There are 4 types of people in the world!!!!

 Usually when you hear that expression it is someone who is judging or they may seem kind of rude but in this case we are simply wanting to make you aware of the 4 types of people Jesus referred to in the parable of the Sower and the seeds. Once you know who you are then you can look into changing from that group if you are so inclined.  Given that you are here it is likely that you are interested.

The parable of the Sower and the seeds can be found in 3 of the gospels this is how important it is. Some parables are in one or two but few are in all three.

• Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23
• Mark 4:3-8, 14-20
• Luke 8:5-8, 11-15

Now you can get the full details in each section in the version of the bible you want. You can also check out verse-by-verse Parables of Jesus. The first 3 sermons are on this parable. 

Here we will simply describe the 4 types of people and what the next step is for them:

1. Non-believers: These are people who have heard The Simple Gospel and have decided it is not of interest to them. If you are here it is likely that you are not this type. 

Next Step: If you have a friend who is of this type then the best thing you can do is pray for them that God will open their heart to the gospel.

2. New Believer/Former Believer: These are believers that are excited about the gospel they feel they believe but either have not been tested yet or something happens in their life and they get discouraged and fall away from the faith. Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son who leaves and comes back and the father rejoices of his return. This is how Jesus feels about you. If you have been through something in your life and it drew you away from Jesus. It may be a loss or it may be something a pastor said that hurt or that you felt didn't make sense.  If this is you Jesus wants you back, he will heal your hurt or help you understand. It may have been a misunderstanding. Nobody is perfect, maybe the pastor misspoke or maybe you misunderstood him. Maybe he spoke right but you were not ready to receive it the way presented or simply were not ready to receive it.  

Next Step: If this is you please reach out to me or someone else you trust. We are human and thus imperfect but I will listen and do all I can to help you find answers. 

3. Growing Believers: These are believers that feel Gods guidance and are open to it in their lives. They are still growing and preparing to do the great commission or lacks confidence to start spreading the gospel. They are generally good to people but sometimes are afraid to share unless the person reaches out to them first.

Next Step: There are a few things you can do about this. If you lack knowledge then try putting aside time each day to study and pray to God that he will present opportunities for you to share. When he presents opportunities he will also provide you with the things to say. I find when God presents someone with a question often the answer is something I studied very recently so recalling it in part is easy because it is right there. You may not be able to quote it but you can quickly use your phone to find it because some of the verse you remember. If it is confidence you lack then find a buddy. If you and someone else start the conversation with someone then it is a bunch of friends talking and together the conversation can drift into a casual conversation about God and then you can first listen to what they believe and then share what you believe. This is a bunch of friends talking but God would have planted that seed and maybe they will come back to you later and say. Hey that is interesting. They know you are a Christian now and what you believe so God can sent them your way.  Don't be afraid to say "I don't know but I can look into that."  Then later look into it and the next time you see them you can share what you found. 

4. Believer doing the great commission.  At this point you are being a good and faithful servant. 

Next Steps: You may already be doing this but connect with other believers but type 4 and type 3 so you can learn from each other but in the case of type 3, you may be that person who goes with them and it builds their confidence into becoming type 4. When meeting with other believers, be open and share what you need prayer for. As you do what God has for you, there will be a spiritual battle so protection is important and prayer for people's hearts to be open is too. 

The important thing to remember is that the success or failure of you sharing is not up to you. The holy spirit will do the work we are simply ensuring everyone has the opportunity. You just sharing it with them regardless of how they respond makes you a good and faithful servant.

If you have questions about these 4 types or next steps or simply need someone to talk to about it. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. I am here to listen and help how I can. 

I feel God bring people to use as Blessings so if you reach out to me that is another blessing from God to me so don't be afraid to bless me with your connection.