Mark 4:1-20 Push Button Religion 1

Mark 4: And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. 2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, 3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. 5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: 6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

Mark 4: And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. 9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Mark 4: The sower soweth the word. 15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

Introduction 5 We live in a world with many “conveniences” “Smart” phones Instant this and instant that Remote controls of various types Drive through restaurants Microwave ovens Automatic gadgets of every type A “push button” life The world is at our finger tips Many are over come with these “conveniences” in their service to God!

Salvation without Sacrifice! 6 Jesus said… “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” - Luke 9:23 Can’t “show up” when you feel like it! Must not forsake the assembling of the saints - Hebrews 10:25 Visitors are welcome! Members are expected! Cannot not love others or others things more that God! Matthew 6:33 Matthew 10:37

Remission without Repentance! 7 Repentance is said to be the God’s hardest command! It is more than saying you are sorry! 2 Corinthians 7:10 Repentance is a change of mind which results in a change of action! Matthew 21:28-29 Luke 15:11-24 Repentance is an absolute requirement Luke 13:3, 5 Acts 17:30

Righteousness without Obedience! 8 Many utter the excuse - “I’m just human” We know if we are Godly by obeying God 1 John 2:3 Many claim to Love God but refuse to obey Him They are liars - 1 John 2:4 Jesus is the author of eternal salivation to only the obedient! Hebrews 5:8-9 Can’t claim that Jesus is Lord and not obey Him! Luke 6:46

Morality without Self-Denial! 9 This society is largely lacking self-denial Many elevate themselves - Luke 18:9-14 Cannot be morale without self-denial - Titus 2:11-12 Paul disciplined his body - 1 Corinthians 9:27 We Must Do So Too!

Growth without Diligence! 10 Most brethren are “spiritual babies” Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 Must “give all diligence” to “add” certain things 2 Peter 1:5-8 If we fail in this, we are short-sighted! 2 Peter 1:9 We secure our eternal election by exercising diligence! 2 Peter 1:10-15

Knowledge without Study! 11 Many brethren lack basic Bible knowledge They run to the preacher for help! Must be ready to “give an answer” - 1 Peter 3:15 God’s people will be destroyed for lack of knowledge Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6 Must study God’s word 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:15 If we don’t we will fall! Ephesians 4:11-14

Truth without Controversy! 12 Many are afraid to oppose error and false teaching! Jude commanded that we “earnestly contend for the faith” Jude 3 Cannot be “politically correct” Like those of Jesus day! John 9:22; 12:42 These folks are “cowardly” “But the cowardly (fearful), unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” - Revelation 21:8

Conclusion 13 What about your religion? Is it… True to God’s Book? The religion taught by Jesus and His Apostles? Sacrificial? Obedient? Self-denying? Contending for the Truth? Or is it push-button religion?