Before casting the seed of the gospel, we must cultivate the soil of the heart through prayer and love.
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Our guest speaker, Patrick Lai, describes himself as a slave of Jesus. Through his extensive work through the OPEN Network in Southeast Asia, businesses that are platforms for evangelism and discipleship have opened in more than over 50 countries in the 10/40 Window, resulting in several new churches and many new Jesus-followers. Patrick shares from his incredible experience wisdom for connecting life and work.
Sermon Summary
In the fast-paced, calendar-driven world in which we live, it is imperative that Jesus’ followers intentionally leverage creative ways and means to engage our cities. And sometimes the creativity required is simply a “reset”—a “back to the basics” mentality that boldly declares that there is no law against loving our families, neighbors, co-workers, employers, and employees well with the consistent, clear-eyed vision that this is what Jesus calls us to do. Soon enough, we’ll be able to cast the seed of the Gospel; but cultivating the hard soil of the soul with prayer and love is a necessary first step.
Scripture References from the Sermon
Matthew 13:1-23 | Mark 4:1-20 | Luke 8:4-15 | Matthew 22:37-39 | John 13:35 | 1 Corinthians 7:17 | Colossians 3:23 | Matthew 24:14
Discussion Questions
- Read the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, Mark 4, or Luke 8. Describe the different kinds of soil described. How are you balancing cultivating good soil versus just throwing out seed?
- Discuss Matthew 22:37-39. What does it mean? Who is our neighbor? How do we do it (both the means by which we do it, and the ways in which we do it)?
- Give an example of someone in your city NOT loving you well. How did you feel?
Give an example of someone in your city loving you in a Christlike way. How did you feel? - Read 1 Corinthians 7:17 and Colossians 3:23. Discuss.
- What’s your classroom chair? How are you involving God in your business and life?
- Who is your Sue? Who are you pouring into?
- From the list of practical suggestions for demonstrating love that Mr. Lai presented, what are 2-3 that you will put into practice in your city this week?
Event Highlights
- Registration for Camp EXP is open!! You can find all the information about EXP on our landing page at gracechurchsp.org/exp
It’s not too late to serve in Summer Serve! We think once you try it, you’ll love it! Visit gracechurchsp.org/serve to join a team!