The document discusses the theological concept of 'plowing stoney ground,' emphasizing the importance of commitment, perseverance, and relationship with God rather than mere religious observance. It illustrates that facing challenges in life and staying true to one's responsibilities can lead to greater rewards, as exemplified by biblical references and personal reflections. Ultimately, it encourages individuals to work diligently in their assigned tasks and trust in God's presence amidst hardships.

2. Plowing Stoney Ground

3. Plowing Stoney Ground
God to Adam:
- Tend the Garden
- Have dominion and rule over it
- Subdue it
- Be fruitful and multiply it
- Fill all the Earth
• Genesis 1 & 2

4. Being Fed, Not Being Taught

5. Being Fed, Not Being Taught
Conventional Christian Theology:
The Bible is the dogma of our faith and must be taught.
Not-so-conventional Christian Theology:
The Bible we have is the living Word of God. It brings life to those
who heed it. It is His testament to us, that He lives and those who
heed His Words might also live.
One becomes ritual and religion … the other becomes relationship

6. Being Fed, Not Being Taught
Pastor
Comes from the Latin Word
“pastor”
Meaning: to feed
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another…”
- Hebrews 10.25 KJV
Come to learn, yes!
Come to encourage & be encouraged, yes!
Come also to be fed…

7. Plowing Stoney Ground
The Quiet Man
(Republic Pictures, 1952)
John Wayne as Sean Thornton plowing his Irish cottage field runs into
another stone, picks it up and tosses it aside.
“Now I know why you have so many rock walks in this country.”

8. Plowing Stoney Ground
“God never said it would be easy, but He did say it would be worth it.”
• Dr. Larry Lea

9. Plowing Stoney Ground
Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.
- Ecclesiastes 9.10 NASB
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were
working for the Lord rather than for people.
- Colossians 3.23 NLT

10. Plowing Stoney Ground
You shall not covet you neighbor’s house… wife … servants
… livestock … or anything that is your neighbor’s.
- Exodus 20.17
… or even your neighbor’s freshly turned and plowed fields
You do not know the cost that was paid to clear their field.
Stay in your field, commit to working with God in your field.

11. Plowing Stoney Ground
Honestly…
Wouldn’t we all like it a little easier?
But…
God didn’t call you to “easy”
God called you to “tend, dominate, rule, prosper, multiply”

12. Plowing Stoney Ground
Jesus said: “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and
looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9.2 NAS
After having said you would do a thing, do not remove your
hand from the “plow”, no matter how difficult the field
“Some days I sing. Other days I just push the plow.”
- Dave “Doc” Rogers

13. Plowing Stoney Ground
… Paul said it this way:
“… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I
am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I know
how to live in prosperity; in every circumstance I have learned
the secret of being filled and going hungry, both having
abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through
Him [Jesus Christ] who strengthens me.”
- Philippians 4.11-13 NASB

14. Plowing Stoney Ground
On staying put…
Now there was another famine in Canaan where Isaac
wandered, besides the famine that occurred in the days of
Abraham.
God told Isaac to not go to Egypt, to stay in the land.
God said He would be with Isaac and bless him.
Isaac stayed in the land, plowed, farmed the dirt, and God
gave him a 100 fold return.
Isaac became rich until he became wealthy. He had so much
stuff that his neighbors, the Philistines, envied him.
- Genesis 26.1-5, 12-14

15. Plowing Stoney Ground
You may find yourself in less than fun circumstances
You may find yourself in tough circumstances
Learn to lay your hand to the plow and push if need be
You can be a great success, “IF” you do not leave the land God
has given you
Because God is in the midst of the struggle with you
if you let Him
Will you let God into the struggle with you?