November/December 2005
This issue of Abundant Life is also available in Adobe's PDF format.Parables: The Power of Jesus’ Stories
by Mark Roberts
“Once upon a time....” Those four words immediately captivate children, transporting them to the fascinating and wonderful land of story. For adults the words are a little different. “I remember once” or “That reminds me of something that happened to me a while ago” or even “Let me tell you what just happened!” The terminology is slightly altered but the effect is the same: we are immediately interested in the story.
The Parable of the Tares
by Rusty Miller
A man plants wheat, but when it grows it is discovered that an enemy has planted tares (weeds that look like wheat) throughout the field as well. The man’s servants ask if they should pull up the weeds, but he instructs them to leave them until the harvest, when it will be easier to separate them out without hurting any of the true wheat.
The Parable of the Unjust Steward
by George Slover
There has never been a time in the history of the world when the average working man has had as much money to use for leisure. This parable (Lk. 16:1-9), which seems to be difficult in interpretation, contains an extremely important lesson for those who live in such affluent times.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
by Dane Felicien
“Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them’” (Luke 15:1-2). So Jesus spoke this parable of a woman who lost a valuable coin from her collection and her effervescent celebration when she had found it.
The Parable of the Best Seat
by Edwin Whittlesey
Everyone knows of someone who always wants the best of everything. Whether it is being first in line, having the best seat in the house, or just trying to one-up the neighbor, we can all agree that these types of people are unpleasant to be around. In Luke 14:7-11, Jesus provides spiritual teaching against such selfish characteristics. Let’s consider together the setting of this parable and draw applications from it.