SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(John 12:24) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." [25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
(Ephesians 4:9-10) "[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?" 10] "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."
(Matthew 16:24-26) [24] "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." [25] "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." [26] "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
PREFACE SUMMARY
The Parable of the Grain of Wheat is a powerful and insightful story that teaches us about the importance of making sacrifices and the benefits that they can bring. The story is told through the illustration of a grain of wheat. The grain of wheat represents our hopes, dreams, and aspirations.
In the parable, a man plants a single grain of wheat in the ground. His efforts are rewarded when the grain begins to grow and eventually produces a bountiful harvest.
This story teaches us that sometimes we must make sacrifices in the short term to achieve success in the long term. Just like the man who planted the grain of wheat, we must be patient and persistent in our efforts, even if we do not see immediate results.
Moreover, the parable reminds us that our small actions can have significant impacts. By planting a single grain of wheat, the man could produce enough food to sustain himself and his family for a whole year. This is a powerful reminder that our small actions, whether acts of kindness or simple efforts toward our goals, can ripple effect and bring about positive change in the world.
Let us take inspiration from the Parable of the Grain of Wheat and remember that success often requires sacrifice and persistence. Let us be mindful of the small actions we take each day, knowing that they can bring about great things in our lives and the world around us.
Dear reader, did you know that a grain of wild wheat has everything required for plant propagation - even tools for drilling into the soil? It uses its two awns for this: in the dry daytime air, these bristles bend outwards. At night, dampened by the dew, they straighten. Over several days, this movement, similar to the swimming strokes of a frog, pushes the grain into the soil. This discovery was made by scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces.
In the Bible, Jesus often used real-life events to teach his disciples spiritual lessons. The parable of the wise man who built his house on rock is a great example. According to the Bible, Jesus was walking near dwellings that had been standing for centuries. As he looked upon the cliffs overlooking the road, he could see the stone houses that had stood the test of time. He took this opportunity to teach his disciples the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation.
Jesus Christ, the son of God, used parables and illustrative stories to convey spiritual truths to his disciples. He often drew inspiration from everyday events and objects, such as fishing, farming, and cooking, to illustrate his teachings. By using relatable examples, he was able to connect with his audience and help them understand the deeper meaning behind his message. Jesus recognized that people learn best through practical application and relatable experiences and tailored his teaching style accordingly. His approach was effective in helping his disciples comprehend complex spiritual concepts, and it continues to inspire and guide people today.
Similarly, Jesus used the parable of the wheat seed to explain to his disciples why he had come to earth. God sent him to redeem what had been lost through Adam's sin. Jesus was the seed planted in the world, and through his death, burial and resurrection, he was able to bring new life to all humanity.
The wheat seed parable is a powerful metaphor that illustrates the life changing power of death and rebirth in our lives. It teaches us that, like a seed that must be buried in the ground before it can bear fruit, we, too, must let go of our old selves and embrace a new way of being to grow in our faith and become the people we were meant to be.
The parable invites us to reflect on the transformation and renewal process at the heart of the Christian faith. It challenges us to let go of our fears and doubts and to trust in the promise of new life that comes through death and resurrection. By dying to our old selves and being born anew in Christ, we can experience God's love and grace and live with a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends the limitations of our earthly existence.
"CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WHEAT SEED."
Dear reader, in our preface summary, we discovered that wheat seeds are fascinating. They have tiny feelers that resemble legs, which enable them to move and position themselves in the soil. When a seed is sown in loose soil, it can use these little legs to bury itself, which helps it establish a strong and secure foundation.
Another interesting fact is that the wheat seed is specially designed to work itself down instead of up. This is because it derives most of its nourishment from the soil and the sun, both while beneath the surface. Therefore, it makes sense for the wheat seed to focus on growing downwards to absorb more nutrients and thrive.
In (John 12:24), Jesus used the analogy of a wheat seed to illustrate the principle of self-sacrifice. He explained that the seed must be buried in the ground and perish to give rise to a fruitful harvest.
Beloved, just as the seed must give up its own life and identity, we must also be willing to let go of our selfish desires and ambitions for the greater good. By doing so, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving others and positively impacting the world around us.
The allegory of a grain of wheat dying in the earth to grow and bear a harvest is a powerful illustration that can be applied to Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Just as a seed must be buried in the earth to grow and produce fruit, so too must Jesus be buried in the tomb before rising again in triumph.
Jesus embraced his predestined end, knowing that the only way to overcome the power of sin and death was through the cross. He willingly sacrificed himself so that humanity might be saved, and his resurrection proved that death had no controlling power over him.
Beloved, the grain of wheat dying in order to produce new life, is a beautiful and powerful symbol of the life changing power of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.
This illustration refers to planting a grain of wheat, which must first die in the soil before it can grow and produce new life. In the same way, Jesus' death on the cross was necessary to bring about new life and hope for all people.
Through his supreme sacrifice, we can find new life and hope. We can be assured of our resurrection to eternal life. This means that even though we will all experience physical death, we can have confidence that we will be raised to everlasting life with God. This promise of eternal life is a source of great comfort and hope for Christians, and it is all made possible through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.
The parable of the grain of wheat powerfully reminds us that sometimes we must go through difficult and painful experiences to grow and produce. Just as the grain of wheat must die to produce new life, we, too, must be willing to let go of old habits and patterns that no longer serve us and embrace the transformative power of God's love and grace.
Beloved, the lesson from the wheat seed is that as it goes into the earth to get rid of the outer physical part that makes up the seed, it has new life living on the inside. But for that new life to come forth, the outer part of the seed must die, which reveals to us that when we "die" to ourselves, we "rise" to new life in Jesus Christ.
Saints, in (Matthew 16:24-26), we find Jesus teaching us that if we cling too tightly to our own lives and prioritize our desires above everything else, we will ultimately lose what truly matters.
Beloved, if we are willing to let go of our desires and even our own lives to follow Him, we will eventually find a deeper and more fulfilling existence. These verses challenge us to examine our priorities and consider what we live for. Are we living to pursue our selfish desires, or are we willing to lay down our lives for something more significant?
The message conveyed through the scriptural references throughout this message emphasizes the importance of dedicating oneself to God's work, relinquishing selfish desires, and recognizing that one belongs to God. By making our-selves available to God, they allow Him to work through them, leaving His legacy and signature for future generations.
Those who have embraced this way of life, refuse to give in to their fleshly desires and instead strive to overcome them by walking in the Spirit through prayer and dedication. Their ultimate goal is to live a life that pleases God, reflecting His teachings and love for humanity.
"THE CONSTANT STRUGGLE TO CRUCIFY THE FLESH."
(Matthew 16:24-26) [24] "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." [25] "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." [26] "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
"The phrase 'the constant struggle to crucify the flesh' refers to the challenge we all face in trying to control our physical impulses and desires. These desires could range from something as simple as wanting to eat a slice of cake when trying to lose weight to more complex temptations like engaging in unethical behavior to achieve a goal.
This struggle is constant because we are constantly bombarded with worldly temptations and desires that clash with our values and principles. It takes great effort and discipline to overcome these impulses and stay on the right path. However, by acknowledging the existence of this struggle and staying committed to our values, we can gradually strengthen our willpower and emerge victorious in this ongoing battle."
The Parable of the Grain of Wheat reminds us that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is always the potential for new growth and abundance. By choosing to live a life of sacrifice and service to others, we can bring new life and hope to those around us, just as the grain of wheat in the parable brought new life to the earth.
Dear reader, the idea of death leading to life is a fascinating paradox that has been explored in various philosophical and religious traditions. In Christianity, the concept refers to the process of being reborn in Jesus Christ by "dying to self." This process involves letting go of one's desires, selfishness, and attachment to worldly things and surrendering oneself entirely to God's will.
Beloved, dying to self can be challenging to understand, as it requires a fundamental shift in one's mindset. It involves recognizing that our human desires and ambitions can lead us astray from God's path and that true fulfillment and purpose can only be found by surrendering ourselves to His plan.
Beloved, when we let go of our attachment to material things and start prioritizing the needs of others, we open ourselves up to a profound transformation. This transformation is a change in our outer circumstances and a profound inner shift that allows us to see the world and ourselves in a new light. It's becoming more selfless and compassionate and finding a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Putting others first is at the heart of the Christian message, and Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Following this teaching, we become more like Christ and experience profound fulfillment and joy.
When we place too much importance on money, possessions, and status, we can become trapped in a cycle of greed and selfishness that prevents us from experiencing the true abundance of life. Living simply and humbly allows us to break free from this cycle and find a greater sense of peace and contentment.
In summary, by prioritizing the needs of others and letting go of our attachment to material possessions, we can experience a profound transformation that leads to a new life in Christ. This transformation involves changing our outer circumstances and becoming more selfless, compassionate, and Christ-like in our inner being.
Beloved, the idea of death leading to life is a powerful and transformative concept that underscores the importance of putting our faith and trust in God. By letting go of our desires and seeking to live by His will, we can find true meaning and purpose in our lives and experience the joy and peace that comes from a relationship with Christ.
"What does it mean to die to oneself?" To die to oneself means to reject all that is contrary to God's will. It involves putting to death our pride, selfishness, greed, anger, and anything else that separates us from God. This is not a one-time event but a continuous process of sanctification enabled by God's grace. It requires us to continually examine our hearts and desires and submit them to God's will.
Dear reader, did you know that when we let go of our selfish desires, ambitions, and egos, we open ourselves to a new life in Jesus Christ? Dying to ourselves is not easy, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's grace and love.
Jesus promises that if we are willing to let go of our plans and desires, we will bear much fruit for Him. This fruit can take many forms, such as new spiritual insights, greater joy, more profound peace, or a stronger sense of purpose in life. As we surrender our lives to Him, we begin to see things from His perspective and experience the transformational power of His love.
Beloved, living a life surrendered to Jesus is not always easy, but it is a life of abundance and fulfillment that can only be found in Him. As we allow Him to work in us and through us, we begin to experience the joy of living in His presence and the peace that comes from knowing that we are walking in His will. It is a life marked by purpose, meaning, and deep fulfillment.
As we align more with God's will, we experience a deep sense of peace and joy that transcends all understanding. We also become more effective in our service to others, as we are no longer motivated by selfish desires but by God's love. Ultimately, dying to oneself is the path to true life in this world and the world to come.
Jesus urged those who wanted to follow Him to "deny themselves and take up their cross daily." This meant they should abandon their selfish desires and prioritize their commitment to God.
Jesus stated that to be His disciples, we must be willing to hate ourselves. However, this does not mean self-loathing or self-harm. Instead, it means that our love for Jesus should surpass our self-interests.
In conclusion, let me say that dying to oneself refers to letting go of everything that separates us from God and embracing His will for our lives. It is a process of transformation that leads to a new life in Jesus Christ causing us to place our trust and our faith in Him above everything else, including our aspirations and preferences.
My dear friend, let us take inspiration from the Parable of the Grain of Wheat to lead lives of selflessness and sacrifice. Doing so can bring about new life and abundance to ourselves and those around us. When we submit ourselves to God's plan and trust His guidance toward a greater purpose, we can experience true freedom and fulfillment in our relationship with Him.
MY CONCLUSION
Dear beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I am writing this message with a strong sense of urgency and warning. I intend to inspire you to follow God's plans or to help you recognize that sometimes we can become too comfortable and satisfied in our Christian journey. We may need to change our ways to bear fruit in doing the Lord's work.
In today's world, many people ignore their spiritual needs and seek pleasure through their five senses. Sadly, they are like people who have taken a pill that has put them into a coma-like state, where nothing affects them. This is a dangerous path to choose, as it can lead to spiritual death.
Beloved, we need individuals who are willing to break away from conventional thinking and wholeheartedly pursue a relationship with the Lord. Our goal should be to impact future generations in a positive way, Seeing so many people lost, living in sin, and enjoying worldly pleasures is disheartening to those struggling to live a good moral life. The message concerning the parable4 of the wheat seed is clear: it is essential to die to self, maintain an intimate prayer life with God, and seek a complete understanding of His will for our lives.
In closing, we need individuals who understand that only a strong relationship with God can bring true satisfaction and meaning to our lives. Having a deep prayer life with God is not just a religious ritual but an essential part of our spiritual journey. It helps us to connect with God and understand His will for our lives.
Just as intimacy is necessary for conception, a strong relationship with God is vital for a fulfilling and purposeful life. We must learn to let go of our selfish desires and focus on cultivating a close relationship with God. This is the only way to understand our purpose and fulfill our potential truly.
Beloved, the world desperately needs individuals who can leave a positive impact on future generations. By seeking God with all our hearts, we can become the change that the world desperately needs.
The message conveyed throughout this study is that God wants us to keep striving toward our goals. The Greek word used for "press" when Paul spoke about our need to press toward the mark of the high calling of God found in Philippians the third chapter can also mean "stretch." I wish to draw an analogy between this and how conditioning ourselves with proper training can strengthen our muscles for running a race. In other words, we must keep pushing ourselves to grow and improve.
We must remain focused while going through God's refining process to achieve our goals. This process may be complex, but it is necessary to reach our full potential. The passage cites the example of Paul, who studied under one of the most renowned scholars of his day. This education proved to be helpful for him after he met the Lord on the Damascus Road.
The message of the wheat seed emphasizes the importance of understanding that God has a specific time for everything in our lives. It reminds us that our purpose will be fulfilled at the right time, and we don't have to rush or force things to happen. Instead, we should surrender ourselves to God and allow new life to emerge from within us. The passage encourages us to believe that God is in control and has a plan for our lives.
By trusting in him and him alone, we can birth something new, and God will protect it until the time is right to reveal it. This means we can have peace and confidence that God will bring our dreams and desires to fruition in His perfect timing.
Beloved, as ministers of the Living God, we cannot give what we do not have. To effectively minister to others, we must first receive from God. This requires us to pray, read the Bible, and seek God's wisdom and guidance. Only then can we be equipped to pour into the lives of others and make a meaningful impact in their lives?
As believers, we are called to be ministers of the Living God, to share His love and grace with others. However, we cannot be effective ministers if we are not surrendered to Him and seeking His will for our lives. Only when we put God first and trust Him ultimately can we be truly effective in our ministry.
The parable of the grain of wheat illustrates the essence of leading a life centered on God. The message is clear: to truly live a life that glorifies God and is in accordance with His will, we must put our flesh under and place our complete trust in Him, seek His guidance, and obey His commands, remembering that if the grain of wheat remains by itself, it will remain just a single seed.
This important parable highlights that we, too, must be willing to let go of our desires, aspirations, and ambitions and submit ourselves to God's will.
Beloved, by following these principles with conviction, we can experience the fullness of life that God has intended for us and be highly effective ministers of His love and grace to those around us. In conclusion, let us be confident in living a life that pleases God and be a powerful source of blessing to others.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
