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?