This is perhaps one of the greatest stories in the Bible that shows us the amazing power of God in regeneration. Remember, the 4 kinds of soil here, represents 4 hearts and how they respond to the Gospel of Christ. The first 3 souls are unconverted and not regenerated, however, the 4th soul is considered good soil and the seed is received and germinates in the heart of this person -this is regeneration and is a believer now in the Lord Jesus Christ. This good soil(heart) was prepared by God for Salvation. Only God can change the nature of man from a God hater to a heart that has the Love of God. From an unbeliever to a believer or from a sinner to a saint. To God be the Glory!

Without a doubt-this parable should be the most applied scripture into the heart of every pastor who stands in pulpits across America today bringing God Word to thousands weekly. Perhaps we would see less false conversions and no manipulation used to get the numbers up in their news announcements. Because this passage explains to believers the true response of hearts to the Gospel of Jesus Christ . Perhaps we as believers need to understand that only God can plow a heart , it is not a natural thing to love God and that is exactly what God does to a heart, changing a heart of hate to a heart that loves God and truly want to worship Him.

Have you ever wondered why you believe the Lord Jesus Christ and other people that were in your circle of friends do not believe in Jesus? Or perhaps why some people used to believe and now they don't . In fact , I know people who were saved around the same time that I was , and they were very excited about believing in Jesus and the new fellowship of friends and even going to church but now they don't believe. What happened? Well this passage of scripture found in the gospel of Mark describes different responses people have to the word of God . So , stick with me and let's discover why people respond the way they do and will their response last or even get them into heaven. So-Why did you believe in Christ?

This passage teaches us that God controls the reception of truth for salvation in some hearts and not all hearts.In fact, have you ever wondered why you trust Christ for salvation and many of your family and, or friends do not believe? Did you just get a dose of smarts one day and suddenly realize that it was the smart thing to do? According to this passage, your heart is like good soil that can grow crops , but how did it get that way ? This is what this parable is talking about in Mark chapter 4.

This passage teaches us the same as 1 Peter 5:7-"Cast your care on Him, because He cares for you." So Jesus is teaching at least 2 things to His disciples that night on the Sea of Galilee-1. He is demonstrating who He is by showing His power over the wind and water. 2. He is teaching The disciples that is does have sympathy and compassion because He does care for them. They were afraid during the storm, now they are very much afraid after the storm. Well what's worse than having a storm outside your boat, is having God on your boat. A real cause for panic.

Title: "What if Jesus was God?" Mark 4:35-41 This passage is probably one of the most exciting sections of the entire New Testament. It basic covers chapters 4&5 of the gospel of Mark. And in this section we see Jesus proving that He has Power over Nature, power over demons , power over physical health(sickness), and power over death itself and they are arranged climactically to prover that He is sovereign over all things because Jesus is God.

By the time we get to this passage of scripture in the book of Habakkuk, we see a different prophet. He has been changed by his conversion with God. He is ready to submit his will to the will of God and is , in fact, able to praise God even though he realizes that he will suffer a tremendous amount when God's judgment actually arrives in his country. His prayer did not change God's decision, however, he was changed by his own prayer.

I believe that we can see deep into Habakkuk's heart his passion for the Will of God to be accomplished because of sin. His one question is for God to temper His wrath with mercy, which history proved is exactly what God did do . By the end of chapter 3 in Habakkuk we see a prophet who is trusting God in spite of the judgment that is coming. He is able to stand confidently firm trusting God even though the prophet will suffer a lot with the loss of family, friends and income.

This passage today gives us a lot to think about when it comes to prayer. We can clearly see that God does answer the prayer of the prophet but He may or may not answer our prayer in a way for us to see His answer immediately. Prayer does not change the mind or will of God but it does bring us in line with His will. One thing is obvious to me as I read this prophet is that prayer changed the prophet. God's answer remains steadfast but now Habakkuk is told to record the vision because the people need to know and because it is absolutely certain that God is about to judge the sins of the nation of Israel. It is set for an appointed time in the very near future , wait for it -it's coming.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if God were to speak to you audibly in your prayer time? Well, if you have then you will love the messages in this little book called Habakkuk. The prophet prays and God answered him audibly, but it is an answer a lot different than what the prophet wanted and in this message we can hear his response to God as he deals with an answer that would be very confusing to any of us. The prophet asked God how He could use a people who sinned worse than the nation of Israel. God's answer might surprise you -so come with me to the scripture to hear the words of a confused yet reverent man of God.