Good Soil
Mark 4:1-8 (NLT) Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around Him, so He got into a boat. Then He sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. 2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on the footpath, and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn't have deep roots, it died. 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!"
Which soil best describes you?
Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Acts 2:40-47 (NKJV) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
As they…
Devoted themselves to the Word together.
Prayed together.
Worshipped together.
Gave sacrificially to meet each other’s needs.
Encouraged one another.
Corrected one another.
Carried each other’s burdens.
Did life together
…They stayed rooted because they stayed connected.
Acts 4:4, But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.
Acts 5:14, Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.
Acts 6:1, In those days when the number of disciples was increasing…
Acts 6:7, So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 9:31, Then the church…enjoyed a time of peace…it was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers.
Acts 11:21, The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:24, …and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Acts 14:1, …a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.
Acts 16:5, So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
Acts 17:4, 12, Some of the Jews were persuaded…a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women…As a result, many of them believed.
1. Get to know those around you.
2. Ask people how they are doing
3. Pay attention
4. Encourage one another
5. Talk about the Bible and what God is doing in your life.
6. Be an example
7. Pray for one another.