January 11, 2026 The Seed & the Soil

Описание: The Seed and the Soil | Matthew 13:1–23 | Hidden in Plain Sight (Week 2)

When the Word of God is preached… what happens in me?
Same seed. Same Sower. Different results—because the soil of the heart determines the fruit.

In Week 2 of our series *Hidden in Plain Sight — Seeing the Kingdom in Jesus’ Stories*, Jesus tells the “gateway” parable that helps us understand all the others: the Parable of the Sower. This isn’t really about farming—it’s about listening, receiving, and responding to God’s Word.

Big Idea: The seed is strong; the soil determines the fruit.
CTA: Name your soil honestly—pull one “thorn” this week.

Before we jump into the parable, we’re reminded of the heart of the gospel: we are saved not by “Because I…” but by “Because He…”—because the Man on the middle cross says we can come. That’s the only foundation for hearing Jesus rightly.

In this sermon:
• Why this parable is the gateway to the rest
• The seed: God’s Word is living, active, and powerful
• The four soils Jesus names:
– The hard path (closed/unreceptive)
– The rocky ground (shallow roots)
– The thorns (a crowded heart)
– The good soil (receiving and bearing fruit)
• Why this is meant to diagnose me—not everyone else
• How God cultivates good soil: repentance, roots, weeding, and obedience
• A simple response this week: identify one thorn and pull it

Lebanon First Baptist Church (Lebanon, Oregon)
Learn more, service times, and directions: firstbap.org

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