Scripture: When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that,“ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” Mark 4:10-12 NIV
Observation: Jesus is talking to his disciples about teaching with parables.
Application: I need some help. I have never understood these passages. To me they say that Jesus has some people that he wants saved and others that he wants to make sure are never forgiven. I can’t believe that this is a correct understanding. So what do these passages mean? Please keep your answer simple. No deep, deep theology please. You can answer as a comment here or you can send an email to mrandmrsacuna@gmail.com. I will post the answer or answers, if there aren’t too many, for others to read. Thank you.
Prayer: Father, I don’t always understand your word so I must rely on a brother or sister for help. That is why the church is what it is. There is an “ear” or a “knee” out there that does understand and can explain so that we can all learn. Thank you Lord. Amen
Doug
Instructions For Life According to Jesus Christ 
Isaiah 6:9-10. The Prophet Isaiah in that passage was sent to the Jewish nation as a part of their punishment for rejecting God (essentially that is what it comes down to). It is not that their hearts are hardened so that they ignore God, but that they are hardened because they have already ignored God.
Take a read of John 12:37-41, and perhaps look it up in your commentary. This passage explains the effect and purpose of Mark 4:10-12; and relates to the same vision and commission of Isaiah.
If you want more depth on some of these points I am happy to answer or point you towards some clear commentary on them.
Hello,
I am FinallyForgiven on Twitter.
I hope I say this correctly, but you are right . . . Sort of. God isn’t exactly saying there’s some people He never wants to save. He knows who will be saved and He predestined those to be save. Meaning He did select them.
I believe the Bible is sufficient and thus I’d like to ppoint you to it. It’s right there in the Bible:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=KJV&search=Romans+8:29-30
I hope you can find what you need. Feel free to ask me whatever…I may be of no help. Lol.
May I suggest going to http://www.gracelifesoals.org and finding the video archives. Maybe you’ll find something that helps you. Jeff Noblit is a great preacher. He’s all about finding the Truth and running a “church where if God doesn’t show up: we are sunk!” He believes that there are too many debates in Christianity and just wants the Truth. Check it out?
God bless,
Beth