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God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part One): Sower and Seed
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe essence of Jesus Christ's message centers on the Kingdom of God, a theme that permeates His ministry and teachings. In the Parable of the Sower, the Word of the Kingdom is likened to seed sown on various types of ground, representing the hearts of those who hear it. Only the good soil, those who hear and understand the Word, bears fruit, while the other types of ground fail to produce anything of value. The critical factor is whether God has prepared the soil of the hearers to receive and respond to the Word of the Kingdom properly. Many among the multitudes lacked ears to hear, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of hearts grown dull and eyes closed to the truth. In contrast, Christ's disciples were prepared as good soil to yield an increase through their understanding and response to His message.
Metaphors of God's Word
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's Word is likened to a seed, a powerful metaphor illustrating its role in spiritual growth. As a seed, it is implanted within us by God, who selects us as good soil, preparing us to receive it with the right attitude. This implanted Word roots itself deeply within us, and over time, it is expected to produce much fruit, leading to salvation. Just as a farmer spreads seed that sprouts and grows to a harvest, God's Word initiates and sustains a transformative process within us. It is the means by which we are made alive spiritually, granting us a new, godly, eternal life that changes us into His image. God, as the vinedresser, anticipates abundant fruit from this seed, nurturing and pruning us to ensure we yield the results He desires for His Kingdom.
The Seed of Eternal Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul provided a decaying kernel of grain as a metaphor of death and resurrection, indicating that the new spirit body will be a completely different body.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should not expect brethren to be perfect; we all sin. God has not given His People the prerogative to judge another member as a tare.