1. Luke 8 Parables

2. “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God”  The foundational theme of the entire Bible  God’s Rescue is a new kind of authority o Unlike authority in The System. o Based on the Messiah’s Love Authority.

3. “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God” Breaking the Religious Rules Luke 8:1-3 the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

4. “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God” Breaking the Religious Rules Followed by Mobs Luke 8:4 When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

5. “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God” Breaking the Religious Rules Followed by Mobs Speaking in Parables Luke 8:5-8 "The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the air ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great."

6. God’s Mysterious Kingdom Luke 8:8 As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God…” Luke 8:8 As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God…” but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND

7. God’s Mysterious Kingdom Not everyone “gets it” Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

8. God’s Mysterious Kingdom Established by God’s Word Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. John 6:68 “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.”

9. God’s Mysterious Kingdom Established by God’s Word Spread By “Casting/Sowing Seeds” Spread Far & Wide… NOT Bloody Conquest. The “Kingdom of Free Will” John 8:31-32 “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

10. Freedom “Dull Heart” Luke 8:15 "But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

11. Freedom 1.“an honest, good heart” “Dull Heart” A Good Heart “I need God’s leadership” “I need God’s forgiveness”

12. Freedom 1.“an honest, good heart” “Dull Heart”  Spiritually-deceived heart Luke 8:12 "Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. A Deceived Heart “I need God’s leadership” “I need God’s forgiveness” Let me guide you…

13. Freedom 1.“an honest, good heart” 2.“Holds on tightly” “Dull Heart”  Spiritually-deceived heart  Shallow convictions Luke 8:13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.

14. Freedom 1.“an honest, good heart” 2.“Holds on tightly” “Dull Heart” Luke 8:13 …they fall away when they face temptation. Luke 7:32 They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t weep.’

15. Freedom 1.“an honest, good heart” 2.“Holds on tightly” 3.“Hangs in there” “Dull Heart”  Spiritually-deceived heart  Shallow convictions Can’t cut it Luke 8:15 …patiently produces a huge harvest. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

16. Freedom 1.“an honest, good heart” 2.“Holds on tightly” 3.“Hangs in there” “Dull Heart” Luke 8:14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.

17. Freedom 1.“an honest, good heart” 2.“Holds on tightly” 3.“Hangs in there” “Dull Heart”  Spiritually-deceived heart  Shallow convictions Can’t cut it  Choked by worries / riches / pleasure-seeking goals