I am going to include the questions that prompted this entry so that you can answer them too if you are inclined.  

1.    In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pgs. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

A parable is a story  and analogy that contains a moral.  It's characters are figurative in nature.  By analyzing the relationships between the characters in the parable and relating these relationships to what they may represent you can discern truth from parables.  

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The Church will grow across the world.  Eventually everyone will have a chance to hear the gospel.  The parable of the net.  

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

Because we have the gospel of Jesus Christ!  We need to thrust in our sickle and reap while the day is long!  Parable of tares

o       How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier?

Becahse it's true!  And if it's true, it doesn't matter how small it starts, God will guide it's growth.  The parables of the mustard seed and leaven   

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

Because they know the true value of the gospel.  It is a pearl of great price and a treasure beyond worth.  

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

I don't know why people leave the church . . . they can't live the gospel, or feel restricted by it, or get offended.  They aren't willing to sacrifice enough for the gospel.  The parable of the pearl of great price.  

Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

I have sacrificed deeply for this gospel, because I love it and know it to be true.  I was living a life unfit for a saint, was engaged to a non member gal, and had a plan for my life that, albiet, it wasn't a very good one, but I had a plan.  I had an experience that made it clear to me that this wasn't the life that God wanted me to lead, and more specifically, that he wanted me to serve a mission.  When I talked about this with my fiance at the time she was vehemently opposed to it, and it ended our relationship.  After repenting I served a mission for 2 years away from my grandparents who were very ill and unable to care for themselves (I was a live in care-taker with them for 3 years).  I work hard to live my life by gospel standards and sacrifice my desires in order to follow what God would have me do.  I will continue to boiling to make any sacrifice required of me in order to obtain the treasure of the gospel.  

o       What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

I think net represents the Church.  To be gathered into the net would be to be baptized into the Church.  Tha action of gathering the good and casting the bad away would represent judgment when theirs life is over.