From a Seed to Shelter

Introduction

Last Sunday we looked at the parable of the Mustard Seed and discussed how Jesus used this tiny mustard seed to describe what the Kingdom of God was like.

We were reminded that the Kingdom of God is LIKE a tiny, seemingly insignificant seed that eventually produces a large plant, large enough for the birds of the air to “nest under its shade.”

Let’ read Mark’s account of the parable once again...

Mark 4:30–32 NKJV

Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

We also likened this mustard seed to the birth of Christ. It seemed like it was just another birth in Bethlehem that night. Just another baby was born, among thousands of other babies probably born that day throughout the world.

It seemed like an insignificant birth, to an insignificant young couple, but the “seed” that was planted in Bethlehem that night grew up to become the most SIGNIFICANT man that ever lived.

God was born as a baby, grew up to become a man, and willingly laid down His as a sacrifice for humanity, that we might find SHELTER FROM THE WRATH OF GOD that we all deserve.

Today I want to briefly point you to that SHELTER and encourage you to take REFUGE in Him today as YOUR LORD, YOUR SAVIOR, YOUR FRIEND, YOUR GOD...

From this Seed We Find

A Shelter from the Storms of Life

Psalm 46:1–3 NKJV

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

John Butler says:

Refuge here means shelter. God is a place where we can go for protection. One of the old hymns we used to sing was entitled, “Shelter in the Time of Storm.” That is exactly what God is. And the best shelter is the shelter He provides for our soul in Jesus Christ. This is the great shelter from the eternal judgment on sin. We can shelter in Christ and be spared that judgment storm.

Psalm 91:1–4 CSB

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust: He himself will rescue you from the bird trap, from the destructive plague. He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.

This shelter also provides...

Rest From the Weariness of Sin & Dependence Upon Good Works

Matthew 11:28 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Shade From Condemnation

Romans 5:9 NKJV

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Romans 8:1 NKJV

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

This shelter provides

Food for the Hungry Soul

Psalm 34:8 NKJV

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 107:9 NKJV

For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

A New Life

John 10:10 NKJV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

An Antidote for the Poison of Sin

1 John 3:5 NKJV

And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.

The Cure for the Sting of Death

John 5:24 NKJV

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 11:25–26 NKJV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

I want to leave you with the words of Alan Carr:

Everywhere the Gospel has germinated, compassion, decency and morality have sprung up. Hospitals and schools have been founded. Truth and salvation have been proclaimed and lives have been changed.

Everywhere the Gospel has gone; it has brought about the destruction of demonism, cannibalism, polygamy, child sacrifice and ten thousand other evils. The spread of the Gospel has built orphanages for the fatherless and homes for the homeless. The Gospel has reached out to comfort the bereaved, care for the infirm, and cure the sick. The Gospel has changed individuals, communities and nations. Even this great nation owes its existence and blessings to the spread of the Gospel of grace.

SALVATION

Have YOU found YOUR soul’s rest in Him? Have YOU depended upon the Christ that was born in Bethlehem to be born in YOUR heart? Have you been SET FREE from the PENALTY and POWER of your sin?

Sanctification

Are you finding SHELTER IN HIM? Are you GROWING in Him? Are you going to Him to find the NOURISHMENT your soul needs?

Baptism

Church Membership