3. DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.Read (Luke 8:4-8) and outline the actions (faith steps) that produce fruit and the soils that do not produce fruit. a. (v. 5)The sower went out to sow. We are responsible for sowing; God produces fruit. b. (v. 5)The soil on the side of the road has no base and Satan destroys the seed. c. (v. 6)The rocky soil represents those experiencing trials who accept the word at first but fall away due to lack of depth.

4. DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.Read (Luke 8:4-8) and outline the actions (faith steps) that produce fruit and the soils that do not produce fruit. d. (v. 7)The thorny soil. The thorns deceitfulness, riches, desires for other things) choke the word and they are unfruitful. e. (v. 8)The good soil hears, accepts and bears fruit.

5. DISCUSSION GUIDE 2.What was Jesus’ explanation to the disciples about why He taught in parables? (v. 10) He explained that they had been given insight to understand but others had not because His time had not yet come and the resistance would be too large too soon.

6. DISCUSSION GUIDE 3. A. What is your responsibility as a Christ- follower? To sow the Word of God. B. How are you doing in that enterprise?

7. DISCUSSION GUIDE 4.What are some of the best methods for sowing? a. Knowing and sharing the Word. b. Serving others in Jesus name. c. Building relationships and sowing over time.

8. DISCUSSION GUIDE 5.Who do you know that fits the following categories? a. The hard heart b. The shallow heart c. The crowded heart d. The fruitful heart

9. DISCUSSION GUIDE 6.What truths are explained in (vs. 16-18)? a. The lamp is the person of Jesus and His Words. b. We are to let His light shine. c. Nothing is revealed and all will be evident. d. If we do not share we lose, if we share the light we gain more.

10. DISCUSSION GUIDE 7.What role does faith play in being a light bearer?

11. DISCUSSION GUIDE 8.What is the significance of (vs. 19-21) for believers? As believers we are in the family of God so we should want to share His message.

12. DISCUSSION GUIDE 9.Read (Luke 8:22-25) and answer the following questions: a. Jesus slept during the storm. Do you tend to be a warrior or do you remain calm and faithful even in the storm? b. The disciples turned to Jesus in the midst of the storm. Who or what do you usually turn to? c. In times of tribulation how is your faith? d. The disciples were still trying to understand who Jesus was. Do you ever have doubts?

13. How to Become a Lifetime Sower 1.When I meet a new person, I immediately wonder about their spiritual life. 2.I live by the “golden rule.” 3.I cultivate relationships with lost people. 4.I share my salvation story when God opens a door. 5.I pray for lost people.

14. Steps to becoming a “Lifetime Sower” Step 1Establish Communication Bridges What areas can build a common bond? Step 2Arouse Curiosity How can you get someone to discuss spiritual things? Step 3Do Not Condemn How can you compliment and not condemn?

15. Steps to becoming a “Lifetime Sower” Step 4Stick with the Main Issue How do lost people try to change the subject? Step 5Bring People to Confrontation with Christ How can you present Christ and let them know He is the one to look to not you?

16. Steps to becoming a “Lifetime Sower” Step 6Reap the Results Once friends accept Christ, how can we help them become fully developing followers of Christ? “He who has ears, let him hear.”