Cornerstone

Matt 13:18-23 (18)

The underlying truth is that even though we are faithful to present the gospel to the world all people will not be ready to receive it at the same time. In addition to our varying receptivity to the Word, however, is the fact that various things militate against our reception. In the first case, the devil is hindering by removing it from their attention while they still do not understand. In the second instance, the individual does not correctly understand that he will have opposing circumstances in the Christian life and quickly gives up his faith. Others are so entangled with the every day activities of life that they don’t have time to take care of their spiritual life and soon shrivel up and die. Finally, some see how precious the gift of salvation really is. They guard it carefully and continually work to develop their relationship with Jesus Christ.

High in the Alps is a monument raised in honor of a faithful guide who perished while ascending a peak to rescue a stranded tourist. Inscribed on that memorial stone are these words: HE DIED CLIMBING. Because of this same type of determination it is the one who is receptive to the gospel that will succeed in the Christian faith.

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