Soul Craving [May 8, 2011] - Easter Sunday
Eldon Boldt

Prayer for Mothers - Bill Blackmon

Sermon Notes

1. CULTIVATE AN OPEN MIND

Luke 8:5, 12 (NLT) "A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds came and ate it.

12 The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the message, but then the Devil comes and steals it away and prevents them from believing and being saved.

• Fear
• Pride
• Bitterness

James 1:21 (NLT) So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.

2. ALLOCATE TIME TO LISTEN

Luke 8:6, 13(NLT) Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. This seed began to grow, but soon it withered and died for lack of moisture.

13 The rocky soil represents those who hear the message with joy. But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep. They believe for a while, but they wilt when the hot winds of testing blow.

3. ELIMINATE THE DISTRACTIONS

Luke 8:7 (NLT) Other seed fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades.

Luke 8:14 (NLT) The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.

What are the weeds?

• Life Worries – the problems and pressures of life
• Life Riches – we get so busy making a living we don’t make a life
• Life Pleasures – recreation can take priority over worship and choke out God

4. COOPERATE WITH GOD’S VOICE

Luke 8:15 (NLT) But the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people who hear God's message, cling to it, and steadily produce a huge harvest.

James 1:22 (NLT) And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself.