Turning Points Series Quote #1

Are You Stony Ground Hearer?

Quote

"It is by half-heartedness in the Christian life that men become feeble in purpose and changeable in desire. The effort to serve both self and Christ makes one a stony ground hearer, and he will not endure when the test comes upon him." Christ Object Lessons pg 50

"And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away." Mark 4:5-13 KJV

Characteristics of a Stony Ground Hearer.

• Easily convinced, appear to be bright converts, but they have only a superficial religion.
• Receive the word immediately but do not count the cost.
• Depends upon self instead of Christ. Trust in their good works and good impulses and are strong in their own righteousness.
• Desire to do Gods will is based on their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Spirit.
• Do not believe that Christ will give them power to overcome their sins.
• Appear to be consistent Christians, but faint when brought into fiery temptations. They cannot bear reproach for Christ sake.

Solution

Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God's government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian's character. This alone can make and keep him steadfast. This alone can enable him to withstand trial and temptation.

Based on:

Christ Object Lessons Pages 46-50

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15

__________________________________

Receive Daily Newsletter: Subscribe Below

Listen: Online Christ Object Lessons

Read: Online Christ Object Lessons

Order: Conflict of The Ages Series