Sunday VT – 12/08/2013

Click here to listen to the service or Download as MP3 (right click & save as): [audio:http://www.thefishermenministry.net/audio/podcast/02-vt-sun/northfield-falls/2013-12-08-sbs-nf-vt.mp3]

Speakers:

Steven Atherton
Carrie Cannon

Scriptures used:

Mark 4
Ezekiel 11:16-21

Subject:

The seed and the sower parable.
People say “God works in mysterious ways”. That’s not true.
There is nothing hid that will not be manifest.
Jesus doesn’t hide things from those who believe him.
Are you one way in the world and another way in front of your brothers and sisters in Jesus?
Do you think you can hide those things? We are open before God, we should be open and honest before our brothers and sisters in The Lord.
Don’t try to be someone you aren’t. God accepts us for who we are.
If you like to think you’re good, where is the gospel going to find a place in you?
Jesus didn’t want the Pharisees -those outside of Christ – to understand. They would turn and rend you with it.
Those who are successful in the world will say: I’m glad that works for you. They are sad that you’re so deceived, etc.
We are so much in defense that we can’t stand up and minister the gospel. If you love those without you are willing to speak the truth.
The successful in the world think of you as ignorant and them as knowing.
They spring up with joy when they get something they want.
They die away because they get offended. Realizing they need a different heart. It’s not pleasing to think there is something wrong with their heart.
We sing: Change My Heart O God, looking to The Lord because we can’t do it ourselves.
We don’t like the unpleasant truth that we are the one to change.
Do we go away or to The Lord?
We look to the things of the world to navigate our lives, rather than the way The Lord would do it.
Ezekiel was a Priest of Aaron’s seed -captive in Babylon
Israel is in Babylon because of their disobedience and rejection of The Lord.
In the midst of this they are promised a little sanctuary in Him.
God promises to take the stony heart out of their flesh
It doesn’t matter how long it takes. This is hope for us.
When we figure it out God will help us.
It’s our choice to submit unto Him so He will give us a new heart.
God won’t make us do it but he will move mightily if we make the choice to serve Him.
Man’s ways vs God’s ways: How do man’s ways work out? Do we see the blessings , peace, love, provision in man’s ways? Are we thriving under the new health care? Under more and more counseling?
This Word is not detestable but it is to the world. Let it be that Word of life to us.
Because of Tyndale the Word was preserved, and there are believers worldwide. That was a fruitful work though it didn’t look fruitful at the time.
Are we willing to yield unto The Lord that we may stand for the sake of others?
This place right here in Northfield can be an oasis for the people to come to know that Jesus Christ is real.
We need to become mighty in Christ Jesus.