The Soil Project

Luke 8:4-17

Sermon by Sister Sharon Chen

Sister Sharon Hou shared with the 1.5 Generation Congregation at EFCI on the topic of “The Soil Project” Sharon Hou reminded us that we need to be sensitive and obedient to God’s words, and constantly trying to identify and live it out. There are three symbols in this analogy, the sower, the seed and the soil. This story often refers to the person spreading gospel, the word of God, and our heart. The seeds spread by the sower are essentially the same, but they have very different outcomes because of the differences in the locations they were spread.

First location – The Dry Path

The dry path often refers to an insensitive heart. God speaks to us very often, but we don’t always get the message simply because we are focused on the wrong things. God has a lot to speak to you through Godly friends, fellowship, and Sunday service. We need to have a sensitive heart and be ready to receive.

Second location – Rocky Soil

The Rocky Soil refers to a disobedient heart. These people often gladly accept the word of God, but cannot endure testing. It’s important for us to remember truth faith only exist through testing. We cannot say we believe in God if we never experience any difficulties in life. We need to endure, and become obedient, “so God’s word can give you strength.     

Third location – Weedy soil

This refers to a heart “choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures.” These could be the lack of faith; the comfort zones that we want to stay in; or sinful behaviors that we have. However, it doesn’t mean that we chose something bad, but instead, we choose the second best. When our life’s priorities are not aligned, we will eventually lose sight of what is the most important.

Fourth location – Good soil

The heart that heard the message retained it, and preserved it to bear good fruits.  

S – Sensitive to God’s Words
O – Obedient to God’s Words
I – Identify with God’s Words
L – Live out God’s Words

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