In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus is surrounded by a crowd so large that he pushed out in a boat and addressed the crowds in a series of parables. Jesus would later explain to his close followers that he spoke in parables to reveal the kingdom of God to some, but at the same time conceal it from others. (Mark 4:11-12)
The point that Jesus makes here is that there are really only 2 kinds of people;
those who hear the word, understand it, and put it into practice
and,
those who do not.
In Revelation 12:9 we are told that Satan is the "ancient serpent who leads the whole world astray." In the beginning it was Satan who deceived the woman in the garden, and he continues to deceive today. How does he deceive?
By distraction (Mark 4:15)
By persecution (Mark 4:16-17)
By providing worldly satisfaction and prosperity (Mark 4:18-19)
Sadly, not everyone we share the good news of Jesus with will receive it, and even those who initially hear may not persevere. Do not be deceived, Satan may have great power, but just like all that he can offer you, his days are numbered.
But the one who has had eternal life planted within them is the one who hears the word, understands it, and puts it into practice.
Have you heard? understood? now... just do it! (James 1:19-25)
Hearing, Understanding, Doing
In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus is surrounded by a crowd so large that he pushed out in a boat and addressed the crowds in a series of parables. Jesus would later explain to his close followers that he spoke in parables to reveal the kingdom of God to some, but at the same time conceal it from others. (Mark 4:11-12)
The point that Jesus makes here is that there are really only 2 kinds of people;
and,
In Revelation 12:9 we are told that Satan is the "ancient serpent who leads the whole world astray." In the beginning it was Satan who deceived the woman in the garden, and he continues to deceive today. How does he deceive?
Sadly, not everyone we share the good news of Jesus with will receive it, and even those who initially hear may not persevere. Do not be deceived, Satan may have great power, but just like all that he can offer you, his days are numbered.
But the one who has had eternal life planted within them is the one who hears the word, understands it, and puts it into practice.
Have you heard? understood? now... just do it! (James 1:19-25)