If that's the point, then, well, shoot, I coulda thought up a better parable than that!
Go for it... but remember, you have to incorporate the literary genres of the Bronze Age era Eastern Mediterranean and Mesopotamian region. Only by communicating through established literary norms will your story be understood by your intended audience.
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
In my bible commentary I've written, I've determined that "save the sick" means "provide a way to pay for the medical bills" and "raise him up" is speaking of the rapture.
Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. . . . 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Mark 5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Luke 17:19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Acts 14:9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
Can you use another translation? All that old English is confusing!
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
While I agree with your apparent desire to moderate the overly enthusiastic zealotry of some, you also have to keep in mind that whenever you read words like "all things" an ellipses is probably intended by the writer.
Go for it... but remember, you have to incorporate the literary genres of the Bronze Age era Eastern Mediterranean and Mesopotamian region. Only by communicating through established literary norms will your story be understood by your intended audience.
Timmy's Tale:
OK.
Once upon a time, . . . .
Nah, too hackneyed. Ahem...
Come listen to my story 'bout a man named Jed.
Hmm. This is harder than I thought!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
While I agree with your apparent desire to moderate the overly enthusiastic zealotry of some, you also have to keep in mind that whenever you read words like "all things" an ellipses is probably intended by the writer.
OK. The point is that faith is the requirement. That's what accomplishes things.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
In my bible commentary I've written, I've determined that "save the sick" means "provide a way to pay for the medical bills" and "raise him up" is speaking of the rapture.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
One of the great lessons I get out of the story of Noah and the Ark is actually found in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:7, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house......."
Noah was incredibly unsuccessful in reaching anyone to join in with him. A complete failure. He spent years trying to convert people to his cause. None joined. But he was successful in the most important thing in his life...his family. His primary purpose in building the ark, was for the saving of his household.
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