If there was ever a time that you loved the Lord Jesus more than you do today then you will learn why we have false cults. There are too many people who become “fed up” and “lose heart”. When this happens they often open themselves to false teaching.

1 – The sacred sower is Jesus

It is he who puts the seed out and the Holy Spirit who seeks to make it root and grow.

2 – The small seed

We are the faithful few. In reality the church is small like a mustard seed. A mustard seed for is fiery, pungent. It is small but strong. A seed has the germ of life in it. Only God’s word can reproduce life.

3 – A significant shrub

A shrub is a bush that has enough to reproduce. It is not known for its prominence. It is likely to be herbs.

4 – A strange shade

It becomes a tree so that the birds can settle in the branches. Shrubs do not become trees. It is a strange development. It is abnormal. It is a mystery. These are not sweet little birds. Jesus does not explain. See Daniel 4:20-22. The fowls of the heaven had their habitation. Nebachadnezzar is a type of Antichrist. Today we have a rise in the number of false cults and liberal churches. The birds in this parable of Jesus represent the Devil – the wicked one. These are the Devil’s dirty birds that rest in the church. They are the ones who steal the seed that falls on the ground. These birds rest in the shade of this apostate tree. Satan uses religion to establish his purposes. This tree is a monster. Shrubs do not naturally become trees. This false religion has the power of Satan behind it. How can you spot these dirty birds? If the devil can use wool he can also use feathers! Counterfeits often look like the genuine. See 2 Peter.

5 – Bird watching

Are you bird watching? Give your church the following tests:-

• The source test – Is the Bible God’s Holy Word the only source. Anyone who adds the book of Mormon or any other they are false.
• The saviour test – What do they believe about Jesus. Is He and the Father 2 John 1:2-10.
• The subject test – Is the subject the gospel Galatians 1:8-9.
• The salvation test – Do they believe in salvation of Jesus through faith alone in Christ. No works or achievements. The sanctification life – Are they living in a holy way.

This is a word of warning. Too many Christians have left Bible-believing churches to go to churches that are not sound. They have stopped bird watching and now they have them in their hair!

Categories: Matthew