Parallel = something similar or analogous to another. A literal or figurative event, that can be interpreted as having the same message as another literal or figurative event. Parallels show - the consistency of God. God doesn't change. Parallels - show: 1. Consistent patterns 2. Directionality 3. Moral counsel 4. Insight 5. Like events characterize specific patterns. Analysis of the patterns leads us to paths of thoughts that develop our walk with the LORD. Study the "merry go round" that scripture describes for Israel. Time and time again, Israel does evil in the sight of the LORD - God sends prophets to warn - Israel ignores - Israel does evil again, in the sight of the LORD - God sends prophets to warn - The "Merry go Round" spins again and again. How many times does Israel parallel herself, in her own counsel? The parallel becomes repetition. Parallel the message and failure of all Nations, to yourself. Do we not individually drift to and from God, therefore enticing wolves to ravage us? Understand the concept more fully from examples learned. 4. Jesus was in the ground for how many days? 1. Jonah (a type of Christ) was in the belly of a sea monster, for how many days? 2. Joseph (a type of Christ) was in the pit, for how many days? 3. Moses (a type of Christ) was in the basket, for how many days? Quantity of days doesn't matter. What matters is - where were they? What message is revealed from these parallel events? To be buried (baptized) in Jesus, through your Faith and Obedience. The parallels can also be - TYPES. Search God communications, for - TYPES. Read 1Kings 22:24. Read John 18:22. Did you read that Micaiah and Jesus were slapped across the face? How did you feel about that? Read 1Kings 22:34? Who guided the arrow? Read 1Samuel 17:49. Who guided the stone? Easy Believism - Using non-scriptural parallel, linked with - types. Two certain men were in their final class for their college degree. The professor entered and said - I have been sent here from on high, so that whosoever believes on me - shall pass, and whosoever does not believe on me - will surely fail. Now, here is the text. You must read, and follow, the ten chapters, or you will NOT pass. Marvel not, you must read, and - obey. At the end of the semester, on the day of the final, the first man asked the second man - Did you read your ten chapters? The second man said - I didn't read anything. You know, I used to think like you, but the professor said whosoever believes on me - shall pass, and you see, I believe. What does this story - parallel? Easy believism - doctrines. God communicates using - parallels.