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BRIGHT HOPE TOMORROW Dr. Jim Denison How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days for

BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

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Page 1: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

BRIGHT HOPE

TOMORROW

Dr. Jim Denison

How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

f o r

Page 2: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

© 2020 Denison Forum

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (!e Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing minis-try of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com !e “NIV” and “New Internation-al Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark O"ce by Biblica, Inc.™

Page 3: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

ALSO BY DR. JIM DENISON

The Daily Article email newsletter is news discerned LQٺMZMV\Ta�M^MZa�5WVLIa�\PZW]OP�.ZQLIa�� ;]J[KZQJM�NWZ�NZMM�I\�,MVQ[WV.WZ]U�WZO�

Respectfully, I Disagree:

How to Be a Civil Person in an Uncivil Time

The Greater Work: How Prayer Positions You to Receive All that Grace Intends to Give

7 Deadly Sins: How Our Oldest Temptations Can Lead You from Vice to Virtue

5ISQVO�;MV[M�WN "MZQVOٺ[;�7 Biblical Ways to Help Hurting People

Biblical Insight to Tough Questions: Vols. 1–6

Blessed: Eight Ways Christians Change Culture

How Does God See America?

Empowered: A Guide to Experiencing the Power of the Holy Spirit

:MY]M[\�\PM[M�JWWS[�I\�,MVQ[WV.WZ]U�WZO�JWWS[

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<)*4-�7.�+76<-6<;

16<:7,=+<176�Chapter 1: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�8-:;1;<-6+-� �Chapter 2: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�<:=;<� !Chapter 3: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�.:--,75� ��Chapter 4: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�;-:>1+-� �!Chapter 5: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�.7:/1>-6-;;� ��Chapter 6: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�0=5141<A� �!Chapter 7: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�+7=:)/-� ��Chapter 8: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�=:/-6+A� �!Chapter 9: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�->)6/-41;5� ��Chapter 10: <0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�/:)+-� !+76+4=;176� !!67<-;� ���

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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Page 8: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

Chapter 1:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�8-:;1;<-6+-

The parable of the persistent friend: Luke 11:5–13

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Page 9: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

A rude neighbor

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Page 11: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

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A loving Father

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Page 12: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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Why persistent prayer is so powerful

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7]Z�UI\MZQITQ[\QK�K]T\]ZM�Q[�IT[W�KWV^QVKML�\PI\�\PM�UI\MZQIT�Q[�_PI\�UI\\MZ[��;MMQVO�Q[�JMTQM^QVO��AW]�KIVVW\�[MM�JMaWVL�\PM�QUUMLQI\M��[W�_Pa�_W]TL�aW]�XMZ[Q[\�QV�LWQVO�[WUM\PQVO�\PI\�LWM[V¼\�JZQVO�QUUMLQI\M�ZM[]T\['�1N �/WL�LWM[V¼\�IV[_MZ�aW]Z�XZIaMZ�VW_��_Pa�SMMX�XZIaQVO�Q\'

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1V�\PM�NIKM�WN �[]KP�[SMX\QKQ[U��_Pa�LW�_PI\�2M[][�\MIKPM[�][�\W�LW'�

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8ZIaQVO�\W�/WL�LWM[�VW\�QVNWZU�PQU�WN �W]Z�VMML�WZ�KPIVOM�PQ[�KPIZIK\MZ��:I\PMZ��Q\�XW[Q\QWV[�][�\W�ZMKMQ^M�_PI\�PQ[�OZIKM�QV\MVL[�\W�OQ^M�

8MZ[Q[\MV\�XZIaMZ�LWM[�[WUM\PQVO�MT[M�I[�_MTT"�1\�SMMX[�][�KWVVMK\ML�\W�/WL�[W�PQ[�;XQZQ\�KIV�UWTL�][�QV\W�\PM�QUIOM�WN �+PZQ[\��?PMV�_M�XZIa��\PM�0WTa�;XQZQ\�Q[�IJTM�\W�_WZS�QV�W]Z�TQ^M[�QV�_Ia[�PM�KIVVW\�W\PMZ_Q[M��<PM�UWZM�_M�XZIa��KWV\QV]QVO�\W�\Z][\�W]Z�XZWJTMU[�IVL�VMML[�\W�\PM�4WZL��\PM�UWZM�PM�UISM[�][�\PM�XMWXTM�PM�QV\MVL[�][�\W�JM�IVL�MUXW_MZ[�][�NWZ�\PM�KPITTMVOM[�_M�NIKM�

;W��XQKS�aW]Z�OZMI\M[\�KPITTMVOM��6IUM�Q\�JMNWZM�aW]Z�.I\PMZ��+WV\QV]M�\W�XZIa�IJW]\�Q\��SVW_QVO�\PI\�XMZ[Q[\MV\�XZIaMZ�KWVVMK\[�aW]�_Q\P�PQ[�XW_MZ�IVL�_Q[LWU��3VW_�\PI\�I[�aW]�XZIa��\PM�LWWZ�_QTT�JM�WXMVML��Ja�\PM�OZIKM�WN �/WL�

AW]Z�.I\PMZ�Q[�_IQ\QVO�\W�PMIZ�NZWU�aW]�_Q\P�ITT�PQ[�WUVQXW\MV\�[\ZMVO\P�IVL�WUVQ[KQMV\�_Q[LWU��

=VTQSM�\PM�UIV�QV�2M[][¼�XIZIJTM��PM�Q[�I_ISM�IVL�_IQ\QVO�WV�aW]�

Conclusion

1�_ITS�QV�W]Z�,ITTI[�VMQOPJWZPWWL�MIZTa�MIKP�UWZVQVO��1�WVKM�KIUM�IKZW[[�I�aIZL�[QOV�\PI\�QUXZM[[ML�UM�OZMI\Ta��1\�XZWKTIQUML"�¹0WXM�Q[�ITQ^M��2M[][�Q[�ITQ^Mº�

<PM�ÅZ[\�Q[�\Z]M�JMKI][M�\PM�[MKWVL�Q[�\Z]M�

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

<PMZM�Q[�PWXM�NWZ�W]Z�XI[\�JMKI][M�2M[][�LQML�NWZ�][��:WUIV[��" ��IVL�\PMV�ZW[M�NZWU�W]Z�OZI^M��

<PMZM�Q[�PWXM�NWZ�W]Z�XZM[MV\�JMKI][M�\PM�TQ^QVO�+PZQ[\�Q[�XZIaQVO�NWZ�][�ZQOP\�VW_��:WUIV[� "�����

<PMZM�Q[�PWXM�NWZ�W]Z�N]\]ZM�JMKI][M�2M[][�_QTT�KWUM�NWZ�][�WVM�LIa�IVL�Q[�J]QTLQVO�W]Z�PWUM�QV�XIZILQ[M�ZQOP\�VW_��2WPV���"�·���

0WXM�Q[�ITQ^M�JMKI][M�2M[][�Q[�ITQ^M��?Pa�LW�aW]�VMML�\W�XZIK\QKM�XMZ[Q[\MV\�XZIaMZ�\W�PQU�\WLIa'

4M\¼[�[Ia�Q\�IOIQV"�Q\�Q[�IT_Ia[�\WW�[WWV�\W�OQ^M�]X�WV�/WL�

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Chapter 2:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�<:=;<The parable of the persistent widow: Luke 18:1–8

<MUXTM�=VQ^MZ[Q\a�_I[�NW]VLML�QV�� �Ja�,Z��:][[MTT�+WV_MTT��0M�ZIQ[ML����UQTTQWV�Ja�\ZI^MTQVO�ITT�W^MZ�)UMZQKI�IVL�\MTTQVO�\PM�NWTTW_QVO�[\WZa�UWZM�\PIV�[Q`�\PW][IVL�\QUM[��

1\�Q[�I�\Z]M�[\WZa�PM�KITTML�¹)KZM[�WN �,QIUWVL[�º

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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5MIV_PQTM��\PM�UIV�_PW�PIL�JW]OP\�PQ[�NIZU�NW]VL�I�TIZOM�IVL�]V][]IT�[\WVM�QV�WVM�WN �Q\[�[\ZMIU[��<PM�[\WVM�\]ZVML�W]\�\W�JM�I�LQIUWVL�WN �MVWZUW][�^IT]M��0M�[WWV�LQ[KW^MZML�W\PMZ�LQIUWVL[�WV�\PM�NIZU��1\�JMKIUM�WVM�WN �\PM�_WZTL¼[�ZQKPM[\�LQIUWVL�UQVM[�

AW]�IVL�1�[\IVL�QV�IKZM[�WN �LQIUWVL[��-IKP�WN �][�PI[�I^IQTIJTM�\W�][�\PM�UW[\�I_M[WUM�XW_MZ�QV�\PM�]VQ^MZ[M"�\PM�WUVQXW\MVKM�WN �\PM�+ZMI\WZ�/WL¸\PM�XW_MZ�_PQKP�[XWSM�ITT�\PI\�Q[�QV\W�JMQVO#�\PM�XW_MZ�\PI\�KZMI\M[�\PM�UQZIKTM�WN �TQNM�Q\[MTN#�\PM�XW_MZ�_PQKP�Z]TM[�W^MZ�ITT�\PI\�M`Q[\[��

0W_�Q[�\PQ[�XW_MZ�I^IQTIJTM�\W�]['�

1V�XZIaMZ�

1V�\PQ[�KPIX\MZ��_M¼TT�NWK][�WV�IVW\PMZ�WN �2M[][¼�UQ[]VLMZ[\WWL�XIZIJTM[��)VL�_M¼TT�TMIZV�\PI\�\PM�PIZLMZ�Q\�Q[�\W�\Z][\�/WL��\PM�UWZM�_M�VMML�\W�\Z][\�/WL�

6IUM�aW]Z�KPITTMVOM��NMIZ��WZ�J]ZLMV��1LMV\QNa�\PM�NMIZ�WZ�_WZZa�\PI\�UISM[�Q\�LQٻK]T\�NWZ�aW]�\W�[\IVL�X]JTQKTa�NWZ�aW]Z�4WZL�QV�W]Z�NITTMV�K]T\]ZM�

6W_��TM\¼[�\ISM�\PQ[�Q[[]M�\W�\PM�2]LOM�WN �\PM�]VQ^MZ[M�_PW�Q[�IT[W�aW]Z�.I\PMZ�IVL�NZQMVL��)VL�TM\¼[�LQ[KW^MZ�\PI\�PQ[�XW_MZ�Q[�OZMI\MZ�\PIV�W]Z�XZWJTMU[��_PI\M^MZ�\PMa�UIa�JM�

Be as persistent as the widow

<PQ[�KPIX\MZ¼[�XIZIJTM�Q[�NW]VL�WVTa�QV�4]SM��4M\¼[�_ITS�\PZW]OP�2M[][¼�[\WZa��XPZI[M�Ja�XPZI[M�

4]SM�JMOQV[�_Q\P�\PM�KTMIZ�XWQV\�WN �\PM�XIZIJTM"�¹\W�\PM�MٺMK\�\PI\�\PMa�W]OP\�IT_Ia[�\W�XZIa�IVL�VW\�TW[M�PMIZ\º��4]SM�� "����¹<W�\PM�MٺMK\�\PI\º�UMIV[�¹NWZ�\PM�X]ZXW[M�\PI\�º�¹6W\�TW[M�PMIZ\º�UMIV[�VW\�\W�JMKWUM�_MIZa�WZ�OQ^M�QV�\W�M^QT�

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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8I]T�][ML�\PM�XPZI[M�NWZ�\PM�[IUM�X]ZXW[M�_PMV�PM�\M[\QÅML��¹0I^QVO�\PQ[�UQVQ[\Za�Ja�\PM�UMZKa�WN �/WL��_M�LW�VW\�TW[M�PMIZ\º����+WZQV\PQIV[��"����0M�ILLML"�¹?M�LW�VW\�TW[M�PMIZ\��<PW]OP�W]Z�W]\MZ�[MTN �Q[�_I[\QVO�I_Ia��W]Z�QVVMZ�[MTN �Q[�JMQVO�ZMVM_ML�LIa�Ja�LIaº�� �̂�����

1V�2M[][¼�[\WZa��_M�ÅVL�I�¹R]LOM�º�<PQ[�UIV�_I[�KTMIZTa�VW\�I�2M_Q[P�UIOQ[\ZI\M��7ZLQVIZa�LQ[X]\M[�QV�\PM�2M_Q[P�K]T\]ZM�_MZM�\ISMV�JMNWZM�\PM�MTLMZ[��VW\�\PM�X]JTQK�KW]Z\[��1N �UI\\MZ[�ZMY]QZML�IZJQ\ZI\QWV��\PZMM�R]LOM[�_MZM�IXXWQV\ML"�WVM�KPW[MV�Ja�\PM�LMNMVLIV\��WVM�Ja�\PM�XTIQV\Qٺ��IVL�WVM�[MTMK\ML�QVLMXMVLMV\Ta�

*a�KWV\ZI[\��\PQ[�R]LOM�_I[�WVM�WN �\PM�XIQL�UIOQ[\ZI\M[�MUXTWaML�MQ\PMZ�Ja�0MZWL�WZ�Ja�\PM�:WUIV[��<PM[M�UMV�_MZM�VW\WZQW][��:WUM�PIL�VW�ZMY]QZMUMV\�M`KMX\�\PI\�\PMa�XZW\MK\�\PM�QV\MZM[\[�WN �\PM�MUXQZM��=VTM[[�I�XTIQV\Qٺ�PIL�UWVMa�IVL�QVÆ]MVKM�MVW]OP�\W�J]a�I�^MZLQK\��R][\QKM�_W]TL�VM^MZ�JM�LWVM��<PM�XMWXTM�\aXQKITTa�KITTML�\PMU�¹ZWJJMZ�R]LOM[�º�IVL�NWZ�OWWL�ZMI[WV�

2M[][�Q[�[QUXTa�LM[KZQJQVO�\PQVO[�I[�\PMa�IZM"�¹I�R]LOM�_PW�VMQ\PMZ�NMIZML�/WL�VWZ�ZM[XMK\ML�UIVº��4]SM�� "����0M�PIL�VW�IKKW]V\IJQTQ\a��VW�PQOPMZ�KW]Z\��0M�_I[�\PM�TI_�]V\W�PQU[MTN�

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6WVM\PMTM[[��[PM�¹SMX\�KWUQVO�\W�PQUº�� �̂��J���

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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Trust your loving Father

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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Chapter 3:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�.:--,75The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son:

Luke 15

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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Two ways to use our freedom

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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Conclusion

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Page 33: BRIGHT HOPE · ¹/zmi\ 1[

Chapter 4:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�;-:>1+-The parable of the mustard seed: Matthew 13:31–32

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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What is a mustard seed?

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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<PI\�Q\�_W]TL�JMKWUM�\PM�TIZOM[\��UW[\�[QOVQÅKIV\�[XQZQ\]IT�UW^MUMV\�QV�P]UIV�PQ[\WZa'

What is the kingdom of heaven?

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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<W�KWV\QV]M�\PM�UM\IXPWZ��)TNZML�6WZ\P�?PQ\MPMIL�VW\ML�\PI\�OZMI\�XMWXTM�XTIV\�\ZMM[�\PMa¼TT�VM^MZ�[Q\�]VLMZ��<PI\¼[�XZMKQ[MTa�_PI\�2M[][�XZWUQ[ML�\W�LW�_Q\P�][�

How do we join the mustard-seed movement?

;W��_PI\�Q[�W]Z�ZWTM'�

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First, die.

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<PM�;KZQX\]ZM[�[Ia�_M�IZM�¹J]ZQML�\PMZMNWZM�_Q\P�PQU�Ja�JIX\Q[U�QV\W�LMI\P��QV�WZLMZ�\PI\��R][\�I[�+PZQ[\�_I[�ZIQ[ML�NZWU�\PM�LMIL�Ja�\PM�OTWZa�WN �\PM�.I\PMZ��_M�\WW�UQOP\�_ITS�QV�VM_VM[[�WN �TQNMº��:WUIV[��"����

?PMV�_M�UISM�+PZQ[\�W]Z�;I^QWZ�IVL�4WZL��_M�LQM�\W�W]Z�WTL�TQ^M[��1V�\PI\�UWUMV\��_M�JMKWUM�I�¹VM_�KZMI\QWVº�_Q\P�\PQ[�ZM[]T\"�¹<PM�WTL�PI[�XI[[ML�I_Ia#�JMPWTL��\PM�VM_�PI[�KWUMº����+WZQV\PQIV[��"����

*]\�\PQ[�Q[�VW\�R][\�I�LMKQ[QWV�_M�UILM�I\�W]Z�[IT^I\QWV��1\�Q[�I�LMKQ[QWV�_M�U][\�UISM�M^MZa�LIa�

8I]T�\M[\QÅML��¹1�PI^M�JMMV�KZ]KQÅML�_Q\P�+PZQ[\��1\�Q[�VW�TWVOMZ�1�_PW�TQ^M��J]\�+PZQ[\�_PW�TQ^M[�QV�UM��)VL�\PM�TQNM�1�VW_�TQ^M�QV�\PM�ÆM[P�1�TQ^M�Ja�NIQ\P�QV�\PM�;WV�WN �/WL��_PW�TW^ML�UM�IVL�OI^M�PQU[MTN �NWZ�UMº��/ITI\QIV[��"�����

2WPV�\PM�*IX\Q[\�[IQL�WN �2M[][��¹0M�U][\�QVKZMI[M��J]\�1�U][\�LMKZMI[Mº��2WPV��"����

/WL�KIVVW\�LW�_Q\P�][�_PI\�_M�\Za�\W�LW�_Q\P�W]Z[MT^M[��)�UMKPIVQK�KIVVW\�ZMXIQZ�I�KIZ�1�QV[Q[\�WV�ZMXIQZQVO�Ua[MTN��<PM�4WZL�KIV�TMIL�WVTa�\PW[M�_PW�_QTT�NWTTW_�

<W�UISM�\PM�UW[\�WN �aW]Z�TQNM��[]ZZMVLMZ�aW]Z�TQNM�M^MZa�LIa�\W�2M[][��8]\�PQU�QV�KPIZOM�WN �aW]Z�TQNM�QV�LIa[�WN �JTM[[QVO�and�QV�LIa[�WN �KPITTMVOM[��

)[S�PQU�\W�ZMLMMU�aW]Z�LIa[��;]JUQ\�\PMU�\W�aW]Z�4WZL�

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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Second, grow.

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1V�\PM�[IUM�_Ia��_M�IZM�QV\MVLML�\W�¹OZW_�QV�\PM�OZIKM�IVL�SVW_TMLOM�WN �W]Z�4WZL�IVL�;I^QWZ�2M[][�+PZQ[\º����8M\MZ��"� ���?M�LW�\PQ[�Ja�ZMILQVO�PQ[�_WZL��XZIaQVO��IVL�_WZ[PQXQVO�M^MZa�LIa��?M�LW�\PQ[�Ja�SMMXQVO�W\PMZ�[XQZQ\]IT�LQ[KQXTQVM[�I[�_MTT"�[WTQ\]LM��UMLQ\I\QWV��NI[\QVO��IVL�KWVNM[[QWV�

5a�aW]\P�UQVQ[\MZ�WVKM�I[SML�][��¹1N �1�KW]TL�[VIX�Ua�ÅVOMZ[�IVL�aW]�JMKIUM�I[�UI\]ZM�XPa[QKITTa�I[�aW]�IZM�[XQZQ\]ITTa��PW_�WTL�_W]TL�aW]�JM'º

5ISM�\QUM�\W�JM�_Q\P�PQU��\W�OZW_�KTW[MZ�\W�aW]Z�4WZL��:M[WT^M�\W�ZMLMMU�PIZL�LIa[�Ja�JMQVO�ITWVM�_Q\P�2M[][��=[M�\PQ[�\QUM�\W�OZW_�QV�+PZQ[\�

Third, serve.

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/WL¼[�_WZL�Q[�KTMIZ"�¹)[�MIKP�PI[�ZMKMQ^ML�I�OQN\��][M�Q\�\W�[MZ^M�WVM�IVW\PMZ��I[�OWWL�[\M_IZL[�WN �/WL¼[�^IZQML�OZIKMº����8M\MZ��"����

.QVL�_Ia[�\W�[MZ^M�XMWXTM��?PI\�KIV�aW]�LW�\WLIa�\PI\�aW]�KW]TL�VW\�LW�[Q`�UWV\P[�IOW'�?PI\�KIV�aW]�LW�\WLIa�\PI\��QV�[Q`�UWV\P[��aW]�_QTT�JM�OZI\MN]T�aW]�LQL'�?PWU�KIV�aW]�[MZ^M'�?PI\�VMML[�KIV�aW]�UMM\'�0W_�KIV�aW]�[PW_�[WUMWVM�\PM�TW^M�WN �/WL�QV�aW]Z�KWUXI[[QWV'

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Conclusion

,W�aW]�\PQVS�\PM�KPITTMVOQVO�UWUMV\[�WN �aW]Z�TQNM�[]ZXZQ[ML�/WL��WZ�LW�aW]�\PQVS�PM�XZMXIZML�aW]�NWZ�[]KP�[MI[WV['�

,QL�PM�SVW_�JMNWZM�aW]�OW\�WV�\PM�IQZXTIVM�\PI\�aW]¼L�JM�QV�\PM�IQZXWZ\'�

,QL�PM�SVW_�JMNWZM�aW]�J]QT\�\PM�PW][M�\PI\�aW]¼L�[XMVL�I�aMIZ�QV�IV�IXIZ\UMV\'�

,W�aW]�\PQVS�PM�KIV�VW_�][M�aW]Z�TQNM�QV�UWZM�_Ia[�\PIV�aW]�KIV'

5IZ\QV�4]\PMZ�[IQL��¹1\�Q[�\PM�L]\a�WN �M^MZa�+PZQ[\QIV�\W�JM�+PZQ[\�\W�PQ[�VMQOPJWZ�º

1N �aW]�_QTT�LMKQLM�M^MZa�LIa�\W�LQM��OZW_��IVL�[MZ^M��aW]�_QTT�RWQV�2M[][¼�U][\IZL�[MML�UW^MUMV\��AW]�_QTT�JM�+PZQ[\�\W�aW]Z�VMQOPJWZ�

1[�\PMZM�I�OZMI\MZ�XZQ^QTMOM'

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Chapter 5:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�.7:/1>-6-;;

The parable of the unforgiving servant: Matthew 18:21–35

)�UIV�VIUML�,I^M�+PMZVW[Sa�_I[�I[TMMX�QV�\PM�PW][M�QV�)[XMV��+WTWZILW��_PMZM�PM�_I[�[\IaQVO�_Q\P�PQ[�\_MT^M�aMIZ�WTL�\_QV�KPQTLZMV��0M�PMIZL�I�KWUUW\QWV�QV�\PM�SQ\KPMV�IVL�_MV\�\W�QV^M[\QOI\M��)�NW]Z�P]VLZML�XW]VL�JMIZ�_I[�[\IVLQVO�QV�NZWV\�WN �\PM�ZMNZQOMZI\WZ��0M�PIL�WXMVML�LZI_MZ[�IVL�KIJQVM\[�IVL�\PZW_V�[\]ٺ�IZW]VL�\PM�ZWWU�

+PMZVW[Sa�_I[�IJTM�\W�KWI`�\PM�JMIZ�W]\�QV\W�\PM�OIZIOM��J]\�\PM�IVQUIT�JMKIUM�[XWWSML�_PMV�+PMZVW[Sa�ZIQ[ML�\PM�OIZIOM�LWWZ�IVL�KIUM�JIKS�QV\W�\PM�PW][M��<PM�JMIZ�\PMV�[\Z]KS�+PMZVW[Sa�WV�\PM�[QLM�WN �\PM�PMIL�IVL�\PM�JIKS��,WK\WZ[�TI\MZ�\WTL�PQU�\PI\�\PM�JMIZ¼[�KTI_[�PIL�R][\�UQ[[ML�PQ[�MaM�IVL�KIZW\QL�IZ\MZa�

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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7VM�WN �\PM�OZMI\�\ZIOMLQM[�WN �\PM�KWZWVI^QZ][�XIVLMUQK�Q[�\PI\�Q\�\ISM[�[W�U]KP�NWK][�NZWU�W]Z�W\PMZ�XZWJTMU[��8I\QMV\[�IZM�VW\�OM\\QVO�\ZMI\ML�NWZ�PMIZ\�LQ[MI[M��KIVKMZ��LQIJM\M[��IVL�W\PMZ�XZWJTMU[�I[�\PMa�[PW]TL�JM��<PM�[IUM�KIV�JM�\Z]M�QV�W]Z�ZMTI\QWV[PQX[��1N �aW]�_MZM�[\Z]OOTQVO�_Q\P�aW]Z�UIZZQIOM�WZ�NIUQTa��\PM�XIVLMUQK�XZWJIJTa�PI[�VW\�UILM�\PQVO[�JM\\MZ��1N �aW]�IZM�LMITQVO�_Q\P�XMWXTM�_PW�PI^M�P]Z\�aW]�I\�[KPWWT�WZ�_WZS��\PM�XIQV�XZWJIJTa�XMZ[Q[\[��AW]�UIa�PI^M�XMWXTM�NZWU�aW]Z�XI[\�_PW[M�¹KTI_[º�[\QTT�P]Z\�aW]�\WLIa�

4M\¼[�TWWS�NWZ�PWXM�NWZ�\PM�ZMTI\QWVIT�XIQV�_M�ITT�NMMT��

*MNWZM�_M�KWV[QLMZ�\PM�XIZIJTM�WN �\PM�]VNWZOQ^QVO�[MZ^IV\�QV�\PQ[�KPIX\MZ��VIUM�aW]Z�¹JMIZ�º�6IUM�\PM�ZMTI\QWV[PQX�aW]�UW[\�_Q[P�KW]TL�JM�JM\\MZ��\PM�XMZ[WV�aW]�VMML�\W�NWZOQ^M�WZ�[MMS�NWZOQ^MVM[[�NZWU��

6W_��TM\¼[�TQ[\MV�I[�2M[][�[XMIS[�\W�\PM�¹JMIZ[º�QV�W]Z�¹MUW\QWVIT�SQ\KPMV[º�_Q\P�PMITQVO�\Z]\P�

Consider the debt you owe

7]Z�\M`\�WXMV[�_Q\P�IV�PWVM[\�Y]M[\QWV�IVL�I�[]ZXZQ[QVO�IV[_MZ���.QZ[\��8M\MZ�I[S[��¹4WZL��PW_�WN\MV�_QTT�Ua�JZW\PMZ�[QV�IOIQV[\�UM��IVL�1�NWZOQ^M�PQU'�)[�UIVa�I[�[M^MV�\QUM['º��5I\\PM_�� "����

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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;W�\PM�Å[PMZUIV�\PW]OP\�PM�_I[�JMQVO�OZIKQW][��J]\�_M�_WVLMZ�_PI\�XZWUX\ML�PQ[�Y]M[\QWV��-IZTQMZ�QV�5I\\PM_�� ��2M[][�\I]OP\�PQ[�LQ[KQXTM[�\W�OW�LQZMK\Ta�\W�\PM�JZW\PMZ�_PW�[QV[�IOIQV[\�\PMU�� �̂������8MZPIX[�\PM[M�_WZL[�XZWUX\ML�IV�]VZM[WT^ML�KWVÆQK\�QV�8M\MZ¼[�UQVL��?M�LWV¼\�\PQVS�WN �PQU�I[�IV�IJ[\ZIK\�XPQTW[WXPMZ�OQ^MV�\W�[XMK]TI\Q^M�QVY]QZa��8ZWJIJTa��PM�PIL�[WUMWVM�QV�UQVL�NWZ�PQ[�Y]M[\QWV�

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Chapter 6:

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The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector: Luke 18:9–14

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<PM�WTLM[\�+PZQ[\QIV�KP]ZKP�J]QTLQVO�QV�\PM�_WZTL�Q[�\PM�+P]ZKP�WN �\PM�6I\Q^Q\a�QV�*M\PTMPMU��*]QT\�QV�\PM�NW]Z\P�KMV\]Za��Q\�_I[�XIZ\QITTa�ZMKWV[\Z]K\ML�QV�\PM�[Q`\P�KMV\]Za�IVL�PI[�JMMV�^MVMZI\ML�M^MZ�[QVKM��1V�I�KZaX\�WV�\PM�KP]ZKP¼[�TW_MZ�TM^MT�Q[�\PM�\ZILQ\QWVIT�UIVOMZ�_PMZM�2M[][�_I[�JWZV��1¼^M�JMMV�QV[QLM�\PQ[�KP]ZKP�UIVa�\QUM[�IVL�KIV�I\\M[\�\W�\PM�XW_MZ�WN �\PM�M`XMZQMVKM�

<PM�MV\ZIVKM�Q[�XIZ\�WN �\PM�[\WZa�WN �\PM�J]QTLQVO��1\�WVKM�_I[�PQOP�IVL�_QLM��J]\��L]ZQVO�\PM�UMLQM^IT�MZI��5][TQU�<]ZS[�[WUM\QUM[�ZWLM�QV�WV�PWZ[MJIKS�\W�I[[I]T\�+PZQ[\QIV�_WZ[PQXMZ[��)VL�[W�Q\�_I[�ZMUILM�I[�I�^MZa�[UITT�LWWZ_Ia��NW]Z�NMM\�_QLM�Ja�R][\�\PZMM�WZ�NW]Z�NMM\�PQOP��1�PIL�\W�[\WWX�LW_V�\W�MV\MZ��

1\�Q[�KITTML�\PM�,WWZ�WN �0]UQTQ\a��1\�Q[�I�KWVKZM\M�XIZIJTM�WN �\PM�+PZQ[\QIV�TQNM��?QTT�aW]�UISM�\PI\�LWWZ�aW]Z�MV\ZIVKM�\W�/WL�\WLIa'

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Chapter 7:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�+7=:)/-The parable of the weeds: Matthew 13:24–30

AW]�SVW_�\PQVO[�IZM�\W]OP�_PMV�;\IZJ]KS[�Q[�TW[QVO�UWVMa��<PM�QKWVQK�KWٺMM�KPIQV�ZMXWZ\ML�I�VM\�TW[[�WN ���� ���UQTTQWV�L]ZQVO�\PM�Y]IZ\MZ�\PI\�MVLML�QV�TI\M�2]VM�WN �������:M^MV]M�LMKTQVML�� �XMZKMV\�NZWU�\PM�[IUM�XMZQWL�\PM�XZQWZ�aMIZ�

�����PI[�JMMV�I�aMIZ�TQSM�VW�W\PMZ��_Q\P�LIQTa�JIL�VM_[�IJW]\�\PM�XIVLMUQK��\PM�ZM[]T\QVO�MKWVWUQK�NITTW]\��ZQW\[�QV�W]Z�[\ZMM\[��IVL�XWTQ\QKIT�\]ZUWQT�L]ZQVO�\PM�MTMK\QWV�[MI[WV��7VM�WX\QWV�NWZ�+PZQ[\QIV[�Q[�\W�OQ^M�]X��\W�ZM\ZMI\�NZWU�\PM�K]T\]ZM��?Pa�[PW]TL�aW]�\Za�\W�KPIVOM�IVa\PQVO'�?PI\�LQٺMZMVKM�KIV�aW]�UISM'

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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)�[MKWVL�WX\QWV�Q[�\W�OQ^M�QV��\W�KWUXZWUQ[M��\W�OW�ITWVO�\W�OM\�ITWVO��)[�W]Z�KW]V\Za�KWV\QV]M[�Q\[�UWZIT�\ZIRMK\WZa�_Q\P�ZMOIZL�\W�[M`]IT�M\PQK[��IJWZ\QWV��M]\PIVI[QI��IVL�I�PW[\�WN �W\PMZ�Q[[]M[��Q\¼[�PIZLMZ�\PIV�M^MZ�\W�[\IVL�]X�NWZ�JQJTQKIT�\Z]\P��;W�[\Ia�Y]QM\��/W�ITWVO�\W�OM\�ITWVO��)OIQV��_PI\�LQٺMZMVKM�KIV�aW]�UISM'

)�\PQZL�IXXZWIKP�Q[�\W�OW�WV��\W�KWV\QV]M�\W�JM�NIQ\PN]T��\W�XMZ[M^MZM��1\�Q[�\W�][M�aW]Z�QVÆ]MVKM�PW_M^MZ�aW]�KIV��_PMZM^MZ�aW]�KIV��1\�Q[�\W�JMTQM^M�\PI\�/WL�Q[�][QVO�aW]Z�NIQ\PN]T�WJMLQMVKM�\W�PQ[�_WZL�IVL�aW]Z�KWV[Q[\MV\�_Q\VM[[�QV�_Ia[�aW]�_QTT�VW\�JM�IJTM�\W�UMI[]ZM�WV�\PQ[�[QLM�WN �PMI^MV��1\�Q[�\W�JMTQM^M�\PI\�aW]�KIV�UISM�IV�M\MZVIT�LQٺMZMVKM�QN �aW]�_QTT�KPWW[M�\PM�XW_MZ�WN �XMZ[M^MZIVKM�

<PM�OZMI\�VMML�WN �W]Z�LIa�Q[�NWZ�KW]ZIOMW][�+PZQ[\QIVQ\a��1\�Q[�NWZ�JMTQM^MZ[�_PW�_QTT�[\IVL�]X�IVL�[XMIS�]X��_PW�_QTT�][M�\PMQZ�ZM[W]ZKM[��OQN\[��IVL�QVÆ]MVKM�I[�JWTLTa�IVL�[\ZWVOTa�I[�\PMa�KIV�QV�\PM�[\ZMVO\P�WN �\PM�;XQZQ\��1\�Q[�\W�ZMN][M�\PM�MVMUa¼[�\MUX\I\QWV�\W�OQ^M�]X�WZ�OQ^M�QV�

?PMZM�Q[�\PM�-VMUa�\MUX\QVO�aW]'�?PMZM�IZM�aW]�LQ[KW]ZIOML'�0W_�IZM�aW]�\MUX\ML�\W�OQ^M�]X�WZ�\W�OQ^M�QV'

4M\¼[�TQ[\MV�\W�2M[][�WV�\PM�XW_MZ�WN �XMZ[M^MZIVKM��<PMV�1�PWXM�aW]¼TT�KPWW[M�\W�OW�WV��\W�XMZ[M^MZM�QV�\PM�XW_MZ�WN �\PM�4WZL��NWZ�\PM�OTWZa�WN �/WL�IVL�\PM�OWWL�WN �][�ITT�

Expect weeds

7]Z�\M`\�JMOQV["�¹0M�X]\�IVW\PMZ�XIZIJTM�JMNWZM�\PMU��[IaQVO������º��5I\\PM_���"��I���<PM�/ZMMS�UMIV[�\W�¹[M\�JMNWZM�\PMU��\W�X]\�ITWVO[QLM�\PMU�º�1\�Q[�][ML�QV�W\PMZ�XTIKM[�NWZ�[M\\QVO�NWWL�JMNWZM�XMWXTM�

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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¹8IZIJTMº�\ZIV[TI\M[�\PM�/ZMMS�NWZ�¹\PZW_V�ITWVO[QLM�º�IV�WJRMK\�TM[[WV�[M\�VM`\�\W�Q\[�[XQZQ\]IT�\Z]\P��2M[][�\I]OP\�\PQ[�XIZIJTM�I[�PM�[\WWL�ITWVO[QLM�\PM�;MI�WN �/ITQTMM��WVM�WN �\PM�UW[\�^QJZIV\�IOZQK]T\]ZIT�IZMI[�QV�\PM�_WZTL��1¼^M�JMMV�\PMZM�UWZM�\PIV�\PQZ\a�\QUM[�IVL�IU�I[\W]VLML�MIKP�\QUM�I\�Q\[�JMI]\a��1\�Q[�VW�[]ZXZQ[M�\PI\�W]Z�4WZL�\WTL�IV�IOZQK]T\]ZIT�[\WZa�QV�\PQ[�IZMI�

0M�[M\[�\PM�\PMUM"�¹<PM�SQVOLWU�WN �PMI^MV�UIa�JM�KWUXIZML�\W������º�� �̂���J���<PM�¹SQVOLWU�WN �PMI^MVº�Q[�\PI\�ZMITU�_PMZM�/WL�Q[�SQVO��_PMZM�_M�IKSVW_TMLOM�PQU�I[�W]Z�5I[\MZ�IVL�W]Z[MT^M[�I[�PQ[�[]JRMK\[��1\�Q[�\PI\�LQUMV[QWV�_PMZM�/WL¼[�SQVOLWU�KWUM[�I[�PQ[�_QTT�Q[�LWVM��5I\\PM_��"�����<PM�QLMI�Q[��\W�UISM�/WL�aW]Z�SQVO��LW�\PQ[�

0MZM¼[�_PI\�\PM�SQVOLWU�WN �PMI^MV�Q[�TQSM"�¹I�UIV�_PW�[W_ML�OWWL�[MML�QV�PQ[�ÅMTLº�� �̂���K���<PM�/ZMMS�[Ia[�PM�Q[�¹[W_QVOº�[]KP�[MML��¹/WWLº�UMIV[�OMV]QVM��_Q\PW]\�UQ`\]ZM�WN �W\PMZ�[MML[¸X]ZM��IJTM�\W�LW�_PI\�Q\�Q[�QV\MVLML�\W�LW��1\�Q[�_PMI\�[MML��I[�_M�_QTT�TMIZV�[PWZ\Ta��_Q\P�VW�UQ`\]ZM�WN �_MML[��<PQ[�_QTT�JM�QUXWZ\IV\�QV�I�UWUMV\�

0W_M^MZ��¹_PQTM�PQ[�UMV�_MZM�[TMMXQVO��PQ[�MVMUa�KIUM�IVL�[W_ML�_MML[�IUWVO�\PM�_PMI\�IVL�_MV\�I_Iaº�� �̂������?PMV�2M[][�M`XTIQVML�\PM�XIZIJTM�TI\MZ��PM�[\I\ML�\PI\�\PQ[�¹MVMUaº�Q[�\PM�LM^QT�� �̂��!���1\�Q[�VW\�[]ZXZQ[QVO�\PI\�PM�_WZS[�_PQTM�\PM�UMV�IZM�[TMMXQVO��NWZ�PM�TW^M[�\W�WXMZI\M�]VLMZ�KW^MZ�WN �LIZSVM[[��QV�LQ[O]Q[M��KN����+WZQV\PQIV[���"��·����

0M�¹[W_MLº�\PM[M�_MML[¸\PM�/ZMMS�UMIV[�\PI\�\PM�_MML[�_MZM�OQ^MV�I�\PWZW]OP�LQ[\ZQJ]\QWV�IKZW[[�\PM�ÅMTL��<PMZM�Q[�VW�XTIKM�_PMZM�\PMa�IZM�VW\�\W�JM�NW]VL��<PM[M�_MML[�IZM�SVW_V�I[�¹JMIZLML�LIZVMT�º�I�XTIV\�\PI\�Q[�KWUUWV�QV�\PM�ZMOQWV�IVL�TWWS[�TQSM�_PMI\�M`KMX\�\PI\�Q\[�OZIQV�Q[�JTIKS��1\�U][\�JM�[MXIZI\ML�NZWU�\PM�OWWL�_PMI\�[QVKM�Q\�XWQ[WV[�\PM�NWWL�Q\�\W]KPM[��KI][QVO�LQbbQVM[[�IVL�_WZ[M�QN �MI\MV�

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6W_�¹\PM�XTIV\[�KIUM�]X�IVL�JWZM�OZIQVº�� �̂���I���_PQKP�_W]TL�[PW_�\PM�KPIZIK\MZ�WN �\PM�XTIV\[�I[�_PMI\��0W_M^MZ��\PM�_MML[�IXXMIZML�IT[Wº�� �̂���J���)\�\PM�MVL�WN �\PM�LIa��\PM�XTIV\[�[PW_ML�_PI\�\PMa�ZMITTa�_MZM�

2M[][¼�XIZIJTM�\MIKPM[�][�\W�M`XMK\�[XQZQ\]IT�_MML[�_PMZM^MZ�_M�XTIV\�[XQZQ\]IT�[MML�

7VM�WN �;I\IV¼[�[]J\TM�[\ZI\MOQM[�Q[�\W�\MUX\�][�\W�[QV�IVL�\PMV��_PMV�_M�ZMN][M��\W�\MUX\�][�\W�NMMT�O]QT\a�\PI\�_M�IZM�\MUX\ML��1\�Q[�\W�JZQVO�WXXW[Q\QWV�WZ�LQٻK]T\QM[�IOIQV[\�][�IVL�\PMV�\MUX\�][�\W�JTIUM�W]Z[MT^M[�NWZ�_PI\�PM�PI[�LWVM�

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<PMa�IZM�OZW_QVO�I\�aW]Z�[QLM�ZQOP\�VW_�

Leave the harvest to the Lord

?PI\�LW�_M�LW�IJW]\�\PMU'

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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;W��_PI\�IZM�_M�\W�LW'�¹4M\�JW\P�OZW_�\WOM\PMZ�]V\QT�\PM�PIZ^M[\��IVL�I\�PIZ^M[\�\QUM�1�_QTT�\MTT�\PM�ZMIXMZ[��»/I\PMZ�\PM�_MML[�ÅZ[\�IVL�JQVL�\PMU�QV�J]VLTM[�\W�JM�J]ZVML��J]\�OI\PMZ�\PM�_PMI\�QV\W�Ua�JIZV¼º�� �̂�����

<PMZM�_QTT�KWUM�I�\QUM�_PMV�2M[][�_QTT�¹KTMIZ�PQ[�\PZM[PQVO�ÆWWZ�IVL�OI\PMZ�PQ[�_PMI\�QV\W�\PM�JIZV��J]\�\PM�KPIٺ�PM�_QTT�J]ZV�_Q\P�]VY]MVKPIJTM�ÅZMº��5I\\PM_��"�����1V�PQ[�M`XTIVI\QWV�TI\MZ��2M[][�XZMLQK\ML"�¹<PM�;WV�WN �5IV�_QTT�[MVL�PQ[�IVOMT[��IVL�\PMa�_QTT�OI\PMZ�W]\�WN �PQ[�SQVOLWU�ITT�KI][M[�WN �[QV�IVL�ITT�TI_�JZMISMZ[��IVL�\PZW_�\PMU�QV\W�\PM�ÅMZa�N]ZVIKM��1V�\PI\�XTIKM�\PMZM�_QTT�JM�_MMXQVO�IVL�OVI[PQVO�WN �\MM\P��<PMV�\PM�ZQOP\MW][�_QTT�[PQVM�TQSM�\PM�[]V�QV�\PM�SQVOLWU�WN �\PMQZ�.I\PMZ��0M�_PW�PI[�MIZ[��TM\�PQU�PMIZº��5I\\PM_���"��·����

1V�\PM�UMIV\QUM��TMI^M�\PM�N]\]ZM�_Q\P�/WL�IVL�JM�NIQ\PN]T�QV�\PM�XZM[MV\�

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Claim two facts

?M�PI^M�TMIZVML�\WLIa�\W�M`XMK\�WXXW[Q\QWV�IVL�\W�\Z][\�N]\]ZM�R]LOUMV\�\W�/WL�_PQTM�ZMUIQVQVO�NIQ\PN]T�QV�\PM�XZM[MV\��6W_��VIUM�\PI\�XTIKM�_PMZM�aW]�IZM�\MUX\ML�\W�OQ^M�]X�WZ�\W�OQ^M�QV�ZI\PMZ�\PIV�\W�OW�WV��0W_�LWM[�2M[][¼�XIZIJTM�PMTX'�4M\¼[�KTIQU�\_W�NIK\[�

First, you’re not going through your challenges alone.

1V�PQ[�M`XTIVI\QWV��2M[][�KITTML�\PM�OWWL�[MML�¹\PM�[WV[�WN �\PM�SQVOLWUº�� �̂�� ���<PMa�_MZM�[W_V�IKZW[[�\PM�MV\QZM�ÅMTL��VW\�R][\�QV�WVM�XTIKM�

6W�UI\\MZ�PW_�ITWVM�aW]�NMMT��aW]�IZM�VM^MZ�ITWVM�

;KZQX\]ZM�[Ia[�;I\IV�Q[�I�¹ZWIZQVO�TQWV��[MMSQVO�[WUMWVM�\W�LM^W]Zº����8M\MZ��" ���0W_�[PW]TL�aW]�ZM[XWVL'�¹:M[Q[\�PQU��ÅZU�QV�aW]Z�NIQ\P��SVW_QVO�\PI\�\PM�[IUM�SQVL[�WN ��MZQVO�IZM�JMQVO�M`XMZQMVKML�Ja�aW]Z�JZW\PMZPWWLٺ[]\PZW]OPW]\�\PM�_WZTLº�� �̂�!��

+PQVM[M�KP]ZKPM[�IZM�JMQVO�KTW[ML��\PMQZ�XI[\WZ[�\PZW_V�QV\W�XZQ[WV��6WZ\P�3WZMIV�+PZQ[\QIV[�IZM�JMQVO�[MV\�QV\W�PWZZQÅK�TIJWZ�KIUX[�_PMZM�UIVa�IZM�M`MK]\ML��+PZQ[\QIV[�NIKM�RQPILQ[\�\MZZWZQ[U�QV�)NZQKI�IVL�_QLM[XZMIL�ZQLQK]TM�IVL�ZMRMK\QWV�QV�XIZ\[�WN �-]ZWXM��?PI\M^MZ�aW]�IZM�OWQVO�\PZW]OP��SVW_�\PI\�aW]¼ZM�VW\�OWQVO�\PZW]OP�Q\�ITWVM�

Second, Jesus’ parable reminds you that the end of the story is already written.

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Conclusion

?PMV�)TTQML�IZUQM[�IL^IVKML�WV�\PM�6WZ\P�)NZQKIV�XWZ\�WN �-ZQ\ZMI�L]ZQVO�?WZTL�?IZ�11��\PM�ÆMMQVO�)`Q[�NWZKM[�LQL�IV�QVOMVQW][�\PQVO"�\PMa�TWILML�JIZOM[�_Q\P�KWVKZM\M�IVL�[IVS�\PMU�IKZW[[�\PM�UW]\P�WN �\PM�PIZJWZ��UISQVO�Q\�QUXW[[QJTM�NWZ�\PM�IXXZWIKPQVO�\ZWWX[�\W�MV\MZ�

*]\�\PM�)TTQM[�PQ\�WV�IV�M^MV�UWZM�QV^MV\Q^M�[WT]\QWV��<PMa�MUX\QML�[M^MZIT�OQOIV\QK�WQT�\IVS[��\PM�SQVL�\PI\�PWTL[�WVM�P]VLZML�\PW][IVL�JIZZMT[�WN �WQT�IVL�UWZM�IVL�[MITML�\PMU�_I\MZ\QOP\��<PMa�I\\IKPML�KPIQV[�\W�MIKP�WN �\PMU��<PMV��I\�TW_�\QLM��\PMQZ�LQ^MZ[�I\\IKPML�\PM�W\PMZ�MVL[�WN �\PM�KPIQV[�\W�\PM�JIZOM[�[Q\\QVO�WV�\PM�JW\\WU�WN �\PM�PIZJWZ�

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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Chapter 8:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�=:/-6+AThe parable of the expectant servants: Luke 12:35–40

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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A parable of urgency

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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How to be blessed by our Master

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One: Our job is not to predict our Lord’s return but to be ready to meet him.

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Two: To know God, serve God.

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Conclusion

<PM�JM[\�_Ia�\W�TQ^M�M^MZa�LIa�Q[�\W�TQ^M�M^MZa�LIa�I[�QN �Q\�_MZM�W]Z�TI[\�LIa¸\W�NWZOQ^M�\PW[M�_M�VMML�\W�NWZOQ^M��\W�[MMS�NWZOQ^MVM[[�NZWU�\PW[M�_M�VMML�\W�[MMS�NWZOQ^MVM[[�NZWU��\W�[MZ^M�\PW[M�_M�KIV��IVL�\W�WJMa�/WL¼[�_WZL�IVL�_QTT�I[�N]TTa�I[�QN �PM�_MZM�_I\KPQVO�][��JMKI][M�PM�Q[�

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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)ZM�aW]�ZMILa'

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Chapter 9:

<0-�87?-:�7.�<:=-�->)6/-41;5

The parable of the great banquet: Luke 14:15–24

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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Come when you’re called

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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BRIGHT HOPE for TOMORROW

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How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days

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Chapter 10:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DR. JIM DENISON�Q[�\PM�+PQMN �>Q[QWV�7ٻKMZ�IVL�NW]VLMZ�WN �\PM�,MVQ[WV�.WZ]U��<PZW]OP�The Daily Article��PQ[�MUIQT�VM_[TM\\MZ�IVL�XWLKI[\�\PI\�ZMIKPM[�I�OTWJIT�I]LQMVKM��,Z��,MVQ[WV�O]QLM[�ZMILMZ[�\W�LQ[KMZV�\WLIa¼[�VM_[¸JQJTQKITTa�

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ABOUT DENISON MINISTRIES

DENISON MINISTRIES M`Q[\[�\W�KZMI\M�K]T\]ZM�KPIVOQVO�+PZQ[\QIV[�_PW�IZM�KWUUQ\\ML�\W�IL^IVKQVO�\PM�SQVOLWU�\PZW]OP�\PI\�[XPMZM�WN �QVÆ]MVKM�

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