Artistic Theology

                                                   The parables of Jesus are much more than simple stories that contain moral values - they are significant truths that reveal the "mysteries of the kingdom of God" and are meant to be understood and applied by those who follow him. (Luke 8:10)  Although  Jesus often taught in parables during his earthly ministry, he did not often give an explanation of the parable afterwards. In fact, when Jesus' disciples asked him why he spoke in parables to the people, he quoted Isaiah 6 "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears they are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." He then explained to his close followers "Unto you it i...

        We are all travelers in this world.  Some would say this world is a dark place because each of us faces challenges, uncertainty, trials and tough decisions. Some would say it is a light place, because the world also contains abundant beauty; and we enjoy happiness, delight and wonder. Yet, it is not simply a matter of view.   The physical world and the spiritual world are two things which are quite different, yet connected. The  Bible tells us that the world is in spiritual darkness, and people need the "light of life" in order to walk through it without stumbling.   Jesus said "I am come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me will not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)* Jesus calls himself "the light of the world" and promises "he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." ( John 8:12)    We have been given the Bible to provide this light - "Thy word is a lamp unto m...