Working in the Vineyard - 10/18/09am

Matthew 20:1-16 -Parable of the workers in the vineyard

The Promise
Each worker was made a promise of a denarius for their labor. We have a promise for our labor. Our promise, however, is far greater than a day’s worth of pay. Our promise is of Christ’s return and of eternal life to follow.
I Timothy 4:1-11 -Godliness holds the promise of life
II Peter 3:1-13 -The promise of His coming
I John 2:25 -The Lord has promised eternal life
Luke 14:25-33 -Count the cost...is the promise worth the work?

The Work
In order to carry out their part of the arrangement, the hired men had to spend the rest of the day working. The same is very much true for us. We must spend our time working if we wish to receive what has been promised. The promise is conditional.
Matthew 9:35-38 -The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few
I Timothy 3:1-5 -Timothy, the fellow worker
Ephesians 4:11-16 -Prepared for works of service, each does his own work
Titus 2:1-15 -Instruction on good works

The Payment
It is not too late to begin working. It is not to late to start serving the Lord, carrying out His will. Whether you have never obeyed the gospel or whether you have obeyed but have not been a diligent worker, it is not too late to start...if you start now. You are not guaranteed a later. But if we are His workers, we will receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 11:6 -He rewards those who seek Him
James 1:12 -Receive the crown of life that God has promised
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 -Meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever
Hebrews 10:19-25 -He who promised is faithful

The Seed and the Soil - 5/31/09am

Matthew 13:1-9 -The parable of the sower
Matthew 13:18-23 -The parable of the sower explained

The Wayside
The wayside are those whose hearts are hardened into not understanding the word of God. It is not that the gospel is too difficult to understand, but rather that people do not want to understand.
Matthew 13:10-17 -The reason for Christ using parables
John 8:37-47 -Those that oppose Christ do not understand

The Stony Ground
These are the people who respond to the gospel, yet do not allow it to take root in their lives. Instead, their faith remains shallow, and when troubling times or persecution comes, they fall away.
Mark 14:43-50 -The disciples leave Christ
Daniel 3:14-25 -Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego
Daniel 6:10-23 -Daniel persecuted, yet continues praying
II Timothy 4:10 -Demas has forsaken Paul

The Thorns
These are people who, once again, receive the gospel. Yet, the Lord never becomes their first priority, and so their faith takes a back seat to the cares, concerns, and riches of this world.
Mark 10:17-22 -The rich young ruler
Matthew 8:18-22 -Following Christ must be put above all else

The Good Soil
The good soil are those people who receive the word of God, and allow it to take root and grow in them. These are the people who dedicate themselves in the Lord’s service, and produce fruit which is in keeping with Christ.
Galatians 5:22-26 -The fruit of the Spirit
Matthew 7:15-20 -By their fruit you shall know them

So which soil are you? What fruit are you producing?