In this episode, we explore The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22) and what it reveals about the heart of God’s kingdom. Sitting down with Malcolm, we reflect on Scripture, prayer, and the joy-filled invitation God extends to all people. Together we unpack the cultural background of the parable, the shock of the rejected invitation, the meaning of the wedding garment, and the sobering yet hopeful words: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

Along the way, we talk about covenant, grace, judgment, and what it truly means to respond to God’s invitation, not just by showing up, but by being clothed in righteousness and living out the call of the kingdom. This conversation challenges us to examine distractions, rediscover first love, and remember that the kingdom of God is not merely duty, but a lavish feast prepared by a loving Father.

Whether you’re familiar with this parable or hearing it afresh, this episode invites you to come, sit at the table, and reflect on how we respond to the King’s invitation today.

In this episode of Looking at the Parables of the Kingdom, David Raynor reflects deeply on the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25), bringing insight shaped by decades of faith, teaching, and church life. He unpacks the cultural background of ancient Jewish wedding customs to reveal the significance of Jesus’ use of marriage imagery, highlighting themes of waiting, anticipation, and readiness for the bridegroom’s return. By situating the parable within Jesus’ wider teaching about the future of the kingdom, David shows how this familiar story speaks powerfully into the expectations and spiritual posture of believers today.

As the episode unfolds, David turns the focus toward personal discipleship and spiritual endurance. He explores the difference between nominal belief and committed faith, emphasizing that spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed from others but must be cultivated daily. Drawing from his own life, David speaks about navigating seasons of delay, loss, and perseverance, and the importance of staying “topped up” with the oil of the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, gratitude, and spiritual disciplines. With both warmth and honesty, he calls listeners to live fully in the “kingdom now,” while maintaining a joyful, watchful expectation of Christ’s return.

In this episode, Kathy Chapman joins us for a deep dive into the powerful parable of the mustard seed, one of Jesus' most well-known teachings. Kathy shares how this parable speaks not only to the small beginnings of the Kingdom of God but also to its incredible potential for growth. Drawing from her own experiences and a fresh perspective on the mustard seed, Kathy highlights how God's kingdom, though it starts small, has the capacity to expand and impact the world in profound ways.

Whether you're navigating the early stages of your faith or feeling overwhelmed by the challenges ahead, this episode encourages you to never despise small beginnings. Just like the mustard seed, your faith, no matter how small, has the power to move mountains and bring about lasting change.