Sunday, November 24, 2013

What kind of Soil are You? The Rocky Ground?!

"The Rocky Ground" according to the parable of the sower is the soil that hears the word and receives it with joy, but has no root and endures for a while, but when tribulations and persecutions arise on account of the word, they immediately fall.

Here we see two things, first they received the word; in contrast to the path, we can say that they had some understanding of the word to be able to receive it. However, with the understanding they got from the word they had no root to endure to the end, they endured only for a while.

"They endured for a while" the understanding that they had is what the "path" individuals lacked, but was not enough. Yes it was a good start, they were able to last for a while, but when persecution arose they fell; the end is what qualifies the beginning.

It is also important to note that persecution did not arise on the account or worldly things, persecution arose on the account of the WORD, in other words they were persecuted not because they were politicians, CEO's, doctors, teachers, no, they were persecuted because they believed in JESUS, they believed in the life given word, then they fell.

My fellow believers in addition to our understanding, we should be rooted in our firm foundation Jesus Christ. He Himself said if they deny you they have denied me; He said they will persecute you, but do not be afraid, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33). As Christians we will be tested, there is no other solution than to be prepared.

How do we prepare, read the word and be ready at all times to answer your persecutors (1 Peter 3:15), and when you feel you don't have an answer, do not be afraid the Holy Spirit is in you, the Lord Jesus said, you will be arrested and charged before kings, but this is an opportunity to spread the gospel, the Holy Spirit at that time will tell you what to say (Luke 12:11-12).

Pray without ceasing, this is a powerful tool, Prayer ensures that we are constantly in God's Presence. Praise and rejoice always, this will lift our spirits up, even when circumstances surrounding us say otherwise.

So by Brothers and Sisters, with understanding let us also be rooted in the solid foundation JESUS so we will not be shaken. Amen 

Till next time, remain blessed. Maranatha

Saturday, November 9, 2013

What kind of Soil are You? The Path?!

"The Path" is the kind Soil, that according to the parable, describe when the word is planted there is no understanding and the enemy quickly comes and snatches what was sown in our hearts (Mathew 13:1-4;18-19).

In my previous post I spoke on the types of soil in the Parable of the Sower. Here I will be focusing on the first soil, so we can know when we might be in this position and how best to overcome it. 

From a believers perspective this could be us, as new converts or those of that have been in the church for a long while and feel as though they know the scriptures all so well. There could be a message coming from the pulpit, but we fail to grasp it, sometimes it is feels unreal, how can this be?  we ask, this is a hard saying! we moan, this must be a joke! no this cant be true in this day and age!  while these questions can be raised and be legitimate, lets be aware of the enemy who has come to snatch away the truth from us.

By no means am I saying you should not question what you digest, the Berean Christians did so, what I am saying is to follow their examples, are there questions arising from a sermon that is unclear to you? Seek clarification and understanding. This is what the people in the category called "the path" lacked.

How do you seek understanding. We seek understanding trough the Holy Spirit, John 14:26James 1:5, before you go for a sermon pray for understanding, pray that the lord God will bring a fresh understanding to you, this is paramount. The Holy Spirit is our advocate.

Second, discourse this with fellow believers, they will bring to your knowledge that missing piece that will clarify you confusion. 

Third, look for examples in the bible, the bible is full of case studies of  men and women who have gone through all that was written in it and triumphed. These examples will shine a light on your doubts and lack of understanding.

Finally, wait on the Lord, keep on fellowship with the brethren, the right answer will definitely come at God's own timing, just because you did not get a full understanding of a message does not mean you should stay away from Worshiping the Lord. At the right time the "aha" moment will come.


Till next time my friends. Maranatha.