Friday, February 29, 2008
New Identity
In case you haven't noticed I have changed the name of my blog. I felt as though I had plagiarised Kenneth's blog name and I didn't want to infringe on his rights... I kept the name simple and feel that it more accuratly refelcts who I am and what I'm about. Hope you enjoy future posts.
Monday, February 25, 2008
My Take on Missional
Okay, so I got a friendly reminder today that I haven't blogged lately and with the divorce rate among bloggers as high as it is I thought it wise to say something before I became the next victim of unlinking..... Thanks Julie. And just remember, It would never cross my mind to unlink someone.
On to the real stuff. Although the first paragraph will probably get more comments than what I type below....
I have slowly been trying to digest the whole missional and emergent thing. Actually I should clarify that statement by saying I haven't made it passed the missional stance until now I think. The emergents will have to wait for the time being.
As many know I'm not into a lot of fancy catch phrases and or tag lines. I don't really care if I'm in style or out of style, jeans/shorts and a button down shirt untucked always seem to work well. I see it like this, if I keep my current style long enough before long I will be back in style. I don't keep up with the latest trends in culture either. I drank my first Mocha Latte, ummm, about 1 year ago maybe a year and a half. I think it's about time to try something else but I feel foolish ordering some of these things I can hardly pronounce, carmel mach-ee-ah-toe?? I'll stick with mocha latte for now. I guess some would call me boring which I'm okay with but I prefer no frills or no nonesene. Nor do I want the church infiltrated with gimmicks and programs that try and put a spin on the church to make it seem not so churchy. Or bringing the worlds way's in the church to make people feel better. You know, get them in the door however you can then try to slip in some Bible here and there without trying to offend anyone.
For a while now, 3+ years, I have been hearing words like missional, community, seeker friendly, emergent etc.. all of which placed a huge knot in my stomach every time I would hear them. Of course coming out of the FIMBC, Fundamental Independent Missionary Baptist Church, I thought I was going to hell when I took off my tie and switched to the NKJV. If I walked in the local FIMBC today with my new NET Bible I would probably be stoned.
Anyway, I have been trying to better understand what this actually means. Today I have been reading a book that can be downloaded for free on the web and it has really given me a clear definition of what missional is.
My understanding of missional today is that missional is not something you decide to be. I decided to be FIMB, but missional should be a natural progression to what God wants you to be. Missional is obedience to the commands of Christ in order to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit is in turn required for living out God’s mission task in and through the church. Obeying God produces godliness, and godliness leads to further obedience. As our relationship with Christ grows through obedient godliness, we are transformed in the inner man to the point where we desire more and more to experientially identify with the
missionary character of Christ in all circumstances of our lives.
So missional in my mind is nothing more than being like Christ, growing in godliness and holiness. This made perfect sense to me as did what I posted below. Keep reading.
Many missionalist writers consistently use the word missional to basically claim that missional and biblical are synonymous terms. In truth, missional is simply an English word that needs qualification to be of value to the local church. Recognizing the grammatical function of the word missional is pivotal to our discussion on being a missional church. Grammatically, the function of the word missional is clear. Missional is the adjectival form of the word mission. According to the common rules of English grammar, the suffix al converts a noun into an adjective. Mission + al = missional. Adjectives function “to restrict, qualify or limit the meaning of other words or word groups.” Missional then, no matter what noun it is modifying, must qualify the meaning of that noun by referencing God’s mission as defined by Scripture. More specifically, missional limits any noun that it modifies to the temporary mission task of the Church to make disciples of all ta ethne (all peoples) for God’s glory and worship. If the word missional is used in a way that does not reflect the biblical meaning of God’s mission, then it fails to communicate the purpose of God’s mission to form one people for His glory and worship from among all peoples. Therefore,a local church is missional when it intentionally pursues God’s mission for His glory among all peoples by following His patterns and His ways of expanding His kingdom.
Scripture is not a linear, step-by-step plan for doing God’s mission. Instead, Scripture over road spans of time comprehensively reveals patterns and practices that, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, lead churches to be God’s mission force in their community.
The Bible reveals God’s ways and patterns for His people to proclaim His message to non- Christian groups of people so that new, reproducing groups of believers multiply into many new churches. These patterns reflect different, but integrated practices of God’s mission. When followed, they provide local churches the best opportunities to fully experience God’s mission in His way.
Am I missional?? Is missional Biblical? In light of the definition I have posted I would have to say I haven't finished the book yet. Stay tuned.
Taken from the book Pursuing the Mission of God. Downloaded for free from
www.churchplantingvillage.net/atf/cf/%7B087EF6B4-D6E5-4BBF-BED1-7983D360F394%7D/Missional%20BookMaster_FINAL%203_07.pdf
On to the real stuff. Although the first paragraph will probably get more comments than what I type below....
I have slowly been trying to digest the whole missional and emergent thing. Actually I should clarify that statement by saying I haven't made it passed the missional stance until now I think. The emergents will have to wait for the time being.
As many know I'm not into a lot of fancy catch phrases and or tag lines. I don't really care if I'm in style or out of style, jeans/shorts and a button down shirt untucked always seem to work well. I see it like this, if I keep my current style long enough before long I will be back in style. I don't keep up with the latest trends in culture either. I drank my first Mocha Latte, ummm, about 1 year ago maybe a year and a half. I think it's about time to try something else but I feel foolish ordering some of these things I can hardly pronounce, carmel mach-ee-ah-toe?? I'll stick with mocha latte for now. I guess some would call me boring which I'm okay with but I prefer no frills or no nonesene. Nor do I want the church infiltrated with gimmicks and programs that try and put a spin on the church to make it seem not so churchy. Or bringing the worlds way's in the church to make people feel better. You know, get them in the door however you can then try to slip in some Bible here and there without trying to offend anyone.
For a while now, 3+ years, I have been hearing words like missional, community, seeker friendly, emergent etc.. all of which placed a huge knot in my stomach every time I would hear them. Of course coming out of the FIMBC, Fundamental Independent Missionary Baptist Church, I thought I was going to hell when I took off my tie and switched to the NKJV. If I walked in the local FIMBC today with my new NET Bible I would probably be stoned.
Anyway, I have been trying to better understand what this actually means. Today I have been reading a book that can be downloaded for free on the web and it has really given me a clear definition of what missional is.
My understanding of missional today is that missional is not something you decide to be. I decided to be FIMB, but missional should be a natural progression to what God wants you to be. Missional is obedience to the commands of Christ in order to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit is in turn required for living out God’s mission task in and through the church. Obeying God produces godliness, and godliness leads to further obedience. As our relationship with Christ grows through obedient godliness, we are transformed in the inner man to the point where we desire more and more to experientially identify with the
missionary character of Christ in all circumstances of our lives.
So missional in my mind is nothing more than being like Christ, growing in godliness and holiness. This made perfect sense to me as did what I posted below. Keep reading.
Many missionalist writers consistently use the word missional to basically claim that missional and biblical are synonymous terms. In truth, missional is simply an English word that needs qualification to be of value to the local church. Recognizing the grammatical function of the word missional is pivotal to our discussion on being a missional church. Grammatically, the function of the word missional is clear. Missional is the adjectival form of the word mission. According to the common rules of English grammar, the suffix al converts a noun into an adjective. Mission + al = missional. Adjectives function “to restrict, qualify or limit the meaning of other words or word groups.” Missional then, no matter what noun it is modifying, must qualify the meaning of that noun by referencing God’s mission as defined by Scripture. More specifically, missional limits any noun that it modifies to the temporary mission task of the Church to make disciples of all ta ethne (all peoples) for God’s glory and worship. If the word missional is used in a way that does not reflect the biblical meaning of God’s mission, then it fails to communicate the purpose of God’s mission to form one people for His glory and worship from among all peoples. Therefore,a local church is missional when it intentionally pursues God’s mission for His glory among all peoples by following His patterns and His ways of expanding His kingdom.
Scripture is not a linear, step-by-step plan for doing God’s mission. Instead, Scripture over road spans of time comprehensively reveals patterns and practices that, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, lead churches to be God’s mission force in their community.
The Bible reveals God’s ways and patterns for His people to proclaim His message to non- Christian groups of people so that new, reproducing groups of believers multiply into many new churches. These patterns reflect different, but integrated practices of God’s mission. When followed, they provide local churches the best opportunities to fully experience God’s mission in His way.
Am I missional?? Is missional Biblical? In light of the definition I have posted I would have to say I haven't finished the book yet. Stay tuned.
Taken from the book Pursuing the Mission of God. Downloaded for free from
www.churchplantingvillage.net/atf/cf/%7B087EF6B4-D6E5-4BBF-BED1-7983D360F394%7D/Missional%20BookMaster_FINAL%203_07.pdf
Friday, January 11, 2008
Do you know this Jesus
I had never heard his testimony before. I can relate to where Paul was in life before he was saved. The power of God to change a life is an awesome thing if you will allow Him to.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Woe is me! . . . My eyes have seen the King
Another priceless reminder.
Read: Isaiah 6:1-7
At the conclusion of the book of Job, after all the arguments between Job and his friends, God Himself appeared and asked: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!” Stunned by God’s awesome presence, Job humbly responded: “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know . . . My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (see Job 38—42).
Like Job, Isaiah in today’s reading was overwhelmed. We often think of humility as a “horizontal” virtue, that is, one practiced person to person, but it properly begins as a “vertical” virtue; that is, it depends on an accurate sense of who one is before God. There’s no quicker cure for pride than to compare the mortal to the immortal, the finite to the infinite, the selfish to the loving, and the sinful to the holy! That’s what Isaiah experienced in his call and commissioning to become God’s prophet.
The vision of God was majestic (vv. 1—4). He sat high up on a throne, showing His sovereign authority over all the earth, certainly including one individual like Isaiah. His robe further symbolized His royal grandeur. He was attended by angels called “seraphs,” whose body language proclaimed His holiness and glory. To put an exclamation point on everything, awe-inspiring thunder rocked the temple where Isaiah was.
Isaiah’s response to this vision was complete humility (v. 5). He was engulfed in a sense of his own sin and unworthiness, both as an individual and as part of the community of Israel. He could not answer a call to ministry, or even receive one, until God took the initiative to purify and cleanse him from sin (vv. 6—7). The dramatic picture of a live coal touching Isaiah’s lips reminds us that God’s forgiveness is both painful and powerful.
As we know, confession of sin is a needed spiritual habit in our lives (1 John 1:9). Too often, though, we approach confession the same way we approach petitions, reading a “laundry list” and checking off each item. Today, we suggest having a different kind of time of confession, one done with the attitude of Isaiah. Pray in the “woe is me” spirit that recognizes the chasm between a perfectly holy God and ourselves, and thus cries out for the forgiveness and cleansing only He can give.
Courtesy of Moody Bible Institute
• www.todayintheword.org
Read: Isaiah 6:1-7
At the conclusion of the book of Job, after all the arguments between Job and his friends, God Himself appeared and asked: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!” Stunned by God’s awesome presence, Job humbly responded: “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know . . . My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (see Job 38—42).
Like Job, Isaiah in today’s reading was overwhelmed. We often think of humility as a “horizontal” virtue, that is, one practiced person to person, but it properly begins as a “vertical” virtue; that is, it depends on an accurate sense of who one is before God. There’s no quicker cure for pride than to compare the mortal to the immortal, the finite to the infinite, the selfish to the loving, and the sinful to the holy! That’s what Isaiah experienced in his call and commissioning to become God’s prophet.
The vision of God was majestic (vv. 1—4). He sat high up on a throne, showing His sovereign authority over all the earth, certainly including one individual like Isaiah. His robe further symbolized His royal grandeur. He was attended by angels called “seraphs,” whose body language proclaimed His holiness and glory. To put an exclamation point on everything, awe-inspiring thunder rocked the temple where Isaiah was.
Isaiah’s response to this vision was complete humility (v. 5). He was engulfed in a sense of his own sin and unworthiness, both as an individual and as part of the community of Israel. He could not answer a call to ministry, or even receive one, until God took the initiative to purify and cleanse him from sin (vv. 6—7). The dramatic picture of a live coal touching Isaiah’s lips reminds us that God’s forgiveness is both painful and powerful.
As we know, confession of sin is a needed spiritual habit in our lives (1 John 1:9). Too often, though, we approach confession the same way we approach petitions, reading a “laundry list” and checking off each item. Today, we suggest having a different kind of time of confession, one done with the attitude of Isaiah. Pray in the “woe is me” spirit that recognizes the chasm between a perfectly holy God and ourselves, and thus cries out for the forgiveness and cleansing only He can give.
Courtesy of Moody Bible Institute
• www.todayintheword.org
Thursday, December 27, 2007
In the world but not of the world...
I don't think we can be reminded enough of the danger of placing ourselves in a position to sin. When sin does come don't be too quick to point the finger at others or at the enemy. The Bible tells us in James that sin comes when we succumb to our own lust. The below comes from an e-mail group I'm on from Moody Bible Institute.
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Reflecting on the strict family rules such as limitations on television viewing, early bedtimes, and no dessert without finishing dinner, a daughter complained to her father, “But the Johnson girls don’t have to follow these kinds of rules!” The father paused for a moment and then responded: “True, but the Johnson girls aren’t part of our family, and following the household rules is part of what it means to be my daughter.”
As Scripture has shown this month, God repeatedly expresses Himself in terms of parental imagery and boldly calls us His children. Many benefits come from this relationship with God, but sometimes we also need to be reminded that there are family responsibilities as well.
Today’s reading reminds us precisely of this truth by urging us to be separate from sin and from that which may cause us to sin. A string of reasons are given, each a balance of contrasts: there is no agreement between righteousness and wickedness, between light and dark, or between Christ and Belial.
Then, Scripture draws upon two further images as an underlying explanation for the believer’s need for separation from sin. First, the church is reminded that “we are the temple of the living God” (6:16). Because God has promised to live among us and be our God (cf. Lev. 26:12), we are made holy and must reflect that holiness in our lives.
Second, we are reminded of our familial relationship: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters” (6:18; cf. 2 Sam. 7:14). “Since,” as Scriptures declares, “we have these promises” (7:1), we have an obligation to live a certain way. It means something to be a child of God, not just in terms of the benefits we receive, but also in terms of the way we live in the world. We are part of a new family, and with that reality comes responsibility to pursue holiness and avoid sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Every Christian generation is faced with temptation to idolatry and disobedience. While we should make use of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, Scripture, and participation in the services and ordinances of the church, today’s passage also offers an easily overlooked weapon against sin: separa-tion from the opportunity for sin (6:17). Do not intentionally put yourself in a position to be tempted. Ask God today for the strength to separate yourself from opportunities for temptation, that you might live “in reverence for” Him.
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Reflecting on the strict family rules such as limitations on television viewing, early bedtimes, and no dessert without finishing dinner, a daughter complained to her father, “But the Johnson girls don’t have to follow these kinds of rules!” The father paused for a moment and then responded: “True, but the Johnson girls aren’t part of our family, and following the household rules is part of what it means to be my daughter.”
As Scripture has shown this month, God repeatedly expresses Himself in terms of parental imagery and boldly calls us His children. Many benefits come from this relationship with God, but sometimes we also need to be reminded that there are family responsibilities as well.
Today’s reading reminds us precisely of this truth by urging us to be separate from sin and from that which may cause us to sin. A string of reasons are given, each a balance of contrasts: there is no agreement between righteousness and wickedness, between light and dark, or between Christ and Belial.
Then, Scripture draws upon two further images as an underlying explanation for the believer’s need for separation from sin. First, the church is reminded that “we are the temple of the living God” (6:16). Because God has promised to live among us and be our God (cf. Lev. 26:12), we are made holy and must reflect that holiness in our lives.
Second, we are reminded of our familial relationship: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters” (6:18; cf. 2 Sam. 7:14). “Since,” as Scriptures declares, “we have these promises” (7:1), we have an obligation to live a certain way. It means something to be a child of God, not just in terms of the benefits we receive, but also in terms of the way we live in the world. We are part of a new family, and with that reality comes responsibility to pursue holiness and avoid sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Every Christian generation is faced with temptation to idolatry and disobedience. While we should make use of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, Scripture, and participation in the services and ordinances of the church, today’s passage also offers an easily overlooked weapon against sin: separa-tion from the opportunity for sin (6:17). Do not intentionally put yourself in a position to be tempted. Ask God today for the strength to separate yourself from opportunities for temptation, that you might live “in reverence for” Him.
Friday, December 14, 2007
You Will Know Them by Their Fruit
Hmmm, October 24th since my last post? Well, no need to rush into anything I guess.
Michael sent this to me the other day and I thought it was relevant to the world today and in our own family recently. Should we question? I think we watch, probe and correct wrong thinking. I personally, I'm sure there are many who disagree with me on this, never take someone at their word when they profess to being a believer. Usually it only takes a few simple non-offensive, we have to be PC...lol, questions to see where someone truly is in their relationship with Christ. Don't forget according to the latest stats, 85% of Americans are professing Christians, yet we kill more babies than any other civilized or third world country in the world. We also have this battle raging on the definition of marriage. Which again, no other civilized or third world country has even considered because not even animals in the wild mate with their own kind. I would think that would be simple if America was filled with that many believers. Anyway, I could get way off the topic heading in this direction.
Looking forward to hearing what people think on this.
Should We Question Professions of Faith? Quoting Mark Dever . . .
"Sometimes I get the feeling that people think there's something wrong with questioning the reality of a profession of faith. It's legalistic, or judging, or holier than thou. Or something. But if evangelists want to see lost sinners saved, and if evangelists know that we sinners can deceive ourselves, then it's not surprising that we want to try to make sure (with all appropriate qualifications about our limitedness) that conversions professed are conversions possessed. Or is it just sour-faced theologians who think about such things? Are preachers who think about such things unevangelistic?
Here's what one preacher said, reflecting on Jesus' parable of the sower and the soils.
"There are so many stony ground hearers, who receive the Word with joy, that I have determined to suspend my judgment till I know the tree by its fruits. I cannot believe they are converts until I see fruit brought back; it will never do a sincere soul any harm."
Does such a determination seem uncharitable or unevangelistic? What preacher would say such a thing? That was George Whitefield. I don't think George Whitefield was unevangelistic for wanting to know a tree by its fruit, and neither are we today. In fact, I think such a concern would actually help our churches to do more real evangelism. And besides, as Whitefield says, such caution "will never do a sincere soul any harm."
What should we do? Encourage the new believer in all things good. Remind them of the gospel. After some appropriate time (which would vary much from case to case) they should be baptized and join a church. They should regularly hear the preaching of the Word, commune, fellowship, pray and obey the Word. They should be building relationships in order to do that. And they should be told to hope in Christ alone for their salvation. Our desire is to find every professor getting safely home to heaven.
And then what about counting converts?
The final tally will be made by God in due time. And that's the only tally that matters. "
Michael sent this to me the other day and I thought it was relevant to the world today and in our own family recently. Should we question? I think we watch, probe and correct wrong thinking. I personally, I'm sure there are many who disagree with me on this, never take someone at their word when they profess to being a believer. Usually it only takes a few simple non-offensive, we have to be PC...lol, questions to see where someone truly is in their relationship with Christ. Don't forget according to the latest stats, 85% of Americans are professing Christians, yet we kill more babies than any other civilized or third world country in the world. We also have this battle raging on the definition of marriage. Which again, no other civilized or third world country has even considered because not even animals in the wild mate with their own kind. I would think that would be simple if America was filled with that many believers. Anyway, I could get way off the topic heading in this direction.
Looking forward to hearing what people think on this.
Should We Question Professions of Faith? Quoting Mark Dever . . .
"Sometimes I get the feeling that people think there's something wrong with questioning the reality of a profession of faith. It's legalistic, or judging, or holier than thou. Or something. But if evangelists want to see lost sinners saved, and if evangelists know that we sinners can deceive ourselves, then it's not surprising that we want to try to make sure (with all appropriate qualifications about our limitedness) that conversions professed are conversions possessed. Or is it just sour-faced theologians who think about such things? Are preachers who think about such things unevangelistic?
Here's what one preacher said, reflecting on Jesus' parable of the sower and the soils.
"There are so many stony ground hearers, who receive the Word with joy, that I have determined to suspend my judgment till I know the tree by its fruits. I cannot believe they are converts until I see fruit brought back; it will never do a sincere soul any harm."
Does such a determination seem uncharitable or unevangelistic? What preacher would say such a thing? That was George Whitefield. I don't think George Whitefield was unevangelistic for wanting to know a tree by its fruit, and neither are we today. In fact, I think such a concern would actually help our churches to do more real evangelism. And besides, as Whitefield says, such caution "will never do a sincere soul any harm."
What should we do? Encourage the new believer in all things good. Remind them of the gospel. After some appropriate time (which would vary much from case to case) they should be baptized and join a church. They should regularly hear the preaching of the Word, commune, fellowship, pray and obey the Word. They should be building relationships in order to do that. And they should be told to hope in Christ alone for their salvation. Our desire is to find every professor getting safely home to heaven.
And then what about counting converts?
The final tally will be made by God in due time. And that's the only tally that matters. "
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Parable of the Sower
God is so great. I was reading an article the other day and God showed me something I had overlooked so many times I was almost embarrassed to admit it. We have all read the parable of the sower I'm sure, but just in case you can't remember it I have posted it below;
Listen; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.
(Mar 4:3-8)
I have used these verses so many times to illustrate a false convert and that false conversions are possible. Although a person can look and act the part of a Christian for a while in the end their true nature will prevail. The amazing thing about this parable is the fact that is has nothing to do with the false convert and everything to do with the sower. I feel that would be a fantastic reason for these verses to be labeled the parable of the sower.
So many times in American evangelism the attempt is made to try and coerce someone into believing or getting them to shake their head in agreement at the right time while reading certain verses with them as fast as you can so you can move on to the next person and get them to shake their heads. Our part in evangelism is not to get anyone to agree with anything we say and it's certainly not to play God or try and bring conviction, that is the part of the Holy Spirit. Our part in evangelism is simply to do as this parable instructs and sow seeds of the gospel. This sower didn't care what kind of ground the seed landed on he was only doing what he was commanded to do and that is to sow seed to every living creature. Sow the seeds and let God give the increase.
I hear people all the time say, I'm not sure what God's will is for my life. Or, I really want to do something for the Lord but I just don't what to do. May I suggest while your doing whatever it is you do to find God's will you start slinging as much seed out there as you can. Reach into your bag and start throwing seed and let it fall on whatever ground it will and let God be God.
How can crops grow unless a seed is planted, how can someone else water unless a seed is planted, how can God give the increase unless a seed is planted.
Be faithful, and fear not what man can do to you, but fear God. Jesus said the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
Happy sowing.....
Listen; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.
(Mar 4:3-8)
I have used these verses so many times to illustrate a false convert and that false conversions are possible. Although a person can look and act the part of a Christian for a while in the end their true nature will prevail. The amazing thing about this parable is the fact that is has nothing to do with the false convert and everything to do with the sower. I feel that would be a fantastic reason for these verses to be labeled the parable of the sower.
So many times in American evangelism the attempt is made to try and coerce someone into believing or getting them to shake their head in agreement at the right time while reading certain verses with them as fast as you can so you can move on to the next person and get them to shake their heads. Our part in evangelism is not to get anyone to agree with anything we say and it's certainly not to play God or try and bring conviction, that is the part of the Holy Spirit. Our part in evangelism is simply to do as this parable instructs and sow seeds of the gospel. This sower didn't care what kind of ground the seed landed on he was only doing what he was commanded to do and that is to sow seed to every living creature. Sow the seeds and let God give the increase.
I hear people all the time say, I'm not sure what God's will is for my life. Or, I really want to do something for the Lord but I just don't what to do. May I suggest while your doing whatever it is you do to find God's will you start slinging as much seed out there as you can. Reach into your bag and start throwing seed and let it fall on whatever ground it will and let God be God.
How can crops grow unless a seed is planted, how can someone else water unless a seed is planted, how can God give the increase unless a seed is planted.
Be faithful, and fear not what man can do to you, but fear God. Jesus said the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
Happy sowing.....
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