Two Kingdoms - Part 3Sample

This week we will be reading some of the parables of Jesus - the stories He used to describe and reveal His kingdom to the people around him. Read Matthew 13:1 - 23 This is perhaps one of the easier parables to understand as Jesus goes on to explain the meaning of it to the crowds! Did you know that the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven is being revealed to you as you spend time in the Word? To many, it is foolishness or just too hard to understand, but if you are a follower of Jesus, this understanding will be revealed to you by the Holy Spirit. The principles of the kingdom will take root in your life and will produce much fruit. We can compare and measure our lives and hearts according to the different types of soil that Jesus talks about: * Seed scattered on the path - the birds ate it up. * Seed falling on rocky places - it didn't last. * Seed falling among thorns - the thorns choked the plants. * Seed scattered on good soil - it lasts and is fruitful. The point is this: the one who hears the word, understands it, and puts it into practice produces much fruit. What are the qualifications for soil to be called "good"? It needs to be cared for. It needs water and sunlight, and the weeds need to be removed. Go deep: The promise from God is that He is the one who will reveal knowledge and understanding of the kingdom to you. He will give you eyes to see and ears to hear. If your heart represents the soil, how is your heart today? Is it hardened? Is it being choked by something? Are there any weeds that need to be removed? Invite the Holy Spirit to examine your heart today and help you. Be bold: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with? Perhaps there is someone you know who is not yet a follower of Jesus but seems to be receptive to the gospel or the things of God. Memorise it: "But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” - Matthew 13:23 NIV