1. The Parable of the Sower Mark 4

2. The Parable of the Sower The Passage (4:1-9) Why “Parables”? 4:10-12  Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy Is.6:9ff (see Mt.13:13f)  They were rejecting Christ (Mk.3:6f)  Spoke in Private Only to Interested Parties (Mk.4:11) "Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord God, "When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11 (NASB-U)

3. The Parable of the Sower The Passage (4:1-9) Why “Parables”? 4:10-12 The Meaning?  A Foundational Parable: "But if you can't understand this story, how will you understand all the others I am going to tell?” Mark 4:13 (NLT)  He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret about the Kingdom of God…” 4:11 (NLT)

4. The Kingdom of God An Irresistible Kingdom (Dan.7:13f) An Irresistible Kingdom (Dan.7:13f) "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming…” Daniel 7:13 (NASB-U)

5. The Kingdom of God An Irresistible Kingdom (Dan.7:13f) New Details Unfold  Preceded by an Offer of Clemency.  It would grow s-l-o-w-l-y.  It was to become the “Church Age” Revealed by the “Word of the Kingdom” (v14)  For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes— Romans 1:16 (NLT)

6. 1. The Unreceptive Hearer v15 The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the message, but then Satan comes at once and takes it away from them. Matthew 5:3 ”God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” Matthew 13:12 To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them.

7. 1. The Unreceptive Hearer v15 2. The Superficial Hearer v16-17 The rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep. At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word. Matthew 5:3 ”God blesses those who realize their need for Him…” 1 Jn.2:19 (NLT) These people left our churches because they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left us, it proved that they do not belong with us.

8. 1. The Unreceptive Hearer v15 2. The Superficial Hearer v16-17 3. The Preoccupied Hearer v18-19 Mark 4:18-19 (NLT) The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, [19] but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things, so no crop is produced.

9. 1. The Unreceptive Hearer v15 2. The Superficial Hearer v16-17 3. The Preoccupied Hearer v18-19 4. The Hungry Hearer v20 James 1:22 (NLT) And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. Mark 4:20 (NLT) But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest—thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted." James 1:21 (NLT) Humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.

10. Questions? Issues? Please remember our financial needs! Please pray for the Deacon’s Ministry Team next weekend…

11. The Indigo Girls… Hey Jesus it's me I don't usually talk to you But if you make my baby stay I'll make it up to you And that's a promise I will keep And I don't really think it's fair You got the power to make us all believe in you And when we call you in our despair You don't come through How come I gotta die to get a chance to talk with you Face to face...