I want to start by saying thank you for taking the time to read this post. It means a lot to me. As I sit down to write to you today, I want to talk to you about The Parable of the Sower (or The Parable of the 4 Soils). Are you familiar with this one? It's one that keeps me rooted and grounded in my faith walk. And I think this is a really good one to keep before us as we are living in a time of the great falling away.
Take a moment to read this parable (Matthew 13:18-23)…
“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't stay long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Where are you as it relates to the 4 soils?
Unfortunately, many Christians around the world have become less and less engaged in reading the Bible, going to church regularly (online church is becoming more and more of a thing-isolation), fellowshipping together, and spending time in unhurried prayer.
As of 2025, church attendance in the United States has continued its declining trend. In 2000, 32% of Americans attended church weekly; by 2025, this figure has decreased to approximately 20% (according to ReachRight). Additionally, about 30% of U.S. adults attend religious services on any given weekend, down from 42% two decades ago (according to the Gallup Poll). And according to the Barna Group, recent studies indicate a decline in Bible reading among Americans over the past few decades. In 1991, 45% of American adults reported reading the Bible at least once a week, a figure that remained stable at 46% in 2009. However, since then, there has been a notable decrease, particularly among younger adults.
If you were to examine your own life, how is your relationship with Christ? Is your heart burning and yearning to spend more time with God and the body of believers? Or do you feel like you're starting to drift a bit?
If you're doing great, that's awesome! Keep it going. But if you feel like you need to tighten up in this area, please be intentional about drawing closer to God and the body. He longs to have a relationship with us. He also desires that we stay in close fellowship with one another as we await Christ's return. He knows that there is great strength and encouragement when we spend time with Him personally and together in the word, worship, prayer, and wholesome conversation.
As for me, I'm very intentional about walking in close fellowship with God and others in the Kingdom. Whenever I feel myself drifting, I run to the Scriptures, as well as schedule time with my Kingdom sisters. I fight for that closeness. When it comes down to spending uninterrupted time with God, sometimes I get away to the lake with my Bible, journal, pen, and books to press in before my day kicks off. I know Jesus drew closer to the Father by going to the lake, too.
How do you press in to stay grounded in faith and fellowship?
Remember this parable whenever you feel yourself drifting. Don't let the enemy snatch away your passion for Jesus and the joy of your salvation. Don't fall away due to the problems or persecution that you will face in this life (it's a part of being a partner of Christ in His suffering). And don't let the messages and the Word of God be crowded out by the affairs, worries of this life, or the lure of wealth. Instead, stay close to the Vine and do what God is calling you to do. Grow in the good soil which will produce a great harvest in the end.
Heaven will be worth it!
Remember, Jesus Christ is coming back soon, so let's be ready from the inside out!
Love,
Your Sister in Christ…Courtnaye
P.S.
If you need prayer, let me know. I got you covered! 😉
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