Over the past several weeks, we’ve heard about mass revivals, multiple group baptisms, and a turning to the Lord on a large scale. Apparently, this is due to the assassination of Christian Charley Kirk. While this initially appears wonderful, now would be a good time to review the parable of the sower of the seeds in Mathew 13:1-23. (ESV – all emphasis is mine)
Matthew 13:3-8; “And He told them many things in parables, saying, ‘A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose, they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil, and produced grain, some a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty.”
Further in the chapter, Jesus explains what each of the four locations represents in relation to receiving and accepting Him as Savior.
Matthew 13:19-23: “’When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word, he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the Word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”’
Meanwhile, at the same time, the other side of the issue is making itself obvious. There are people of different walks of life who are practically rejoicing that the murder took place. Some television personalities, school teachers, and other professionals are making comments that they are glad he is no longer with us. They are shocked when they are reprimanded by their supervisors like never before. In a different time, they would be applauded for their negativity.
With all that has taken place since that horrible day, it will be interesting to see how the “seeds” progress as time passes.
The “path” people will most likely take will show no signs of any changes in their lives, as they are more concerned with day-to-day existence on this earth rather than considering their forever home. They are on the wide and easy pathway leading to destruction.
Jesus explained this in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide, and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Up until September of 10 this year, there had been a notable shift taking place in the world, leading away from anything that carried a Christian label. It was easier to go along with the world than to consider receiving and accepting Jesus as Savior. This shift started in earnest just a little over a decade ago and has been getting stronger each day.
The concept of “many ways to Heaven” and that Jesus isn’t really necessary to have a home in Heaven has been presented by false prophets in numerous so-called Christian churches. Messages that “tickle the ears” have been concentrated on giving people a “feel-good” feeling about attending services, and keeping seats and collection plates full. Paul talks about this in 2 Timothy 4:3-4. Sin is conveniently left out of sermons.
The “rocky ground” folks are caught up in the emotion of the spirit of revival. While it’s wonderful that so many are declaring they will now be a Christian, unless they study God’s word and actually change their mindset, they will eventually drift back to the lifestyle they were in before. The same can be said of the “sown among thorns” group. They will be pulled back by the cares of the world instead of preparing for eternity.
The “good soil” group will continue going forward by learning all they can about truly receiving and accepting Jesus as their Savior. When it’s stated, “the way is hard”, it’s only that way because people tend to believe there has to be more they can do to earn or buy their own Salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 gives the absolute truth about this, and we have to understand our Salvation is a gift from the Father for accepting His Son’s pure, sinless blood sacrifice to atone for our sins.
No one can say when this era will end and the tribulation will officially start. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus stated that only the Father knows the exact second when this will take place. However, in other scripture, our Savior tells us that it will be getting closer when all signs are present. In fact, in Luke 21:28, He states that the time would be very near when the signs are present. Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 give the signs, and 2 Timothy 3 gives what attitudes and human actions would be taking place. The only sign remaining before the antichrist makes his appearance is the Rapture, as given in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:512-53.
What we all need to remember is that God’s timing and ours are totally different, and His is the one that counts. Our goal is to have received and accepted Jesus as our Savior so we will be ready whenever the Rapture does take place. To wait could mean entering the worst seven-year period of time this earth will ever experience.
Romans 10:9-13 gives the simple steps to Salvation. The Father will force no one to call out to be saved, but will accept all who truly do.
We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Today would be an excellent time to become a part of our Savior’s precious flock (John 10). The event known as the Rapture, or being taken up to meet Jesus in the air, will be over in the “twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52). That will not leave enough time to call out to be saved once the Rapture starts. Twinkling of an eye is calculated by experts to be considerably less than one second.
All who have called out to be saved will have a Home prepared by the Savior in Heaven, as given in John 14:1-3. Unlike Earth homes, ours there will last forever.
All who refuse to call on Jesus to be their Savior before their last breath on this earth will end up at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15. Everyone there will spend eternity in the lake of fire with Satan and his demons forever.
These are the only two options for eternity. It’s each person’s responsibility to choose which one they will end up in. It’s also the most important decision you will ever make. Jesus is available to take your call 24 hours a day, every day.
Hope to see you there! Shalom! Come, Lord Jesus!
The post Looking At Seeds Again :: By Dennis Huebshman appeared first on Rapture Ready.
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