"Going Further - Week 5"

 GOING FURTHER

Week Five ­ Following up on the Seed

The main study fort his week is based on John 12:24 which states, "Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

This week there are six passages relating to the Kingdom of God. Each either have seeds or deal with the issue of growth.

As we come towards the end of Lent, and as we approach Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Day, may we use this time, not only to see how we, as "seed for Christ", can die and rise in glory, but also, how we can do this as a Church.

Day One ­ Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23.

This the parable of the Sower and the Seed. The first nine verses contain the parable and the verses eighteen to twenty-three provide our Lord's explanation

1. Sometimes there is despondency in the Church because there does not appear to be the growth people expect or would like to witness. How do we cope with the reality that some seed will fall on the path, or among the thorns or on the rocky ground? What challenges does this offer me? What challenges does this offer to a church or parish? Should we worry about these people who are like the seed on the rocky ground or among the thorn bushes or on the path? Why/Why not?

2. The parable states that there will be growth "a hundred fold", other "sixty fold" and other "thirty". Growth does occur, but not at the same rate for everyone. When I was teaching there was great stress on individual differences. Children learn and grow at different rates. This is not only true physically, but it also true spiritually, emotionally, and within areas of life. Sometimes a person may grow "a hundred fold" but at another stage, "thirty fold". Quietly reflect ion the growth that has taken place in your life and ask yourself, "When was it thirty, or sixty or hundred'? What blessings have you received and what did you learn?

Day 2 ­ Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43

In the first section of this reading we have the parable and the latter section an explanation.

This parable reminds us that we do not live in a world where the Christian Gospel is the sole standard for life.

The second study referred to the Christendom model, that is, where the culture and Christianity are basically synonymous. However, today the Apostolic model may be more appropriate, that is where the Church goes out with the Gospel message. Often the message of the Gospel is counter to the culture.

1. We live in a society where there are many competing forces. Often plants in a garden compete for the water, sun, and other nutrients. Have you ever felt like that? Do you feel the Church is sometimes like that? What learnings have you gained?

2. To the outsider this can seem a harsh parable. How would you explain this parable to a person enquiring about the Christian faith? The explanation of the parable concludes with these words, "Let anyone with ears, listen." How well are you listening to God?

Day 3 Matthew 13:31-32

The parable of the mustard seed is a very short parable. We are told the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. The small seed grows into a large shrub.

1. Spend some time reflecting over your life. Think back to how the seed of faith was sown in your life. Reflect on how you have grown to become "like that shrub" What learnings and insights have you gained?

2. The seed grew into a shrub and became a place for the birds to build their nests. As you have grown, how have you reached out and embraced others, like the shrub embracing the birds of the air? What challenges has that offered you? What insights have you gained?

Day 4 Matthew 13:44

This is the parable of the treasure hidden in the field. The person who found the treasure had great joy and sold all that he had to purchase the filed.

1. Do you perceive Christians as joyful people? It has been said that an unenthusiastic Christian is a contradiction in terms. As a Church do we really display the joy of the Gospel? How can we show our love and joy without being overpowering, or putting people off or down?

2. When the perosn had found the treasurer in the field he sold all that he had in order to buy the field. In living your Christian life, what have you had to give up to fully embrace the faith, and allow the seed of faith to grow? Are there areas of your life that you need "to sell", and are there areas in your life where you need to "reinvest", so that you truly have a treasure?

Day 5 Matthew 6:25-34

This section of Matthew's Gospel is a part of the Sermon on the Mount and is not directly about seed. It talks about the lilies of the field, the grass and the birds of the air.

1. This passage makes it quiet clear that we are first to strive for the kingdom of God. Is it always easy to do this? Do we have times of worry about what to wear, or what to eat etc.? What does this say about my faith? What challenges does this passage of Scripture put before me in my daily living of life?

2. Reports today tell us that hypertension is a constant concern. Stress is a major factor in life. What do you think verse thirty-four says to us about "not worrying about tomorrow"? What does this say to Christians as they live into the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Day 6 Matthew 7:15-20.

As we come to the end of this section of "Going Further" this particular passage raises for us three issues. First, we need to be aware of false prophets that are around us. Second, it challenges us about the type of fruit that we bear . Third we are reminded, "that we will be known by our fruits".

1. As we come to the end of Lent, what have I gained in terms of living out my faith in a society where there are other competing forces to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What personal disciplines have I developed to help me cope with this situation?

2. How can I be the "bearer of good fruit"? Do people know me by my fruit? As I continue to journey through Lent, and come to Easter Day, will people know that I am "a person of the resurrection of Jesus Christ"?

Story of the Boiled frog - Page 32 of study book.

THE STORY OF THE BOILED FROG.
The story is that if you place a frog in a saucepan of water and gradually apply heat, the frog won't jump out but stay until it is boiled to death. Because the water is heated gradually, the frog doesn't register that the water is getting hotter.
Some people are like that. They have difficulty coping with some area in their life but do nothing about it, until it is too late. If only they had sought help in the beginning rather than denying they had a problem.
We all have problems. Some of us seek help early, others become "boiled frogs."