5.2 The Vineyard and the Slave “Listen to the parable which I am about to tell you which relates to fasting.  A certain man had a field and many slaves. And on a certain part of the field he planted a vineyard. And choosing a certain faithful, pleasing, and honored slave, he called him and said to him, ‘Take this vineyard which I planted and fence it until I come, and do not do otherwise to the vineyard. And keep this commandment of mine and you will gain freedom from me.’ And the master of the slave went out on … Continue reading The Vineyard and the Slave

Parable 2 2.1 The Elm Tree and the Vine I was walking in the country and noticed an elm tree and a vine, and was thinking about them and their fruit. The shepherd appeared to me and said, “What are you asking yourself about the elm tree and the vine?” “I am considering,” I said, “sir, that they are well suited to one another.”  “These two trees,” he said, “are given as a type for the servants of God.” “I would like,” I said, “to know the type of these trees of which you speak.” “Do you see,” he said, … Continue reading The Elm Tree and the Vine

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” – Jesus Matthew 10:36-39 Continue reading God has authority

Ignatius 100ish AD to Polycarp shortly before being fed to the beasts in the Coliseum for Jesus (King of the ages). THE TIME SEEKS FOR YOU, like shipmasters seek for wind and like storm-tossed sailors seek for harbor, TO REACH TO GOD. Be self-controlled, like God’s athlete. The prize is immortality and eternal life, about which you also have been persuaded. I am your ransom in every respect and also my chains, which you loved. Those who appear to be trustworthy yet teach strange doctrines, do not let them amaze you. Stand firm, like an anvil being struck with a … Continue reading Like God’s athlete