Barry, I agree with you that spiritual ears and eyes are needed to discern the meaning of a parable. Jesus told us He spoke in parables so not all could understand the message. Not all His words were meant for all to understand. It is only through the leading of the Holy Spirit that one can discern the true meaning of a spiritual or prophetic message.
   How often did Jesus speak about the traditions of men being favored over the true words of God and His commandments? He blasted the religious leaders of His day because they led the people astray with their preferred traditions. Ecclesiastes tells us there is nothing new under the sun, and so it is. We continue to be led astray by religious leaders and false teachers who prefer their own traditions, interpretations and prophecies.
    We need to seriously re-evaluate what and to whom we listen. How many new and immature believers have turned away from the truth because of misleading information they have read at this very website? I speak from experience, as when I first discovered Five Doves around 1998 I believed just about every word I read here. I was terribly disappointed after "rapture dates" came and went and I went back into the wilderness for some time.
   God is gracious, and those He has called He will not lose. He will restore them and continue to lead them because He is sovereign. His perfect will may not always be the same as His plan, as we have seen demonstrated throughout history, and it is no different today. I think it is time that we re-examine some of the traditions that we hold sacred and see if perhaps the traditional viewpoints may be, as Barry says, just the opposite from what we have been taught.
   May I suggest that we examine our hearts and ask the Lord to show us any idols we have there, as He will speak to us based on those idols. He will allow us to believe a lie if we prefer that to the truth. He will allow lying spirits to speak through prophets if we show Him we prefer to believe those lies. How many lies do you think we have been deceived into believing because we preferred men's traditions over the truth? Do we think we are more special than the nation of Israel, His chosen people? May I suggest that is a good place to begin looking at those sacred cows of men's traditions. Just who is Israel today according to the Word of God?
   Barry, I look forward to hearing what you have to share with us. I know that what you say may be met with scorn and ridicule, but that is to be expected. Many will totally ignore you. Many will say you are proud and looking for glory because the Lord has chosen to reveal something special to you. Do no listen to those words. Those who have spiritual eyes and ears will see and hear the truth. The others will continue to seek after teachers whose words will tickle their ears. Though an angel of light, or people who are mistaken for an angel, preach another gospel, do not believe it. Believe the Word of God.