Thistles!?
atthew 13:22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.
Rocks Everywhere!
Last week we learned of seed falling on ground that was a hard pathway and it had no chance of growing as the devil came and removed the seed.
The Path Way
Last week we were introduced to ‘farming,’ that is, sowing the truth about God from the parable of the Sower where the seed fell on four types of soil, that is four conditions of the heart.
Time to Plant
By the time you read this most if not all local farmers will have their fields planted. Whether planting corn or beans with an eight or twenty-four row planter the seeds are not wasted. They are perfectly spaced by depth and distance with technology that also provides analysis of soil and needed amenities, one is sure to yield a harvest this Fall.
What is the Probability?
Easter was not that long ago so we can remember that there was prophecy surrounding many of the events leading up to Jesus’ arrest, trial, death, resurrection, and ascension. In fact, some scholars count a total of 332 distinct predictions in the Old Testament which were literally fulfilled in Christ.
Can I Believe It
I make one assumption when writing communiques and that is; the bible is the very word of God from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. It does not contain God’s word, it is God’s word without error in all it says and teaches. However, many do not hold to this assumption and we must ask, is the bible reliable? If not, put it in a museum and leave it there or better yet in the trash.
How can I know for certain?
Over the past year or so I have visited with a man who was battling stage four cancer in three different organs. At times he was making good progress and was hopeful with chemo and surgery. However, while cancer in one area responded to treatment other areas of cancer did not. Finally, the decision was made after available treatments were exhausted to simply quit all treatment and let the cancer take its course. This is a scenario we hear of all too often.
Opportunities
Acts 8:29-31 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Illiteracy and Control
Illiteracy was wide spread in Europe centuries before Christians fled to America to escape persecution. Along with illiteracy the bible was not available in their language. Consequently, Christian leaders taught that the bible required both the state and church to rule its citizens with a heavy hand. The common citizen didn’t know what the bible taught and could not learn otherwise.
No More Tears
Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.