"be not afraid, only believe"

This past week in my New Testament class we talked about miracles and parables. My favorite thing that we talked about is that Jesus focused on the sinners, outcasts, and those that have been discriminated against. Jesus Christ didn't judge anyone while he was on this Earth so we should follow after His example. I'd like to be the kind of person that those who are outcasts and those that have sinned are able to come and talk to. It is so sad to me that people are out there who feel like they aren't able to talk to anyone about their struggles. These past days and the scriptures we've studied have given me comfort because I know that Christ is always there for us, even when we feel unworthy or on the outs with others. Good things can happen in time. Our God is a God of timing and I believe with all of my heart that I will receive blessings when I am meant to receive them. I am so thankful that I am able to pray and ask for help. I know that I will get all of the help that I need.

I also really liked that Jesus bore witness of Himself and that we talked about how God also bore witness of Him. Later that day we talked about parables; we talked about the concreteness and the abstract qualities of parables. There are many many applications of parables, while there is only one interpretation. Each reader of the parable can apply it to their own lives in a different way. I know that there have been ways that parables have been taught that have helped me a lot in the past. The parable on the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), which is about the restoration of the gospel, has been applied to my own life in a different way.