Group Resource
Let’s Talk Notes – Week of November 2, 2014
Message: Seedtime and Harvest
Scripture: Matthew 13:1-7; Genesis 8:22
1) Find a promise in the Word of God and share why the verse(s) is/are impactful to you. See http://www.intouch.org/you/gods-promises for a comprehensive lists of biblical promises.
2) The Scriptures remind us that God operates in times and seasons. Genesis 8:8 says that “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 also reminds us that there is a time and season for everything. What are some practical ways that you can discern what season you are in? How can you adjust your actions and mindset to better appreciate your current season? (See Psalms 30:5; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:18; Matthew 5:11-12; James 1:2-4)
3) Read Matthew 13:1-23. What reason did Jesus give the disciples for speaking in parables? What is the difference between hearing and understanding the Word of God?
4) To nurture the seeds that God plants in our life, we must protect and water them in good soil. Pastor Joseph identified 3 circumstances that were detrimental to the growth of the Godly seeds in our lives: neglect, immaturity and corruption. Can you think of any examples from your own life where the soil of your heart was not protected and resulted in the seeds that God planted not bearing fruit?
5) Read the parable of the Mustard Seed in Matthew 13:31-32. The parable stresses the great results that can come from small beginnings. Though the kingdom may now appear to be as small as a mustard seed, one of the tiniest of seeds, it can become mighty like the mustard plant which shelters the birds on its branches. What seeds has God placed in your life that you need to cultivate?
6) Pastor Joseph shared that like a good gardener, God gives us healthy boundaries to help the planted seeds grow and ultimately bear much fruit. Using the Scriptures, identify a boundary that God has given us for our benefit. How is the boundary challenging? How is it helpful?
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
General Ministry Announcements
- We are fasting for the next 2 Wednesdays in preparation for our transition to the Lawrence School. More information about the details of the consecration and prayer topics is here: http://eepurl.com/6lfH1
- Worship Team Auditions continue this Sunday, November 9 after service. Please e-mail if you are interested in auditioning.
- Morning Prayer takes place on
Monday (6:00-6:15am),
Wednesday (6:00-6:30am),
Wednesday (7:00-7:15am) *NEW
Friday (6:00-6:15am),
Saturday (8:00-8:30am), and
Sunday (10:30-11:00am) - M, W, F, Sat all take place via conference call, Sunday takes place at church. Lets all commit to praying together on Sunday, as well as one other morning during the week!
Conference Call Number: (712) 775-7000
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