What type of soil are you? Jesus tells a parable about four soils that have seed thrown on them in the hope that all produce a harvest. The seed represents the Word of God (The Gospel Message) and the soil represents how people receive it. The 1st soil is along the path, trampled on, and birds quickly snatch the seed away representing those who hear the Gospel but reject it because of their hardness of heart, typically because they have made up in their minds that the Gospel cannot save, change, or benefit them. They believe their truth will save them from whatever they need to saved from. The devil can easily snatch the truth of the Gospel from them because they are so convinced of that their way is the truth , way, and the life that nothing will change their minds. They are quick to preach a message that says, Whatever you believe is your truth is good enough to save you, so dont challenge the belief of others. There is the second soil that is falls on rocky ground but soon withers away because it cannot take root. This soil represents people who receive the Gospel but quickly dismiss it when faced with great trial or some kind of adversity. Typically these types of people look for a Gospel Message that only benefits them. They are not looking for any trial or hardship, when there is no immediate benefit they have no need of the Gospel and move on. They will seek no depth, have no desire to grow in Christ, and want no part of the work of a Christian. However they still want to go to Heaven because they seek after the blessings that will benefit them directly. They are willing to alter the message of the Gospel to avoid conflict, persecution, or suffering. So there Gospel message brings people to the cross but leaves them in the same sinful condition they came in. Their belief brings many people comfort but leads them towards destruction. They would rather give a comfortable lie them the hard truth. The message they preach is, No one goes to hell, God is to loving for that, you are fine just the way you are. The third soil has depth but allows weeds to kill the crop that grows this represents people who receive the Gospel, have some growth, but allow the cares and desires of life itself to choke it out. These types of people never mature in Christ because their hearts are set on the pleasures of this life and their passion is not for the Gospel. These people fully recognize Jesus as their Savior and understand He is Lord but they will not submit to His Lordship that is why they do not mature but have some growth. They will share the Gospel, encourage others to follow Jesus, but they will not follow Jesus themselves. They hear Gods Word but will not do it unless it will help them obtain their goals. These people are truly self-centered and seek after their own glory. They preach a message that says, Ask not what you can do for God but what God can do for you. The last soil is fertile and produces a harvest. This represents people who receive the Gospel message and faithfully follow Jesus. Typically these types of people are willing to go wherever God leads and do whatever He directs. These type of people take the Great Commission seriously and do something about. They read the Word of God not to find hidden blessings, they read it to transform their lives. Their desire is to decrease so Christ may increase. These people are not judgmental but understand the need to warn others of judgment. They realize they do not have it all together, are not self seeking, and only desire to please Christ. They are often called radical, rebellious, narrow minded, old fashioned, stupid, uneducated, or told it doesnt take that much by the other types of soil. They preach a Gospel Message that says, Repent and believe in Jesus, follow Him and teach others to do the same. They see no gray area just Heaven and Hell, Christ and the devil. They understand the importance and urgency of the Gospel Message this is what drives them. They willing endure whatever may come because Heaven is their home. Even with the rejection they get from the other soils and amidst all the name calling they are not moved. Because they are not called radical by God, they are not considered rebellious in His eyes, He simply calls them Good Soil Stay focused you can do this! Luke 8:1-15 In His JOY!
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 18:18:02 +0000
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