Sunday Preview: The Sower's Message

Gratitude is more than just a fleeting emotion or a momentary expression of thanks. It shapes our understanding of salvation and influences our daily lives. The passage we have chosen for our 2023 vision plan, Colossians 2.6-7, reaffirms the importance of Christ's redemptive sacrifice on the cross. By acknowledging this profound act of love, we are reminded of the endless reasons we have to be thankful. Our salvation is not just a ticket to eternity; it's a daily reminder of God's love, mercy, and grace.

Two months ago, we began a study of the parable of the Sower, drawing parallels between the types of soil and the condition of our hearts. It is the perfect complement to Paul’s teachings in Colossians. Just as seeds need the right conditions to grow, our heart requires self-examination and humility. By understanding this parable, we can cultivate hearts that are receptive to God's Word, allowing gratitude to take root and flourish.

But, not everyone is grateful. Matthew 13.19 describes the hard hearted person who is unresponsive, inattentive, unconcerned, and indifferent. Such an individual doesn't seem to want much to do with Jesus; any message directed at them simply bounces off without making any impact. Consider this: it's possible for a person to have their heart so deeply pounded by sin that they become desensitized, lacking any repentance or sorrow for their wrongdoings. Their heart feels no guilt or concern for what truly matters. Instead, they permit themselves to be ceaselessly pounded by life's sins, day in and day out, without ever softening from conviction.

What's truly disheartening is that when people dismiss the gospel, Satan intervenes, snatching away the seeds of faith. He employs a all sorts of tactics: he dispatches false teachers to mislead, uses fear to deter some who are apprehensive about judgments from family and friends, leverages prejudices, and even plain stubbornness. He loves to entice us with the allure of sin or simply promotes procrastination. It's crucial to recognize and be aware of the many ways he operates.

How is your heart? Do you have ears that will hear?

As we come together Sunday we will:

• Reacquaint ourselves with the parable.
• Discuss the meaning of the parable.
• Consider the unresponsive hearer.

As you prepare for worship, you might think on these questions:

1. How does our understanding of salvation shape our daily expressions of gratitude?
2. In what ways can our lives reflect the power of God's redemptive love, as described in Colossians?
3. How can studying the Parable of the Sower deepen our appreciation for God's Word and its impact on our hearts?
4. What challenges might we face in fully embracing and expressing gratitude, and how can we overcome them using insights from Colossians?
5. How does the concept of 'walking in Christ' influence our decisions, relationships, and overall perspective on life?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt
SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon
PRAYER OF PRAISE
John Key
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Drew Triplett
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Josh Childers
Roy Pyle
Jeff Livingston
David Williams
SCRIPTURE READING
Randy Mullins
Matthew 13.18-23
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Billy Robbins
CLOSING COMMENTS
Boyd Hastings
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Pam Grushon
USHERS
Paul Braden / Rich Walker
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Jason Schofield
COMMUNION PREP
Makenna Hartley
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato