Believers Church Of Sylvania

(John 10:3-5 NLT) The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice.

God does not have a speaking problem....
We have a hearing problem.

(Luke 8:8 NLT) . . . "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

(Luke 8:5-8 NLT) "A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!" When he had said this, he called out, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."

(Luke 8:12 NLT) The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.

1. Polluted heart.

Choices we make.

What people do to you.

(James 1:21 NLT) So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

(Luke 8:13 NLT) 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.

2. Distracted heart.

Anything that keeps your attention.

(Luke 10:39-40 MSG) ... Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. ...

To hear God 's voice... you might need to turn something else down.

(Luke 8:14 NLT) The seeds that fell among the thorns (weeds) represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out (choked out) by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.

3. Immature heart.

Speaks to neglect.

(Hebrews 12:1-2 GW) ' Since we are surrounded by so many examples ⌊of faith⌋, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus. . .

Maturity comes when excuses stop and changes start.

(Luke 8:15 NLT) And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

4. Prepared heart.

(Psalms 139:23-24) Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong — then guide me on the road to eternal life.'

(Ezekiel 36:26 NLT) And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.