Frank & to the Point

PUBLISHED IN THE EVANGEL // July 3, 2008

Pastor Frank Lewis

by Dr. Frank Lewis, senior pastor

Have you ever noticed the way Jesus illustrated spiritual truths using stories about seeds, growing crops, fruit bearing, weeding, and harvest-time? These stories connected with the people in Jesus' day in much the same way they can connect with us. The spiritual life is one of mystery and small beginnings. It needs the constant tending of a gardener or farmer if it is to experience significant growth. Weeds threaten. So do drought conditions.

Jesus told these stories to both his disciples and to the crowds who heard him teach and preach. Sometimes they "got it" immediately and other times it took a while for the seeds to grow, but eventually, people caught the truth.

I call these parables the "seedy stories" of Jesus and will be preaching from them in July and August. Here's an overview of what's coming from the Seedy Stories Jesus Told:

July 13 - What Every Seed Needs
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

July 20 - Weed Seeds Never Produce Wheat
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

August 3 - God's Kingdom Is Like a Small Seed
Matthew 13:31-33

August 10 - Seedy Faith
Matthew 17:20

August 17 - When a Seed Dies
John 12:24-26

See you Sunday!