Luke 8:11, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.”
Luke 8:12, “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”
Romans 1:20, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse”
The proof that God is God is all around us. Regardless, many who witness the miracles that abound attribute them to randomness rather than our Creator God. They seem to have neither ears to hear nor eyes to see and they are without excuse.
Luke 8:13, “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”
Praise and worship music is very uplifting and possibly that added to church fellowship can influence one to received the Word with joy. Then when one walks out of church and back into the secular world the person who does not have a solid foundation in the word of God falls away.
Luke 8:14, “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”
Here the seeds tried to take root and bear fruit but life got in the way. The world seems to be quickly imploding both economically and morally. The drums of war are beating across the planet and acts of terror with no foundation except in evil are becoming a daily occurrence. For some, the Spirit resides in a bottle or drugs. Acquisition of money and stuff has become an idol.
Luke 8:15, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
As in the case of the Philadelphia church, this is where many would like to be, myself included. IMO, this is best accomplished by being consumed by the word of God; Sola scriptura.
For several weeks now I’ve struggled with Nan’s definition of God’s love and find that if I liken it to the Holy Spirit, the comforter, it makes far more sense. If I keep my mind focused on God it is easier to bear fruit. As for my heart, it seems to be waxing a little bit cold concerning my immediate biological family. The continuing family drama has drawn me closer to my church family with whom I have much in common, our mutual love of the word of God and a close relationship with Jesus.
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