WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:04.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:07.799 equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.799 --> 00:00:10.000 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:11.720 Pastor Patrick Daly preaches 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:13.800 insightful sermons from the Word of God, 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:16.760 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.760 --> 00:00:19.600 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:19.600 --> 00:00:22.080 All right. Well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:25.280 How are we enjoying this snow? 00:00:25.280 --> 00:00:28.160 I got to tell you, I woke up this morning and I saw 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:31.760 the snow coming down and coming from Hawaii 00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:34.280 and then coming from California. 00:00:34.280 --> 00:00:36.000 You get snow every so often, 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:39.000 but I love how it sticks to the ground and it's just really, 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:41.359 when we think of that winter wonderland, 00:00:41.359 --> 00:00:43.399 I know it's technically fall, 00:00:43.399 --> 00:00:46.400 but I still think of it snowing, right? 00:00:46.400 --> 00:00:49.920 I think of how my kids have so much, 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:51.039 when they see it, they're like, 00:00:51.039 --> 00:00:53.120 oh, there's snow everywhere. 00:00:53.120 --> 00:00:56.200 They're really just shocked and they're taking it all in, 00:00:56.200 --> 00:00:58.140 and yeah, there's snow everywhere. 00:00:58.140 --> 00:01:00.799 I love my kids and this is really, 00:01:00.799 --> 00:01:03.200 just really it's great for them to adjust 00:01:03.200 --> 00:01:05.519 and kind of understand the four seasons 00:01:05.519 --> 00:01:09.400 rather than just the constant 80 degree weather 00:01:09.400 --> 00:01:10.480 or 70 degree weather, 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:12.319 although that sounds good for us right now. 00:01:12.319 --> 00:01:14.240 I mean, let's be honest here. 00:01:14.240 --> 00:01:17.439 So let's pray and we're gonna just begin in our, 00:01:18.599 --> 00:01:20.240 begin in our new sermon series, 00:01:20.240 --> 00:01:21.480 Thy Kingdom Come. 00:01:22.519 --> 00:01:24.000 Your Lord and Heavenly Father, 00:01:25.040 --> 00:01:28.000 we thank you for just giving us the time 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:31.159 and the opportunity for us to gather together today 00:01:31.159 --> 00:01:33.280 as the body of Christ. 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:36.400 Father God, you are the God of all seasons. 00:01:36.400 --> 00:01:37.840 We think of the natural order, 00:01:37.840 --> 00:01:40.519 how there's summer, there's winter, there's fall, 00:01:40.519 --> 00:01:42.000 there's spring, all these seasons 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:45.000 that we know in the natural world, 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:49.240 but you are also the God of every season of our own lives. 00:01:49.240 --> 00:01:52.960 You've been there for us since the foundation of the world. 00:01:52.960 --> 00:01:56.719 And we ask, Father, that you are with us. 00:01:56.719 --> 00:01:59.879 We pray that truth is spoken here 00:01:59.879 --> 00:02:02.760 and that lives are transformed. 00:02:03.760 --> 00:02:07.159 We pray, Father, that we may all come to know you, 00:02:07.159 --> 00:02:10.680 grow in you and be moved to do good in your name. 00:02:11.639 --> 00:02:15.000 As we begin our first sermon today, Father, 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:18.479 I ask that you bless every single person here today 00:02:18.479 --> 00:02:20.599 and you comfort those that are hurting 00:02:20.599 --> 00:02:23.800 or we also ask for healing. 00:02:23.800 --> 00:02:27.480 Be with us as we're going over these parables 00:02:27.480 --> 00:02:29.680 of your Son Jesus Christ. 00:02:29.680 --> 00:02:34.680 These very simplistic lessons that are so easy to understand, 00:02:35.040 --> 00:02:38.520 but yet they have so much spiritual significance, 00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:40.880 lessons that we can learn, 00:02:40.880 --> 00:02:45.880 but also that we can apply to our life, our very lives. 00:02:46.200 --> 00:02:49.120 So Father, we ask that you are with us, 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:50.360 lead us and guide us. 00:02:50.360 --> 00:02:52.600 May our ears be open to listen. 00:02:52.599 --> 00:02:56.039 May our hearts be open to you 00:02:56.039 --> 00:02:58.439 for your name is above every name. 00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:01.120 And we thank you. 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:02.799 We thank you for this church. 00:03:02.799 --> 00:03:05.120 We thank you for our lives. 00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:07.759 We thank you for just this time together. 00:03:07.759 --> 00:03:09.919 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray 00:03:09.919 --> 00:03:12.240 and we all say together, amen. 00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:17.240 So the title of this sermon is Preparing the Heart's Soil. 00:03:17.240 --> 00:03:20.719 It is an invitation to grow together. 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:23.319 And what I'd like to invite you to do, 00:03:23.319 --> 00:03:26.960 let us turn to the Gospel of Matthew. 00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:29.000 We're gonna turn, it'll be on the screen here, 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:32.879 Matthew chapter 13, verses one through 23. 00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:38.000 What's so interesting is we have a lot of teachings 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:40.520 that Christ taught to his disciples, 00:03:41.800 --> 00:03:42.919 and they're simple. 00:03:43.879 --> 00:03:47.639 So simple that even a child can understand them. 00:03:47.639 --> 00:03:52.279 Yet in its simplicity, there is such wisdom, 00:03:52.279 --> 00:03:54.479 there is such depth. 00:03:54.479 --> 00:03:57.919 There's so much that we can take away for our lives. 00:03:57.919 --> 00:03:59.359 And so what I want us to do, 00:03:59.359 --> 00:04:02.479 feel free to follow along in your ESV Pew Bible, 00:04:02.479 --> 00:04:05.319 your mobile device or your Bible of choice, 00:04:05.319 --> 00:04:07.119 and we're gonna read this together. 00:04:08.239 --> 00:04:10.159 So Matthew chapter 13, 00:04:11.319 --> 00:04:14.560 you may read out loud if you'd like or read silently. 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:17.360 That same day, Jesus went out of the house 00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:19.759 and sat beside the sea. 00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:23.759 A great and great crowds gathered about him 00:04:23.759 --> 00:04:26.959 so that he got into a boat and sat down. 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:29.639 And the whole crowd stood on the beach 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:33.480 and he told them many things and parables, 00:04:33.480 --> 00:04:37.160 saying, a sower went out to sow. 00:04:37.160 --> 00:04:41.000 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:43.759 and the birds came and devoured them. 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:46.920 Other seeds fell on rocky ground 00:04:46.920 --> 00:04:49.319 where they did not have much soil. 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:51.360 And immediately they sprang up 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:54.240 since they had no depth of soil. 00:04:54.240 --> 00:04:57.879 But when the sun rose, they were scorched. 00:04:57.879 --> 00:05:01.680 And since they had no roots, they withered away. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:06.480 Other seeds fell among thorns 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:09.319 and the thorns grew up and choked them. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:12.560 And other seeds fell on good soil 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:14.600 and produced grain. 00:05:14.600 --> 00:05:18.519 Some a hundredfold, some 60 and some 30. 00:05:18.519 --> 00:05:21.680 He who has ears, let him hear. 00:05:21.680 --> 00:05:25.480 Then the disciples came and said to him, 00:05:25.480 --> 00:05:27.920 why do you speak to them in parables? 00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:29.840 That's a legitimate question. 00:05:29.840 --> 00:05:33.519 And Christ answered them, pay attention here. 00:05:33.519 --> 00:05:37.120 To you, it has been given to know the secrets 00:05:37.120 --> 00:05:38.759 of the kingdom of heaven, 00:05:38.759 --> 00:05:41.360 but to them it has not been given. 00:05:41.360 --> 00:05:44.400 For to the one who has more will be given 00:05:44.400 --> 00:05:47.319 and he will have an abundance. 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:49.560 But from the one who has not, 00:05:49.560 --> 00:05:52.600 even what he has will be taken away. 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:55.600 This is why I speak to them in parables, 00:05:55.600 --> 00:05:58.560 because seeing they do not see 00:05:58.560 --> 00:06:02.800 and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 00:06:02.800 --> 00:06:07.199 Indeed, in their case, the prophecy of Isaiah 00:06:07.199 --> 00:06:10.199 is fulfilled saying, you will indeed hear 00:06:10.199 --> 00:06:13.199 but never understand, and you will indeed see 00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:15.199 but never perceive. 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:17.759 For this people's heart has grown dull, 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:20.199 and with their ears they can barely hear, 00:06:20.199 --> 00:06:22.199 and their eyes they have closed, 00:06:22.199 --> 00:06:25.199 lest they should see with their eyes 00:06:25.199 --> 00:06:27.199 and hear with their ears. 00:06:27.199 --> 00:06:31.199 And understand with their heart and turn I would heal them. 00:06:31.199 --> 00:06:33.199 But blessed are your eyes for they see 00:06:33.199 --> 00:06:36.199 and your ears for they hear. 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:39.199 For truly I say to you, many prophets and righteous people 00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:42.199 long to see what you see and did not see it 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:45.199 and to hear what you hear and did not hear it. 00:06:45.199 --> 00:06:48.199 So it goes on in verse 18. 00:06:48.199 --> 00:06:51.199 Let's pay attention. Hear the parable of the sower. 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:54.199 When anyone hears the words of the kingdom 00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:57.199 and does not understand it, the evil one comes 00:06:57.199 --> 00:07:00.199 and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:02.199 This is what was sown along the path. 00:07:02.199 --> 00:07:04.199 And what was sown on rocky ground, 00:07:04.199 --> 00:07:06.199 this is the one who hears the words 00:07:06.199 --> 00:07:08.199 and immediately receives it with joy. 00:07:08.199 --> 00:07:12.199 Yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, 00:07:12.199 --> 00:07:15.199 and when tribulation or persecution arises 00:07:15.199 --> 00:07:18.199 on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 00:07:18.199 --> 00:07:20.199 And for what was sown among thorns, 00:07:20.199 --> 00:07:22.199 this is one who hears the word, 00:07:22.199 --> 00:07:25.199 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches 00:07:25.199 --> 00:07:28.199 choke the word and it proves unfruitful. 00:07:28.199 --> 00:07:31.199 As for what was sown on good soil, 00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:36.199 this is the one who hears the word and understands it. 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:39.199 He indeed bears fruit and yields. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:42.199 In one case a hundredfold and another sixty 00:07:42.199 --> 00:07:44.199 and in another thirty. 00:07:44.199 --> 00:07:46.199 I want you to go to verse 34 as well. 00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:50.199 Go down or go a little bit further here. 00:07:50.199 --> 00:07:54.199 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables. 00:07:54.199 --> 00:07:57.199 He said nothing to them without a parable. 00:07:57.199 --> 00:08:00.199 This was to fulfill what was spoken. 00:08:00.199 --> 00:08:02.199 I will open my mouth in parables. 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:04.199 I will utter what has been hidden 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:08.199 since the foundation of the world. 00:08:08.199 --> 00:08:11.199 And so these are the parables. 00:08:11.199 --> 00:08:15.199 We begin with this one so that we can understand, 00:08:15.199 --> 00:08:18.199 have an understanding of Christ's parable. 00:08:18.199 --> 00:08:24.199 This is the first parable in which we have to understand the seed. 00:08:24.199 --> 00:08:26.199 We have to understand the word. 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:30.199 And I want to go ahead and go to this image here. 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:35.200 I really worked a lot to try to get an image here. 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:39.200 So we have the symbolism of the parable here. 00:08:39.200 --> 00:08:42.200 We have the sower, right? 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:46.200 Christ being known as the sower who is the Word 00:08:46.200 --> 00:08:50.200 and he's sharing the seed onto different soils. 00:08:50.200 --> 00:08:55.200 And the seed is a representation of the Word of God. 00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:58.200 And that seed gets scattered, right? 00:08:58.200 --> 00:09:01.200 Into different types of soil. 00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:03.200 And then we have the soil, 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:06.200 which is a representation of our hearts. 00:09:06.200 --> 00:09:09.200 It's the condition of our hearts. 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:12.200 And for many of us, we can... 00:09:12.200 --> 00:09:14.200 Some of us are farmers. 00:09:14.200 --> 00:09:18.200 We can understand the importance of having good soil, right? 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:20.200 We can also think of... 00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:22.200 Well, we can think of the path. 00:09:22.200 --> 00:09:26.200 We can think of stones and lots of things on the soil. 00:09:26.200 --> 00:09:29.200 We can think of weeds as well. 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:31.200 And how it can choke up. 00:09:31.200 --> 00:09:37.200 And these are the four soils from the parable of the sower. 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:40.200 The first one is the path. 00:09:40.200 --> 00:09:44.200 And that's a representation of hardened hearts. 00:09:44.200 --> 00:09:48.200 They can't receive the Word because they are not ready. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:51.200 And for many of us, we can think of someone. 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:53.200 Maybe you have been in a time 00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:58.200 where your heart was hardened towards God and His Word. 00:09:58.200 --> 00:10:03.200 There are people out there who are like the path. 00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:06.200 Their heart is hardened towards God. 00:10:06.200 --> 00:10:09.200 Think of Pharaoh as an example. 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:12.200 His heart was hardened. 00:10:12.200 --> 00:10:17.200 And he was rejecting the Lord and the Lord's command. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:21.200 The second one is the rocky ground. 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:26.200 And this is what we would call superficial faith. 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:31.200 It's lacking depth or it's fading under pressure. 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:33.200 And so we can think at times, 00:10:33.200 --> 00:10:37.200 well, you can plant something in the ground with a bunch of rocks. 00:10:37.200 --> 00:10:40.200 How many of us have done that before? 00:10:40.200 --> 00:10:42.200 It struggles, right? 00:10:42.200 --> 00:10:46.200 And so in the spiritual sense, in this parable, 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:48.200 it doesn't take full root. 00:10:48.200 --> 00:10:51.200 It's not very deep. 00:10:51.200 --> 00:10:57.200 And so, well, it's a call for us, for many of us, 00:10:57.200 --> 00:11:01.200 we can think of people that may have a superficial faith. 00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:04.200 Maybe you have a superficial faith 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:09.200 and maybe this is a call for you to have a deeper faith in the Lord. 00:11:09.200 --> 00:11:11.200 Well, then we have the third one. 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:12.200 Now, this one's a scary one. 00:11:12.200 --> 00:11:14.200 You see this kind of image of thorns, right? 00:11:14.200 --> 00:11:18.200 All the little spikies and whatnot going on. 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:23.200 And the thorns can choke up the seed. 00:11:23.200 --> 00:11:29.200 It's being distracted by the world and the worries of it. 00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:31.200 Think about that. 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:38.200 How often and how easy is it for us to get distracted by the worries of this world? 00:11:38.200 --> 00:11:43.200 And here it's explaining that thorns are preventing the word from maturing. 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:47.200 We're talking about spiritual growth in Christ, 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:51.200 spiritual growth that comes from the word. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:52.200 And so we have the thorns here. 00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:56.200 And then finally, we have good soil, 00:11:56.200 --> 00:11:58.200 a heart that receives the word, 00:11:58.200 --> 00:12:04.200 which leads to growing into Christ and bearing fruit. 00:12:04.200 --> 00:12:09.200 You shall know them by their fruit, as it's said in Scripture. 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:11.200 And it's a call for all of us. 00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:14.200 Maybe our hearts are not right with God, 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:21.200 but let us be encouraged to have good soil and to produce good fruit. 00:12:21.200 --> 00:12:23.200 This is one... 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:25.200 It's very simple. 00:12:25.200 --> 00:12:28.200 You could show this to a child, right? 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:31.200 And they'd understand it. 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:34.200 Well, why is the seed not going into the ground? 00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:37.200 We need to clear the rocks out of the way. 00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:43.200 Or we need to clear the weeds out of the way so that the plant can thrive. 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:48.200 Or we think of the good soil in that case. 00:12:48.200 --> 00:12:49.200 It's so simple. 00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:52.200 And what are the lessons then that we can learn? 00:12:52.200 --> 00:12:54.200 We can interpret from these verses. 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:57.200 And the first thing is the soil and the seed. 00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:02.200 Let us remember the seed being the Word, the Word of God, 00:13:02.200 --> 00:13:05.200 the Bible that we hold in our hands. 00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:07.200 It does not change. 00:13:07.200 --> 00:13:11.200 Much like how God does not change, everlasting to everlasting, 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:16.200 but the soil, the heart does. 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:20.200 We, if we have a heart and heart, 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:24.200 we need to ask God for a softened heart. 00:13:24.200 --> 00:13:26.200 Right? If there's distractions in our life, 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:29.200 we need to clear away from those distractions, 00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:32.200 focusing and fixating on the Lord. 00:13:32.200 --> 00:13:37.200 Because God's Word will accomplish God's purpose. 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:42.200 And let us also be reminded that the Word of God is living and active. 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:45.200 And so the Word does not change. 00:13:45.200 --> 00:13:47.200 But we do. 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:52.200 This should be a call for us to come to the Lord, 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:56.200 make that decision for Christ and grow in Him. 00:13:56.200 --> 00:14:01.200 Let that seed be planted within you and grow and be cultivated 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:04.200 to bear much fruit. 00:14:04.200 --> 00:14:10.200 The second thing then is God meets people where they are. 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:16.200 And we have to think for a moment that no matter where you are, 00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:21.200 no matter where you come from, or even what you're going through, 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:32.200 God extends an invitation for you to enter into a relationship with Him. 00:14:32.200 --> 00:14:37.200 What matters is your heart being ready to receive the Word, 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:44.200 much like how our hearts need to be ready to receive salvation through Christ. 00:14:44.200 --> 00:14:48.200 When we think of Ephesians 2, verses 8-10, 00:14:48.200 --> 00:14:54.200 it is for grace you have been saved, not by works lest any man boast. 00:14:54.200 --> 00:15:02.200 And then we are created so that we can do good works. 00:15:02.200 --> 00:15:06.200 And so Jesus invites us. 00:15:06.200 --> 00:15:11.200 When we have been burdened, when we have felt weary, 00:15:11.200 --> 00:15:15.200 when we have felt simply exhausted, 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:21.200 He invites us to find rest, to find refuge in Him. 00:15:21.200 --> 00:15:27.200 I think of Psalm 51, verse 10, where many of you know that verse, 00:15:27.200 --> 00:15:31.200 where it says, create in me a new heart and renew a right spirit, 00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:32.200 or renew a new spirit, 00:15:32.200 --> 00:15:36.200 dispending upon the translation within me. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:40.200 And even though that's a prayer of repentance, 00:15:40.200 --> 00:15:44.200 it's encouragement for us to ask God for a new heart. 00:15:44.200 --> 00:15:48.200 And a renewed spirit within us. 00:15:48.200 --> 00:15:54.200 The third thing then is to grow and to bear fruit. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:59.200 The seed will grow on good soil and bear fruit, 00:15:59.200 --> 00:16:01.200 showing spiritual growth. 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:04.200 It's just like the verse that I was saying, 00:16:04.200 --> 00:16:09.200 you shall know them by their fruit. 00:16:09.200 --> 00:16:11.200 Now when we think about it, 00:16:11.200 --> 00:16:14.200 there's an example that I learned many years ago. 00:16:14.200 --> 00:16:17.200 I took a seminary class that was talking about faith, 00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:22.200 and that you want to have faith like an oak tree, right? 00:16:22.200 --> 00:16:26.200 Where the roots are so deep. 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:27.200 It's very difficult, right? 00:16:27.200 --> 00:16:31.200 Many of us can think of a tree that's had some very deep roots. 00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:36.200 Well, it's very difficult to uproot that tree. 00:16:36.200 --> 00:16:38.200 Let your faith be like that, 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:41.200 that can withstand the storms of life 00:16:41.200 --> 00:16:46.200 or any season of life for that matter. 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:48.200 Well, you don't want to have that 00:16:48.200 --> 00:16:52.200 compared to that of a mushroom. 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:54.200 You guys see a little mushroom? 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:58.200 Is it really difficult to get a mushroom out? 00:16:58.200 --> 00:17:00.200 You just flip it over, 00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:02.200 and sometimes you may have to pull a little bit, 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:04.200 but in my experience, 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:07.200 you just flip it over and you're on your way. 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:11.200 And we don't want to have faith like that. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:15.200 We want to have faith that is deeply rooted in God and His Word, 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:18.200 and letting God work in and through our lives 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:21.200 that we are becoming more like Him every single day, 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:25.200 following in the footsteps of Christ. 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:26.200 Think about that. 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:31.200 Think of how powerful God's Word is for our life, 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:37.200 knowing that the Word transforms our lives. 00:17:37.200 --> 00:17:40.200 And so the seed will grow 00:17:40.200 --> 00:17:42.200 and it will bear fruit showing spiritual growth. 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:46.200 That's why when I have the opening question here, 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:48.200 what would it look like if our hearts were ready 00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:51.200 to receive God's Word, to grow deeply, 00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:53.200 and to flourish abundantly? 00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:57.200 I speak of spiritual abundance. 00:17:57.200 --> 00:17:58.200 I'm not talking about, you know, 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:01.200 we're all going to have millions and millions of dollars. 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:05.200 No, I'm talking about spiritual abundance. 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:09.200 That's something for us to think about. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:11.200 You will recognize them by their fruit, 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:15.200 and then of course in Galatians 5 verse 22 through 23, 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:18.200 we even have the fruit of the Spirit. 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:19.200 And here's the other thing. 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:22.200 Being transformed in the things of the Lord, 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:24.200 it's not just the fruit of the Spirit, 00:18:24.200 --> 00:18:27.200 it's you being transformed. 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:29.200 Right? 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:31.200 Recently I've been very, 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:34.200 I feel the Lord's been really working in my heart 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:37.200 from Hebrews chapter 5 and 6, 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:39.200 which has been talking about 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:41.200 focusing on the deeper things of God 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:44.200 and not arguing over the elementary things. 00:18:44.200 --> 00:18:46.200 Do you know in Scripture, 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:50.200 it says that the laying on of hands and baptism 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:53.200 is an elementary thing? 00:18:53.200 --> 00:18:55.200 But yet that is something that people argue about 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:57.200 more than, well in my experience, 00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:59.200 more than anything else. 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:01.200 But yet that's an elementary thing. 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:05.200 And we as Christians are to grow in our faith, right? 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:07.200 We are to bear fruit, 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:10.200 we're to grow in our understanding of the Lord 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:15.200 to the point where we lay aside these ridiculous elementary arguments. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:18.200 We are to be baptized. 00:19:18.200 --> 00:19:20.200 That's important, but that shouldn't be 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:22.200 something that we divide over. 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:25.200 We should focus on the transformation that comes from the Lord, 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:27.200 seeking the things that are higher, 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:29.200 letting God work in and through us 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:31.200 so that we can bear fruit. 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:34.200 And we, just like that image 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:37.200 of Christ scattering the seed, 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:41.200 we too can sow seeds to other people. 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:43.200 Do you get it? 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:45.200 Does that make sense? 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:48.200 Not only do we have Christ who is the great sower, 00:19:48.200 --> 00:19:51.200 every time the word is being proclaimed, 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:53.200 Christ is the sowing of seeds, 00:19:53.200 --> 00:19:56.200 the scattering of seeds upon other soils. 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:59.200 It is the continuing of the process in that. 00:19:59.200 --> 00:20:02.200 The fourth thing then 00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:05.200 is to sow the word to others. 00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:07.200 As you grow in Christ, 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:10.200 you are called to scatter the seed of the word. 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:12.200 It is the proclaiming of the Gospel, 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:15.200 it is the sharing of the good news, right? 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:19.200 Sharing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:22.200 As you grow, scatter that seed, 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:25.200 it reminds us of the Great Commission 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:27.200 to go out and to make disciples. 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:30.200 Last week we talked about the Ministry of Reconciliation, 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:32.200 which is sharing the Gospel. 00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:34.200 We're also called to share in our testimony 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:36.200 how God works in our life. 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:39.200 How has God worked in your life? 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:43.200 Have you shared that story with someone? 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:46.200 I'm telling you, who you can speak to 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:49.200 is remarkable, it's unique to you. 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:52.200 Who you can reach out to may be different 00:20:52.200 --> 00:20:54.200 than who I can reach to, 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:56.200 and the person next to you. 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:59.200 We are to be ambassadors for Christ, 00:20:59.200 --> 00:21:02.200 and we are to sow seeds with joy. 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:04.200 Let's think of that. 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:07.200 And in all this then, it comes then with the question of, 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:10.200 well, what can we do to apply this, right? 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:13.200 Well, the first thing is to, 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:16.200 I want you to ask yourself the question then, 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:22.200 what kind of soil represents my heart right now? 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:25.200 I encourage you to really think about that. 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:29.200 Think of the four soils here. 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:32.200 Only you can answer that question truthfully. 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:34.200 It's between you and the Lord. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:37.200 And I encourage you, 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:41.200 be encouraged to have a heart that is open to God. 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:45.200 Be encouraged to have a heart that is open to His Word 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:48.200 and transformation that comes from Him. 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:50.200 The softening of the heart. 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:55.200 For some of us, we're focused on the truth of God's Word. 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:58.200 But maybe we need to focus on the love and the grace 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:59.200 that comes from God. 00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:02.200 Others, we might be focused on the grace 00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.200 and the love of Christ, 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:07.200 but we need to focus on doubling down here. 00:22:07.200 --> 00:22:10.200 It's a balance between grace and truth. 00:22:10.200 --> 00:22:14.200 And so, think about that. 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:16.200 Think about how where you are 00:22:16.200 --> 00:22:19.200 and how is your soil? 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:22.200 How is your relationship with the Lord? 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:25.200 And the second thing then, 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:29.200 is to move your heart to good soil. 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:34.200 The first one is for the path is to be open to God. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:38.200 These are the people who have hardened hearts. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:42.200 Certainly, if you have a hardened heart, 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:46.200 I pray and we should pray 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:49.200 that your heart will be softened 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:53.200 and that your soil will no longer be solid like that, 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:55.200 rejecting the seed. 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:59.200 Can you think of someone who has a hardened heart? 00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:01.200 Maybe it's yourself. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:05.200 Maybe it's something you need to reflect on. 00:23:05.200 --> 00:23:08.200 So be open to God, His Word and His salvation 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:13.200 that is freely given by faith in Jesus Christ. 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:16.200 Think of Psalm 139 when it says, 00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:21.200 search me, oh God, think about that. 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:26.200 For the rocky ground then, it is to grow deep roots. 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:29.200 Some people who have superficial faith, 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:31.200 they're so excited and that's great. 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:34.200 Grow in that faith. 00:23:34.200 --> 00:23:37.200 You're already working on it, right? 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:40.200 That's good. You've got to have deeper roots. 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:43.200 Remain in Him in all seasons. 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:48.200 Let the roots be grown. 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:50.200 So that's something for us. 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:53.200 Be rooted and built up in Christ. 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:57.200 And we also have to think of times where there's the testing, 00:23:57.200 --> 00:24:01.200 the trials and the tribulations that come in our life. 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:05.200 Do you remain rooted even when times are bad in Christ? 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:09.200 Do you remain rooted in Christ when things are good? 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:12.200 That's the question. 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:17.200 And then there's, for those who have thorns in Christ, 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:19.200 there is nothing to worry about. 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:22.200 How many times do we see in Scripture where it says, 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:27.200 be not afraid or some translations fear not, right? 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:28.200 Think about that. 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:31.200 So we're not to be afraid. 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:34.200 We are to seek first the kingdom of God. 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:35.200 We're not to be anxious. 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:39.200 We are to trust in the Lord with everything that we are, right? 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:41.200 And not lean in our own understanding. 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:46.200 I know you've probably heard me give this analogy before that, 00:24:46.200 --> 00:24:49.200 where you see that verse, trust in the Lord with all your heart 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:51.200 and lean not in your own understanding 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:52.200 and all your ways acknowledge Him 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:54.200 and He will make your path straight. 00:24:54.200 --> 00:25:01.200 The foundation of leaning is a wall, right? 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:03.200 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:05.200 I would think you would say, 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:07.200 and trust not in your own understanding. 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:12.200 But the leaning, our understanding is like a wall. 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:15.200 Well, walls can be tipped over, 00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:21.200 but the foundation of Christ is a sure foundation, right? 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:24.200 We always think of the solid rock. 00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:27.200 That's something for us to think of. 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:31.200 And we also have to be mindful that when we're concerned 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:36.200 about the things of this world, it can distract us. 00:25:36.200 --> 00:25:39.200 And finally, we go to the good soil then. 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:42.200 Bear fruit, right? 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:46.200 Just like it says in Genesis, be fruitful and multiply, right? 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:49.200 We always think of it having children, 00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:52.200 but we can also have spiritual implications as well. 00:25:52.200 --> 00:25:57.200 Bear fruit and sow the seed for others. 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:59.200 Be an ambassador for Christ. 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:03.200 The first thing, the most important decision you can make 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:07.200 is to make a decision for Christ and receive that seed. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:12.200 Grow in Christ and let your light shine before others. 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:15.200 Exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:18.200 Abide in Christ to bear much fruit. 00:26:18.200 --> 00:26:22.200 And to sow the seeds with joy for others. 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:25.200 And I want you to think about all of this, 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:29.200 how important it is for us to get to a place 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:34.200 where we receive the word, where we receive the seed. 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:41.200 And as I mentioned, think about where your heart is with God. 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:43.200 How is your soil? 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:48.200 I mean, let's put that image on there, the four soils, one more time. 00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:51.200 I want you to really reflect on this. 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:54.200 This isn't literal, right? 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:56.200 It's just an idea here. 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:58.200 It's a spiritual truth though. 00:26:58.200 --> 00:27:04.200 It's a call for us to reflect on our lives, how our soil is, 00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:09.200 and to get to the place where we have good soil. 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:12.200 Let the Word of God work in and through you. 00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:15.200 Be on a path of holiness. 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:19.200 Be on a path of becoming more like Him. 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:21.200 Become more like Christ. 00:27:21.200 --> 00:27:23.200 Produce those fruit. 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:26.200 And I pray that for each and every one of us, 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:29.200 those that are watching online and those here today, 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:34.200 I pray that if you have a heart and heart, it will be softened. 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:37.200 I pray that if you have a superficial faith, 00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:39.200 that you will have a deeper faith. 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:42.200 And I pray if you have weeds in your life, 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:47.200 you will clear out those distractions and you focus on Christ. 00:27:47.200 --> 00:27:51.200 And I pray that if you have good soil and you've been faithful to the Lord, 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:53.200 which many of us have, 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:56.200 that you continue to produce good fruit 00:27:56.200 --> 00:28:00.200 and you too can share in the good news of the Gospel, 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:08.200 you can share in your testimony and share about the seed being the Word. 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:11.200 Let Christ work in your life 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:15.200 so that we can make a difference in this world in the name of Christ. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:18.200 Let's pray together. 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:24.200 Father, we thank you for this time and this opportunity to go over this incredible parable. 00:28:24.200 --> 00:28:27.200 Speaking of the four soils, 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:31.200 Father, I pray that each and every one of us, 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:36.200 if our hearts are not right with you, may they become right with you. 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:40.200 I pray that if there's anyone that hasn't made a decision for Christ, 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:42.200 may they make that decision for Christ. 00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:50.200 I pray for those that may have felt hurt or maybe they have just had that sense of frustration 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:55.200 that there will be healing in their heart. 00:28:55.200 --> 00:29:02.200 Father, we are just reminded of how you are good and you are the constant in our lives. 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:09.200 May we believe in your Son Jesus Christ first and be on a path of being molded like you. 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:13.200 You are the potter and we are the clay. 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:21.200 And I pray that these seeds of the Word will help us grow in our understanding of who you are, 00:29:21.200 --> 00:29:26.200 our understanding of the Word. 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:33.200 This is such a simple parable yet there's such profound spiritual truths. 00:29:33.200 --> 00:29:37.200 And Father, as we sing this last song, 00:29:37.200 --> 00:29:43.200 may we lift up a shout of praise for who you are, God. 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:48.200 You are good and we love you so much for sending your Son Jesus Christ, 00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:52.200 who is the way, the truth and the life. 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:58.200 And all of these things we pray and we all say together, amen, amen. 00:29:58.200 --> 00:30:02.200 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:06.200 For more about our church and how you can get involved or support our mission, 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:10.200 please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:23.200 May God's blessings be with you.