The Parables #1

Published by Ivan Foster on September 5, 2017

Read Matthew 13:10-17.

As we start a new school year it is appropriate that we begin a new study. The difficulty for me in choosing a subject is that there are so many subjects in the Bible worthy of our close attention.

However, I have settled on the topic of the parables of the Lord Jesus.

Let us start by asking the question: 1. WHAT IS A PARABLE?

As a youngster I was taught that a parable is “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” I don’t think any can fault this explanation. The parables of the Lord Jesus set forth heavenly truths using earthly illustrations. The story of the lost sheep shows this to be so.
The Saviour tells us that parables served a two-fold purpose, Matt 13:10-17.

Parables are meant to HIDE the truth from those who will not hear the Word of God but reject it, verses 13-15.

But it is meant to ILLUSTRATE the truth to those who willingly hear God’s Word, verses 16-17.

Stream or download The Parables #1

Ezekiel: The ignored watchman

A series of messages by Rev. Andy FosterEzekiel was God’s watchman to the nation of Israel. In the first part of his ministry he warned of the sin of the nation and highlighted the consequences it had brought, and would continue to bring. He was largely ignored and dismissed.

In the second part of his ministry he proclaims messages related to the glorious future of the nation of Israel, restored by grace and redemption. Sadly, these messages are still often neglected and overlooked!

Click here to watch.

Why I have closed my account with SermonAudio
As of 30th May, 2017, I have requested that SermonAudio close my account. That has taken place and I no longer mount sermons there. Instead, my own website The Burning Bush will now house all my sermons. It has long been the home of my articles and news links. Gradually we will mount the 1376 messages I had on SermonAudio on my own site.
Statement by the Ulster Presbytery on attendance at the Roman catholic Mass
Statement by the Ulster Presbytery on the Pope's visit to the UK
The papal visit: Why we oppose it. A booklet explaining our opposition to the state visit of the Pope to Great Britain. Click on the link to read or download and print.
Biblical Protest and Witness Await Pope’s UK Visit By Richard Bennett
Ignoring sin...no basis for blessing. A plea to Free Presbyterians.
The Union with today’s Great Britain holds out no hope for the Ulster Protestant. Written at the request of the Belfast Newsletter and published in its edition of August 13th 2010.
Why should Martin McGuinness as First Minister alarm those who told us all that Sinn Fein had radically changed and was ready for Government?
A word to the distressed amongst God’s flock today - a word of direction and hope to those who have struggled
with the deep disappointment and sense of betrayal they have suffered and the despondency
which has settled into many a Free Presbyterian heart.
Ulster Crisis - 2006-2008 An account, given at the recent Congress of Fundamentalists at Foundations Bible College, of the distress felt amongst believers in Ulster during the controversy aroused by the decision of Dr Paisley and the DUP in 2006 to enter a power-sharing government with Sinn Fein/IRA, a party which openly condoned murder and terrorism. A timely consideration for God's people in the light of more recent revelations in the political realm!
The gospel is no longer enough - a timely article by Rev Andy Foster on a dangerous folly embraced by all too many fundamentalist ministers.
What Peter Robinson once thought of the Sinn Fein/IRA man to whom he is politically shackled
Premillenial Protestantism
Lesson learned from 30 years in Christian education. The substance of an address given at the 2010 Annual Education Board Dinner in Lisburn, Friday 28th May, in the presence of Education Board members, teaching staff of the Free Presbyterian Christian schools and their spouses.
A message from a quarter of a century ago...which sheds light on our present circumstances. Christian Schools And The Future Of Free Presbyterianism. A message preached by Rev. Ivan Foster at the 2nd Seminar on Christian Education, held in Martyrs Memorial Church, Belfast, as part of the annual Easter Convention March 29th, 1986.