Intentional Faith

Matthew 13:1-23

The Parable of the Sower does not begin with "The kingdom of heaven is like" because it describes how the kingdom begins. It begins with the preaching of the Word, the planting of the seed in the hearts of people. When we say, "Let me plant this thought in your mind," we express the idea of this parable. The seed is God’s Word; the various soils represent different kinds of hearts; and the varied results show the different responses to the Word of God. Jesus explained this parable so there is no doubt of its meaning.

Why compare God’s Word to seed? Because the Word is "living and powerful" (Heb. 4:12). Unlike the words of men, the Word of God has life in it; and that life can be imparted to those who will believe. The truth of God must take root in the heart, be cultivated, and permitted to bear fruit. It is shocking to realize that three fourths of the seed did not bear fruit.

Jesus did not describe an age of great harvest, but one in which the Word would be rejected. He was not impressed with the "great multitudes" that followed Him, for He knew that most of the people would not receive His Word within and bear fruit.

Fruit is the test of true salvation (Matt. 7:16). This would include holiness (Rom. 6:22), Christian character (Gal. 5:22-23), good works (Col. 1:10), winning others to Christ (Rom. 1:13), sharing what we have (Rom. 15:25-28), and praising God (Heb. 13:15). If a plant is to bear fruit, it must be rooted in soil and exposed to sunshine.

In the parable, the sun represents persecution that comes because of the Word. Persecution helps believers grow. But the sunshine will kill a plant with no roots. This explains why some "believers" do not last: Their faith was weak, their understanding was meager, and their decision was not sincere. It is possible to "believe" and yet not be saved (John 2:23-25). Unless there is fruit in the life, there is not saving faith in the heart.

Nineteen times in Matthew 13 we find the word "hear." The Parable of the Sower is found in the first three Gospels, and in each one, the closing admonition is different. It is important that we hear God’s Word, because "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Jesus said, "Who hath ears to hear" (Matt. 13:9), "Take heed what you hear!" (Mark 4:24), and "Take heed how you hear!" (Luke 8:18)

Did you note the odds: 1 in 4 that what we do will bear fruit in others.  1 in 2 odds that people will start in faith but not finish their spiritual journey.  Every day we plant thoughts in the minds of others with a word or action.  Be patient.  Keep planting seeds.

Michael

Read the Text and the following Reflection.  Let me know what you think!

The Law condemns; but the believer has a new relationship to the Law, and therefore he cannot be condemned. Paul made three statements about the believer and the Law, and together they add up to: no condemnation.

The Law cannot claim you (v. 2). You have been made free from the law of sin and death. You now have life in the Spirit. You have moved into a whole new sphere of life in Christ. "The law of sin and death" is what Paul described in Romans 7:7-25. "The law of the Spirit of life" is described in Romans 8. The Law no longer has any jurisdiction over you: you are dead to the Law (Rom. 7:4) and free from the Law (Rom. 8:2).  Jesus Christ now claims jurisdiction over you. 

The Law cannot condemn you (v. 3). Why? Because Christ has already suffered that condemnation for you on the cross. The Law could not save; it can only condemn. But God sent His Son to save us and do what the Law could not do. Jesus did not come as an angel; He came as a man. He did not come "in sinful flesh," for that would have made Him a sinner. He came in the likeness of sinful flesh, as a man. He bore our sins in His body on the cross.

The "law of double jeopardy" states that a man cannot be tried twice for the same crime. Since Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sins, and since you are "in Christ," God will not condemn you.

The Law cannot control you (v. 4). The believer lives a righteous life, not in the power of the Law, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Law does not have the power to produce holiness; it can only reveal and condemn sin. But the indwelling Holy Spirit enables you to walk in obedience to God’s will. The righteousness that God demands in His Law is fulfilled in you through the Spirit’s power. In the Holy Spirit, you have life and liberty (Rom. 8:2) and "the pursuit of happiness" (Rom. 8:4).

The legalist tries to obey God in his own strength and fails to measure up to the righteousness that God demands. The Spirit-led Christian, as he yields to the Lord, experiences the sanctifying work of the Spirit in his life. "For it is God that works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). It is this fact that leads to the second freedom we enjoy as Christians.

If you have received Christ, follow Him.  God certainly isn’t stopping you. You don’t have to be perfect just loving.

Michael

Read and Reflect

At this point, David paused to meditate on the character of the Lord his God. After all, why pray to the Lord if He can’t be trusted? But He can be trusted! To begin with, He is "good and upright" and what He says and does is always right. If we submit ourselves to Him in meekness, He will teach us His ways, but if we are arrogant, He will be silent.

In the New Testament, the word "meek" describes a horse that has been broken, a soothing wind on a hot day, and a healing medicine. Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control. God can be trusted to guide those who obey His Word (v. 10), for a willingness to obey is the first step toward spiritual understanding (John 7:17).

God can be trusted to be merciful and gracious to those who repent (v. 11), but we must walk in the fear of the Lord (v. 12). "He [God] will instruct him in the way chosen for him" (v. 12).

Knowing that the Lord has a plan for our lives, and that this plan is the very best for us, should give us great joy and confidence as we seek His will (Psalm 139:13-16; Eph. 2:10).

According to God’s covenant arrangement, those who obey will receive His provision and protection, and there will be blessing also for the next generations in the family (Deut. 4:1-14). The word "children" is used nearly forty times in Deuteronomy, reminding us that our descendants can receive blessing from our obedience or sorrow because of our sins.

If we love Him, fear Him, and obey His Word, He will draw near to us and share His plans with us. "Secret" in verse 14 means "intimate conversation, plans and purposes," what Jesus spoke about in John 15:15 and what Abraham experienced in Genesis 18:16ff. (You can also look up Jer. 23:18 and 22, Prov. 3:32 and Amos 3:7.) As we "walk with the Lord in the light of His Word," we develop a close fellowship with Him and better understand His ways. Yes, the Lord can be trusted to help us; and when He helps, He does it in mercy and truth ("love and faithfulness").

It’s a beautiful day.  I hope you can get out and enjoy it.

Michael

Daily Bible Reading

Imagine Rebekah’s surprise when she learned that the two children would struggle with each other all their lives! Each child would produce a nation, and these two nations (Edom and Israel) would compete, but the younger would master the older. Just as God had chosen Isaac, the second-born, and not Ishmael, the firstborn, so He choose Jacob, the second-born, and not Esau, the firstborn. That the younger son should rule the elder was contrary to human tradition and logic, but the sovereign God made the choice (Rom. 9:10-12); and God never makes a mistake.

Esau probably means "hairy." He also had the nickname "Edom," which means "red," referring to his red hair and the red lentil soup Jacob sold him (vv. 25, 30). The twin boys not only looked different but they also were different in personality. Esau was a robust outdoorsman, who was a successful hunter, while Jacob was a "home-boy." You would think that Isaac would have favored Jacob, since both of them enjoyed domestic pursuits, but Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite. Rebekah was a hands-on mother who knew what was going on in the home and could contrive ways to get what she thought was best.

It’s unfortunate when homes are divided because parents and children put their own personal desires ahead of the will of God. Isaac enjoyed eating the tasty game that Esau brought home, a fact that would be important in later family history (chap. 27). Isaac, the quiet man, fulfilled his dreams in Esau, the courageous man, and apparently ignored the fact that his elder son was also a worldly man. Did Isaac know that Esau had forfeited his birthright?  The record doesn’t tell us. But he did know that God had chosen the younger son over the elder son.

It has been said that "Faith is living without scheming." Jacob could have used that card. Before his birth, he had been divinely chosen to receive the birthright and the blessing; thus there was no need for him to scheme and take advantage of his brother. It’s likely that Jacob had already seen plenty of evidence that Esau didn’t care about spiritual things, an attitude that made Esau unfit to receive the blessing and accomplish God’s will. Perhaps Jacob and his mother had even discussed the matter.

The name "Jacob" comes from a Hebrew word (yaaqob) that means "may God protect"; but because it sounds like the words aqeb ("heel") and aqab ("watch from behind" or "overtake"), his name became a nickname: "he grasps the heel" or "he deceives." Before birth, Jacob and Esau had contended; and at birth, Jacob grasped his brother’s heel. This latter action was interpreted to mean that Jacob would trip up his brother and take advantage of him. The prediction proved true.

The fact that God had already determined to give the covenant blessings to Jacob didn’t absolve anybody in the family from their obligations to the Lord. They were all responsible for their actions, because divine sovereignty doesn’t destroy human responsibility. In fact, knowing that we’re the chosen of God means we have a greater responsibility to do His will.

What are you responsible for today?  Be it high or low, do it as for the Lord.

Remember Judy today and Stan Thomas’ son Jimmy.  His cancer has returned.  Also, praise the Lord, Teresa is back in the office. 

Michael

Today is the viewing for Mildred Greathouse (Judy Gilbert’s mom) at Hague’s in Medora from 4 to 8 PM.  Service is tomorrow at 3:00 PM.  Thanks to all who have provided encouragement and food for the family and staff at the Greenhouse.

Received great news yesterday for Bob and Rita Coates.  They are grandparents again.  Max Allen Campbell was born July 11 with a weight of 7’11" and length of 19.5 inches.  Congratulations.

Remember tomorrow to visit the blog daily for your scriptural reading and study.  We will follow the daily scriptures from your sermon insert.

Thank you.

Michael

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5

The more we come to know God, the more we are going to learn the way God works, the things God desires to do in our lives and in the lives of others, and the plans God has made for mankind’s eternal good. We are going to feel God’s heartbeat. What disappoints God is going to disappoint us. What brings joy to heaven is going to bring joy to us. What brings concern to the Lord is going to concern us. We are going to see things from God’s perspective, and we are going to grow in our desire to love others as God loves them.

What a blessing it is to grow old in the Lord.  His ways become your ways and His thoughts your thoughts.  Study the Lord well, Christian.  He will change you from the inside out.

Spent last night with Judy Gilbert.  Her mother (Mildred Greathouse) passed away.  Viewing will be at Hague’s in Medora on Sunday beginning at 4 PM.  Service will be at the Medora Christian Church at 3 PM on Monday. 

Keep Paul Borden and family in your prayers.  Conducted their Aunt’s service yesterday.  She had no children of her own but counted all her nieces and nephews as her own.  She was a loving lady that will be missed.

Hold to the faith.

Michael

 

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.  John 15:10

The change Jesus brings into our lives includes a tremendous challenge to become more than we presently are. Jesus is not a friend who leaves us in our weakness, winks at our sin, or allows us to continue in error. No! He accepts us where we are, but at the same time, He challenges us to move toward wholeness, perfection, and genuine excellence. He challenges us to become all that our Creator designed us to be and to do. He equips us with His presence so we can move from where we are to where He desires for us to be.

Where is God growing you today?  What is he asking you to do to keep His Word?  No day ever passes that we don’t have the opportunity to show our devotion to Him by obeying His Word.  Perhaps you will lend a hand or resist a temptation.  Today, you will grow one way or the other.

I leave in a few moments to bid farewell to Bill Sterling.  Keep Thelma Jo and the family in your prayers.  He was a good man and worthy of a moment to remember.

I will speak more Sunday on how we will serve in flood relief.  Praise to Him that two families have stepped forward to be the friendly face for these we will serve.  Thanks again to all you have already done. 

Abide in His love.

Michael

Our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant.2 Corinthians 3:5–6

What good news that God is the One who makes us competent and that He is the One who makes all of our ministry efforts “sufficient.”

Can you fail in witnessing to others about Christ? Not if you give your witness to the best of your ability and with a heart motivated by love.

Can you fail in praying for others in the name of Jesus? Not if you pray the way God leads you to pray and with a heart motivated by love.

Can you fail in doing a work of ministry that is designed to help others? Not if you are acting as God has led you to act and you offer your services with a heart motivated by love.

Remember Paul Borden and family in your prayers.  His aunt Susie Williams passed away.  Services will be Thursday.  Judy Gilbert’s mother (Mildred) is near death.  It has been a long road for all concerned.  Lift them up.

There is a reason God blesses our labor and keeps us in our trials.  You are faithful.  And faithfulness brings honor to His name. 

I have put a form on the website to submit volunteer information for help with flood relief.  Go to the Flood Relief page and fill out the form or wait till we collect the information at church. 

Michael

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and
knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.…
It is by faith we understand that the whole world was made by God’s command so what we see was made by something that cannot be seen.… Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.

Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6

The Good News shows how God makes people
right with himself—that it begins and ends with faith.
As the Scripture says, “But those who are right
with God will live by trusting in him.”

Romans 1:17

We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated.
We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us.
We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.…
So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming
older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new
every day. We have small troubles for a while now,
but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is
much greater than the troubles. We set our eyes not on
what we see but on what we cannot see.…

2 Corinthians 4:8–9, 16–18

Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good.… It is a choice to believe that the one who made it all hasn’t left it all and that he still sends light into the shadows and responds to gestures of faith.…

Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.

God says that the more hopeless your circumstances, the more likely your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. The darker the room, the greater the need for light.

God’s help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.

Our mission team is heading out this morning to Tennessee.  Pray for their safety but also their spiritual growth.   I meet with Thelma and the funeral service will be this Wednesday at 11 am at the church.  Viewing is Tuesday evening from 4 to 8 pm at Spurgeon’s Funeral Home.  Bill was ready and finished his race well. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to use you this day and let me know what happens.

Michael

 

 

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit.  John 15:5

Jesus makes a clear distinction between the vine and the branch. The two are not the same. He is the vine; we are the branches. The two are joined but not one. The common denominator in nature is the sap. The sap is the life of the vine and its branches. Cut off the flow of sap to the branch, and it slowly withers and dies.

As the branch draws its life from the vine, so we draw life from Christ. To abide in Christ is to draw upon His life. His life is made available through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

I spent a few minutes today with Mildred Greathouse (Judy Gilbert’s mom).   She is in her last days yet is grateful for every moment spent with her.  We are held by the promise that as she withers her, she will bloom there. 

FEMA, the United Way and the Red Cross met with us on Tuesday.  In addition to the Weavers, we will be encouraging two elderly couples whose house were affected.  I should receive the family information soon and will share them with you.

Begin to pray now for two people who will serve as contact persons for these couples.  They do better when they talk on a regular basis to the same person.  Doug is working with Carroll and Thelma and I would like to have two such advocates for our new families.

I cannot tell you how much of a difference the faith community is making.  God is being honored and you should be proud.  We will be enlisting people in service over the next few weeks, so step up and do your part.

Michael

Have a happy and safe 4th of July