The Lay of the Land

• TEXT: Mark 4:14-20

Introduction

D.L.Moody "The Infidel Judge" — I remember, as I was coming out of the daily prayer meeting a few years ago, a lady said she wished to speak to me about her husband. She had long been praying for her husband, and she wanted me to go to see him; she thought it might do him some good. What is his name? "Judge SO-AND-SO ," and she mentioned one of the most eminent politicians in the State and an avowed athiest to boot..

"I have heard of him," I said; "I am afraid I need not go, he is a well-known skept and there is no point of arguing with him."

"He has had too much argument already. Go and speak to him about his soul."

Mark 4:1 — And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

• A KEY

Mark 4:13 &mdahs; And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

• THE GOSPEL GOES THERE (not just the Good Ground)
• We could benefit by taking in the lay of the land. Being aware of God's providence and activity. God is not idle! God is not just active in the well-preapred ground, but He is there Day 0.

Romans 10:21 &mdas;h But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

• The Heart of a soul-winner, What are we dealing with when we present Christ to the lost?

1. The Way Side, v.15

• Choice, take it or leave it, free will. -- THEY KNOW BETTER
• BUT, many a soul has been discarded here ... forgotten, avoided, "out of the way" so the drum of progress can beat on.
• Satan comes "immediately" --- They never even had a chance

2. Stoney Ground, 16,17

• No Depth --- No Experience --- GETTING LOST IN THE WOODS NOW, VS CHILD ---- FEAR OF MAN,
• "for the world's sake" -- Of course they know more about the world then they do heaven --- That is part of our mission to show them! --- Instead of quickly cutting the rope on those who turn back, prepare a path for their return to Christ. ----> This is not a license for people to hurt others with impunity
• James 4:6 — But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. <-- PRIDE IS HEALABLE! God can heal a proud man!

3. Thorny Ground, v.18-19

• Worry is not incureable. A kind word and sincere compassion go a long way when someone is down.
• The spiritual can see how the GOOD seed is being choked out, but those who live there ---- its what they know.
• Deceitfulness of riches, cares of this world -- It takes a PERSPECTIVE to see through the trap.
• Getting stoned is thorny Ground! --- LIVE THE GOSPEL!

Conclusion

• The Gospel is For You

• Church, are we letting God's message get through?