Everyone loves a good story and a good storyteller.

But there is no storyteller like the Lord Jesus,

and there are no greater stories told than the ones Jesus shared.

In this study, spiritual stories, we consider the parables Jesus told and their

application to us. These are truly the greatest stories ever told, and the Lord has something

he wants to say to you through them. Let's join Scott Pauley now.

One of the most despicable things in the world is to see someone that is supposed to be a ruling, leading, setting an example, making sure things are done right,

instead full of corruption.

We see that in governments, we see that in business.

It's repulsive, honestly.

But how much more when you find that in a religious context.

Can you imagine what judgment awaits those who purported to be the religious spokesman,

the messengers of God, and instead of pointing people to the Lord,

they simply just drew people to themselves.

Instead of telling them truth, it gave them lies.

Oh, my friend, I shudder to think what it will be like on the judgment day when the rulers stand before the ruler.

We come today to one of our Lord's very convicting and very sobering parables in Matthew chapter number 24.

And I must say you should read Matthew 23, Matthew 24, Matthew 25, because they are just

filled with parabolic language.

Not all of them are classified even as parables,

but so much picturesque talk here. You have a beast laden down with burdens, you've got blind guides,

gnats and camels, and the cup and the platter, the whited sepulchers vipers hens and chickens

...