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But they don't develop any roots. They last for a short time. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the word, they immediately fall [from faith].
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Other people are like seeds planted among thornbushes. They hear the word,
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but the worries of life, the deceitful pleasures of riches, and the desires for other things take over. They choke the word so that it can't produce anything.
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Others are like seeds planted on good ground. They hear the word, accept it, and produce crops--thirty, sixty, or one hundred times as much as was planted."
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Jesus said to them, "Does anyone bring a lamp into a room to put it under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a lamp stand?
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There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. There is nothing kept secret that will not come to light.
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Let the person who has ears listen!"
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He went on to say, "Pay attention to what you're listening to! [Knowledge] will be measured out to you by the measure [of attention] you give. This is the way knowledge increases.
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Those who understand [these mysteries] will be given [more knowledge]. However, some people don't understand [these mysteries]. Even what they understand will be taken away from them."
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Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground.
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He sleeps at night and is awake during the day. The seeds sprout and grow, although the man doesn't know how.