Worship Preparation Guide for April 18, 2021

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**Download the April 18th edition of the worship preparation guide. (PDF)

Call to Worship: Psalm 48:1-2
Confession of Faith: Westminster Shorter Catechism Q1-3
Hymns and Psalter Selections:

  1. Hymn: Come, Thou Almighty King (#212)

  2. Psalm: Be Merciful, O God (#57)

  3. Hymn: How Shall They Hear the Word of God (#445)

Sermon: Mark 4:1-20

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why did Jesus use parables and what is the central theme of the parables?

  2. Who are the people that are able to hear the parables of the Savior? What language does Jesus use in 4:3? Why is it that people do not hear? See Mark 4:10-12. Cp. with Isa. 6.

  3. List the four soils that Jesus uses in his parable. When the Word of God is preached, the “seed” of the Scriptures fall on one of four places. Where does it land in your life?

  4. What is the seed?

  5. What does this parable teach regarding the success of the Word of God preached?

Applications:  Many hear the Word of God each week. That is, they hear the words as their eardrums do their work, but their hearts are deaf to the teaching. Only those who have ears to hear will receive God’s truth and bear fruit in their lives. Do you have ears to hear?

  1. The seed is the Word of God. It gives life to those who are able to hear. Do you hear?

  2. The Word of God bears fruit in the lives of those who hear. Is their fruit in your life?

  3. Is the soil of your heart zealous for the glory of God coupled with a pursuit of holiness?

William Hill