Worship Preparation - May 3, 2026
Read the sermon text: Luke 18:1-21
Read the sermon summary: In our passage for this Sunday, we will consider Jesus' familiar parable of the sower and his seed. However, there are two other scenes after Jesus' explanation of the parable (the lamp and Jesus' family). What ties all these together is the emphasis on hearing the word rightly and obeying it. For some people, hearing the word of God doesn't prove fruitful for various reasons; the devil is actively trying to thwart it, some fall away because of trials, and others are choked by worldly concerns. It is only those who hold it fast with an honest and good heart that bear miraculous fruit. How are you hearing the word of God? What threatens to make your hearing temporary and unfruitful?
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
He Will Hold Me Fast
Verse 1
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life's fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
Chorus
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Verse 2
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He'll not let my soul be lost
His Promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
Verse 3
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last
CCLI Song #7016161
Ada Ruth Habershon | Matthew Merker
© 2013 Getty Music Publishing; Matthew Merker Music
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License #11078052