Planted [Session 2]

16/05/2019 11:42:07 AM | Lisa

Keen to grow an edible garden, I purchased a number of fruit trees for our backyard that suited our sub-tropical climate. My friend Google told me I needed to prepare the soil for each tree in spots where they had the best chance of thriving. For the citrus trees, I was instructed to make sure the ground didn’t retain water and test the location before planting in it. So, I did test the hole and in testing it, found it wasn’t suitable.

Others might have seen this as a prompt to reconsider the positioning of the plant… but not I! I ignored the advice, planted my poor lemon tree there and watched it die within the year. I did not take the attributes of soil and the preparation of the tree seriously.

In intercultural work, we ignore the context to our own peril. A faith grown under protected, nurserylike conditions, a faith that isn’t prepared for the soil of another location, is unlikely to transplant well. Locations like Thailand have been largely resistant to the Gospel for many years with foreign-grown church styles failing to thrive. Global Interaction is seeking to empower communities of Ethnic Thai believers to develop their own distinctive way of following Jesus – in ways that can thrive in the Ethnic Thai context because they have grown out of it.

Watch: Episode 2 – Where you are Planted www.globalinteraction.org.au/GrowSow

Discuss:

A clear understanding of the differences between Buddha and Jesus was very important for Nan Tong. What distinction between the two led Nan Tong to choose Jesus?
What things did Nan Tong mention that he appreciated about his fellowship and why he wanted others to join them?
How is Nan Tong’s faith community different from your own?

Luke 8:4-15
Read through the parable of the soils and its explanation.

In these verses:

The farmer was sowing the seed of the Word of God into many different types of soil.
The four soils represent four responses to the Word.
Some people will be resistant; some will be open but their faith will wither under testing; others fail to mature in their faith due to distractions; and finally others will persevere and be incredibly fruitful.

Reflect:

What are the weeds (distractions) and rocks (obstacles) to the Gospel in the soil of our society? Which of these do you see in your own life and/or community?
What contrast between Jesus and the “gods” of our current context might be compelling to someone who is genuinely open to Jesus?
How does knowing that some soils will be resistant impact your witness?

Act:

Seek God for His direction on how we can better support one another in our faith community so that we can have a greater impact with those around us.
Ask God for the courage and wisdom to share His Word with one person this week in a way that is relevant to their lives. Share your experience with the group next week

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