it that way.
Amen. This is Exploring the word Voice you're hearing is Dr. Jon Bowler of Calvary Baptist in Tupelo. Alex McFarland here too.
Call to Action: Telephone Number for Bible Questions and Upcoming Break
I want to give the telephone number because we are going to take your calls and Bible questions. 888, 589, 88, 40. That's 888-589-8840. get in the queue and you'll be in line. And Jon and I will do our best to give a biblical answer to each and every Bible question exploring the Word. We've got a brief break. We're going to come back and we'd like to hear from you. Give us a call.
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All my life you have been faithful.
Hymn: All My Life You Have Been Faithful
All my life you have been so, so good with every breath that I am able.
Welcome Back and Thanks to Pastor Roy Burkett for Hosting
To word. Alex McFarland here. We're going to get to questions, the toll free number. If you have a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840. before we go too much further, I want to say a big thanks to Pastor Roy Burkett at Living Hope Church in Somerset, Pennsylvania. That's where I was this weekend. I got up to Pittsburgh Friday and we had a great weekend of getting into God's word, talking about biblical worldview. And people drove from all over Pennsylvania. There were people that they love, afr and we give God the glory. Pastor Roy Burkett, thank you for hosting us over the weekend.
Question on Mark 4:11: Understanding 'Those Outside' and Parables
Well, Jon, we've got a question that's come in over the Internet. Before we pick up the phones, may we, can I throw a question at you? That this is Katy. says reading mark right now. Mark 4:11 perplexes me. it says to you has been granted the knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdomnomics of God. But to those outside, everything comes in parable that they may look and see, but not perceive, hear but fail to understand. What does it mean those outside? Is that Gentiles? Does he speak in parables so that we must seek the Holy Spirit to help us understand?
Jesus Taught in Parables to Reveal the Heart's Readiness to Hear and Understand
Jon, what would you say to Katy about the Mark 4, very similar,
context wise, of what we're talking about in Matthew 24, 25, especially 25, where Jesus is talking in parables. Jesus taught in parables because there were so many people who had a, mixed, belief of who the Messiah is and what their mission is. And that's why they rejected Jesus. They expected a king on a white horse to come through. And Jesus was born in a manger outside of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. So Jesus oftentimes spoke. And those who were on the outside, you could say that those are Gentiles. I think more specifically it would be those that do not have an ear to hear or those that, have chosen to reject those who have no desire to hear. Jesus later on talks about those who can see and those who are blind. and Jesus oftentimes taught in parables, but he taught in a way where there was much grace. And I, look at how Jesus taught and how he responded to even his close circle with his disciples, because even his disciples didn't, didn't understand everything that Jesus was saying and how he continued to just show grace after grace. So I think Matthew 4:11, the mystery of the kingdom of God to those who are on the outside, all things come in parables. And then verse 12. So that here's the reason why, seeing that they may see and not perceive and hearing, they may hear and not understand, lest they should turn and their sins be forgiven them.
Mark 4:11 Reveals the Heart's State and Encourages Callers
So I think it's those who come to faith in the Lord and those who have rejected the Lord and have no desire to repent, they hear, but they don't understand.
And Jon, I think much of it reveals the state of our heart really. by the way, I'm going to give that number and you will get through on this Monday edition of exploring the word. Triple 858-9884. 40.
Josh McDowell's Method: Addressing Truth and Openness to Belief
If you've got a Bible question, Jon, does. Does the name Josh McDowell ring a bell?
Yes, absolutely.
Josh has been like a father to me, almost like a mentor. And we've done. Before he kind of retired from travel, Josh and I, over 30 years. We did many, many events all over the Nation. And Josh McDowell used to do this. somebody would Ask a question. And Josh said, well, I'm going to give you an answer, but let me ask you this. If Christianity is true, would you believe it? And if I can give you a good solid answer, would you be open to following Jesus? And sometimes college students would say no. And Josh McDowell would say, really, if Christianity is true, you wouldn't believe it? And some would say yes.
Mark 4 Reveals Those Who Hear but Won't Understand Due to Heart Condition
Many would say, no. And Josh would say, well then I'm not going to answer your question because you're not really seeking truth. So I think the mark four, it revealed the people that hear but won't understand or open. I think it reveals the state of their heart. Brent Austin, Brother Brent, if you would come to the mic.
Question on Voting Responsibility: Juxtaposing God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Where do we go with our questions? Brent?
All right, let's go first to Barry in Texas.
Barry, thank you for calling.
Okay.
Brother Barry, welcome sir.
Thank you. Thank you. George Barnard, Dr. George Barna has some very sobering statistics on the number or the percentage of church going Christians that have a biblical worldview. But even more, he's got some even more sobering statistics on the number of pastors that have a biblical worldview. Now, this raises the question with me with the coming up elections, it seems to me that a large majority of pastors are completely silent as to the necessity for their congregants to get out and to vote and to explain to them, without becoming political about the, issues at stake, many of which are diametrically opposed to the Bible. So, you know, my question is regarding responsibility. Now, we all believe in the sovereignty of God, but where does the responsibility of man juxtaposed with the sovereignty of God when it comes?
Pastoral Responsibility: Guiding Parishes to Be Salt and Light Through Voting
Like, do you like something like exercising one's vote?
M. Barry, thank you for this very timely question. This is phenomenal. And Jon, we haven't rehearsed this ahead of time, so we're all just speaking from our hearts and our convictions right now. I've pastored two churches and preached in many, many churches. I believe that we in the pulpit, we have a responsibility to give moral, ethical and spiritual guidance to our parishioners. And I do think Christians are to be citizens. Obviously our ultimate home is heaven, but we are to be salt and light till we get to heaven. And Jon, I personally believe every born again believer should be registered to vot. I'll say this, I'll throw it to you.
Christian Citizenship: The Right and Responsibility to Vote and Influence for Godliness
Jon Paul, when necessary, he frequently would invoke his Roman citizenship. The Apostle Paul, he would say, I'm a Roman citizen, and we Americans, we have a voice and a vote. And I think to not vote. And I think pastors, you who influence so many people, and the people are hungry for what? Thus saith the Lord. And how do I take the truths of God's holy word and cast, to the best of my ability, cast votes for the good, the godly, the true righteousness. I think pastors have to preach, and encourage their parishioners to vote and vote godly. What say you, Jon Bowler?
I certainly agree with that. And as a pastor, I would say that we as Americans have a right to exercise our freedom. And if we choose not to do that, there will come a day where that freedom is taken away. And I think that's what separates us from many other countries around the world. I also believe that there are enough Christians in the United States of America to make a difference in midterm elections, in national elections. And we can sit around and talk about the depravity of the United States. And it's real. We do not deny that. But if you want to make a difference in elections, if you want to make a difference in our country, it comes where Christians, where, we are on the front lines. Think about this. Every other cult, every other belief system is on the front line of the voting booths. And we as Christians, whether it's, we don't want to separation, of church and state or yada yada, whatever that may be, that is no excuse. We have a right to exercise our vote. And you said it right. And the Apostle Paul was not shy of that. And our hope is not in Washington, but we have a right. We have the freedom to be able to vote and to, carry on as best we know the mission that God has given us.
Pastoral Encouragement: Speak on Moral Issues and Embrace Occupational Hazards
So, yes, I firmly believe every Christian ought to be registered to, to vote. Not just registered to vote. They ought to vote. And, it starts with our pulpits.
Amen. And pastors, let me just say, George Barna, he's a friend and a colleague of many years. Study after study says that, somewhere around 85% of parishioners want their clergy to speak about moral, social, political issues. So don't be afraid. Get up there. maybe there's a little bit of pushback sometimes, but that's just one of the occupational hazards of being Christ's ambassador in a fallen world.
Question on 2 Corinthians 3:18: Knowing Our Degree of Glory
Mr. Brent Austin. Where to, my friend?
Let's go to Thomas in South Carolina. Thomas, thank you for calling.
Well, thank you for having me. Enjoy your program. Pastor Alex And Pastor Jon, this is Thomas, and I'm an associate pastor. My church, and I have a question for you. From 2nd Corinthians 3:18. But we all know with unveiled face that we are being transformed actually into the image of God from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. And the question is, how do we know what degree of glory we are in at the moment? Huh?
That is a great question. And by the way, thank you for serving the church as you're doing there, Thomas. God bless you.
The Glory of the New Covenant: Unveiled Face and God's Transformation
Well, you know, Second Corinthians 3. Is the latter half of that chapter really talking about the glory of the new Covenant? It says, but we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image. From glory to glory. Well, for one thing, the unveiled face, to each other, much is veiled, but not to God. God sees everything. First Corinthians 13 talks about. Now, we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face, down here, humanly, I don't know that we can know where another person is. We can barely know where we are because Jeremiah 17 says the heart is deceitful and wicked. I'm, going to say this. Jon, I want you to feel as you want, to respond, all right? One of the keys to that consistent upward walk and the growth is to be in the word of God. Now, to measure the degree of glory to the next. I don't know that we can quantify it. I know this.
Monitoring Our Spiritual Walk: The Holy Spirit's Conviction and Growth in the Lord
The conviction of the Holy Spirit, when I'm not where I ought to be, I know it in my heart because the Holy Spirit is kind of gently nudging me. And when I'm, growing in the Lord, I know that, and so don't you think, Maybe, Jon, this. 2nd Corinthians 3:18 is a call to personally diligently monitor the state of our walk and the state of our heart.
I think so. I think so, Thomas.
Glory to Glory: Experiencing God's Presence and Growing Through Trials
Thank you for the question, my friend and a fellow minister of the Gospel, press on and, continue to serve the Lord. And, you know, glory to glory, as Alex has said, it's not measurable from, maybe those from the outside, but, you know, the glory of God and being in the presence of God as a part of the new Covenant, which is what 2, Corinthians 3 talks about, and having the Holy Spirit of God in our heart and whether it's walking out of a church service and maybe you hear things like, man, I felt like we were in the glory of God. I just felt like his presence singing to the Lord and studying his Word and to see those growth measures in the word of God. it could be a corporate setting, like a worship service, but it could be just, you're on your back porch and you're reading God's word and you just feel like the Lord's just sitting right beside you, speaking right to your heart and, and just glory to glory. Psalm 84 talks about how we go through the valley of Baca, which is a valley of, testing, and we're to dig a well, and we go from spring to spring.
The Journey to Seeing Our Savior Face to Face
In other words, we go from place to place that we're stronger today because of our previous, trials that we've gone through where we've learned so much the same way in our walk with Jesus. Just from glory to glory, until our glory, our faith is made sight. And we see, with an unveiled face, we see our Savior face to face. What a day that will be. What day that will be.
Final Question Opportunity for the Hour
Amen. great question and a great motivation to all of us. I think we have probably time if we go quickly for another question. Brent Austin. And where to, sir?
Question: Why Did Jesus Refer to Himself as the Son of Man?
Next up is Fred in Kansas. Fred, thank you for calling.
Thank you. Hello, man.
Hello, sir.
How you doing?
Good, good. Time. We're going to have to go quickly because we're almost at the end of the hour. What you got there, brother?
I've always wondered why Jesus refers to himself as the Son of. Of man instead of the Son of God.
Great question. I mentioned it earlier. Jon, you want to speak to that a little bit from Daniel there?
The Significance of the Son of Man Title from Daniel 7 and Christ's Return
I can. I think Daniel 7 is just, it's a prophetic word where Jesus is talking about, fulfilling this promise of being the ancient of days and the Son of man. And one of the things that, just because Jesus said he's the Son of man doesn't mean he's the Son of God. He is the God, man, man, and fully God. But I do think, Alex, this is coming from Daniel, chapter seven, where, he sees this Son of man and the ancient of days. And it's a picture, of Jesus as the Messiah. And by the way, as we've Learned from Matthew 25, it's that son of man that one day we'll return, and we cannot wait for that day.
Daniel 7, 13, and 14. Dr. Jon Boler, thank you for being with us today on Exploring the World Word.
Thank you, Alex.
Concluding Remarks and Thanks to Dr. John Boler and Staff
Always a blessing, my brother.
back at you, my friend. Hey, and thank you all for listening. Thanks to Brent Austin for helping run the board. Bert is traveling.
Final Encouragement: Pray for America, Vote Godly, and Tell Others About Jesus
He'll be back. But Alex McFarland here, thanking you for listening to Exploring the Word. If you want to read on more in Matthew 25, Good Lord willing, we'll pick it up again tomorrow. In the meantime, pray for America. Pray for these elections coming up. And be. Be prepared to vote and vote godly. Hey, thanks for listening to Exploring the Word. Tell somebody about Jesus.
Disclaimer Regarding Broadcast Views
The views and opinions expressed in this
broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of
the American Family Association or American Family Radio.
In this episode, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus through the lens of His parables, specifically focusing on Matthew 25. Join host Alex McFarland and guest John Boler as they explore the significance of being prepared for Christ’s return and the urgency of living out our faith. With discussions on the parable of the ten virgins and the importance of stewardship, this episode is a call to action for all believers. Tune in for a rich study of God's Word and a deeper understanding of the Kingdomnomics of Heaven!
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