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For many, gardening is not only good exercise and a way to provide fresh flowers for the table and fresh vegetables for the evening meal; it is also a spiritual experience. Dealing with sin in our lives, struggling with life's priorities, building Christian character, and the miracle of the resurrection of the body are but a few of the biblical truths that unfold to us in our gardening. With good reason Martin Luther wrote, "God is entirely and personally present in the wilderness, in the garden, and in the field."

If you have a green thumb or enjoy being outdoors, use this six-session Bible study course in your small group, Sunday school class, or personal devotions. God may have more in mind for your gardening gifts than just a hobby.

Session One: Weed it and Reap
Gardening illustrates and reinforces timeless scriptural truths.
Psalm 51; Proverbs 22:6; Matthew 5:29–30; 19:16–22; Philippians 4:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:5–6

Session Two: Bloom Where You Are Planted
Like plants in a garden, Christians too need to grow.
Deuteronomy 6:4–12; Psalm 19:7–11; Matthew 26:36–43; Acts 2:42–47; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 2:2–3

Session Three: A Rose is a Rose, Not a Tomato
Christians are unique and gifted individuals within a larger family.
Romans 12:3–8, 15; 1 Corinthians 12:12–31; Ephesians 4:7–13

Session Four: Between These Weeds, Flowers Grow
Gardens, churches, and Christians exist in an imperfect world.
2 Samuel 11:2–4; Job 1:13–22; Psalm 51:1–12; 1 Corinthians 1:4–17; Revelation 2:18–29

Session Five: Scatter Seeds of Love and Service
Share the bounty of what we have in Christ.
Matthew 28:1–20; Mark 5:1–8, 18–20; John 14:1–6; Acts 4:1–12; 8:26–35; Romans 10:9–15; 1 Peter 3:13–16

Session Six: Old Gardeners Never Die …
In life, as in the garden, the growing season will come to a close.
Psalm 90:1–12; Ecclesiastes 3:1–8; John 11:25–27; 14:1–6; 15:1–5; Philippians 1:21–24; 1 Peter 3:13–16; Revelation 21:1–4

Total number of pages—68

You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies for use in your local church.