Broward Church: In the Meantime

Broward Church

Go beyond Sunday mornings with our collection of biblical teachings. Dive into a variety of topics from different teachers.

  1. Parable of The Vineyard

    OCT 31

    Parable of The Vineyard

    “Bible Parables EP07 - The Vineyard"   🌿The Parable of the Vineyard Main Scriptures 📖 Isaiah 5:1–7 📖 Matthew 20:1–16 📖 Matthew 21:33–46 1. Why the Vineyard Matters The vineyard is one of God’s favorite pictures of His people. It represents God’s care, our fruitfulness, and His expectations. The theme of bearing fruit appears all throughout the Bible. Examples: John 15:5 – Jesus is the Vine; we are the branches. Colossians 1:10 – We please God by bearing fruit. Revelation 14:19 – God gathers His harvest in judgment. 2. How to Study a Parable Identify the symbols. Decide what’s important vs. what’s just background. Find one or two main points. Ask: What did it mean to them? Ask: What does it mean for me today? 3. Vineyard #1 – Isaiah 5:1–7 Theme: God’s love and disappointment. Summary: God planted and cared for His vineyard (Israel), but it produced bad fruit. Because of rebellion, He removed His protection and allowed judgment. Main Point: God provides everything for His people, but if they rebel, they face the consequences. Symbol Guide: Vineyard → God’s people Watchtower, hedge, hillside → God’s protection and care Bad fruit → Sin, injustice, rebellion Briers/thorns → Judgment Reflection: ➡ Am I bearing fruit that pleases God? ➡ Does my life reflect His justice and righteousness? 4. Vineyard #2 – Matthew 21:33–46 Theme: Accountability and leadership. Summary: God sends servants (prophets) to His vineyard, but the tenants (leaders) reject them—and even kill His Son. God then gives the vineyard to others who will bear fruit. Main Point: God entrusts His work to people, but He will hold them accountable for how they lead and respond to Him. Symbol Guide: Vineyard → God’s kingdom Owner → God Servants → Prophets Son → Jesus Tenants → Israel’s leaders Reflection: ➡ How do I respond to God’s message and correction? ➡ Am I faithful with what God has entrusted to me? 5. Final Challenge “Let’s seek to please God by bearing much good fruit.” Discussion Questions: What kind of fruit is growing in your life right now? How do these parables show both God’s grace and His justice? Which of the three vineyard stories speaks most to your situation?

    57 min
  2. Binding The Strong Man

    OCT 16

    Binding The Strong Man

    “Bible Parables EP06 - Binding The Strong Man" Main Text: Matthew 12:22–37 I. God’s Call to Seek and Understand His Ways Seek the Lord while He may be found — Isaiah 55:6–9 God invites us to pursue His wisdom and perspective. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Ask for the ancient paths — Jeremiah 6:16 God calls us to inquire about His ways and walk in them. God reveals hidden truths to seekers — Daniel 2:22 He discloses mysteries to those who earnestly seek Him. II. Awareness of the Enemy’s Schemes We must not be ignorant of Satan’s designs — 2 Corinthians 2:10–11. Our battle is spiritual, not physical — Ephesians 6:11–12. The early church recognized demonic influence — Acts 5:3; Ephesians 4:26–27. Peter discerned Satan’s influence in Ananias. Paul warned believers not to give the devil a foothold. III. The Divine Council Worldview (DCW) Definition: Yahweh presides over a divine council of elohim—spiritual beings who oversee nations (Psalm 82; Job 1–2). Some rebelled, becoming false gods. Jesus’ mission: to reclaim the nations and reestablish Yahweh’s rule over creation. Key Idea: Matthew 12 depicts Jesus binding the “strong man” (Satan/Beelzebul) as part of this cosmic reclaiming. IV. Understanding Satan’s Authority and Christ’s Triumph Satan as the chief rebel — identified with Beelzebul, Baal, Zeus, Enlil, Jupiter. Why does Jesus need to disarm Satan? Humanity’s sin gave the enemy authority. The “house” (the world) was occupied due to human rebellion. Jesus’ exorcisms reveal the clash between kingdoms — Matthew 12:22–28. V. Cosmic Context and Divine Conflict Heavenly Council Conflict: Yahweh vs. Rebel Powers — Psalm 82; Deuteronomy 32:8–9. Humans joined the rebellion through sin — Genesis 3; Romans 5:12–21. Idolatry became communion with demons. Jesus’ exorcisms and miracles = acts of divine warfare reclaiming territory. VI. The Stronger Kingdom A kingdom divided cannot stand — Matthew 12:25–26. Jesus exposes the logic flaw in His accusers’ claims. By the Spirit of God, Jesus establishes His kingdom — Matthew 12:28; Isaiah 61:1–2. The Spirit’s power marks the arrival of God’s reign. VII. The Strong Man Parable The strong man (Satan) guards his possessions—nations under his dominion. Jesus, the stronger one, binds him — Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21–22. Christ disarms and plunders the enemy’s house. The Church continues this mission — Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 26:17–18. VIII. Reclaiming the Nations Jesus reverses Babel’s disinheritance — Genesis 11; Deuteronomy 32:8–9. “All authority” is now Christ’s — Matthew 28:18. The Great Commission targets rebel territories — Acts 1:8; Acts 17:22–31. IX. Allegiance and Division “Whoever is not with Me is against Me” — Matthew 12:30. Neutrality equals siding with rebellion. Believers become part of Yahweh’s council family — Ephesians 2:6; 1 Peter 2:9. Our mission: to bear witness against spiritual powers — Ephesians 3:10; Revelation 12:11. X. Warning Against Blasphemy of the Spirit Attributing the Spirit’s work to Satan = ultimate rebellion — Matthew 12:31–32. Persistent rejection hardens the heart — Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4. The unforgivable sin = continual allegiance to the rebel kingdom. XI. Tree and Its Fruit True allegiance shown through fruit — Matthew 12:33–35. Rebel fruit: deception, violence, oppression, idolatry. Kingdom fruit: truth, love, and righteousness — John 15:1–8; Galatians 5:22–23. XII. Words, Accountability, and Restoration Our words reveal our allegiance — Matthew 12:36–37; Romans 10:9–10. Believers as restored council members and co-rulers — 1 Corinthians 6:2–3; Revelation 2:26–27. Final restoration: the dethroning of rebels and renewal of creation — Psalm 82:6–8; Revelation 20:10; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28. XIII. Summary Theme The Divine Council Conflict explains Jesus’ ministry as an invasion of enemy territory. The Stronger Kingdom — Christ’s reign through the Spirit — defeats the rebel powers. The Church’s mission continues this victory, reclaiming the nations and restoring humanity’s role as God’s divine image-bearers.

    1h 5m
  3. When a Parable is Not a Parable

    OCT 4

    When a Parable is Not a Parable

    “Bible Parables EP05 - When a Parable Is not a Parable" I. Introduction The Bible is a tapestry of stories filled with metaphors teaching us about God. Psalm 34:8 — “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Key theme: Experiencing God's invitation to feast on His Word II. The Biblical Thread of Food & Drink A. Eden and the First Meal Genesis 2:15–16 — Adam free to eat from every tree except one. From the very beginning, God offers humanity His Life. B. Manna in the Wilderness Deuteronomy 8:3 — Man does not live on bread alone but on God’s word. God uses hunger to teach dependence. C. Invitation to True Satisfaction Isaiah 55:1–3 — “Come, buy and eat… why spend money on what is not bread?” God offers lasting satisfaction beyond material needs. D. God’s Provision in Hardship Psalm 23:5 Table prepared in the presence of enemies. Psalm 78:18–20 Israel’s unbelief: “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” Psalm 107:5-9  God satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry. E. Wisdom’s Table Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom invites the simple to eat and live. III. Human Struggle with Appetite for evil Romans 7:18-19: Desire for good but inability to carry it out. Romans 7:25 — Deliverance through Jesus Christ. IV. Jesus: The Bread of Life (John 6) A. The Wrong Motivation John 6:25-29 People seek Jesus for physical bread. Jesus calls them to seek eternal food: belief in Him. B. The True Bread from Heaven John 6:30–35 — Jesus identifies Himself as the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst. C. Eternal Life Through His Flesh and Blood John 6:47-58 Eating His flesh and drinking His blood = abiding in Him. His sacrifice brings eternal life. D. The Dividing Point John 6:66–69  Many disciples turn away. Peter’s confession: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” V. Growing in Salvation 1 Peter 2:1-3 Crave pure spiritual milk to grow in salvation. The Christian life is ongoing growth in experiencing God’s goodness. VI. Eternal Fulfillment Revelation 2:7  To the victorious: the right to eat from the tree of life in God’s paradise. VII. Key Takeaways God’s story consistently uses food and drink imagery to reveal spiritual truths. True satisfaction is found only in God’s provision, not in self-seeking desires. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life — the only source of eternal fulfillment. Spiritual growth means continually craving and experiencing God’s goodness. The ultimate promise: eternal life, eating from the tree of life in God’s paradise.

    37 min
  4. The Parable of The Bags of Gold

    SEP 25

    The Parable of The Bags of Gold

    “Bible Parables EP04 - The Parable of the Bags of Gold" I. IntroductionTitle: An Invitation to Share in Christ’s Happiness Central passage: Matthew 25:14–30 II. The Parable ExplainedThe Master Entrusts His Wealth (vv. 14–15) Servants = Us (followers of Jesus) Wealth = God’s gifts, people, opportunities, talents Distribution according to ability The Servants’ Responses (vv. 16–18) Faithful servants: invested and doubled their portion Unfaithful servant: hid the talent out of fear The Master’s Return (vv. 19–23) Settling accounts Praise and reward for faithfulness: “Well done, good and faithful servant” Greater responsibility Invitation to share in the master’s happiness The Wicked Servant’s Excuse (vv. 24–30) Fear and wrong view of the master Rebuked as wicked and lazy Talent taken away, judgment pronounced III. Theological MeaningWho Are the Servants? God’s people (John 12:26, Deut. 7:6, John 17:6, Isa. 43:1) What Is the Wealth? The world and all in it belong to the Lord (Ps. 24:1–2) Gifts and talents given by grace (Rom. 12:6–8) God’s treasured possession (Mal. 3:16–18) The Master’s Happiness Eternal reward and fellowship with Christ (Isa. 53:12, 2 Pet. 1:10–11, Phil. 3:13–14) Promises to the victorious (Rev. 2–3 selections) The Consequences of Laziness and Fear Loss of opportunity and blessing Judgment (Gal. 6:7–10: sowing and reaping principle) IV. TakeawaysGod entrusts us with His wealth (gifts, people, opportunities). He expects us to put them to work for His kingdom. Faithful stewardship brings great reward. Neglect and fear bring consequences. V. Discussion QuestionsWhat does it say about God that He entrusts His wealth to us? What keeps us from being like the first two servants? How can we ensure we live faithfully as the first two servants? Why do many fall into the third servant’s category?

    55 min
  5. The Parable of the Treasure and Pearl

    SEP 18

    The Parable of the Treasure and Pearl

    “Bible Parables EP03 - The Treasure & The Pearl"   I. Introduction to ParablesParables are simple, relatable stories that convey spiritual points. Key features of parables: Truth – one main point. Challenge – calls for a decision. Action – requires urgent response. II. Principles for Interpreting ParablesThe original audience and cultural context must be considered. Parables are not full allegories, though some contain allegorical elements. Parables are intended to be understood but require open hearts. Parables often include an unexpected twist. They call for a personal response. III. The Parables of the Treasure and Pearl (Matthew 13:44–46)The Treasure Hidden in a Field A man discovers hidden treasure. Out of joy, he sells everything to buy the field. The Pearl of Great Price A merchant searching for fine pearls. Finds one pearl of surpassing value. Sells all to obtain it. IV. Key Interpretations and SymbolsTreasure / Pearl: The Kingdom of Heaven. Man / Merchant: Those who discover the Kingdom (whether by accident or intentional search). Selling all: Total commitment; giving up everything joyfully. V. Core Message of the ParablesEntering God’s Kingdom requires radical commitment. The Kingdom is of incomparable value—worth everything we have. There are two kinds of seekers: Those who stumble upon God’s Kingdom unexpectedly. Those who actively search and joyfully embrace it. VI. Supporting Teachings of JesusDenying oneself, taking up the cross (Matt 16:24–25). Losing one’s life to find it (Matt 10:39). Giving up everything to be a disciple (Luke 14:33). Trusting God for provision while surrendering self (Luke 22:35–36). VII. Synonyms for Entering the KingdomGiving up the old life for a new life in Christ. Losing your life for Christ. Wholehearted devotion / total commitment. Making Jesus the Lord of your life. Being “all in.” VIII. Practical ApplicationPersonal reflection questions: Do I truly believe in total commitment to Christ? What does it mean to give up everything practically? What parts of the Kingdom are priceless to me? What factors weaken or strengthen my devotion? Lifestyle changes: From ownership to stewardship—living as managers for God. Restoring and practicing: evangelism, discipleship, wholehearted devotion. IX. Challenges to CommitmentLife transitions (graduation, job, marriage, children, health struggles, retirement). Each stage requires renewed devotion to Christ. X. ConclusionThe Kingdom is worth everything we have. Jesus calls His disciples to wholehearted commitment. Our joy, devotion, and willingness to sacrifice reflect how much we value the Kingdom of Heaven.

    1h 2m
  6. The Parable of The Sower

    SEP 9

    The Parable of The Sower

    “Bible Parables EP02 - The Parable of The Sower" 1. The Setting of the Parable (Matthew 13:1–3) Jesus teaches by the lake, addressing a large crowd. He begins with a story about a farmer scattering seed. 2. The Four Types of Soil (Matthew 13:4–9, 18–23) Hard Soil (The Path) – The seed is snatched away by the enemy because there is no understanding (v. 19). Shallow Soil (Rocky Ground) – Quick growth but no roots; faith withers under trials and persecution (vv. 20–21). Thorny Soil – The word is choked by worries, distractions, and the deceitfulness of wealth (v. 22). Good Soil – A receptive heart that hears, understands, and produces a multiplied harvest (vv. 23, Luke 8:15). 3. Why Jesus Taught in Parables (Matthew 13:10–14) To reveal truth to those willing to hear while concealing it from the hard-hearted. Fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: some will hear and see, but never understand or perceive. 4. The Disciple’s Potential Every disciple has the potential for abundant fruitfulness—thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold. Yet not all reach this potential because of hardened hearts, shallow roots, or worldly distractions. 5. Call to Self-Examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) Believers are urged to test themselves: Am I truly in the faith? Which type of soil best describes my heart? 6. Characteristics of Good Soil Psalm 1:1–3 – Delighting in God’s Word and staying rooted like a tree by water. Psalm 126:6 – Persevering through trials and reaping joy. Good soil requires a noble and persevering heart that clings to God’s Word (Luke 8:15). 7. Discussion and Application What prevents us from truly hearing and understanding? What persecutions or troubles shake our faith? What worldly worries or distractions choke spiritual growth? How can we cultivate a heart of “good soil” that bears lasting fruit?

    1 hr
  7. How to Parable

    SEP 5

    How to Parable

    “Bible Parables EP01 - How to Parable” 1. Introduction Different views on parables: Symbols with many interpretations Thinking exercises Relatable stories pointing to kingdom principles with kingdom actions Core definition: Story Reveals a truth Requires action 2. Why a Parable? Parables follow a movement: Kingdom Truth → Challenge → Choice → Action They provoke reflection that leads to transformation. 3. What is a Parable? A simple, relatable story with spiritual impact. Calls the audience to: Change their mindset and take action 4. When to Use a Parable Introducing people to Jesus’ kingdom principles Reminding believers of those principles Teaching a simple truth that requires a clear response 5. How to Read and Apply a Parable Read the parable. Check if Jesus explains it. Identify the key elements. Ask: Who is the immediate audience? Ask: What kingdom truth is being revealed? Determine the call to action. Apply the kingdom truth to your life. Key Point: Jesus intends parables to be understood. 6. Warnings (Parable “Gotchas”) Avoid: Over-analyzing Literalizing Over-allegorizing (example: Augustine’s over-interpretation of the Good Samaritan) 7. Case Study: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) Walkthrough of the steps: Read the text Identify the audience Draw out the kingdom truth Recognize the call to action Apply it today Discussion: What background details would you need to explain to someone unfamiliar with the Bible? 8. Conclusion & Group Questions List as many parables as you can. Why are parables effective as introductions to God? Why do kingdom truths demand urgent action? When is it important to provide cultural or historical context for your audience?

    38 min
  8. Your Ninivite Unboxed - Jonah Chapter Four

    SEP 2

    Your Ninivite Unboxed - Jonah Chapter Four

    “Jonah Chapter 4– Your Ninivite Unboxed” 1. Jonah’s Anger at God’s Mercy (4:1–3) Jonah is “exceedingly displeased” that God spares Nineveh. He sees God’s good action as evil because it conflicts with his desires. Jonah’s prayer reveals his frustration: he knew God was gracious, merciful, and abounding in love—and he didn’t want Nineveh to experience it. Jonah would rather die than live in a world where God forgives his enemies. 2. God’s Patient Response (4:4) The LORD gently asks Jonah: “Do you do well to be angry?” God does not rebuke with force but invites Jonah into reflection. This shows God’s character—He shepherds us even in rebellion. 3. The Object Lesson: Plant, Worm, and Wind (4:5–8) God appoints a plant to give Jonah shade, which makes him glad. Then God appoints a worm to destroy it and a scorching east wind to test him. Jonah’s joy turns to despair, exposing his self-centered heart. Jonah is more concerned about his personal comfort than about the lives of thousands in Nineveh. 4. The Greater Lesson (4:9–11) God questions Jonah’s anger over the plant—something Jonah didn’t create or sustain. Contrast: Jonah pities a plant, but resents God’s pity for an entire city filled with people and even animals. The chapter ends unresolved, forcing the listener/reader to examine their own heart. 5. Key Themes & Questions God’s Mercy vs. Our Boxes: We want God’s compassion to fit our categories of “worthy” and “unworthy.” Who is Your Ninevite? The people you resist showing compassion to reveal how you see God’s mercy. God’s Names Matter: He is not one-dimensional—He is Provider, Judge, Shepherd, Lord of Hosts. A full view of God reshapes prayer and faith. Grace That Offends: God’s mercy often confronts our pride and challenges our limits. The Call to Self-Examination: The book ends with a question mark—will we embrace God’s heart, or cling to our boxes?

    36 min
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Go beyond Sunday mornings with our collection of biblical teachings. Dive into a variety of topics from different teachers.

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