Mark 4:24-34

"Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and..."

"Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is....."

"Dear Disciple, Pentecost came, and My church was born! The presence, power, and work of the Holy Spirit in every true disciple had finally arrived......"

""Consider carefully what you hear," [Jesus] continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. Whoever has will be given more;..."

We are called to be a group of mustard seed people — folks who know they are GATHERED to be TRANSFORMED and SCATTERED. Phil Ware introduces us to the concept of TRANSENDING.church and calls us to be a people who gather to transform and scatter.

"In fact, in [Jesus'] public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained..."

"Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand."

"[Jesus continued,] "To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little..."

Inspirational illustration of Mark 4:24 -- "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued...

"[Jesus continued,] "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." Then he added, "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you..."

You don't have to listen to the noise around you! Tom Norvell reminds us that we don't have to hear the messages and noise around us, we can follow Jesus' example and withdraw from the situation.