Bread Cast on the Waters

This passage deals with the mission of bringing the truth of life to souls who are in darkness. Every life, heading toward death from the moment of birth, is precious, but because of our sinful nature we can be saved only by receiving Christ. So believers who have been called have the responsibility to save souls by proclaiming the gospel, and this is an important mission God has entrusted to them.

The sermon compares proclaiming the gospel to casting bread on the waters or sowing seed. The world is full of darkness and sin, but when believers boldly proclaim Jesus, who is life, those who have ears will hear. The importance of choice and effort is also emphasised: believers must work diligently morning and evening and take responsibility for the path they have chosen. God helps believers in their struggles and efforts, and since the salvation of souls belongs wholly to God's sovereignty, we must keep proclaiming steadily without being discouraged or giving up.

Noah, who in his day believed that judgment would come and built the ark, is an example for believers. Knowing that the world is full of sin and that judgment is near, believers must still share their wealth, proclaim the truth, and live good lives. Those who follow Christ, the light, come out of darkness, but those who refuse remain in darkness. Only by enjoying the days of our youth without forgetting God, and by making right judgments, can we live a life without regret.

The sermon asks whether we have sown the seed of the Word that God has entrusted to us in people's hearts, and how that seed is growing.