by Doug Batchelor
"But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred." Mark 4:8, NKJV.
When I was growing up, I used to read and hear a variety of colorful stories about the folk hero Johnny Appleseed. Like other American pioneers, he was often the subject of exaggerated legends. However, there are several things about Johnny Appleseed that we know to be true.
To begin with, his real name was John Chapman. He lived between 1775 and 1845 and had a special love for apples. Johnny came from Philadelphia with apple seeds from the cider presses. He traveled widely throughout the Ohio River valley, planting, grafting, and pruning apple trees.
In my mind I used to envision Johnny carefully drying and separating those precious apple seeds. Then he'd roam the countryside with a vigilant eye, looking for a suitable place in which a young apple tree could flourish-by a stream or spring, or on the side of a hill with deep, rich soil. With a hopeful prayer in his heart, he would gently push those little seeds into the earth and pat the ground before moving on to the next promising place.
As a result of practicing his favorite hobby, this one man provided mountains of apples to feed thousands of people for several generations! Furthermore, he forever beautified the entire Ohio River valley. Even to this day, that region is a very rich source of apples-largely inspired by the early work of Johnny Appleseed.
I have often wondered what the world would be like if every Christian felt that same compelling desire and unyielding resolve to spread Godís seeds of truth. Imagine these gospel pioneers, constantly searching for hearts that are open and fertile.
Sometimes we may think, "I'm not a preacher or teacher or evangelist. What can I do?"
If we pray daily for opportunities to share our faith, God will not let us down. Be prepared, and stay well-armed with an arsenal of gospel seeds. I always try to keep a few books or tapes in my car for these occasions, and the Holy Spirit never fails to arrange heavenly ordained appointments. One little booklet or tape can change a person's life for eternity!
You see, I am a Christian today because someone gave me a book that changed my life. So I believe in spreading seeds of truth. After beginning a friendly banter with a store clerk or bank teller, I begin to think: "Should I give this person a book or a video? He drives to work; maybe a cassette tape would be better!"
The world is filled with millions of people who are searching for answers and for meaning to their lives. God will use us to reach them if we are just willing to be used!
In the pages that follow, you will see hundreds of tried and proven resources for saving souls. These tools are useless just sitting on storage shelves; we desperately want to see them planted in the hearts of men.
Then in the day of the great harvest we will share in the joy of those who found Jesus because we scattered seeds of truth. So what do you say, friends? Let's fill a bag with some gospel seed and start planting!
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126:6.