Parable of the Sower

The first day of the Bridges for Women training opens with a parable that soon becomes a favorite of many of those in attendance.

“Again, Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times. Then Jesus said, He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:1-9 (NIV)

Word for Word Memorization

The women in the Bridges for Women training take turns memorizing the parable, word for word, and then share and dialoguing it together. The Word of God comes alive, and the Holy Spirit works in their hearts and minds. The parables and Scripture stories are memorized and retold in the local language, or heart language, of those learning the stories and those with whom they will share the stories.

God’s Story for Women

The Bible stories and Parables in the Bridges for Women story set give examples of every human condition, every strength and weakness.

• Women who were wise, women who were foolish
• Women who were full of faith, women without faith
• Women who were sick, women who were healed
• Women who were generous, women who were selfish
• Women who loved, women who hated
• Women who were brave, women who were full of fear
• Women who suffered
• Women who were barren
• Women who were without hope
• Women who were virgins, brides, mothers and widows
• Women who were mediums and fortune tellers
• Women who were refugees

Bible stories and parables provide models and examples that apply to our lives today. Oral-preference learners learn through modeling and repetition, rather than through preaching.

• Stories provide examples, encouragement and answers for life issues, for those things that affect the women we serve.
• Stories speak to the situations, problems and needs which women of all walks of life experience.
• Stories address worldview and false religions.
• Stories convict of sin and bring hope and comfort.
• Stories provide living testimonies of the power of God’s Spirit moving among mankind.

“What kind of soil am I?”

Back to the “Parable of the Sower” that we started with earlier in this posting. As you go through it, do you begin to ask yourself the question, “What kind of soil am I?”

• Is my heart a hard packed path?
• Is my heart a rocky place?
• Is my heart full of thorns?
• Is my heart good soil?

Spend time in His Word. Memorize it. Repeat it. Share it. Find out what the Holy Spirit is telling YOU in this parable.

We are praying that this post encourages you. If you would like to tell us more about where you are in your journey with the Lord, or if you would like to find out more about an opportunity to be part of Bridges for Women training events, please complete our “Getting to Know You” form found at:
https://www.scripturesinuse.org/getting-to-know-you/

Match Made

In May we shared an invitation to participate in a $150,000 match challenge. God has provided through the generosity of our readers, as well as other supporting individuals, churches and organizations. The challenge match was completed at the end of June! Thank you all who participated through your prayers and generous giving. All glory and praise to our Lord!

Staying Connected

Thank you for staying connected with Scriptures in Use, our partners, and the Lord’s work in oral cultures around the world. Please feel free to ask or leave any questions or comments to this post. We look forward to hearing from you!