Does the 'Parable of the Sower' Teach That God Prevents Some From Coming to Faith?

Episode 209 | Dr. Michael Horton and Adriel Sanchez answer caller questions. Show Notes CoreChristianity.com Key questions answered in today's show: 1. Why is it so hard to make progress in holiness? What do you think a new Christian should know about this topic? 2. What does it mean to say that Christians will judge the nations with Jesus? 3. I have a friend who is suffering from depression. She says killing herself isn't wrong because she will be with God, which is better than being in this horrible world. She is a Christian, and isn't persuaded there's a biblical reason not to commit suicide. What would you say? 4. I am confused about the comment Jesus made in Mark 4:12, what we call the Parable of the Sower. On the face of it, it seems that God is preventing the people from understanding and coming to faith. Can you explain that? Also, can you talk about the seeds, especially the seed on the thorny ground. Is that someone who is ultimately an unbeliever? Finally, can you recommend a book on the teachings of Jesus?