Tamworth Congregational Church

I'm drawn to the parallel of v.13 with v.21 ...certainly those who are poor, disabled, blind and limping would affirm this statement, "They have no means to repay their host." The main characteristic of the "Jewish Remnant" ...is not genealogical or geographical - it will always be surgical, a heart confession of spiritual bankruptcy. Also note, when an invited guest refused to attend this kind of banquet - it was basically a declaration of war (explains the Host's response in v.24). Praying believers will understand that the Gospel's terms of engagement cannot be sugar coated (or compromised).

Seems to me, people prefer to be entertained than taught? ...I can only imagine all the tough times/trials (and lessons) Daniel endured so he could tell King Belshazzar to, "Keep his gifts and give his rewards to someone else." (cf: Daniel 5:17) - That's someone who truly understood why it's a narrow door.

Perhaps denied even more than Christ's Resurrection, is the fact that there will also be a resurrection of the unjust (cf: Daniel 12:2 & Acts 24:15)

Based on our SHARED experience of having to make an insurance claim that was 100% our fault, we both understand how God's Prosecutor (the Holy Spirit) is so powerful - He ALWAYS achieves 100% "Conviction" ...of sin/righteousness/judgement. It's accurate to say, both the Pharisee and Tax Collector 'felt' guilty - but, only one was "Convicted" ...by the Holy Spirit 🏛️

What if "Spiritual Israel" has ALWAYS been defined as those who believe and are blessed with (or identified by) a faith like Abraham's? Praying for many souls who STILL pride themselves (today) in their geographical location and/or ethnicity - may they experience FREEDOM through the Spirit's convicting work ...available by faith in Jesus Christ (alone) ✝️

NOT wanting to have any (+/-) effect on PART 2 of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector - I will keep my comments 'brief' until next week's sermon is posted. Hint, the modern/contemporary equivalent of this (particular) parable is powerful. THANK YOU for providing the background on John Bunyan's conversion experience.

Nice exposition of Luke 17:1-10 ☑️ ...wow, Christ's understanding of humility (in contrast with the stumbling block of pride) - increase our faith, indeed 🕊️

In the (secular) realm of psychology, there's a saying, "Hurt people - hurt people" And "Forgiven people - forgive people" ...is a hallmark of the Christian Counselling process. In my opinion, the Lord's "Kingdom of heaven" comparison (from vv. 23-35) of the Unforgiving Servant is an application of the church discipline process (just outlined in vv. 15-18). Verse 31 indicates that the matter had already passed the "or two more (witnesses)" step (cf. 16) ...and had risen to tell it to the church step - in this case, the Master (or Lord) of the church. If only Islam had a Savior, then forgiveness would be possible in the Middle East. Praying for peace (through reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ) ✝️ Thank you for providing all the sermon notes and PDF attachment.

Chapter 13 is a Turning Point (in Matthew's Gospel) - no more Kingdom announcements in simple terms [Christ's genealogy, and testimony of the wise men] or figures of speech [the Sermon on the mount] ...after Israel's rejection of their King (and His Kingdom) - Jesus now uses Parables to explain the church age - that is, the various responses to the Gospel until the King returns 👑 Praying for the recognition of Christ's reign in His body, the church.

The details of the treasure unsought (v.44) and sought (v.45-46) are profound, and I pray will be encouraging to believers. The Sell/Sold everything "Miracle" ...is so amazing when a believer understands (by faith) their riches in Christ - now and eternal ✝️ The insights into Treasure New and Old (v.52) 🔍 ...are a parallel (in my opinion) with what Jesus meant in Luke 5:39. After explaining the principles of old/new wineskins, Jesus concludes with the following statement (Luke 5:39), "And no one, after drinking old wine wants new; for he says, 'the old is fine.'" Faith before/after the cross is ALWAYS centered on Christ, my two favorite 3:16s ...Genesis and John 🕊️

The love of the Father (modelled perfectly by Jesus Christ) - allows the redeemed ...ie: the younger son, to understand 'how' we were drawn to salvation (by God). A selfless desire to do what's best for another person (ie: Biblical Love) also explains how Judas deceived the disciples (by saying all the right things) - yet, Jesus knew all along that such a love was utterly despised (and rejected) by the "Man of Kerioth".

Witnessing God's JOY "throw-off" someone's self-styled leadership, and threaten their illusion of purity ...is the BEST antidote for the hurricane of hatred Christians encounter as we proclaim our love for Jesus Christ. Muslims don't understand (Biblical) freedom, Catholics are confused by grace (alone) and when compared with Heaven - how anyone can agree with the title of Joel Osteen's book, "Your Best Life Now" ...is proof of Society's inability to understand the depth of God's JOY in recovering the lost. Praying Pastor Comparetto's series on the parables of Jesus will unleash the JOY of God as listeners engage with the mission field.

When interpreting "Eschatological" passages (particularly from Ezekiel) - focusing on, 'This is what the Lord God says: “It is not for your sake, house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went."' (Ezekiel 36:22) ...will always ensure God's gospel of grace is presented ✝️

It's noteworthy how the results of Jesus' preaching brought about "Eternal" convictions - in other words, am I truly saved? Contemporary (post-modern) preaching is more focused on "Your best life now" (eg: help me with my finances - or, I'm a great guy, so where are all the women hiding? ...etc). Nevertheless, those who listened to Jesus thought more about matters of Heaven and Hell. The Good Samaritan exposed the "Said faith" of the Priests, Levites, Scribes/Lawyer and helped listeners to "See faith" motivating the genuine love from a foreigner/stranger ...and alien to the nation of Israel. Christians struggling with assurance of their salvation should be comforted "Seeing" God use faith (in the completed work of Christ) ...informing our motivations to love anyone in need.

Love without limits is what it takes to "Earn" ones way into eternal life - has anyone loved without limit (their whole life)? ...No. Just making sure the question (asked by the lawyer) was answered. Not only have we been forgiven for our lack of perfect love toward God (and others) when we were saved, but God continues to forgive us for our inability to love God and others ...without limit. The Good Samaritan (story) was used by Jesus to expose the lawyer's hard-heart. Perhaps a good 'response' question would be, "Did the lawyer repent?"