What kind of soil are you?

What kind of soil are you?

Long ago, Jesus told a parable about how the Word of God hits people differently.   It's been called "the parable of the sower"   It explains why some hear the word of God and believe and others do not.     Usually this parable is regard ed voyeuristically; using it to pigeonhole others, but this sermon turns the question on all who hear it:  "what kind of soil are you?"    You may find the text for this sermon in Matthew  13:1-9; 18-23.

The yoke

Part of us so desires the approval of the world,  but in order to attain that approval,  us Christians would have to compromise our faith in many ways.  Instead of seeking the approval of of the world, we are called to be the light of the world.  We do that by openly living our lives in accordance with his word.   God had the prophet Jeremiah symbolically demonstrate this by having him wear a yoke.  For more insight Read Jeremiah 27 and 28.

Slaves

In Romans Chapter Six,  Paul lays out a very peculiar sounding truth:  We are all slaves and the only Question is to whom shall we be enslaved?    There are only two choices:  Sin or Righteousness.    Sin which is offered and inspired by Satan or Righteousness with is created and given to us by God.  The Endpoint  of the two are very different.

Significance

We long to be significant,  but all too often, we feel as if our life hasn't really meant that much.  In Christ Jesus, however we are highly significant.   This sermon based on Exodus 19:2-8  shows how significant we are.

The Physician

Many people like to see Jesus as the "Great Excuser,"  that is,  one who says that your sins are fine at that you may continue in them.  But in reality,  Jesus is the "Great Physician"  who has come to heal us from the sickness of our sins.