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Jesus conceals truth for us, not 'from' us!

There are two main conceptions in what and why Jesus uses parables in edifying and instructing us. One, He uses simple everyday illustrations, allegories, stories, and word pictures that He pointed to, showcasing an illustration that people could understand and relate to. Second, in the illustration dwells a layered meaning-like an onion, if you will--that has a depth to it. His main reason? People, for the most part, are 'concrete' thinkers. We tend to look to the simplest, easiest meaning to mentally digest solution and rarely seek a deeper meaning or application. However, to grow in faith, we need to grow beyond ourselves, our perception, and our assumptions in order to grasp the true Truths Christ has for us. Thus, for us to grow in faith...

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=81337&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

We have the incredible privilege to here and know God personally through His Word! The Bible is our principle platform for our encounters with the Almighty Who has something precious to say to us, and we must hear it excitedly! We are to get into God's Word because it is the framework of the Living God. His principles, calls, and plans for us to know, grow, prosper in our lives and churches are in its pages. We must do our best to immerse ourselves to meet Him, to know Him, to internalize His precepts and live them out for His glory and our mutual benefit. Therefore, we must listen, learn, and do ...

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=36258&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

God's Word will never pass away, but looking back to the Old Testament and since the time of Christ, with tears we must say that because of lack of fortitude and faithfulness on the part of God's people, God's Word has many times been allowed to be bent, to conform to the surrounding, passing, changing culture of that moment rather than to stand as the inerrant Word of God judging the form of the world spirit and the surrounding culture of that moment. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, may our children and grandchildren not say that such can be said about us.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31650&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. As the elect, saved by grace, it is still up to us what we make out of what Christ gives us. Maturity will make the difference of a life of distinction and purpose, or a life governed by strife and kcaoss. So what is your response, what is your attitude were does your maturity lay?

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35608&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Romans is more of a treatise than a letter, as it is Paul's greatest work. Not only is this our theology defined, but it is one of the greatest, if not the greatest piece of literature ever conceived! Unpacking Romans is like removing the cover of an old box spring mattress that all the springs will jump up at you!

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32369&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

In a nutshell we have free will to choose, this in reformed theology is called "free agency".

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=33033&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Are you Willing to Improve Your Preaching? What About Your Words?

When we preach, and whether we use a pulpit or not, we are the "vicars" of Christ on earth-His ambassadors and representatives. In addition, we have been given the stewardship of a special call to proclaim His precepts in truth. In so doing, we are to preach in His power, in clarity, and in genuineness with passion and conviction. And, to top it off, we need to make sure our words are edifying and never condescending or evil. Because, when we preach, we are leading others to Christ.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35969&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Are you willing to take an honest look at some of the reasons why people are not coming to your church?

1,103 churches surveyed and tracked for 12-plus years

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=79859&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Why we are called to be A Shepherd?

Do you know where you are going? Do you have not just the vision, but the true Truth of His call and Way? We have to know where the well is before leading others to it! Christ and His precepts are the well, and we follow the path by example, nurture and service with faith, fruit, character and maturity so others can partake of His wonders. We have to know, and to do this, we have to grow. If we are not growing in the faith, we are useless and unable to lead or equip others. We will lord over by pride, teach falsely or sloppily and lead others astray; we will dishonor our Lord.

http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31643&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

The Word of God is essential to our function as a Christian. It is essential to our understanding of not only God, but ourselves as well. Without God's Word we will be purposeless and disrupted from our call and the purpose for our salvation. When we base our lives on the Word of God, then Christ can create His work in us by the power of the Spirit!