Spreading the GospelMark chapter 4 verses 26-29

Parable of the Growing Seed26 He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces corn – first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 As soon as the corn is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. (NIV)

The meaning of the parable

“the man”/ “the farmer” -anthropos- any person, everyone.

“the seed” is the word of God, the gospel.

“the soil” is the hearts and lives of unbelievers.

Principle 1: scattered seed will produce a cropPrinciple 2: seed grows “all by itself” -automatos-

So what does this say to you?

What might watering look mean?Prayer, conversation, care/help, persuading.

1st Corinthians chapter 35 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.... 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. (NLT)

98% of Christ-followers in the Western World do not share their faith with unbelievers

Why?• Dont know what to say

• Dont know how to answer hard questions

• Feel scared/embarrassed about possible responses

• Feeling not good enough