IF WE’RE TUNED IN, GOD’S TALKING
Luke 8:8 ...When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” New International Version
The Non-Listener
Luke 8:5 “A farmer went out to his field to sow grain. As he scattered the seed on the ground, some of it fell on a footpath and was trampled on; and the birds came and ate it as it lay exposed. Living Bible
Luke 8:12 The hard path where some seed fell represents the hard hearts of those who hear the words of God, but then the devil comes and steals the words away and prevents people from believing and being saved. Living Bible
Pride
Fear
Bitterness
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. New Living Translation
The Casual Listener
Luke 8:6 Other seed fell on shallow soil with rock beneath. This seed began to grow, but soon withered and died for lack of moisture. Living Bible
Luke 8:13 The stony ground represents those who enjoy listening to sermons, but somehow the message never really gets through to them and doesn’t take root and grow. They know the message is true, and sort of believe for a while; but when the hot winds of persecution blow, they lose interest. Living Bible
Luke 9:23 Then Jesus said to all the people: if any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me. Contemporary English Version
The Distracted Listener
Luke 8:7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. New International Version
Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. New International Version
The Tuned In Listener
Luke 8:8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown... New International Version
Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.New International Version