14
Sep '20
We Preach Christ Crucified – Day 1
14
Sep '20
We Preach Christ Crucified – Day 1
Day 1: Man’s Wisdom
We see in these verses a killing blow to that which mankind holds dearest: His intellectual prowess. Where is he who is wise? Where is the man learned in his letters? Where is the man eloquent and full of argument? The answer is quite simple: He does not exist. Read more…
09
Sep '20
Ever Faithful: The Farmer Pt. 4
09
Sep '20
The Farmer Part 4
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Harvesting
After Ploughing the soil of the world, planting seeds of faith, watering with the source of Christ, we have the final product: A harvest of faithful souls! The quintessential virtues throughout this process are faith, patience, and consistent work. The Farmer has seen every step and having faithfully executed each step, he will assuredly receive a result. The fruit we share in is the righteousness of Christ.
The “First pick of the Crop” is the fruit of faith in Christ manifested in justification, sanctification, and ultimately the unseen glorification of God’s people. The brilliant thing about being Farmers for Christ is that we glory in Christ’s harvest. Every step comes to the climax of reproducing God’s original work through obedience and conformity to Him.
Reflection
- How does your life reflect the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer? Is there one area you are weaker in then the others? Which is it and why?
- What change can you make today to assist you with marching in step, running with endurance, and sowing with patience?
Written by: Bill Crawford
September 2020
08
Sep '20
Ever Faithful: The Farmer Pt. 3
08
Sep '20
The Farmer Part 3
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Watering the Seed: Digging Ditches
The Farmer has a responsibility to feed and water the seeds planted. It should be our joy when we see a new faith take root to endeavor to grow our new brothers faith in Christ. Watering is a tricky thing, as it usually requires a source greater than man can carry or provide. Ancient cultures would usually have two options: Rain form above, or a river from below. To properly water a field large ditches would need to be built. These ditches brought water to the fields so the seeds could drink and receive this necessary component for growth.
07
Sep '20
Ever Faithful: The Farmer Pt. 2
07
Sep '20
The Farmer Part 2
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Planting the Seed
Once a man has had the soil of his heart tilled by the revelation of God’s truth, he ready for the seed of faith to be planted. Seeding (or Sowing) is a matter of having the courage to sow in the first place. Many Christians are content in their lives, and uncomfortable with the task of sowing. They may find a freshly ploughed field ready, for the introduction of God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness, yet they will not reach into their bag of seed to plant.
I have found those who have an aversion to planting in others usually lack seed themselves! Christ called us to preach and make disciples. It was his final commandment! Yet when faced with this, many are content to shrug their shoulders and carry on. They are content with their mustard seed, why share? Read more…
04
Sep '20
Ever Faithful: The Farmer Pt. 1
04
Sep '20
The Farmer Part 1
2 Timothy 2:1-7
The Farmer is an icon of patience, hard work, and consistency. He, more than anyone, knows the value of the hard work it takes day in and day out to reap a bountiful harvest. Paul encourages Timothy to emulate the farmer in his approach to hard work. The farmer has certain steps to follow in order to better ensure a good harvest and as we look at each of them, we will understand their significance to the Christian life.
Preparing the Soil
Before we can discuss the work of planting, watering, and harvesting we must first look at the soil we are using. When a farmer seeks to plant a field, he must prepare the soil and make sure it is ready for the seed. Oftentimes, we rush straight to the watering, expecting a harvest and we have not even prepared the ground for planting. The soil must be tilled and ploughed to ready it to accept seed for a healthy harvest. Read more…