TEXT: MARK 4:1-20, "The Parable of the Sower"
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A1-20&version=NIV
Today we talked about the four types of soil, listed the outcomes of seeds being planted in these soils as described by Jesus, and identified the real-life factors that will influence growth or decay in their lives as followers of Jesus.
We had some fun by telling some 'revolving stories' (each person had 10-15 seconds to contribute a few lines to a made up story.
The main point was that while the message (seed) is the same, the condition of an individual's heart (soil) determines that person's response to God's word. In other words, the effect of the message depends on the status of the hearer.
4 HEART CONDITIONS
1. Surface
2. Shallow
3. Strangled
4. Successful
REAL LIFE CONNECTION:
a. If Jesus were to take a sample of the soil of your heart today, what would he find?
b. What can you do to care for the field of your heart to ensure that when God speaks, his word lands on good soil?
