PARABLE OF THE LEAVEN

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Matthew 13:33

So, now we are at the 4th of 8 parables. 1. Sower-the Kingdom will now be characterized by a massive sowing-an invitation for all to receive the message of the Gospel-essentially Jesus and the Kingdom.

2. Wheat & Tares-the Kingdom will have many imitations that spring up all around the wheat. This is none of your business, just beware of it.

3. Mustard Seed-the Kingdom enjoys incredible growth. Don't be concerned or be discouraged with a small number at first. The Kingdom of God will grow immensely from very small to very great.

33 He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough."

So, the 4th parable is of the leaven. This parable illustrates that the Kingdom of God will be irreversible. Nothing and no one can stop it from spreading-not communism, fascism, racism, religiosity, cults, false religions, or churchianty. You see, when the Kingdom spreads it supersedes all sorts of movements and organizations. This is why to follow Jesus most effectively, we must be Kingdom people first and foremost. To be anything else is to be so much less! This is why your allegiance to a denomination or to a local church (a localized assembly in the name of Jesus) over the Kingdom is foolishness and will be proven to be so.

When you meet King Jesus personally, you must sign off as king of your personal Kingdom and submit to your new King-Jesus. We then move into 3 natural, action steps:

First-seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Jesus, Himself) before and above all others! You are now in partnership with Jesus.

Second-share in His kingdom with all of the other kids of the kingdom! You are now in fellowship with all other followers of Jesus.

Third-spread His kingdom everywhere by the sowing of seed-being salt & light where you are! You are now into discipleship of those Jesus brings your way.

I like to call these three steps the three "ships" in the night-partnership, fellowship and discipleship. Focus yourself on each one of these and you will be enjoying the blessings of the Kingdom.

You what's interesting? The movement of the Kingdom is going on, no matter what you think, say or do. Our primary responsibility is to see where Jesus is at work and go there. The movement of Jesus and the Kingdom is already in motion. The question is whether or not you will join it or start your own. Remember, it's irreversible! It cannot be stopped.