Mark 4.20 observes, the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace 
it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams.
What separates the good soil from the three other soils? All of the ground received the word. All of the ground welcomed the seed onto it’s presence. The purpose of the ground is to receive seed, but for what? (more…)
Proverbs 15.9 observes, A life frittered away disgusts GOD; He loves those who run straight for the 
finish line.
When we think of frittering away our lives we think of using them on foolish things, of wasting time, talent or treasure. Parents think these thoughts of their children who spend too much time playing and too little time working or studying in order to work later for better pay. (more…)
John 17.3 records,this is the real and eternal life: That they know You, The One and only true God, And 
Jesus Christ, Whom You sent. I glorified You on earth By completing down to the last detail What You assigned Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me with Your very own splendor, The very splendor I had in Your presence Before there was a world.
Most Christians would define eternal life as living with God in heaven. The particularly biblically astute might even add living with God on the new earth. Neither would be correct. (more…)
Ephesians 1.23 observes, the church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to 
the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
Oh that we as the Church, the people who claim Jesus as Savior, would embrace this truth: the Church is not peripheral to the world but the world is peripheral to the Church. (more…)
Galatians 6.4-5 commands, make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been 
given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
God knows He is awesome, that He can do all things and that He is limitless in His ability or creativity. God knows too that He created us in His image so believes deeply that virtually nothing is impossible for us to accomplish. (more…)
John 6.39-40 records, that everything handed over to Me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what My Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who He is and what He does and then aligns with Him will enter real life, eternal life.
Can Jesus be your Savior and not be your Lord? Can a person get to heaven with only half of Jesus? Jesus is both Savior of all and Lord of all. He is Judge of all and is the only One Who gives eternal life to be spent with Him and the Father and all Who are His adopted children. (more…)
John 4.34-35 observes, Jesus said, The food that keeps Me going is that I do the will of the One who 
sent Me, finishing the work He started. As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!
Food is fuel, fuel necessary for accomplishing the goals we have for our life. Not enough food and food is all we think about. Too much food and we are unhappy physically becoming lethargic until the fullness goes away. Too little food and we will eat anything. Too much food and we become picky. Too little food and we become scrawny and weak. Too much food and we become fat and weak. (more…)
Exodus 19.5-6 describes, the whole Earth is Mine to choose from, but you’re special: a kingdom of 
priests, a holy nation. This is what I want you to tell the People of Israel.
We all want to be chosen. The more important the person who chooses us the greater the feeling of significance to us. The most important person of all is God. To be chosen by God is the greatest feeling of all. (more…)
Luke 19.26 encourages and warns, risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and 
end up holding the bag.
Who are the most successful people in the world? Those who risked when others played it safe. Nearly all successful business owners threw in everything they had in order to gain what they really wanted. The athlete too sacrifices their time, their diet even their friends in order to become the very best and win the gold medal. (more…)
Luke 15.7 records, Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over 
ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
For many Christians, God’s words in this lesson are offensive. God in Jesus, in this chapter of the Bible, tells three stories all making the same point. In the last story, the Christians portrayed by the oldest son, are offended by God’s doings. What is offensive to Christians in these stories? (more…)
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