Parables are major features in all of Jesus' teachings. They are only recorded in the synoptic gospels except for the parable of the Good Shepherd recorded in John 10. Parables grow faith 30x, 60x,, and 100x in those who have belief. Unbelievers who do not have "ears to hear" cannot understand the parables of Jesus. Chapter 4 in the Gospel of Mark is foundational to understanding all parables. We begin our study in this series with a foundational parable, The Parable of the Sower. This parable explains why not everyone who hears the Gospel, believes it, and bears fruit of faith. This first session is concluded with a teaching on the Lamp on a Stand parable.