Tom Pennington continues unpacking the Parable of the Soils, helping us understand the root issue of why people reject the gospel. So the questions are: How have you responded to Jesus' teaching? Have you been convinced of the truth He speaks and turned from your sin to embrace Him as Savior and Lord?

Tom Pennington continues unpacking the Parable of the Soils, helping us understand the root issue of why people reject the gospel. So the questions are: How have you responded to Jesus' teaching? Have you been convinced of the truth He speaks and turned from your sin to embrace Him as Savior and Lord?

The word "parable" that we find in the New Testament means "something thrown alongside." Ultimately, a parable is a comparison or an analogy. Parables were used in the ancient world as a picturesque way to present the truth. The New Testament gospels make clear that our Lord Jesus taught over sixty parables throughout His teaching and preaching ministry

In his first letter, the apostle Peter describes Christians "as newborn babes" who naturally "desire the sincere milk of the word." And the author of Hebrews takes it further—urging believers in Jesus Christ to grow beyond the basics, moving from milk to solid food. But here's the question: How do we cultivate that kind of hunger? Psalm 119 show us how to develop a deep, genuine appetite for God's inerrant Word.

The primary way a true disciple of Jesus Christ continues to progress in their sanctification is through the written Word of God along with the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, it is vital that we learn to develop and build an appetite for Scripture.

How important is your spiritual growth in the Lord Jesus Christ? And do you genuinely care about the spiritual growth of your brothers and sisters in your local church? In Philippians chapter one, Paul displays his passionate pursuit of pleasing the Lord and his deep longing to see Christ's people grow in their sanctification. Throughout this series, we've walked through Paul's seven essential principles for spiritual growth, and Pastor Tom has shown us why they can transform your life.

Pastor Tom helps us understand what it truly means to guard our hearts and why we must fight daily against the relentless temptations of our flesh, of Satan, and of this world system that pulls us from Christ. So let me ask you: Are you standing firm today? Or are you vulnerable to the next temptation?

Is your public persona different from what God knows you to be? Is your public ministry different from your private devotion to Christ? Have you developed habits of doing what Scripture requires simply so other people will notice? These are uncomfortable questions, but vital ones. In Paul's prayer in Philippians chapter one, he calls Christians to reject hypocrisy and to be truly sincere in Christ—genuine and authentic, the same person, whether anyone's watching or not.

Tom Pennington continues unpacking Philippians 1, compelling Christians to live out these truths daily, particularly this vital principle: as believers, we are called to seek to please Christ in all areas of life—not just on Sundays, but in every decision, every conversation, every moment.