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Living and Powerful
Introduction:
In our
everyday lives, we know how powerful words can be. We think about
some of the well-known speeches from the past and the influence
these had. Speeches by John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.
come to mind. While these certainly possessed power and probably
changed the lives of many, there exists another Word with far
greater power. It’s the Word of God. (Hebrews
4:12)
This word is the power of God for salvation. (Romans
1:16)
We must understand that if people are going to be truly converted to
Christ, it will not be because of stage productions, dramatic
presentations, or using high-tech equipment. It will rather be due
to the power of the gospel.
Body:
I. The
Need for Sowing
-
Follow
Christ’s example. (Luke
8:1)
The people needed to hear this news. (Luke
4:42-44)
This was His purpose.
-
Follow
early Christian’s example. (Acts
8:4,
Mark 16:15)
-
We do
not need to be experts at sowing seed. The power is in the
Word, not in the sower! (I
Corinthians 2:1-5)
II. The
Fruit Depends Upon the Soil
-
Some
seed produced very different results. It wasn’t because of the
seed or the sower, but the soil. (Luke
8:11-15)
-
The
sower’s responsibility is to sow. (Ezekiel
3:17-19)
If the seed is rejected, the soil is responsible. (Matthew
10:12-15)
-
Every
time we sow the Word, we are successful. If the person rejects
it, we did not fail. He did!
-
Our
goals need to focus on how many are being taught, not on how
many are converted.
III.
Remember the Providence of God
-
God
knows the hearts of all men. He knows those who are seeking
Him. This principle is illustrated in
Acts 16:6-10.
-
God will
open doors so they can hear the truth of the gospel. (I Corinthians 16:9)
-
Pray
that opportunities to teach will open to us. (Colossians
4:3)
Be ready when they do.
Invitation:
Let us
always remember how powerful the Word is to change men’s hearts.
Bobby
Stafford
January 29,
2012
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