Planting Seeds

By Bill Brandstatter

     With the recent warmer weather comes thoughts of springtime. Springtime is planting time. We all are
planting seeds of some sort. Some of us may be planting seeds in the minds of our children. Others may be planting seeds in the minds of Bible students. Whatever kind of seeds we plant; there are some general principles that apply. Let us make some observations about the planting the Word of God.
     First, the seed must be the right seed. So much seed is sown today wrongly labeled as “God’s seed.” The true seed, however, is the Word of God. (Luke 8:11) We have all of God’s word we need. (2 Pet. 1:3) We are not to alter, change, or modify it. (Gal. 1:6-10; Rev. 22:18, 19) This seed is described as incorruptible. (1 Pet. 1:23) When God’s pure seed is sown on good ground, only good results will come. Is your heart ready for the pure seed of God’s word? Faith is produced by the word of God. (Rom. 10:17) Faith does not come from emotions or feelings, but in obedience and in compliance with the Word and the Will of God.
     Second, seed must be planted in the right soil. If the soil is not right even the best seed won’t germinate correctly. Spiritually, we must have our hearts willing and ready to receive the Word. Those Peter preached to “gladly received the word.” (Acts 2:41) The word is to be implanted within us. (James. 1:21)
     Third, the seed must be watered and nurtured. Sometimes seed is planted but nothing more happens. Paul explains how the process is to work. Paul planted seed. He stated, “I planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase.” (1 Cor. 3:6) Some people today might be seed planters. Others are good at watering, but let us always let God provide the increase. Paul writes to fathers to bring up children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4 KJV) Throughout the coming years those seeds will need to be watered so that the plants will develop. Further nurturing will need to be done before harvest in the fall. In the Bible, the seed is the Word of God. (Luke 8:11)
     The word of God must be planted in the heart and mind in order to save a person. Jesus told his apostles to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15, 16) The Bible tells us, “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47 NKJV)

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/