"God Gets Angry At The Rich" James 5:1-6. By Michael, Reed (Click Here to Listen)

Compared to many people in the world, we here at Deer Park, Texas are indeed blessed; In fact we are VERY RICH! Now it is important to stress that God does not condemn the rich for being rich. However Christ does speak of the difficulty of the rich being saved (Matt 19:23-26), and there are times when God is very angy at the rich, as in our text.
As we consider this passage more carefully, we will do so by trying to answer four questions.
1. Who is James addressing in this passage?
2. What is in store for these rich people?
3. Why is God so angry at them?
4. What applications can we draw from this passage? (James 5:1-6)

                                                                                                      Michael Reed, Minister

The Parable of The Talents Matthew 25:14-30 By Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

The main points of the parable of The Talents is...: 1) Be faithful in using the opportunities for service which the Lord has given us. 2) Diligence is rewarded; negligence is punished. Other points to be noted; whatever we have, whether opportunities or abilities, they all belong to God; we may possess, but God owns it all, we are simply stewards - Mt 25:14.
                                                                 Michael Reed, Minister

"Making Our Plans" James 4:13-17 September 16, 2012 P.M By Michael Reed (Click here to Listen)

The subject of today lesson is very relevant for us today, for we make plans of one sort or another everyday. Making plans, in of itself, is not wrong, the apostle Paul often made plans in regard to his travels, in fact making plans or setting goals is a key to success in any venture we may undertake in life. But there is a "right" way , and a "wrong" way; and James discusses both in this passage. Let's let James teach us how it is that we can glorify God in the plans that we make.

The Parable of Jesus "The Laborers In The Vineyard" Matthew 20:1-16 by Michael Reed (Click here to Listen)

This parable identifies another attitude of heart that has no place in the kingdom. This parable is known as "The Laborers In The Vineyard".  The meaning of this parable has challenged many expositors, and explanations offered have been varied. While admittedly difficult, I believe the main point can be determined with a fair degree of certainty especially if we begin by taking into consideration the setting.  Jesus had been approached by this man with a question concerning eternal life. In the course of their conversation, Jesus challenged the young man to give up all and follow Him. The man went away sorrowful, unable to accept the challenge.  Jesus used this opportunity to teach how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. This causes the disciples to wonder who then could be saved?  Jesus' response is that with God all things are possible.

The Parable of Jesus' "The Hidden Treasure" Matthew 13:44 by Michael Reed (Click here to Listen)

My apologies, there is a short delay in this recording, you can press the seek/ fast forward botton to begin the recording. Thank You

What distinguishes this parable from the one following is that it describes the value of the kingdom to one who accidentally finds it.  Though not purposely looking for it, its value is immediately recognized. So the kingdom of heaven has been, and will be, for many people! As Hendriksen says again:  "...we should grasp its one important lesson: the incalculable preciousness of salvation for those who discover it and obtain possession of it without even looking for it!"

The Parable of Jesus' "The Pearl of Great Price" Matthew 13:45-46 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

A merchant is seeking beautiful pearls, he finds one pearl of great price, Undeterred by its price, he sells all that he has and buys it!       The use of the word "Again" ties this parable to the preceding one where the value and preciousness of the kingdom was being described. Where we saw the value to one who accidentally finds it.  But in this parable, the person is on a mission to find that which is of great value. He believes there is something out there worth looking for, or he would not be seeking it. When he finds it, he immediately recognizes its value and is willing to sell all to obtain it. Neither this parable (nor the previous one) is suggesting we can "buy" or otherwise "earn" our salvation. For salvation is a gift (Ro 6:23) We can "buy" salvation only in the sense of gaining  rightful possession of it, which we do by grace through faith (Ep 2:8-9). 
When we submit to the working of God and the renewing the Holy Spirit which takes place as we are baptized into Christ (Col 2:11-13; Tit 3:4-7). This parable, then, describes how some people react to the kingdom of heaven, when they know there must be something out there worthy of great value and have been searching for it.

The Parable of Jesus' "The Leaven" Matthew 13:33 by Michael Reed (Click here to Listen)

In the New Testament, "leaven" is often symbolic of corrupting influence. Jesus warned of "the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees", which included their teaching and hypocrisy - cf. Mt 16:5-12; Lk 12:1. Paul wrote of the danger of how "a little leaven leavens the whole lump", as he addressed the need to withdraw from the unpenitent brother - 1Co 5:1-13. This has led some to conclude that "leaven" in the parable represents something evil. But there are several reasons why this is not likely true; There is no reason why its use elsewhere must be the same here. 1)    A speaker or writer is certainly free to use a figure any way they wish, even differently in different situations. 2)    To read the use of the figure as found elsewhere into this passage is a form of "eisegesis" that is, reading something into the passage not actually there.    Though in this case one may not be reading their own preconceived ideas into the passage, as is commonly done. But reading the ideas of another Biblical context into this one is still a form of "eisegesis".  As opposed to "exegesis", which is to read out of a passage what it  actually says or means, and should be the goal of proper Bible study.

The Parable of Jesus' "The Wheat and Tares" Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. By Michael Reed (Click to Listen)

Jesus' purpose is clearly to teach principles related to "the  kingdom of heaven", for he begins with "The kingdom of heaven is like..."  Therefore Jesus intends to reveal principles related to the "rule of God" as it would soon be manifested in the Person of His Son.  Like "The Parable Of The Sower", this parable is one of the few in which we have Jesus' own explanation. The explanation was given in response to the disciples' inquiry - Mt 13:36 ,and the explanation is found in Mt 13:37-43 (READ)
In this study, we shall focus on Jesus' explanation of the parable, and then draw some truths from it.