The Seeds of Salvation

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. – Matthew 13:5-6

Six students received Christ yesterday on a Tuesday morning! I was preaching from Luke 16:19 about the rich man and Lazarus. The Holy Spirit just took over my words and I knew He was speaking to hearts. Therefore, the invitation was given to receive Christ.

Seed was scattered yesterday morning. Some fell by the wayside, some on rocky places, some among weeds and thorns, but only time will tell if some landed on good soil. I can’t help but wonder what will be produced in the lives of these kids. I wonder what kind of soil the seed landed on.

Looking back, I had a pretty rocky place in my heart as a sixteen year old. I got saved many times. Many times I would “live for God” for about a week or two, then my shallow soil would allow no further growth. Eventually, I would graduate to growing among thorns and thistles. I was growing, I just never produced any fruit for others to see and enjoy. Hence, I was useless.

How cluttered up are the hearts of teenagers today? How hard is the ground? Can the seed even penetrate the surface? I’m so glad I’m not a teenager today. I only had a few things seeking to be the idol that took God’s rightful place in my heart. Today’s teens have many, many things vying for their attention and affection.

The bottom line is that something incredible was planted inside of six teenagers yesterday. The world will probably see no immediate results. The Holy Spirit has planted a seed in the ground of their hearts. In just a few weeks, if they protect it (hold fast to their salvation), water it (pray, read The Word and seek God), and cultivate the soil around it (remove all unnecessary weeds and distractions), new life will spring forth. It may be just a little small green sprout. But that, my friend, is new life! It looks something like this:

“I used to not mind cussing at all, now I get this sinking feeling in my stomach when I use those words.”

“I have never felt convicted about sleeping with my girlfriend, but I’m thinking God wants me to stop.”

“I used to not mind partying and underage drinking with my friends, but now I just feel like God has something so much more for me.”

“I used to ignore the preacher and draw on the bulletins or play on my phone in church, but he said something the other day that has just stuck with me.”

“I used to not mind blowing off my education, but I’m thinking God has placed me here for a reason. I’m going to work at this like I’m working for Him. He knows where He’ll lead me and what He wants me to do. I’ll start by honoring Him right where I am.”

“I’ve been listening to this group for years, now their music just doesn’t do for me what it once did. I want to fill my mind with things that honor The Living God.”

If you experience anything similar to this within the first few weeks of your salvation, welcome to the new life! Obey God’s voice and hold on tight. You have just begun the ride of your life.

If you haven’t experienced anything like this and absolutely nothing has changed. Get on your knees immediately and ask Him out loud to give you an experience like this. Ask Him to give you some sign that He has entered in to your heart, soul, and mind. Plead with the living God for signs of new life!

Chase Him. Pursue Him. Obey Him. Go after Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. There is no one like Jesus!   There will never be anyone like Him. There is nothing like knowing Him, really knowing Him.

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop–a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. – Matthew 13:8

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Later

Adam