Parable of the Sower

What kind of soil are you (Mark 4:2-9, 14-20)? God is sowing the seed of His truth, and how we respond to that truth – the kind of soil we are – determines whether a harvest is produced or not. That harvest is the abundant life Jesus promises to those fully surrendered to His reign and rule in their lives (John 10:10). Some people are disinterested paths where Satan immediately snatches the truth away, squelching any hope of God’s truth producing fruit. Others are rocky ground where despite significant encounters with Jesus never develop deep roots; their seed is scorched by the heat and pressures of life. Some are thorny soil where any spiritual growth is choked out by the convenience and worries of day-to-day life. And then some are good soil where a miraculous harvest beyond expectation emerges. We test and determine what kind of soil we are by purposefully examining the fruit of our daily lives. Are we tending and cultivating the soil of our souls, staying connected to other followers of Jesus, stepping out in faith, and spending regular time in worship? When our soil is good, our roots grow deep, and we help build up the roots of those around us.

Sermon from November 26, 2023