Love this brother. I wrote a book called “parables and parallels: modern day insights into many ancient words” that addresses your premise as well. I often tell people that the Bible is the first metaphysical Google search tool. Where the spirit can open up an insight and then point you to twenty different verses across twenty different texts that become the foundation of something the world has never discovered. That is what I believe was the “solid food” Paul talked about. The parables are the most actionable texts for this to happen. Not the surface of the text but the constant asking of “why this and why that?” Answering those questions a hundred different times produces a myriad of different insights. Congrats on your success, as a philosopher and a designer, you’ve done an amazing job between story and art!!!!
I was raised to hear an excerpt from the Gospels every Sunday, plus two other readings and a psalm. I went to a Catholic university. I found the teachings of Paul, and the church, to be so different from the gospels. I longed for a Christianity based on them. I am a Christian, not a Paulist.
EKO - Incredibly powerful front line work! You are absolutely AMAZING! We love you. Your hook is sharp, your barb captivating. Ageless style, graceful to the point. Keep reeling them in! You are doing it! You are doing His work. Amen.
I was unable to find an English translation of the Bible that rendered (MT 13:35) as, “I speak in parables so the truth can survive what’s coming.” That translation doesn’t convey what the text actually says. Jesus was revealing the Church as part of the kingdom of God, something that had not been previously revealed. Jesus said that He spoke in parables so that His followers would understand but in a way to prevent the Scribes and Pharisees from understanding (MT 13:13). They had just committed the so-called “unpardonable sin” in Matthew 12.
Once again, Right on Target, EKO! 🎯 Wondering when/if the mustard seeds will show up. This “TA-at-3” preached a lay sermon on them earlier this month in a way they’ve never heard before. Just doing a different type of my “kingdom work”.
Seeds start growing entirely underground where we can't see the initial growth taking place. But they soon start poking out of the ground and into the light. Just need to give the process a little time and the young tender shoots will start coming out of the ground. I'm more of a 6 than a 3.
Beauty in motion here EKO. Sharing the parables as they germinate is wonderful.
You are as the seed breaking through what seems to be impenetrable, acting on gifts-
Grateful for your sharing. I'd like to send a check for hard copies of all. The young Jesus series I read to my 102 yr old neighbor as she was letting go of her 'skin bag'. It was beautiful to share this way, to see her smile, squeeze my hand and not let go, and wander into her thinking about the story as I narrated - so peacefully -was a gift for me too.
EKO, I have been waiting for this day my whole life. I am 70. I was in the Jesus People movement in the seventies. It was a beautiful beginning, but the itinerant miracle worker who came to our little town did not know what to do with all of us converts, except to start a Church in a building. Then, like so many "dedicated Jesus followers," we went to Bible college. Instead of dozens of Jesus followers, now there were thousands. There were miracles, and that was the shiny object that became the focus. The love, joy, peace, and service were replaced with regular groups of traveling miracle workers. Of course, this led to one horrific error after another —the Shepherding Movement and so on. I tried to find "fellowship" among the Churched again in the early two thousands: stage bands, big screens, hip pastors.
I knew I was different, but what can you do? Then an approved Christian writer came along and wrote about something that created insiders and outsiders. Rob Bell wrote "Love Wins." I loved it. His books were banned, and he was labeled a heretic. So once again, an outsider. Throughout my life, I have held onto a few words ascribed to Jesus that have seen me through. Do not be afraid! Do not judge others, I am with you! Give and it shall be returned to you! And not just the words, the actions, the Roman Centurian's gifts, Zacheeus, the woman at the well, the woman taken in adultery, Jesus before Pilate, "You have no power over me." And all of the Parables. Today, consciousness is rising, and voices like yours are being heard. What a good day it is indeed!
Evil is violation of purpose, and good is fulfillment of purpose. Without purpose, good and evil are just meaningless noise and can easily trade places. That explains a lot. Pointless wars, deadly drugs and other forms of slaughter proliferate. Suicide rates go up because people don't even value their lives. Unless we reconnect with the spiritual side of reality, nothing ultimately matters --- and things will just get worse. I could pontificate much more on this topic, but I think I will give you all a break.
He also knew people retain truths and accept them more readily when they discover it themselves which parables force
Yes
Love this brother. I wrote a book called “parables and parallels: modern day insights into many ancient words” that addresses your premise as well. I often tell people that the Bible is the first metaphysical Google search tool. Where the spirit can open up an insight and then point you to twenty different verses across twenty different texts that become the foundation of something the world has never discovered. That is what I believe was the “solid food” Paul talked about. The parables are the most actionable texts for this to happen. Not the surface of the text but the constant asking of “why this and why that?” Answering those questions a hundred different times produces a myriad of different insights. Congrats on your success, as a philosopher and a designer, you’ve done an amazing job between story and art!!!!
Your writing are beautifully written…….compelling, concise, draws one into His journey.
Thank you!
M Hodges
Love this, My Brother!
❤️
I was raised to hear an excerpt from the Gospels every Sunday, plus two other readings and a psalm. I went to a Catholic university. I found the teachings of Paul, and the church, to be so different from the gospels. I longed for a Christianity based on them. I am a Christian, not a Paulist.
Just purchased the book!
I love your writing, my friend.
EKO - Incredibly powerful front line work! You are absolutely AMAZING! We love you. Your hook is sharp, your barb captivating. Ageless style, graceful to the point. Keep reeling them in! You are doing it! You are doing His work. Amen.
I was unable to find an English translation of the Bible that rendered (MT 13:35) as, “I speak in parables so the truth can survive what’s coming.” That translation doesn’t convey what the text actually says. Jesus was revealing the Church as part of the kingdom of God, something that had not been previously revealed. Jesus said that He spoke in parables so that His followers would understand but in a way to prevent the Scribes and Pharisees from understanding (MT 13:13). They had just committed the so-called “unpardonable sin” in Matthew 12.
Once again, Right on Target, EKO! 🎯 Wondering when/if the mustard seeds will show up. This “TA-at-3” preached a lay sermon on them earlier this month in a way they’ve never heard before. Just doing a different type of my “kingdom work”.
Seeds start growing entirely underground where we can't see the initial growth taking place. But they soon start poking out of the ground and into the light. Just need to give the process a little time and the young tender shoots will start coming out of the ground. I'm more of a 6 than a 3.
I love you too, EKO.
(I am sorry, I do not go to Amazon from the country I live in.)
All good. If you’d like a physical copy email me your address and ill ship one out to you.
Dear EKO, thank you for the offer. I will not accept a gift. I love reading, and I'll keep reading you. I am 83, on a small pension. Be safe.
67 <3
Beauty in motion here EKO. Sharing the parables as they germinate is wonderful.
You are as the seed breaking through what seems to be impenetrable, acting on gifts-
Grateful for your sharing. I'd like to send a check for hard copies of all. The young Jesus series I read to my 102 yr old neighbor as she was letting go of her 'skin bag'. It was beautiful to share this way, to see her smile, squeeze my hand and not let go, and wander into her thinking about the story as I narrated - so peacefully -was a gift for me too.
my email scthomasrock@aol.com
812290
https://thatjeffcarterwashere.blogspot.com/2013/04/april-anomalies-z-asmodeus.html?m=1
EKO, I have been waiting for this day my whole life. I am 70. I was in the Jesus People movement in the seventies. It was a beautiful beginning, but the itinerant miracle worker who came to our little town did not know what to do with all of us converts, except to start a Church in a building. Then, like so many "dedicated Jesus followers," we went to Bible college. Instead of dozens of Jesus followers, now there were thousands. There were miracles, and that was the shiny object that became the focus. The love, joy, peace, and service were replaced with regular groups of traveling miracle workers. Of course, this led to one horrific error after another —the Shepherding Movement and so on. I tried to find "fellowship" among the Churched again in the early two thousands: stage bands, big screens, hip pastors.
I knew I was different, but what can you do? Then an approved Christian writer came along and wrote about something that created insiders and outsiders. Rob Bell wrote "Love Wins." I loved it. His books were banned, and he was labeled a heretic. So once again, an outsider. Throughout my life, I have held onto a few words ascribed to Jesus that have seen me through. Do not be afraid! Do not judge others, I am with you! Give and it shall be returned to you! And not just the words, the actions, the Roman Centurian's gifts, Zacheeus, the woman at the well, the woman taken in adultery, Jesus before Pilate, "You have no power over me." And all of the Parables. Today, consciousness is rising, and voices like yours are being heard. What a good day it is indeed!
Evil is violation of purpose, and good is fulfillment of purpose. Without purpose, good and evil are just meaningless noise and can easily trade places. That explains a lot. Pointless wars, deadly drugs and other forms of slaughter proliferate. Suicide rates go up because people don't even value their lives. Unless we reconnect with the spiritual side of reality, nothing ultimately matters --- and things will just get worse. I could pontificate much more on this topic, but I think I will give you all a break.
I wish you wouldn't. I don't need a break from the truth. I need more of it. I want more of it. Please go ahead and pontificate. You have my attenion.