Study Guide for - Soil of the Heart

Summary of this week’s message: All year we are spending time in Luke’s Gospel and his account of the life of Jesus. And what a year it’s been so far. We’ve all experienced something pretty unexpected with Covid-19 and not being able to meet like normal. One thing I’m encouraged by is that this didn’t surprise God. And that this story of Jesus still lives on no matter what kind of darkness covers us. This week is a unique and creative message filmed on location from a field. It’s all about soil! In fact, this was a pretty common illustration for Jesus to talk about the “soil condition” of the heart. It’s a very creative idea Jesus has that translates right to even modern day. Let’s dig into the Parable of the Sower and what it means.

SERMON STUDY & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Discuss It! Answer these questions together as we begin.

1. What do you know about soil and soil types? 2. What has been the most challenging thing during the social distancing? 3. What has been the greatest thing during the social distancing? 4. How has our journey through Luke impacted you so far this year, especially during these unique

items in our world?

Read Luke 8: 4-8. Then, discuss the following together as a family, group, or call someone and talk it through.

1. What do you know about soil conditions and what it does to seed? 2. How does that parallel with your own life? 3. Why does Jesus use word pictures and parables like this? How can we do the same today? 4.Why do these kinds of stories grasp and keep attention? Why should we still use them today?

Read Luke 8: 11-15. Then, discuss the following together as a family, group, or call someone and talk it through.

1. How can you move from interested in Jesus to an “imitator” of Jesus? 2. What obstacles stand in your way that maybe make the soil of your heart not conducive to the

fruit that Jesus wants to grow there? 3. Craig hits the question that you can discuss in your groups: “What kind of soil are you?” 4.What is God showing you through His word and what will you do about it?

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Life Group Serving Opportunities One of the greatest things about being in a Life Group are the ways you can serve. There are several local ministries that LCC partners with. Below are some that you and your Life Group can do something about right now! These are ongoing opportunities that can be life transforming for your group and the people you will impact.

1. Boone County Mentoring We have an incredible organization in our town that provides hope to the next generation. Boone County Mentoring is the place where your simple intentional presence can be life changing to a youth in our community. Your Life Group can be full of people who invest in the next generation. If this is something you or your group want to look into (which we strongly encourage), please go to boonecountymentoring.org for more information!

2. Shalom House Another fantastic organization in our community is the Shalom House. Shalom is an outpost of hope to many people who are suffering, lonely, and in need of a simple meal right here in Lebanon. And, it’s super easy to get started serving at Shalom! Every week they need groups who can commit to come and help serve a hot meal to these people in need of hope. It’s a restaurant-like experience that the people who come feel valued and loved and YOU can be a part of that. More information at lebanoncommunityshalom.com or contact Lisa at laswilliams3@yahoo.com and you can get connected.

3. Life Centers The mission of Life Centers is to affirm the value of life by providing a network of care to those experiencing pregnancy-related decisions and by compassionately presenting biblical truth resulting in changed lives to the glory of God. Head over to lifecenters.com and see how your Life Group could get involved!

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