My lesson title comes from one of Jesus’ Parables. One of His “Kingdom Parables” nonetheless!
“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the BIRDS of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” Matthew 13:31-32
“Birds of the air,” sponsored by the “prince of the power of the air,” the devil himself!
We are being taught that not every “religious person,” even every “good person,” is saved!
Listen to Jesus … “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23, religious but lost!
The growth of the so-called “professing” Church has truly been exponential, rapid and prolific, like the mustard seed in the Parable. (Remember, professors are not always possessors!)
And so indeed, organized “religion” in this world has become big business! a huge, sprawling tree!
But then look again, with the lucid brevity only Jesus could use, “birds” have come and lodged in Christendom’s (those professors again) limbs, branches.
And these birds are evil!
They represent the word of the devil!
As here in an earlier Parable of our Lord. “Jesus went out of a house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the FOWLS came and devoured them up …” Matthew 13:1-4, the birds stealing the Gospel seed. Again, the work of the devil!
So in our day, organized “religion” has reached a gigantic size … but it is infested with demons and false prophets and false brethren! (Those fowls, those birds, as I’ve repeatedly said.)
And in Revelation 17 we finally see (through Bible prophecy) the false Church (Mother of Harlots) destroyed, massive as she is! Wealthy as she is! Sinful as she is!
Dirty birds, for sure!
Yes, much of “religion” today supports every form of sin imaginable!
Come out from among her and be ye separate!
Follow Jesus!
Stay pure!
Go to a Bible-preaching Church!
I am not interested in these wicked birds, just give me the sweet, pure Dove of the Holy Spirit!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Jesus’ very next Matthew 13 Parable repeats the same “sin in the false Church” scenario!
Study it too … “Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” Matthew 13:33, leaven being a picture, symbol of sin!
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