The condition of the soil determines what will grow there. The same thing is true for us! As people, the condition of our hearts really determines how much we will grow spiritually. As your pastor, I am very concerned about your spiritual growth. We need to be growing deeper roots and wider at the same time!
God’s goal for your life spiritually is that you are growing to be more and more like Jesus!
Has there ever been a time in your life when you were closer to Jesus than you are right now?
Mark 4:1-10
3 Stagnant States of the Heart
1. The Sealed Heart
Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. Mark 4:13-15
2. The Shallow Heart
The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. Mark 4:16-17
3. The Strangled Heart
The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. Mark 4:18-19
3 Big Weeds that Strangle your Heart
· Doubts.
· Desires.
· Deceit.
The Soft Heart.
And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Mark 4:20
Healthy Roots always lead to Godly Fruit!
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9
The stronger the winds blow, the deeper the roots grow!!!
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7
Growing Deep ROOTS
Read God’s Word
Obey God’s Word
Open your heart to fellowship.
Take time to pray.
Share your faith!
“I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26