1. MARK, THE GOSPEL OF PASSION THE CONDITION OF THE HUMAN HEART MARK 4:1-20 {4 KINDS OF HEARTS}

2. THE STUDY OF THE PARABLE: 1. “Earthly story with a heavenly meaning” 2. A word picture with a spiritual meaning; a metaphor. 3.A parable draws its hearers to take part in a situation, evaluate it, and apply its truth to themselves. 4.Questions: Where am I in this story? What is the condition of my heart ground?

3. I. THE METHOD OF HIS MINISTRY: (VS.1-3) To Teach: Personally Imparting Truth so that it can be reproduced. To Teach by Parables: Pictures with words To Teach To get people to Listen: Persuasion by Principle

4. II. THE MESSAGE OF THE PARABLE: (VS.4-9) The interpretation of the parable is from verses (13-20) Stolen Heart: (The enemy is Satan) Shallow Heart: (The enemy is no rootedness) Distracted Heart: (The enemy is worldliness) Fruitful Heart: (Measureable growth)

5. III. MEANING OF THE PARABLE: (VS.10-12) A.The Key to unlock the truths of the parables in the chapter: B.See the contrast between “YOU” and “they.” (contrasting beliefs) C. The Process of Change: Isaiah 6:9,10 Seeing…..Hearing…..Sins forgiven!