Scripture Tuesday

"But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the Word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown." Matt 13:23

A couple Sundays our kiddos were recovering from a moderate common cold, so we decided to stay home and watch church instead. We downloaded from iTunes some video sermons from our church in Michigan, NorthRidge. A new series called More Than A Fable began a few weeks ago, and it focused on the Parables of Jesus. The series opener was great! Below are some of my notes:

Truth: Fully LIVING demands continual growth. John 15:5
* Focus on SPIRITUAL growth first Luke 2:52
* Make a DIFFERENCE and know God's pleasure
* Find personal FULFILLMENT, seeking first His Kingdom Matt 6:33

Jesus' Parables
* Parable of The Sower
- SEED = humans
- SOIL = human heart
* Requirements for Spiritual Growth
- a SOFT HEART Matt 13:19; signs of a soft heart include ungratefulness,
keeping people at a distance, being cynical
- a DEEP HEART Matt 13:20-21 includes talking and listening to God
- an UNCLUTTERED HEART Matt 13:22, Narrow investment to broaden the impact

Results of Spiritual Growth
1. A FRUITFUL LIFE Matt 13:23
2. How much fruit are you bearing? 10x OR 30x or 60x
3. WITHIN Galatians 5:21-23
WITHOUT Acts 1:8 and 1 Peter 3:15

Finally
* John 10:10

Questions:
1. 2 Cor. 13:5 Where are you spiritually?
2. Rev 3:20 Jesus knocks so you can experience His fruitfulness, are you open?
3. Is your heart soft and open to God?
4. Are you growing deeper in you love and understanding of God?
5. Is your heart free of all the noise and clutter than can stunt spiritual growth?
6. Are you experiencing fruitfullness and fulfillment?