Posts Tagged ‘Dr. Gayle Woods’
Matt 13:1-9 (3)
Jesus was always ahead of His time. Even in our own day many do not seem to either accept or realize this truth., If we can understand this little picture lesson of the receptivity of the soils then we will be more likely to have a direct influence on those whom we are trying to win to Christ.
Not all people have the same level of interest concerning their salvation at a given time. They are at different points in their spiritual pilgrimage each day. This truth cannot be even limited to the four soils that Jesus described. He was not trying to limit the possibilities to four but was trying to teach a concept.
Due to varying circumstances, levels of training, understanding, emotional, psychological and spiritual concerns a person may be more willing to listen to the gospel at 9 a.m. on a given day than he will at 2 p.m. On the other hand his receptivity may wane again in a few hours and not return to the same level of interest for several days, weeks, or months. Knowing this we must seize the moment of opportunity to present the gospel when we see that someone is ready. We must continue to cultivate relationships with those who are not presently ready to come to Christ.
Dr. Gayle Woods
Mark 10:13-16
Jesus was always saying things that caused people to stop to ponder. For example: “The only way you can expect to get into the kingdom of God is to do so like a child.” What in the world could He mean? Since we haven’t totally understood we have hammered on the door of the kingdom trying to force our way in.
Napoleon did not follow the direction of Jesus but he seemed to understand the truth. He thought he could be great because he founded a kingdom on force. Toward the end of his life, however he said, “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his empire upon love. And at this hour millions of men would die for him.”
So then, how do we enter the kingdom as a child? First we must consider the characteristics of a child. A child is dependent, weak, pliable, teachable, forgiving, loving, and humble. This does not exhaust the list but sets a workable template for those who would come to Christ. To be forgiven of your sinfulness you must come to Him in sorrow confessing the error of your ways while being willing to cast yourself totally upon His guidance for your life. Can you become childlike in order to find peace with God?
Dr. Gayle Woods
