A Letter to All Followers of Jesus

To my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ,



I am writing today to encourage you to go “all in” for Christ. This doesn’t mean merely believing that He is the Son of God, but living a life in full reverent submission to His will. To provide a deeper understanding of this, I want to offer a different perspective on the Parable of the Sower found in the Book of Luke in Chapter 8. Each of the four soil types in this parable represent four stages of discipleship: Belief, Faith, Trust, and Obedience. Each of those four stages have the potential to produce a different outcome in our lives. 

The First Stage

The first stage in our relationship with Christ is Belief or Salvation represented by the seed that falls along the path. This seed is at risk of being trampled on or eaten by the birds. Luke 8:12 explains that “those along the path are those who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so they may not believe and be saved.” If you resist the devil and do not allow him to steal the word, or Good News, from your heart, and you believe that Christ is the Son of God who gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins, you are given the gift of Salvation. If the devil does steal the word, and you do not believe, you will be condemned to the lake of fire and apart from God for eternity. 

The Second Stage

The second stage of discipleship is Faith represented by the seeds that fall on the rocky ground. These seeds spring up but have shallow roots and wither in the scorching sun. Luke 8:13 explains that “those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.” Hebrews 11:6 explains, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Our Faith must be deeply rooted in Christ. If we do not seek him with all of our heart and put our Faith solely in Him, we will not be able to withstand the trials of life without the risk of falling away. However, if our Faith is rooted in Christ, the word in our heart will grow and be sustained by the “Living Water” even when the sun (the trials of life) is relentlessly beating down on us.

The Third Stage

The third stage is Trust represented by the seeds that fall among the thorns. As the seed grows, the thorns also grow, choking the seed and not allowing it to mature. This is an example of someone who hears and accepts the word, but is consumed by worldly worries, desires, riches, or pleasures (Luke 8:14). If we are truly disciples of Christ, we should not be partaking in the things of the world. Anything that is not of God or does not allow God to hold his rightful place on the throne in our lives should not continue to hold a place in our heart. If allowed to remain in our lives, they will grow and cause us to take our eyes off of Christ, focusing instead on the things or the worries of the world. When we earnestly seek God above all else, we begin to Trust in his word and his character. Then, when faced with trials or temptations, we can remain focused on Him, not the thorns and our Faith matures. We Trust that he will provide, we Trust that he will protect, and we Trust that he is Lord over everything and every situation. 

The Fourth Stage

The fourth stage of discipleship is Obedience represented by the seed that falls in good soil. It grows to maturity and produces fruit, 100 times more than what was sown. The good soil is our willingness to lay down our own desires, selfish ambitions, fear, rebellion, and all other gods (anything we put on the throne in our life that is not Christ) and take up our cross to follow him. Christ’s example must be reflected in our own lives for us to fully mature and produce fruit. This can be represented by the Fruit of the Spirit, gifts or talents that are given to us, or by bringing more people into the knowledge, acceptance and obedience of Christ. Isaiah 1:18-20 states, “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and Obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” James 1:21-22 instructs us to “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” 

Final Plea

Jesus walked in reverent submission and remained obedient to the Father even in his death. His obedience brought life and freedom through the cross defeating the evil principalities and rulers of the nations. Because of his obedience, Jesus opened the door to generational blessings for those who truly know and follow him. In John 15:10 Jesus says, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Fathers commands and remain in his love.” 1 John 2:3-6 states, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in him. Whoever claims to live in him, must live as Jesus did.”   



Therefore, brothers and sisters, I urge you to earnestly pursue the maturing of your deep rooted faith in Christ. Consume the word and walk in obedience to it. Do not entertain the pleasures or worries of this world. Instead, set Christ in his rightful place on the throne in your heart, declaring his Lordship over your life. For Jesus is the one true King, the ruler over all of Heaven and Earth.