2. Mark 4:1-20

3. Hear! Hear! Jesus never changes he’s always doing new things … a new nation a new family a new kingdom a new word

4. Hear! Hear! what is a parable? an earthly story with a heavenly meaning … a picture a mirror – to see ourselves a window – to see God

5. Hear! Hear! the seed is a symbol of the word of God the sower represents Jesus and anyone who spreads the good news plentifully (2 Cor. 9:6) passionately (Ps. 126:6) patiently (Gal. 6:9)

6. the four soils – four different responses to the Bible message ‘he who has ears to hear, let him hear’ (9) truth - use it or lose it!

7. Hear! Hear! the hard-hearted (15) ‘in ear … out ear’ – no interest in the Bible ‘It’s not for me!’ ground needs ploughed comfort zone squeezed

8. Hear! Hear! the hard-hearted (15) ‘The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of man.’ C S Lewis

9. Hear! Hear! the soft-hearted (16-17) say ‘yes’ to Jesus with an initial enthusiasm then goes pear-shaped end up cursing God for their spate of bad luck a skin-deep experience

10. Hear! Hear! the half-hearted (18-19) divided loyalties – a life pulled in two directions worries and wealth you can’t run with the foxes and hunt with the hounds at same time

11. Hear! Hear! the open-hearted (20) God’s word takes root character – the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) good works (Eph. 2:10) fruitful and fulfilled

12. Hear! Hear! The nearest way to a man’s heart is through his ears!