What is the difference between the story in Matthew 25:14-30 and the story in Luke 19:11-27?  I always get them mixed up and was wondering if they have the same meaning or if they mean different things.

Sincerely, Eye For The Details

Dear Eye For The Details,

These two parables are indeed very similar, therefore the distinction between them will be based off of the details. Both the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) and the parable of the ten servants (Lk 19:11-27) teach the same basic concept: God entrusts christians with things in this life, and we must be found working for Him (Jas 1:22). Hearing God isn’t enough; we must devote our lives to His service.

The defining difference between these parables is the emphasis upon the kingdom. The parable of the talents in Matthew only deals with a man and his servants. The relationship is purely confined to dealing with faithful and unfaithful servants standing before their master.

On the other hand, the parable of the ten servants in Luke includes an entire nation. A ruler goes away, and the nation hates him. When he returns, the unfaithful servants are rebuked, and the rebellious nation that wouldn’t serve him was also punished. This parable isn’t just about unfaithful servants (i.e. unfaithful christians)… but about an entire nation that wouldn’t accept their king (i.e. the Israelites rejecting Christ). The parable in Luke is a condemnation of all that would not serve Christ, while the parable in Matthew restricts the application to christians that will not bear fruit for their Master.

5 minutes a day 5 days a week All the New Testament in a year

Can a woman continue to teach a baptized christian boy after he is baptized?

Sincerely, Age Appropriate

Dear Age Appropriate,

Baptism doesn’t make you a man; it makes you a christian. The Scriptures are clear about a woman teaching a man – she can’t do it (1 Tim. 2:12). Your question doesn’t deal with a woman teaching a man. Instead, it is addressing when a male becomes a man. That issue is a much more difficult one because there is no exact answer. There are two parts to your question:

1. When do we recognize a boy as a man?
2. What should a congregation do in order to have harmony when a boy is baptized?

The first question is easily answered – I don’t know. The Scriptures never say. Society recognizes 18 as adult enough to be considered completely responsible for oneself. Even that is just an arbitrary number. In reality, every child matures at a different rate, and there is no magic moment of transition from childhood to adulthood. Everyone agrees a 10 year old is a child and a 20 year old is an adult, but it is the ages in between that leave us scratching our heads.

The second question is an issue of dealing with opinions. Realistically, when a young person is baptized, some will consider him or her an instant adult; others will recognize it as a decision that shows maturity but not adulthood. Consequently, in the case of a boy, a congregation will have some that feel he can no longer have a woman Bible class teacher, and others will think it is still appropriate. Both views are an opinion, and we can’t stand hard and fast on either view. Rom 14:13 says that in such cases, we should do whatever will not cause division or hurt anyone’s conscience. If the congregation is being torn apart by a woman teaching a newly baptized boy, put him in a different class with a male teacher. If a woman has been teaching him and no longer feels she can do it in clear conscience, she should be allowed to recuse herself as his teacher. No matter what, in issues of opinion, peace and edification should be sought above all else (Rom 14:19). Wisdom will have to be used to decide what is the best course in each circumstance.

5 minutes a day 5 days a week All the New Testament in a year

My girlfriend is a fairly new christian. She is wonderful!!! How can I encourage her to pray more often and think more on godly things without pressuring her and pushing her away? It seems that I am always the one who is bringing those things up, and I don't want to force things on her.

Sincerely, Forcefully Concerned

Dear Forcefully Concerned,

Gentle patience is the key to helping her grow. Paul told the young Thessalonian church that he was as patient and gentle as a mother (1 Thess 2:7-8). Don’t expect her to know everything right away- nor to remember everything the first time she learns it. Christianity is a huge change in someone’s life, and everyone grows in different areas and at different paces. Kindness and brotherly love will work wonders in helping her grow (Rom 12:10). Make sure you remain a humble servant and not a condescending overlord (1 Pet 5:5)

After you have mentally prepared, make some consistent opportunities to talk about spiritual things. The church is told that consistency is a large part of what makes healthy christians (Heb. 10:24-25). Regular involvement in praying together, going to services together, etc. provides opportunity for dialogue. She needs to be taking Bible classes (so do you!), and committing to take some classes together will help her grow without placing undo pressure on her. Christian growth isn’t about speed… but endurance. Babies grow slowly and steadily; if they grew fast, it would be unhealthy! Talk to her about taking some useful ‘beginner’ Bible classes together, and she will start to grow from the milk of the Word (1 Pet 2:2).