Matthew 13:3-9 The Message
A Harvest Story
13 1-3 At about that same time Jesus left the house and sat on the beach. In no time at all a crowd gathered along the shoreline, forcing him to get into a boat. Using the boat as a pulpit, he addressed his congregation, telling stories.
3-8 “What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn’t put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.
9 “Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
We all get busy, sometimes extraordinarily. Life throws obligations at us from every direction. However, we must be careful to prioritize what matters most.
Here in Matthew’s Narrative, Jesus used the Parable of the Soils to describe how the “daily cares of this life” can quite severely hinder us (Matthew 13:3-9).
A man sows seeds (the Word of God), but the seeds are destroyed in various ways. In one example, thorns rise and choke out the new plant, the Word. Jesus explains the raising thorns represent the cares of this life. Not disturbing or abominable sins, just everyday concerns that slowly replace our first priority.
We are to seek first the kingdom of God, but life sometimes gets in the way.
One key way we see the kingdom is by participating in the local church. We don’t just get involved because there are consequences when we don’t.
We become part of a local church because God calls us to an abundant life, which we cannot experience or receive without joining the body of Christ.
But what are some more specific ways we gain abundant life from a local church? What reasons does the Bible give to prioritize the family of God?
Here are seven reasons to get involved in church even when our schedule is full.
1. Community and Fellowship
The Lord doesn’t call us to live Christianity in isolation.
We need community and fellowship.
Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes this:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Gathering together with other believers, we encourage, support one another.
God is within himself a relationship.
The mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one—reveals the importance of friendship.
The only aspect God considered “not good” in the Garden of Eden was Adam being alone.
Genesis 2:18-25 The Message
18-20 God said, “It’s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion.” So God formed from the dirt of the ground all the animals of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the Man to see what he would name them. Whatever the Man called each living creature, that was its name. The Man named the cattle, named the birds of the air, named the wild animals; but he didn’t find a suitable companion.
21-22 God put the Man into a deep sleep. As he slept he removed one of his ribs and replaced it with flesh. God then used the rib that he had taken from the Man to make Woman and presented her to the Man.
23-25 The Man said,
“Finally! Bone of my bone,
flesh of my flesh!
Name her Woman
for she was made from Man.”
Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and embraces his wife. They become one flesh.
The two of them, the Man and his Wife, were naked, but they felt no shame.
Being made in the image of God, that perfect creation required Adam to have a relationship with someone like himself and yet distinct, complementary, Eve.
Adam didn’t need Eve because of sin.
On the contrary, God designed them that way.
In the new covenant and the church, no part of the Body of Christ can say to another, “I don’t need you” (1 Corinthians 12:1).
This redemptive community reflects the original design—by the Spirit, we need one another because we’ve been redeemed.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ are a spiritual family, more eternal than our blood relatives alone (although we hope they are saved, too).
Together, we combat division, loneliness and isolation, finding support for our spiritual growth into God’s purpose for us.
2. Spiritual Growth
Active participation in church activities, such as Bible studies, sermons, and discussion groups, youth groups, local volunteer in mission, across the globe, food pantries, clothing outlets, thrift stores, service to the homeless and the marginalized, the impoverished, etcetera provides a structured environment for deepening our understanding of God’s Scripture and Christian principles. This regular engagement with God’s Word fosters a more profound spiritual experience and a depth of spiritual maturity and a closer relationship with God.
Colossians 3:16 highlights the importance of this mutual edification: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Communal learning and teaching enrich our faith.
Through our participating in church, we can learn from others and share our insights, creating ministry, creating a dynamic and supportive environment.
Teaching within the church is also a powerful tool for personal spiritual growth.
Taking on teaching roles challenges us to study the Bible more diligently and clearly communicate our faith.
This process not only strengthens our own understanding but also inspires and educates others within the community.
Engaging in correct biblical teaching transforms theological intellectualism into practical applications, making faith more relevant and actionable.
The church community provides accountability and encouragement, essential components for spiritual growth.
Fellow believers can offer real support, guidance, and constructive feedback, helping individuals, both believers and non-believers, stay committed to their faith journey despite busy schedules.
3. A Space to Use Our Spiritual Gifts
Each of us possesses unique gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit, intended to serve and edify the church community.
Participating in church activities allows individuals to discover, hone, and employ these gifts for others’ benefit and God’s glory.
Since God gave us spiritual gifts for Christ’s Body, we can’t find or develop them apart from the church.
A spiritual gift isn’t a natural talent.
God imparts supernatural abilities from the Spirit, beyond our human abilities, for mutual edification.
These gifts, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11, include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy.
Each gift serves a unique purpose and contributes to the unity and growth of our streets, neighborhoods and local, state, national, and global communities.
Using these gifts as we are summoned, covenanted to do, effectively ministers to one another, build up, edify the church, and ever advance God’s kingdom.
1 Peter 4:10 underscores this responsibility: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” This verse emphasizes that spiritual gifts are not meant to be kept idle but constantly, actively, used to serve the church and its members.
Regular involvement in church offers practical opportunities to develop these gifts and find a deeper sense of our purpose.
This active engagement also allows for mentorship and feedback from more experienced members, further refining and further enhancing these abilities.
4. Worship and Praise
Spiritual disciplines find more power when done with others, especially corporate worship, prayer, and praise.
Matthew 18:20 emphasizes the power of gathering together: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
God is always present everywhere, but Jesus manifests more in communal worship.
When we unite in praise, worship and prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among us, bringing encouragement, healing, and spiritual growth.
Psalm 27:4 New Living Translation
4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
Psalm 133:1 further teaches how beautiful and strong unity can be: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
These verses celebrates the harmony and blessing from both believers, as well as, non-believers in the House God built, being, living and worshiping together.
These psalms compares our unity with the High Priest’s anointing oil. With Christ as our high priest, this represents the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon us when we practice these disciplines. Jesus even teaches how God’s answer becomes more sure when two or more agree in prayer (Matthew 18:19).
Acts 2:43-47 New Living Translation
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Participating in corporate worship allows us to join our voices in praise, lifting our hearts in collective adoration of God. This shared experience enhances personal faith and can lead to profound spiritual encounters. Group prayer connects believers, allowing us to intercede for one another and share burdens.
Our full schedules shouldn’t isolate us from God’s power and His own power of transformation available when we participate in corporate praise and prayer.
5. Service Opportunities
John 13:34-35 New Living Translation
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Serving others is a covenanted, very fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting Jesus’ ministry, teachings and actions. By participating in church-led service projects, we can all impact our communities and embody Christ’s love.
James 2:17 emphasizes the importance of active faith:
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Engaging in service opportunities, such as food pantries, feeding the homeless, supporting local shelters, or participating in mission trips, brings this principle to life. It allows Christians to practice their faith in concrete, meaningful ways.
Involvement in service activities helps address pressing social issues and alleviates suffering.
Many churches organize outreach programs that provide food, clothing, education, and medical care, school supplies, after school activities, to the underserved. By volunteering, by contributing time and resources to these initiatives, we can help meet a community’s physical and emotional needs.
These opportunities provide personal growth and fulfillment. They encourage us to step far outside our comfort zones and engage with diverse populations.
In addition, serving alongside fellow church and community members and local businesses fosters an enormous sense of deep camaraderie and shared purpose.
It strengthens the bonds within the congregation and builds a supportive network of people committed to making a difference. This collective effort amplifies each person’s contribution, showing the power of unified action.
6. A Reminder that God Is Our Source and Provision
Psalm 23 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Many times, our schedules become full because we try to provide for ourselves.
Taking time to get involved in church reminds us that God is our source and provision, as we see in the Sabbath principles.
Regular church attendance and participation reinforce the truth that our sustenance and well-being come from God, not from our efforts alone.
Exodus 20:8-10 emphasizes the significance of the Sabbath: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.”
This ancient, time honored commandment teaches the need to set aside time for rest and worship, acknowledging God’s sovereign role as our provider.
Under the New Covenant, we aren’t bound by a specific day, but the deeper abiding principle remains. By attending church, we intentionally take a break from our busy schedules to focus on prayer, praise, worship and rejuvenation.
Involvement in church activities helps us recalibrate our priorities, ensuring that our relationship with God remains at the center of our lives.
True rest and true provision come from trusting in God rather than constantly striving on our own. Taking some time for church fosters a healthier work-life balance. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from career pressures and reconnect with our faith community, family, and ourselves. A work-then-rest rhythm is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
7. The Great Commission
Jesus gives a universal command and mission in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Attending church isn’t the end goal.
We are sent by the Resurrected Jesus from the church community to the world.
Active participation in church life teaches us how God sends us to others and how in His resurrection power, it enables us to engage in this crucial work.
Church involvement provides numerous opportunities to share the gospel and disciple others. We can spread Christ’s message to people who have not heard it through organized outreach programs, mission trips, and community events.
These structured activities, experiences, make it easier to find ways to witness.
God’s family trains for discipleship, offering resources, education, mentorship that equip believers to grow in their own faith and to help others do the same.
Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, and discipleship programs provide the tools and support for effective evangelism and spiritual mentorship.
The church community acts as an outpost of heaven, the kingdom culture here on earth. Church involvement allows us to model Christ-like behavior, showing the gospel by how we live instead of what we say. This very visible testimony can inspire and encourage, empower, others to seek a relationship with Christ.
The church is not an ordinary organization founded by just anyone. The church is founded by Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior who is the head of the church.
According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ.
Belonging to the church is a privilege not to be taken for granted.
The church is here to continue the work of Christ on earth and to build God’s kingdom.
You and I need the church in order to be equipped for service, to enjoy the fellowship of other believers, and to honor our Lord through faithful worship.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Isaiah 1:18-20 Authorized (King James) Version
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient,
ye shall eat the good of the land:
20 but if ye refuse and rebel,
ye shall be devoured with the sword:
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 2:1-4 Authorized (King James) Version
2 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days,
that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established
in the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills;
and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say,
Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
and he will teach us of his ways,
and we will walk in his paths:
for out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 And he shall judge among the nations,
and shall rebuke many people:
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruninghooks:
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
Psalm 20 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 20
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble;
the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 send thee help from the sanctuary,
and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 remember all thy offerings,
and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart,
and fulfil all thy counsel.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation,
and in the name of our God we will set up our banners:
the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.
6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed;
he will hear him from his holy heaven
with the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses:
but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen:
but we are risen, and stand upright.
9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 