Has something that once left you in awe become... just familiar? Pastor Andrew Midson unpacks his message on the Parable of the Sower, walking through the four soils — hard, rocky, thorny, and good ground — and asking an honest question we all need to sit with: have I become apathetic, or even offended, by the very things that used to astonish me?
✨ Key Themes
- The danger of familiarity. Jesus was overlooked in His own hometown because He'd become familiar — the same thing can happen to our faith, marriages, and callings over time.
- The lost art of faithfulness. Long-term fruit tends to come from ordinary, faithful people who kept showing up — not from talent or being first pick.
- Your soil is your responsibility. Tending your heart — not sheer effort — is what determines whether the seed planted in your life takes root and grows.
📖 Scripture References
- Matthew 13 — The Parable of the Sower and Jesus' rejection in His hometown
- Matthew 6:33 — "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you,"
- Matthew 25 — The Parable of the Talents
- Mark 4 — The farmer who plants seed that grows day and night without him understanding how
- Mark 2 — The four men who bring their friend to Jesus through the roof
📚 Resources
- "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller — referenced regarding how the real issue isn't lack of access to truth, but what happens inside us when we hear it.
- "Atomic Habits" — mentioned as one of many books on how habits actually take time to form.
💬 Quotes
"Where God has brought us is awe-inspiring as to who He is... but do I become familiar with time?" — Andrew Midson
"Starting is easier than finishing." — Andrew Midson
"The harvest is always an indicator of the seed that was planted." — Andrew Midson
"Don't dig up the seed too soon. Let it take its time." — Andrew Midson
🚶 Next Steps
- Do a heart stock take. Ask, "God, what's the seed in my hand?" — and what you're actually going to do with it.
- Name your "thorns." Identify the good things in your life that may be quietly crowding out what God has actually asked of you.
- Pre-decide your non-negotiables. Put the important things (Bible reading, church, date night, health) directly into your calendar so you're not relying on in-the-moment motivation.
- Choose faithfulness over talent or timing. Keep showing up, sow what you're given, and trust the harvest to come in its season.
🔗 Links / CTA
- Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
- Catch next week's special Living Room episode — a time of prayer and worship together.
- Subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs the encouragement.
What is Hillsong Australia Podcast?
The Hillsong Australia Podcast - Bringing Sunday into your everyday.
Each week, we dive deeper into the messages shared in our Hillsong Australia services, continuing the conversation through honest discussion and biblical insight. Together, we explore what it looks like to follow Jesus in our homes, workplaces, relationships, and leadership.
Our church gathers in locations across Australia, and we would love for you to join us. Visit hillsong.com/australia to find a campus near you.
We are believing for a move of God across our great nation — and this podcast is one way we stay connected as we follow Jesus together.