Refined By Fire

Tag: John MacArthur

  • The Mustard Seed: Kingdom Growth

    A Seed in Galilee

    In a Galilean field near Capernaum, a farmer held a tiny mustard seed, barely noticeable in his palm (Matthew 13:31, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field”). The rolling hills, dotted with wildflowers as described by ancient travelers like Josephus (Wars of the Jews, Book 3), framed this scene—a humble setting for Jesus’ teaching. Yet, this seed’s potential revealed human doubt: small beginnings often seem insignificant. Christ’s parable offers hope through growth. Dual-Realm Dispensationalism unveils this Sod (סוֹד, Strong’s H5475: hidden secret), showing how faith in the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13, “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”) grows into the expansive Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 20:6). Charles Ryrie writes, “The Mustard Seed illustrates the kingdom’s growth from humble origins to global impact” (Dispensationalism, 2007, p. 145). Trust humbly—small faith yields great growth.

    The Seed’s Growth

    The mustard seed, though “the smallest of all seeds”, grew into a plant so large that “the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches” (Matthew 13:32). Botanists note the black mustard plant (Brassica nigra), common in Judea, can grow 10-12 feet, towering over other herbs. This growth mirrors the Kingdom of Heaven’s expansion—from a small band of disciples to a global faith (Acts 1:8, “you will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth”). The kingdom begins in the heart (John 3:3, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”), but its fruit reaches far (Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before others”). David Guzik reflects, “The kingdom grows through faithful witness, small acts compounding into eternity” (Matthew Commentary, 2013, p. 56). Grow steadily—your faith expands God’s kingdom.

    The Kingdom of God Now

    The Kingdom of God, accessed by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, “by grace you have been saved through faith”), starts small but grows through Spirit-led works (Colossians 1:10, “bearing fruit in every good work”). The mustard seed’s growth reflects this—believers, rooted in the Kingdom of God now, bear fruit that prepares for the Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 20:6, “they will reign with him for a thousand years”). The birds nesting symbolize the kingdom’s reach, offering shelter to all (Isaiah 11:9, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord”). Shine brightly—your faith, though small, can shelter many.

    The Centurion’s Seed of Faith

    A centurion in Capernaum planted a small seed of faith (Matthew 8:5-13). He sought Jesus to heal his servant, saying, “Lord… only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). Jesus marveled, “with no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10), and the servant was healed. Chuck Smith observes, “His faith, though small, grew into a testimony of God’s power” (The Gospel of Matthew, 1982, p. 45). This seed of faith entered the Kingdom of God (John 3:16, “whoever believes in him should not perish”), a model for growth. Believe simply—your small faith can grow mighty.

    Hope for the Kingdom of Heaven

    The mustard plant’s growth foreshadows the Kingdom of Heaven, where Christ’s reign brings global glory (Revelation 20:4). The Rapture marks this transition (1 Thessalonians 4:17, “caught up… to meet the Lord in the air”), leading to the millennial kingdom where believers reign (Revelation 20:6). John MacArthur writes, “The kingdom’s growth culminates in Christ’s return, a hope for every believer” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew, 1989, p. 347). This hope inspires us to plant seeds now, ensuring rewards later. Hope confidently—your faith today grows into eternity.

    More to Explore

    The Mustard Seed challenges us—are we planting seeds of faith? Upcoming posts will explore how love (Luke 10:25-37) and readiness (Matthew 24:45-47) in the Kingdom of God now lead to glory in the Kingdom of Heaven. Stay tuned—God’s Word holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), and for a deeper dive, look forward to Refined by Fire, a forthcoming book exploring these truths across 24 chapters, deepening your journey in the Kingdom of God and Heaven (Ephesians 2:10).

  • The Pearl of Great Price: Hope of Glory

    A Merchant by the Sea

    Along the Mediterranean coast, a merchant sifted through treasures, his eyes fixed on a single pearl (Matthew 13:45, “the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls”). The salty breeze of Tyre, as described by ancient sources like Strabo (Geography, Book 16), carried the sound of waves crashing against the shore, a vivid setting for Jesus’ parable. Yet, this merchant’s quest revealed human failure—pursuing wealth over eternal value. Christ’s teaching offers hope through sacrifice. Dual-Realm Dispensationalism unveils this Sod (סוֹד, Strong’s H5475: hidden secret), showing how seeking the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13, “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”) prepares us for the Kingdom of Heaven’s glory (Revelation 20:6). Tim LaHaye writes, “The Pearl signifies the priceless value of salvation, pursued with all one’s heart” (Revelation Unveiled, 1999, p. 123). Seek earnestly—your pursuit shapes your eternal hope.

    The Merchant’s Quest

    The merchant sold all he had to buy one pearl (Matthew 13:46). This pearl, rare and costly, symbolized the Kingdom of Heaven—a treasure worth everything (Matthew 13:44). Jesus taught that true value lies in giving up the temporal for the eternal (Luke 12:33, “sell your possessions, and give to the needy”). The merchant’s sacrifice mirrors the believer’s faith, entering the Kingdom of God now (John 3:3, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”), with hope of reigning later (Revelation 20:4, “they came to life and reigned with Christ”). David Jeremiah notes, “The Pearl calls us to prioritize eternal riches over worldly gain” (The Handwriting on the Wall, 1992, p. 89). Value highly—let your heart chase God’s kingdom.

    The Kingdom of God Now

    The Kingdom of God, a spiritual realm accessed by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, “by grace you have been saved through faith”), demands total commitment. The merchant’s sacrifice reflects this—selling all to gain the pearl mirrors surrendering to Christ (Philippians 3:8, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ”). This kingdom, lived now through the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17, “righteousness and peace and joy”), prepares us for the Kingdom of Heaven’s rewards (Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant”). Commit fully—let your life reflect the pearl’s worth.

    The Rich Young Ruler

    A rich young ruler sought eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22), but when Jesus said, “Go, sell what you possess and give to the poor… and come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21), he walked away sad (Matthew 19:22). His wealth was his tares, choking faith (Matthew 13:22). Skip Heitzig reflects, “The ruler’s refusal shows the cost of discipleship—choosing Christ over all” (The Gospel of John, 2007, p. 67). Unlike the merchant, he missed the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:25, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle”). Choose wisely—let go of what hinders your pursuit.

    Hope for the Kingdom of Heaven

    The pearl foreshadows the Kingdom of Heaven, where overcomers inherit glory (Revelation 21:21, “the twelve gates were twelve pearls”). The merchant’s sacrifice prefigures the Rapture’s call (1 Thessalonians 4:17, “caught up… to meet the Lord”), separating the Church Age from the millennial reign (Revelation 20:6). John MacArthur writes, “The Pearl points to the eternal value of a life surrendered to Christ” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew, 1989, p. 345). This hope drives us to seek God now, ensuring rewards later. Hope boldly—your pursuit today secures your crown tomorrow.

    More to Explore

    The Pearl challenges us—are we seeking God’s kingdom above all? Upcoming posts will explore how love (Luke 10:25-37) and readiness (Matthew 24:45-47) in the Kingdom of God now lead to glory in the Kingdom of Heaven. Stay tuned—God’s Word holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), and for a deeper dive, look forward to Refined by Fire, a forthcoming book exploring these truths across 24 chapters, deepening your journey in the Kingdom of God and Heaven (Ephesians 2:10).