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GOD’S GARDEN

Introduction: Here we are entering March. The weather is getting warmer, basketball is entering its "March Madness" stage, and we will start spending more time outdoors. This is gardening time. My dad used to plant a pretty big garden. The whole community could come and get enough to eat and put in the freezer from his garden. What kind of a garden do you like? What do you expect to reap? We plant what we choose and we reap what we sow.

1. Not hard to find "Christians" that are just going through the motions. They are just interested enough to keep coming but not enough to be involved in the local work.

2. What could this congregation be doing if every member was doing its part?

3. The indifferent Christian does not have to "worry" about heaven, Revelation 3.15-16.

1. Those "personality problems" are sinful, Genesis 13.8.

a. Few years ago one of the Kentucky teams got the nick name, "Team Turmoil" they never accomplished their purpose or reached their goal.

b. Unity does not cost us anything but our pride, it allows us to work together for the good of the group.

2. Instead of strife we should seek unity, Romans 12.16-18.

C) Squash gossip, Colossians 4.6.

1. During World War II there was a saying that was made popular "Loose lips, sinks ships."

2. Gossip causes strife and feelings to be hurt. We should consider carefully what we are saying and how we say it.

1. Opportunity for us to receive spiritual food, fellowship others, worship God, sing, pray.

2. Notice I have not even mentioned our visitors. We should make sure that even if not one "visitor" shows up, this meeting will be a success. How? By making it beneficial to us.

1. Christians should be happy in their service to God, Matthew 5.3-10.

2. I do not know of a single person that looks better with a frown than a smile. People want to be around happy people.

1. Start with family members, fellow workers, neighbors, etc.

2. Have a prospect list, those you are praying will be open to the gospel, take advantage of your opportunities.

1. Regularly study your Bible and make sure everything taught is right.

2. Look up the passages in the lesson, write down some notes. Do your own study.

A) Letus love one another, Ephesians 4.32, Galatians 5.13 "through love serve one another."

1. Mutual concern for each and every soul, think of this as your spiritual family.

2. Love is one of the qualities that Jesus said the world when they see it, will know we are His disciples.

B) Letus welcome strangers, Hebrews 13.2.

1. A show of hospitality goes a long way.

2. Welcome people before the services. Stay after services long enough to meet the visitors.

C) Letus be faithful to duty, Galatians 5.7.

1. To lay aside the weight that ensnares us, Hebrews 12.1ff.

2. Place God first in our lives.

D) Letus truly worship God. John 4.24

1. To place ourselves below Him, to bow down and pay homage to Him.

2. Remember it is our duty to worship God in spirit and truth, Psalm 100.3.

E) Letus give liberally, 2 Corinthians 8.3-5.

1. We often speak of "liberalism" in negative terms. In some cases it is and in some it is good.

2. It is good to give of our time, talents, resources, etc. liberally.

A. Having the right seed – Luke 8.11.

1. You are not going to get watermelon from radish seed.

2. If you want a good garden you must plan the right seed.

B. Watering, cultivating, nourishing, 1 Cor. 2.6.

1. It takes time and effort to have a good garden. It must have water, be cultivated so as to keep weeds out, and fertilize so it will have the right nutrients to make it grow.

Conclusion: What kind of a Garden are you planting and cultivating?

D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 03.04.07