Podcasts about sower

Faith Comes from HEARING | Episode #214In Episode #214 of the Way of the Bible podcast, we continue our study of Jesus' concluding illustration in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the opening words of Matthew 7:24: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice...” The emphasis of this episode is on one crucial word: hears. Jesus teaches that hearing His words is the beginning of a life built upon a solid foundation. Yet throughout Scripture, we see that people can hear the same message and respond very differently. Why is that?The episode explores the distinction between physical hearing and spiritual hearing. Physical hearing involves receiving sounds through our ears, but spiritual hearing involves the heart. Jesus repeatedly emphasized that understanding and responding to God's Word is ultimately a matter of the heart's condition. To illustrate this truth, we examine Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8. The seed is the Word of God, but the condition of the soil determines the outcome. Some hear and quickly lose the message. Others receive it temporarily but fall away under pressure. Some become distracted by life's worries and pleasures. Only the good soil receives, retains, and produces fruit. This leads to a deeper question: what makes a heart capable of receiving God's Word? Scripture answers through the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Jeremiah describes the human heart as deceitful and beyond cure, while Ezekiel records God's promise to remove hearts of stone and replace them with hearts of flesh. God promises to place His Spirit within His people, enabling them to follow His ways. The episode then connects these promises to the ministry of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, God provides cleansing, renewal, and the gift of His Spirit, making genuine faith possible. Finally, we arrive at Romans 10:17: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Faith is not merely intellectual agreement. It is the response of a transformed heart that hears the Gospel, believes that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and responds in repentance and surrender. The episode concludes with a challenge. Jesus is still speaking through His Word today. Some hear and obey. Others hear and remain unchanged. The difference lies not in the message but in the condition of the heart. The question each listener must answer is simple:Do I have ears to hear?

Samantha Tennant sits down with Andrea Hairston — novelist, playwright, Afrofuturist, and self-described "scientist, artiste, and hoodoo conjurer" — to talk about her latest novel, THE REDEMPTION CENTER IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS, a genre-defying extra-dimensional murder mystery anchored by a Saint Bernardoodle dog detective named Una. Andrea draws on her decades in theater — as director, playwright, and professor — to explain how she weaves mystery, romance, and science fiction into a single story without losing the thread of any of them. She talks about using the dog as a pivot point: Una doesn't recognize genre, she just knows the people she loves, which turns out to be the perfect lens for a story that spans dimensions. The conversation moves into Andrea's background shift from mathematics and physics to theater (with a detour through lighting design and Ohm's Law), her long-standing research into animal cognition and dog behavior, and what Afrofuturism actually means in practice — not predicting the future, but understanding the present deeply enough to make real choices about what comes next. She uses Harriet Tubman and Einstein as parallel examples of people who imagined their way to something that didn't exist yet. The Fresh Fiction Facts segment reveals she owns a "ridiculous" number of DVDs (including every Star Trek series), that she'd rather visit the future than the past, and that her most dog-eared books are Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, anything by Ursula Le Guin, and Momo by Michael Ende — which she re-reads in German. Andrea closes with a peek at her work-in-progress: QUEEN FOR TODAY, a secondary world fantasy about a carnival queen of misrule whose single day of reign changes everything.

On this episode, Nicole from Off Color Book Club joins me to discuss the most recent Off Color Book Club book,  A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan.    My Book Club Guide   If you're interested in joining the Off Color Book Club in the future, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 21st to discuss Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. All are welcome! 

Award-winning science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler was born on June 22, 1947, in Pasadena, California. Through novels such as "Kindred" and "Parable of the Sower," Butler expanded the boundaries of science fiction and became one of the most influential Black writers in American literature. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastor Dana returns with the “Walking in Jesus' Footsteps” series, diving into Matthew 5:1-2, the precursor to the Sermon on the Mount, and Matthew 9:14-17, which finds Jesus answering a question about fasting through an illustration. Luke 8:4-10 is the Parable of the Sower, which Jesus explains plainly to His disciples. Then in Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits Mary, whose priority is to be His student, and Martha, whose priority is to be His welcoming host. Jesus taught anywhere so that people could transform their lives with transformed hearts and minds.

Ogni Giovedì Doom Sower hosted by dj Jean Pierre dalle 21:00 alle 22:30 Every Thursday Doom Sower hosted by dj Jean Pierre from 09:00 pm to 10:30 pm (CET) web radio darkitalia: darkitalia.com/radio discord darkitalia: discord.gg/d9nrE4HS

Dive in with Youth Leader Taylor Thorness as we learn the importance of The Parable of the Sower and how it should change our thinking and actions.

"Stress, worry, and anxiety can quietly take over before we even realize it. In this message, Ben Young looks at Jesus' Parable of the Sower and shows how the pressures of everyday life can crowd out our peace.  Discover how Jesus invites us to stop carrying everything on our own and find rest, freedom, and lasting peace in Him."

What are you planting in the soil of your heart? In this special Women's Night message, we explore Jesus' Parable of the Sower and discover a powerful truth: The Word of God is seed, and our hearts are the soil.If you've ever felt stuck, wondered why breakthrough hasn't come, or asked, "Why doesn't it feel like this is working?" this message offers practical encouragement for cultivating a heart that produces lasting fruit.The truth is, you can't cram for a harvest. Seeds are planted, watered, and nurtured over time. As you consistently sow God's Word into your heart, He brings growth, healing, peace, wisdom, and strength exactly where you need it. God designed your heart to produce fruit. The question is: What are you planting?Whether you're believing God for healing, direction, peace, patience, or breakthrough, His Word contains the promises you need. As you meditate on Scripture and cultivate good soil, you'll begin to see the miraculous fruit that only God can produce. Support the show

Matthew 13v1-23 with Jonny Morrison Jesus rarely answered questions with straightforward answers. Instead, he told stories—stories about farmers and feasts, lost coins and generous employers, unexpected neighbors and extravagant grace. In this series, we'll explore some of Jesus' most memorable parables and discover how these ancient stories continue to challenge, comfort, and transform us today. Together, we'll learn what the Kingdom of God is like and what it means to follow Jesus in the ordinary moments of everyday life

The condition of our hearts determines the fruitfulness of God's Word. Key Scriptures: Matthew 13:1-23 Connect with us & let us know you are listening and how we can pray for you... https://www.pursuitnazarene.org/online-connection-card

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Why do some people experience breakthrough and spiritual growth while others remain stuck, even when they hear the same teaching? In this message, we explore Jesus' Parable of the Sower and discover how the condition of our hearts affects our ability to receive God's Word. Through the different types of soil, Jesus reveals what can hinder spiritual growth and what it takes to bear lasting fruit. God desires for every believer to walk in spiritual victory, experience breakthrough, and fulfill their God given destiny. As we keep our hearts soft and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, His Word can take root and transform our lives. Scripture References: Luke 8:4-15 John 7:37-39

The Parable of the Sower.

Black horror can be informed by past trauma and that sometimes gives us glimpses of the future. In Octavia Butler's classic 1993 book “Parable of the Sower,” natural disasters are on the rise, people are vanishing, and America just became “Great Again.” Today, some people are looking to genres like Black horror and Afro-Futurism as a guide for the times. In this story from 2025, Reporter Kristal Raheem went to meet Isis Asare owner of Sistah Sci-Fi bookstore, who's helping people navigate our present day reality with speculative fiction. Note: Sistah SciFi has a LOT going on, including another event honoring Octavia Butler's legacy at the San Francisco Library's main branch this Sunday at 2pm. 

One of the most common parables is the Parable of the Sower.  In this message, we look at the soil, we look at the HEART of the receiver of the message of the Gospel and the Word of God.  The condition of our heart determines our response to the Word of God.  How is your Heart?  Which soil represents your heart?  KNOW, SHARE and OBEY the Word. Welcome to the Liberty Church online experience!_If you would like more information about Liberty, get on our email list or just simply want to get better connected, text "INFO" to 478.217.7563 _Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? You may be wondering what's next on your journey. We want to help or answer any questions you may have. Let us guide you to your next steps in your walk with Christ: https://lbcdublin.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/133/responses/new_Looking for a place to serve and partner with us? Click here: https://lbcdublin.com/serve_Want to give online or set up automatic giving? Click here: https://lbcdublin.com/give

Passage: Mark 4:1-20 As we look at the Parable of the Sower we respond in two ways. First, we must evaluate our heart and see what kind of hearers we have proven to be, then as Christians, we need to faithfully accept our call to sow. 

Adult Pastor Ron King continues our series on Mark.Have you ever read a passage of Scripture, or listened to a sermon and walked away feeling unchanged? It's easy to blame the communicator or the environment, but today, Jesus challenges us to look somewhere more uncomfortable: the soil of our own hearts.We often pray for God to change our circumstances, our families, or our financial stress. But often before Jesus calms the external storms in our lives, he wants to break up the hard, unplowed soil inside of us. Because God doesn't want our performance or our talent, but our tenderness. If you've been feeling distant from God, or like the worries of this world are starting to strangle your peace, this message is for you.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on June 7, 2026, at 9:00am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome 01:02 Message: Cultivating Good Soil06:34 Understanding Parables 08:12 The Parable of the Sower 16:51 Breaking Up Fallow Ground 19:45 The Four Soils30:15 Jesus Calms the Storm34:29 Prayer and Reflection

6.27.26 | Pastor Heath Hardesty

The central point of this passage is simple but searching: the state of the soil determines the fate of the seed. The same Word. The same Sower. Four completely different outcomes — all determined by the condition of the ground. This is the first sermon in our series on the Parables of Jesus.

By Glenn Radebaugh - This message focuses on Christ's parable of the Sower and examines the elements of each type of soil that Christ calls out. What are the characteristics of each and how can we as a church provide the right kind of environment for the seed to grow?

2026-05-31 Warning About Traditionalismby Pastor Chris BergScripture Reference: Mark 7:1-13The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, 2 and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; 4 and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.) 5 The Pharisees and the scribes *asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” 6 And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:‘This people honors Me with their lips,But their heart is far away from Me.7 ‘But in vain do they worship Me,Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother'; and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, is to be put to death'; 11 but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),' 12 you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; 13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”Notes, outline and a summary from this sermon are made by Pocket AI and found here:This sermon serves as a warning against traditionalism—the elevation of man-made customs over divine commandment.Core ThesisTraditionalism is the maintenance of tradition specifically to resist change or as a substitute for a relationship with God. While traditions can be useful tools, traditionalism acts as a "taskmaster" that chokes the Word of God, rendering worship worthless and distancing the heart from the Creator.The Pharisaical Model: Hard-Hearted SoilPastor identifies the scribes and Pharisees as the primary examples of "hard-packed soil" from the Parable of the Sower. Their resistance to Jesus is rooted in three historical friction points:• Authority: They accused Jesus of blasphemy when he forgave sins.• Social Boundaries: They criticized his association with "sinners" and tax collectors.• Legalism: They sought to discredit him over Sabbath observations and ceremonial washing.Three Warnings Against TraditionalismTraditionalism Encourages HypocrisyAdherence to tradition allows for an outward appearance of righteousness while the heart remains distant. Pastor cites Martin Luther's observations of the Roman Church and the sale of indulgences as historical parallels where "going through the motions" replaced genuine repentance.Traditionalism Results in Worthless WorshipWorship is not validated by its age, style (Gothic vs. Contemporary), or the use of specific instruments. Pastor argues that both the "Emerging Church" (laser lights/fog) and "Ancient-Future" movements (liturgical/incense) can fall into the same trap if the focus is on the experience rather than faithfulness to Scripture.• The Goal: To be faithful, not "traditional" or "contemporary."• The Authority: Sanctification comes through Truth (the Word), not tradition.Traditionalism Elevates Man Over GodBy prioritizing the "tradition of the elders" over the commandments of God, the Pharisees effectively claimed that man's word is more authoritative than God's. Pastor highlights the practice of "Corban" (Mark 7:11) as a manipulative use of religious tradition to avoid the biblical command to honor and support one's parents.Proper Engagement with TraditionTo benefit from traditions without becoming a traditionalist, Pastor proposes two filters:• Subservience to Scripture: If a tradition opposes the Word or becomes a heavy burden, it must be dropped. The Word of God is sufficient; tradition is optional.• Prioritize the Goal: Ask why a tradition exists. If the purpose is no longer relevant (illustrated by the "cutting the ends off the ham" anecdote), the energy should be redirected toward the mission of the Great Commission.ConclusionThe Pharisees missed the presence of the Eternal Creator because they were preoccupied with an argument over hand washing. The sermon concludes with a call to hold fast to the finished work of Christ rather than the "uncomfortable traditions" of men.Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!All are welcome. 217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448Church Office: (985) 626-3114Sunday Service: 9:30AMAdult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AMNursery and Children's church available.

People reject good advice. They push away people who care about them. They resist change. Sometimes they even resist God. Why? In Luke 8, Jesus tells a story that helps explain why some hearts stay closed while others are transformed. In this message, Ben Young explores one of Jesus' most well-known parables—the Parable of the Sower. Jesus compares God's truth to seed and our hearts to different kinds of soil. Some hearts are open. Some become hardened over time. And some are ready to grow. Whether you're wondering why someone you love seems far from God, struggling with your own spiritual growth, or simply trying to understand why change can be so difficult, this message offers hope. Because no heart is beyond God's reach.

"Playing In The Dirt"Today Pastor Bill Teaches from Mark 4:1-20Pastor Bill leads us in the sermon detailing the beginning of Mark chapter 4. In it Jesus' uses his famous Parable of the Sower to explain to his followers about how spreading his word really works. Jesus details that some, those within fertile soil will receive the word and produce a crop of followers almost 10 fold. Others, those on a path or dealing with the thorns and worries of the world, will hear the word but not receive it thus not producing a crop.  The word is spread to as many as possible, thus giving all the ability to move to fertile soil or remain on the rocks, missing out on his gift but still having the chance to receive it. Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/y2AlyeEeZLYThank you for joining us today! Please connect with us by filling out a communication card here: www.lakewoodlcop.com/connectPlease access the bulletin to view all the announcements please check out the bulletin here: www.lakewoodlcop.com/resources

Botany is the study of plants. But, what does that have to do with our faith? EVERYTHING! In fact, "The Parable of the Sower" is found in three of the gospels, and it clearly mirrors the soil conditions and heart conditions essential for spiritual growth.

This Sunday, Pastor Matt shares the first message in our new series, Insight: How Jesus Revealed the Kingdom. In Part 1, The Parable of the Sower, we explore how Jesus used parables to reveal the truths of God's Kingdom and challenge us to examine the condition of our hearts as we respond to His Word.

Jesus didn't just tell stories—He revealed truth that invites us to look deeper. In this summer series, Reading Between The Lines, we'll explore the parables of Jesus—simple on the surface, but rich with meaning about the Kingdom of God and our hearts. Each week, we'll go beyond the obvious to discover what Jesus is really saying—and how it changes the way we live. • Westbridge Church is people helping people FIND and FOLLOW JESUS! We believe that no matter where you are in your faith, there's always a next step you can take to grow in your relationship with God. As a church, we are committed to continually growing and encouraging others to grow in their faith, connect in community, share God's grace, serve others, live generously, and have serious fun along the way. Learn more: https://westbridgechurch.com/ Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/westbridgechurchmn Current worship: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lpxmpwwtzhkeebpp8frhihttp://spotify.com/playlist/2lpxmpwwtzhkeebpp8frhi

Mark 4:1-20 “The Parable of the Sower” 1. The Parable - The seed and four soils (v.1-12) 2. The Meaning - Responses to the Word (v.13-20)

And He said to them, "Do you not understand thisparable?"  The Sower sows the Word.  The seed represents God's Word, and the farmer is the servant of God who shares that Word with others.  The human heart must be prepared to produce a harvest. https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/fd0eef1ac4925bcc0ecf

In this message, Brother Singh reflects on the difference between knowing truth and walking in truth. He reminds us that spiritual blindness cannot be cured by argument alone, but only when God opens the heart to receive His Word. Drawing from the Parable of the Sower, he discusses the practical challenges facing believers today and explains why God's ministry must address present-day conditions with timeless biblical principles. Throughout this informal yet thought-provoking message, Brother Singh emphasizes that truth is not merely something to be learned, but something to be lived.May the Lord speak to your heart as you listen to "Progressive Truth."

This episode engages with both the thought and practice of interconnectivity and collective consciousness in Indigenous theory. Niu/Knew/Neo Tā-Vā is framed as a talanoa/tzijonïk/storying conversation between Tāvāism, critical and global Indigenous theory. Mayan philosophy of time space is introduced and demonstrated to have overlaps with ideas of reality and life in Tā-Vā, which is explored along with critical thought. Some themes include: apocalyptic thought and response to change; cross cultural connections of shared social values; temporality beyond linearity; and calibrating actions. The role of sacrifice in sharing time-space is also considered in this emerging project, which is one of shifting the hoa (pairing) of Tā-Vā from dominant to global Indigenous philosophical traditions.   References: Giovanni Batz. The Fourth Invasion. University of California Press, 2024. Floridalma Boj Lopez. Indigenous Archives. Duke University Press, 2026. Octavia E. Butler. Parable of the Sower. Four Walls Eight Windows, 1993. Octavia E. Butler. Parable of the Talents. New York: Warner Books, 1998. Lewis Gordon. A philosophical look at Black music. Quinnipiac University (26 Sep 2019). Epeli Hau‘ofa. We are the ocean: Selected works. University of Hawaii Press, 2008. Tēvita Kaʻili. “Ancestral Voices of the Sea: Hearing the Past to Lead the Future.” In Anne Perez Hattori and  Jane Samson (Eds.), The Cambridge History of The Pacific Ocean Volume II: The Pacific Ocean Since 1800. Cambridge University Press, 2023. Miguel León-Portilla. Time and Reality in the Thought of the Maya. University of Oklahoma Press, 1990. Alexus McLeod. Philosophy of the ancient Maya: Lords of time. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2017. Manulani Aluli Meyer. “Holographic epistemology: Native common sense.” China Media Research, 9(2), 2013. Victor Montejo. Mayalogue: An Interactionist Theory of Indigenous Cultures. State University of New York Press, 2021. Arcia Tecun, ‘Inoke Hafoka, Lavinia ‘Ulu ‘ave, and Moana ‘Ulu ‘ave-Hafoka. "Talanoa: Tongan epistemology and Indigenous research method." AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples 14, no. 2 (2018): 156-163. Teresia Teaiwa. “On analogies: Rethinking the Pacific in a global context.” The Contemporary Pacific 18 (1), 2006: 71-87. Victor Turner. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Publishing, 1969. Sione Vaka. A Tongan approach of integrating mental health care. TedxNuku'alofa (2 Dec 2021).

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I interview Michael Cusumano and Charity Schubert, director, producer and lead actor of the short film "Last Minute," a comedic look at trying to get a school project done at the last minute in a world without the internet and smart phones.Listen to hear about the story that grew out of generational differences between school today and 40 years ago, a bit of luck in casting one of the film's main characters, and the way the production crowdsourced period furnishings for the set to make it look and feel like the late 1980s.Books mentioned in this episode include:Making Movies by Sydney LumetThe Only Woman in the Room: A Historical Novel of Hedy Lamarr and Her Secret Wartime Invention by Marie BenedictThe Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler Films and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:"Last Minute" directed by Michael Cusumano"Napoleonic Code" directed by Michael CusumanoBack to the Future directed by Robert ZemeckisBlack Mirror (series)The Third Man directed by Carol ReedFargo directed by Joel CoenBig Night directed by Stanley Tucci and Campbell ScottDangerous Liaisons directed by Stephen FrearsMarie Antoinette directed by Sofia CoppolaBernie directed by Richard LinklaterSilence of the Lambs directed by Jonathan DemmeAll About Eve directed by Joseph L. MankiewiczAmadeus directed by Milos FormanOnly Lovers Left Alive directed by Jim JarmuschBram Stoker's Dracula directed by Francis Ford Coppola12 Angry Men directed by Sydney LumetNetwork directed by Sydney LumetDog Day Afternoon directed by Sydney LumetFollow the film on Instagram @lastminuteshortfilm, their production company @whiskeycatproductions, and Charity @charityschubert. You can also find information on the Marie Antoinette exhibit Charity mentioned on the Victoria & Albert website. You can also get more information on the Whiskey Cat Productions presentation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton at their website.Support the show

Welcome to Day 2869 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2869 – “Where Are You in This Picture”  based on Luke 8:1-21 Putnam Church Message – 04/26/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Where Are You in This Picture?”   Last week's message was: “The Love and Grace of Jesus.” We explored how Jesus's Love and Grace extend to those others reject. Today, we continue with our twentieth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Where Are You in This Picture?” Our core passage today is Luke 8:1-21, which is found on page 1605 of your pew Bibles.  The Parable of the Sower 8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. 4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see;  though hearing, they may not understand.'[a] 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. A Lamp on a Stand 16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has / will be given more; / whoever does not have, / even what they think they have, / will be taken from them.” Jesus' Mother and Brothers 19 Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.”   Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Thank You for the Gospel of Luke, which continues to show us the beauty, authority, compassion, and truth of Jesus. As we open this passage today, we ask You to open our hearts as well. Let the seed of Your Word fall on good soil within us. Remove what is hard, shallow, distracted, or resistant. Give us ears to hear, minds to understand, and hearts ready to obey. Lord, do more than inform us today—transform us. Show each of us where we are in this picture, and by Your grace, lead us into deeper faithfulness. In Jesus' name, amen. As we continue in this twentieth message in our journey through Luke's Gospel, we come to a passage that feels almost like a mirror. In recent weeks, Luke has shown us again and again who Jesus is. He has authority over sickness. He has authority over death. He has authority over sin. He receives the broken. He forgives the guilty. He welcomes the outsider. And after all of that, Luke now brings us to a very personal question: What are we doing with Jesus? Or to put it in the title of today's message: Where are you in this picture? Because Luke 8:1–21 is not merely information about other people long ago. It is a spiritual portrait gallery. Somewhere in this scene, we will find ourselves. Are we like the women who served Jesus with grateful devotion? Are we like the crowds who listen but do not really change? Are we like the shallow soil that sprouts quickly but wilts under pressure? Are we like the thorny soil, slowly choked by worry and worldly cares? Or are we becoming good soil—receiving the Word, holding fast to it, and bearing fruit with perseverance? That is the question. And it is such an important question because in this passage, Jesus teaches us that ministry success, spiritual growth, and genuine discipleship do not begin “out there” somewhere. They begin in here—in the heart. A Simple Object Lesson I have four pictures here today: One is of hard-packed dirt—soil that has been walked on until it is stiff and unyielding. / One is a thin layer of dirt over a rock. /  one is soil mixed with weeds and thorny roots. And one is soft, rich, prepared soil. What will happen if I spread seed over each of these plots of land? The seed would be the same. / The Sower would be the same. / The difference would be the soil. / That is the heart of this passage. The great issue is not whether God's Word is powerful enough. It is. The great issue is not whether the gospel is true enough. It is. The question is: What kind of heart receives it? And that leads us to our first of four truths for today. Main Point 1: Genuine faith expresses itself in practical devotion. Luke begins this section by reminding us that Jesus was traveling from town to town proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, and so were a number of women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others—who supported His ministry out of their own means. That opening matters. Right before this, in Luke 7, we saw a sinful woman pouring out her love at Jesus' feet. Now Luke shows us more people whose faith is not merely emotional or theoretical—it is practical, visible, and costly. The disciples had left nets, boats, tax tables, and ordinary routines. These women were giving their resources, their loyalty, their time, and their reputations. That would have been striking in the first-century Jewish world. Rabbis were followed by disciples, yes—but Luke makes a point of mentioning women here, not as background decorations. They are active participants in Jesus' mission. Some had been healed, some delivered, some redeemed from brokenness. And now their gratitude has become service. Mary Magdalene had been set free from demonic bondage. Joanna lived in close proximity to political power through her husband's position at Herod's court. Susanna is largely unknown to us, but not to Jesus. That in itself is comforting. Some names are well-known in the story of God, and some are not. But obscurity does not mean insignificance. The Lord sees every quiet act of faithfulness. This has been one of Luke's major themes all along. The people who truly receive...

In this week's message from the Summer Stories series, Pastor Josh Slautterback dives into the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, using the memorable story of a Venice pigeon tourist trap to bring Jesus' teaching to life. Pastor Josh walks through the four types of soil — hardened, rocky, thorny, and good — and challenges us to examine what kind of heart we're bringing to God's Word. Are we letting the truth bounce off a hardened heart, failing to put down roots in a shallow one, or allowing the distractions and deceitfulness of this world to choke out our growth? With honesty and warmth, Pastor Josh calls City Rev to cultivate a receptive, fertile heart through intentional prayer, Scripture, and community — because the way we receive the Word reveals the condition of our heart, and it's in that good soil where God does His most transformative work.

  Host: Dan Panetti   I often get asked this question from younger couples…and for many, they are looking for the right “formula” in how to say things to better communicate with their spouse. Now, when I look at many of the world's suggestions/tools, they aren't wrong…but these communication strategies aren't the whole story…or even the heart of effective communication - so what is?   The key to effective communication in marriage is the condition of your heart. Is your heart fertile soil where the love for your spouse is cultivated and growing? Jesus teaches a powerful lesson about the condition of your heart in Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower.   Your heart is either hard and surface, shallow and rocky, filled with thorns and weeds, or fertile and nourishing. Work on the condition of your heart…and your communication will grow and flourish as your heart grows and matures. T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Vegas preacher Lee Coate brings us his message "The Reckless Sower."Uncertain about God and faith? Peak City is a safe place to discover more about God and faith without any pressure. Come and see who Jesus really is and what he's really all about!Our mission is to help people discover Jesus and follow Him fearlessly by being raw, passionate, and clear. Visit ⁠peakcityco.com⁠ to find out more and we hope to see you in person soon!

Try the BibleACTS app!: ⁠https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe⁠ Shop “Cut to the Heart” apparel: ⁠https://cut2theheart.com⁠ In this episode, we dive into Mark 4, focusing especially on the Parable of the Sower and what it teaches about the condition of the human heart when hearing the Word of God. Much of this discussion centers on an important distinction: How unbelievers hear the Word and either reject it or receive it unto salvation How believers, already saved through faith in Jesus Christ, continue hearing the Word in order to grow, mature, and bear fruit. In this verse-by-verse Bible study, we explore: The meaning of the different soils in the Parable of the Sower Why some people reject the gospel immediately How persecution, distraction, and worldly desires choke spiritual growth How believers grow through continual exposure to Scripture What true spiritual fruit looks like in a person's life This episode emphasizes that the Word of God is not passive information—it reveals hearts, produces faith, and transforms lives. Whether someone is hearing the gospel for the first time or growing as a disciple, the condition of the heart determines what the Word produces. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible commentary and podcast episodes.

In this teaching on the parables of the kingdom, the focus centers on how Jesus reveals the nature, growth, and value of God's kingdom through layered illustrations in Matthew 13:1–23 (the Parable of the Sower), explaining the different heart responses to the Word; Matthew 13:24–30 and Matthew 13:36–43 (the Wheat and the Tares), showing the coexistence of the righteous and the wicked until final judgment; Matthew 13:31–32 (the Mustard Seed), emphasizing the kingdom's small beginnings and expansive growth; Matthew 13:33 (the Leaven), illustrating its permeating influence; and Matthew 13:44–46 (the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price), highlighting the surpassing worth of the kingdom that calls for wholehearted surrender—together demonstrating that the kingdom of heaven advances through receptive hearts, grows often in unseen ways, and is of such incomparable value that it demands total commitment from those who truly understand it. You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.

Scripture: Mark 4:21–34Series: Gospel of Mark, Part 14 In this episode, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark as Jesus teaches the crowds using parables. Last time, we learned how people respond differently to God's Word in the Parable of the Sower. Today, Jesus builds on that teaching and helps us understand something new: not just how we respond, but what God is doing. Through the pictures of a lamp, a growing seed, and a tiny mustard seed, Jesus teaches us: God's truth is like a light—it is meant to be seen, not hidden  God is always at work, even when we cannot see it  His kingdom may start small, but it grows strong and cannot be stopped  ⁠

Subscribe for more Videos: http://www.youtube.com/c/PlantationSDAChurchTV Deeper Dive Theme: Roxanne and Nick discuss the greatest danger facing Christians today and how to detect if you're at risk Episode Title: Check Your Soil Host: Roxanne Lawrence Guest: Nick Palmer Date: May 13, 2026 Tags: #psdatv #psdapodcast #podcast #DeeperDive #AdventistPodcast #ChristianPodcast #AdventistPodcasts #soil #parable #Jesus #sower #seed #change #transform #transoformation #check #love #reset #CheckYourSoil #BackToMyFirstLove #SpiritualReset For more life lessons and inspirational content, please visit us at http://www.plantationsda.tv. Church Copyright License (CCLI): 1659090 CCLI Streaming Plus License: 21338439Support the show: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANTBMV/envelope/startSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the condition of your heart? How is your soil? In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Sower and challenges us to examine how we receive the Word of God. Some hearts are hard. Some are shallow. Some are divided by the cares of this world. But when the Word of God lands on good soil, it produces real fruit and lasting transformation. Following Jesus is not about religion, emotional highs, or trying harder. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone. Supplemental Resources From This Week: • What is Baptism? • What Is the Condition of Your Heart? Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin: Matthew S4E6 • Parable of Sower - Old to New - Matthew S4E6 (Full Service) • Matthew Season 4 About The Church of Eleven22 The Church of Eleven22® is a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ. Eleven22 is led by Pastor Joby Martin and based in Jacksonville, Florida, with multiple campuses throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://coe22.com/donate

Welcome to Day 2862 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2862 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 126:1-6 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2862 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2862 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Song of Ascent – The Dream of Restoration and the Harvest of Joy In our previous episode on this grand expedition, we stood in the protective shadow of the cosmic center. We explored Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Five, where we learned a profound, stabilizing truth. We discovered that those who place their absolute trust in Yahweh take on the permanent, immovable qualities of Mount Zion itself. We marveled at the spiritual geography of the holy city, realizing that, just as the physical mountains surround Jerusalem, the Creator intimately and fiercely surrounds His people. We rested in the prophetic guarantee that the oppressive scepter of the wicked—the ruling power of the dark, rebellious principalities—has a strict expiration date. We anchored our souls in the unshakeable peace of God's protective perimeter. Today, we continue our upward climb on the ancient pilgrim trail, stepping into the seventh song of this magnificent collection. We are exploring Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Six, verses one through six, in the New Living Translation. As the weary travelers ascend the mountain pass, they raise their voices to sing a song of stunning contrasts. It is a song that looks backward with unbelievable, intoxicating joy, while simultaneously looking forward through the blurry lens of tears and sorrow. It is the ultimate anthem of the exile, beautifully capturing the tension of living in a world that has been saved, yet still waits for its final redemption. Let us step onto the trail, and listen to the song of the harvest. The first segment is: The Unbelievable Reality of the Cosmic Rescue Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Six: verses one through three. When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! The stanza opens with a glorious, overwhelming memory of divine intervention. "When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!" To fully comprehend the sheer euphoria of this opening verse, we must remember the devastating reality of the Babylonian exile. The nation of Israel had been conquered, their holy city burned to ash, and the people violently dragged away into a foreign, pagan empire. In the context of the Divine Council worldview, this was not just a political defeat; it appeared to be a massive, cosmic victory for the kingdom of darkness. The rebel gods of Babylon seemed to have triumphed over the Creator. For seventy long, agonizing years, the Israelites wept by the rivers of Babylon, convinced that they would die in the suffocating grip of their captors. But then, the Sovereign of the universe moved His hand. He orchestrated the rise and fall of entire empires, moving the heart of the Persian king to release the captives. Yahweh reached into the dark, hostile territory of the disinherited nations, and He physically pulled His people out. The deliverance was so sudden, so massive, and so humanly impossible, that the returning exiles could hardly process reality. "It was like a dream!" Have you ever woken up from a nightmare, and felt that crushing wave of relief when you realized you were safe in your own bed? That is the exact emotion the psalmist is trying to capture. The rescue was so magnificent, it bypassed their logical comprehension. This supernatural deliverance produced an involuntary, physical reaction. "We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy." The heavy, suffocating silence of their captivity was shattered by the ringing, defiant sound of holy laughter. Their joy was a weapon, actively testifying to the faithfulness of their King. And the surrounding pagan world was forced to watch. "And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.'" This is a staggering moment of cosmic vindication. The surrounding nations, who were governed by the rebel, lesser elohim, had to publicly confess the supreme, unrivaled power of Yahweh. The dark, spiritual principalities were humiliated on the global stage. The pagan cultures looked at the joyful, returning exiles, and they had to admit that the God of Israel had orchestrated a masterclass of redemption. The rescue was so undeniable, that even the enemies of the cosmic order had to acknowledge the majesty of the Creator. The pilgrims echo this confession, turning it into a roaring anthem: "Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!" They look backward at the great salvation of their past, and they allow that memory to fuel their present journey. The second segment is: The Desperate Plea for the Desert Streams Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Six: verse four. Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Suddenly, the tone of the psalm shifts dramatically. The intoxicating laughter of the past fades, and the stark, difficult reality of the present moment sets in. The psalmist cries out, "Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert." Why this sudden plea for restoration, if they had already been rescued from exile? Because the ancient believers understood the tension of the "already, but not yet." Yes, Yahweh had miraculously brought them back to the physical city of Jerusalem. The great, initial rescue had occurred. But the world was still broken. The land was still devastated, the enemies were still lurking outside the walls, and the exhausting, grueling work of rebuilding their civilization lay before them. They had been delivered from the nightmare, but they woke up to a harsh, demanding reality. They needed a second wave of divine grace. Therefore, they pray for a restoration that is "as streams renew the desert." Other translations use the term, "like the watercourses in the Negev." The Negev is the arid, unforgiving, southern desert region of Israel. Most of the year, its riverbeds, or wadis, are completely dry, baked hard by the relentless sun. The landscape looks entirely dead, incapable of sustaining life. But when the seasonal rains finally fall in the distant mountains, something miraculous happens. Without any warning, a sudden, violent flash flood comes roaring down the dry riverbeds. The rushing waters carve through the parched earth, instantly bringing explosive, vibrant life to the desert. Dormant seeds sprout, and the barren wasteland is transformed into a blooming oasis overnight. This is exactly what the psalmist is asking God to do in the spiritual realm. He is saying, "Lord, our current circumstances feel like a dry, scorched desert. Our souls are parched. The work of rebuilding is draining our strength. We need You to send a sudden, overwhelming flash flood of Your Holy Spirit. We need the rushing waters of Your grace to carve through our spiritual drought, and bring vibrant, unexpected life back to our community." He is asking the Creator to intervene with the same undeniable power He used to bring them out of Babylon. The third segment is: The Grueling Warfare of the Sower Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Six: verses five and six. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. To illustrate the agonizing process of waiting for that restoration, the psalmist turns to the powerful, ancient metaphor of agriculture. "Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy." To a modern reader who buys their food at a grocery store, planting a garden is often a relaxing, pleasant hobby. But in the ancient Near East, planting was an act of desperate survival, fraught with terror and physical pain. We must view this through the lens of the curse in Genesis Chapter Three. The ground had been cursed, heavily contested by the forces of chaos. The earth yielded thorns, thistles, and hard, unforgiving rock. Imagine a poor, ancient farmer. The winter has been long, and his family's food supply is almost entirely gone. He holds a small, precious sack of grain in his hands. He could feed that grain to his starving children today, and satisfy their...

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Danielle Procope Bell, PhD, an Autistic Black feminist scholar and Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.Danielle shares how she knew from early childhood that she was different, finding other children chaotic, preferring books and structure, and feeling an invisible glass wall between herself and others.Like many late-identified adults, Danielle's recognition journey deepened after her son's Autism diagnosis, when family patterns suddenly came into focus and helped her understand herself in a new way.This is a conversation about identity, lineage, belonging, and what becomes possible when you finally see yourself clearly.

Scripture: Mark 4:1–20 In this episode, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark as Jesus teaches beside the lake and tells the Parable of the Sower. Jesus uses the picture of a farmer scattering seed to help us understand what happens in our hearts when we hear God's Word. Kids will be invited to ask: How do I respond when I hear God's word ? In this story, the seed represents God's Word, and the different soils represent the different ways people respond when they hear it. Some hearts are distracted, some seem joyful at first but have no root, some are crowded by worries and desires, and some receive the Word, accept it, and produce fruit. Big Takeaways: God's Word is like seed planted in our hearts. Jesus teaches that people respond to God's Word in different ways. Sin can make our hearts hard, shallow, distracted, or crowded. We need Jesus to forgive us, change us, and help us receive His Word by faith. The “crop” Jesus talks about is not corn or tomatoes—it is a changed life that looks more like Christ through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ---------- Don't miss Go Minno for faith filled shows you can trust.  ------------------- This week's Bonus Audio: Bible Dive in the Family Library goes deeper into Mark 4:11–12, which can sound confusing at first. Families can listen to that bonus audio and receive beautiful episode resources by becoming a member of the Family Library on Patreon. Join and impact here!