Bible answers to real life questions. 8
Four results from preaching the word of God! Luke 8:5-15
A. Some fall on way side.
These are ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts,
so that they may not believe and be saved. Luke 8:12
My personal observation:
1. These are the salvation hopeless ones!
This is the devil's most effective way in keeping people from salvation of their souls.
So far the devil is very successful on this one!
2. Especially a church with lots of people but few know what says in the Bible!
When asked: Why do you believe Jesus this way? Typical answer: Our pastor said it!
B. Some fall on the rock. These are ones who hear, receive the word with joy; but have no root,
for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. Luke .8:13
My personal observation: From the way the devil tempted Jesus we can see how he does this! Matt.4:1-11
1. When you are hungry, he tempts you with things to eat. Matt.4:1-4
2. When you think you are succeeding in what you do, he tempts you to keep going for more!
3. When you are in love with the world, he tempts you with all things in the world. Matt.4:8-9
4. In this story you can also see how Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations!
Each time he used God’s word to defeat him!
5. Now you know how important is it to read and remember what says in the Bible!
C. Some fall among thorns.
These are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life,
and bring no fruit to perfection. Luke 8:14
1. Watch how the NIV put it!
Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked
by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
(This can mean they never got baptized for remission of their sins!)
2. The ASV and KJV put it as ‘bring no fruit to perfection’!
This means they themselves are a finished product-->
They believed, repented and were baptized for remission of their sins, received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
3. Thus these are the saved! But they are occupied with too much things in the world.
They do not have time to sit down to study Bible with others to the point of baptizing them!
4. These are different from the immediately withered no fruit fig tree in Matt.21:19.
5. These are different from ‘cut off every branch in me that bears no fruit’ in John 15:2
6. Here is why I think this way!
Phil.1:5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now…
7. Recently 3 were baptized for remission of their sins. These are perfected spiritual fruits.
Those who work and those who participate in offering to make this work possible share the blessings!
D. Some fall on good soil. These are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast,
and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15
****Suddenly these become very clear to me!
1. Why do I see so many ‘Jesus believers’ behaved badly!
Participate in church visitations plus many related activities but still carry a poisonous tongue!
2. For the word of God to be effective, it needs to be met with an honest heart, a good heart with patience!
These are the people can hold fast to the word and bring forth perfected fruits!
3. It is clear, why in the 1960s when I told denomination people:
You do not believe Jesus according to what says in the Bible!
They jumped up and said, we challenge you to come study with our pastor!
If you can prove to us, our pastor does not teach what says in the Bible we will come join the church of Christ!
4. 40 years since my stay in N.Y.C. People young or old all answer this question--> Oh! Yah! But we feel good!
All these people do not have honest, good hearts in this thing call believe Jesus!
They all successfully deceived themselves! So many never find out until after they died!
Video: English Cantonese – Recorded 11/2/14
Part 1