We took a closer look at the parable of the sower this evening and covered the first two soils, as Pastor Billy taught them on Sunday from Matthew 13:18-23. We discussed who the sower really is, Jesus...that the seed is the Word of God...and that the soils represent the four different kinds of heart conditions. As we discussed the hard path and the rocky soil, we dug deeper into examples of people as represented by each soil.
We also talked about how, knowing there are four different types of human heart conditions, we need to be careful how we present the gospel to people. We can't sugarcoat it and tell people that, once they become Christians, they will have smooth sailing, easy lives and be happy all the time. We need to be truthful about the enemy ever seeking to kill, steal, and destroy and about the testings and trials that always come our way as we grow in our faith. Then, new hearers of the gospel will know what to expect in a Christian life and not be discouraged to the point of walking away from the faith when things get tough.
We began our parable cubes tonight as well. They are six-sided cubes, much like a die, that once we are finished with them will be great visual and tactile reminders of this parable, its elements, and what it all means. Hopefully, they will also serve as great conversation starters, prayerfully with people who need to hear the gospel...maybe even for the first time!
