30-60-100 ACCORDING TO YOUR SOIL

1. The Foundational Parable of the Kingdom

Pastor Leonard begins by explaining that he awakened at 4:52 in the morning, completely alert. He has learned that when this happens, the Lord often has something to share with him. Instead of rolling over and trying to return to sleep, he got up and spent that time with the Lord. The thoughts he received during that early-morning time became the message he shared with the congregation.

 Before revealing the title, he asked everyone a question: Which of Jesus’ parables did Jesus identify as so important that, without understanding it, a person would not understand the other parables or how the kingdom of God works?

 Pastor Lori suggested the parable of the prodigal son. Leonard acknowledged that this was a very good answer because Luke 15, with its accounts of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son, provides a powerful revelation of grace. Nevertheless, it was not the parable to which Jesus attached this particular statement. The answer is the parable of the sower and the soils. Jesus emphasized its foundational importance in Mark 4:

 Mark 4:13 “And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? And how then will ye know all parables?”

The title of the message—30-60-100 ACCORDING TO YOUR SOIL—points directly to the different amounts of fruit produced by the seed. The same seed could produce thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or a hundredfold depending upon the condition of the soil that received it.

This parable is therefore not merely one illustration among many. It explains how the kingdom of God operates. The Word is the seed, while the condition of a person’s heart, soul, mind, and belief system determines whether that seed is stolen, withers, becomes choked, or produces an abundant harvest.

Table of Contents

1. Transformation Through the Renewing of the Mind
2. Clean Soil Produces Healthy Growth
3. Jesus Explains the Four Conditions of Soil
4. Beliefs That Prevent the Word From Taking Root
5. Righteousness as a Gift Through Jesus Christ
6. Protecting the Ear Gates From Mixture
7. Protecting the Eye Gates and Keeping the Soul Clean
8. Adam and Eve: A Garden Corrupted by Another Voice
9. Final Encouragement and Prayer

Transformation Through the Renewing of the Mind

 Before examining the parable in detail, Leonard connects its message to Paul’s teaching about the renewing of the mind:

 Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

 Leonard explains that the word translated “world” refers to an age or period of influence. In Paul’s context, he understands this as referring particularly to the religious system and legal influence of that time. Believers must not let the prevailing religious system mold their thinking.

 Instead, they are to be transformed. Leonard describes this transformation as becoming outwardly aligned with the glorious person God has already designed the believer to be because of the Holy Spirit and His power within. Paul also reveals how this transformation occurs: through the renewing of the mind. Leonard compares renewing the mind to repairing, cleaning, and preparing soil. Rocks, thorns, briers, and other obstructions must be removed so that the truth of God’s Word and the gospel of Jesus Christ can take root.

 Leonard connects the language at the end of the verse with the different levels of fruitfulness in Jesus’ parable: good with thirtyfold, acceptable with sixtyfold, and perfect with a hundredfold. His point is that as the soil of the mind is progressively renewed and cleared, the believer increasingly experiences transformation and the fruit of God’s Word.

 He also discusses an alternate rendering of Romans 12:2 that emphasizes refusing to let current religious traditions mold one’s reasoning. It compares the believer to an inspired artist who gives attention to God’s desire to find expression through his or her life. Leonard uses this to reinforce his teaching that transformation comes from within as the mind becomes aligned with what God has already accomplished.

 Paul gives a similar instruction in Ephesians:

 Ephesians 4:23-24 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

 Believers have already been created after God in righteousness and true holiness. The “new man” is the believer’s true identity. The mind must now be renewed so that the person can understand, embrace, and live from that reality while walking in the physical body. The purpose is not to make believers create a new identity by their own effort. It is to enable them to understand and express what God already knows to be true about them. Leonard then points to Paul’s instructions in Colossians:

 Colossians 3:1-2 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

 The believer has been raised with Christ and is seated with Him in heavenly places. Because of that position, the believer has been given authority. Paul therefore tells believers to continue seeking and thinking about the things above, where Christ is seated at God’s right hand, instead of fixing their thoughts on earthly conditions. Again, the focus returns to the mind. Transformation depends upon what is permitted to remain and grow in the soil of one’s thinking.

Clean Soil Produces Healthy Growth

Leonard illustrates the importance of clean soil by discussing two plants Pastor Lori received from their youngest son, Steven. One is a Christmas tree plant that blooms two or three times a year and is especially beautiful when in bloom. The other plant’s name is unknown, but it has grown from something small into something remarkably large and wide.

 Pastor Lori did not go into the backyard, scoop up random soil containing grass, leaves, debris, rocks, and pebbles, and place it into the pots. Instead, she made certain that the soil was clean, pure, and free from ingredients that did not belong there.

 Because the plants received clean, properly nourished soil, they grew strong and large. Leonard presents this as a picture of what happens in the believer’s soul—the mind, will, and emotions. When the soil is properly maintained, and harmful material is not allowed to enter, growth takes place.

 He summarizes this principle by warning believers not to allow “yuck” into their minds so that they do not become “stuck in the yuck.” Leonard offers another example involving Caprice, who regularly brings him vegetables from her garden, including cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes. He has driven past her home and observed the care she gives the garden. She clears and cleans the soil, nourishes it, and protects it with screens, gates, and coverings. Because the soil is protected and properly maintained, the seeds planted in it quickly produce. This visible garden gives a natural illustration of the spiritual principle Jesus taught.

 Miraculous transformation, supernatural living, victory, and the more abundant life are connected to a mind, soul, or soil that is free from corruption. The parable of the soils is therefore an instruction about keeping the mind pure so that God’s Word can accomplish what it was sent to accomplish.

Jesus Explains the Four Conditions of Soil

Leonard reads Jesus’ parable and its explanation from Mark 4:

 Mark 4:2-11 “And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.”

 Jesus then explains what the different soils represent:

 Mark 4:13-20 “And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? And how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”

 The first condition is the wayside. The Word is sown, but when people hear it, Satan comes immediately and takes away what was sown in their hearts.

 The second condition is stony ground. These people hear the Word and receive it with joy, but the Word does not develop a deep root within them. When trouble, pressure, affliction, or persecution arises because of the Word, they quickly fall away.

 The third condition is soil filled with thorns. These people also hear the Word, but the cares of this world, stress, fear, anxiety, the deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things enter the soil. These influences choke the Word until it becomes unfruitful.

 The final condition is good soil. These people hear the Word, receive it, and allow it to remain. The seed then produces fruit—some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold. The seed itself is not presented as defective. The determining factor is the condition of the soil into which it is planted. Leonard identifies that soil with the mind, soul, thoughts, and belief system.

Beliefs That Prevent the Word From Taking Root

Leonard recalls an earlier teaching about four influences that can prevent believers from experiencing the full abundance of the life God has given them.

 The first is denominationalism—being controlled by what a denomination taught or by beliefs inherited merely because a person grew up in a particular religious environment.

 The second is tradition. This can include religious traditions or family traditions that are accepted because “this is the way my family has always done it.”

 The third is legalism, which is expressed through demands such as “you have to,” “you need to,” and “you must.” It places the focus on what people must accomplish rather than on what Jesus has completed.

 The fourth is experience. People may decide what is true solely on the basis of what has or has not happened in their lives.

 When denominational teaching, tradition, legalism, or personal experience takes root in the soul, it can prevent people from receiving the truth of the gospel and the salvation of God.

 Leonard shares an example of someone living in the western part of the country whom he ministers to several times a week. They have been praying and believing together for the manifestation of this person’s healing.

 Leonard asked whether the person truly believed that God loved him and was pleased with him. The person hesitated and answered that he did not know how God could love him because he had failed so much, left so many things undone, and believed there was still a work he needed to perform. Those beliefs had taken root in his soil so deeply that the truth of God’s love could not penetrate them.

 Leonard explains that many of God’s children struggle with the same beliefs because they have received teaching mixed with legalism. The focus has been placed on them, what they must do, and what they must accomplish. As a result, they have become filled with guilt, shame, and condemnation.

 Leonard asks how a person can simultaneously feel overwhelmed by guilt, shame, and condemnation while also feeling deeply loved. These conflicting beliefs demonstrate how corrupted soil can prevent the truth of God’s love from being received.

Righteousness as a Gift Through Jesus Christ

Leonard then asked the person whether he believed he was righteous—whether he was in right standing with God, at peace with God, and justified before Him.

 The person responded by quoting the idea that none are righteous, not even one. Leonard recognized that this person was rooted in the wrong belief system and the wrong covenant. His soil had been corrupted by teaching that prevented him from receiving the truth about righteousness in Christ.

 Leonard spent approximately an hour taking him through numerous passages about the believer’s righteousness and justification.

 Romans 3:22 “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”

 Righteousness comes through the faith of Jesus Christ and is given to those who believe. It is not presented as something believers manufacture through their own successful performance.

 Romans 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

 Justification is given freely by God’s grace through the redemption found in Jesus Christ. It is not described as wages earned by human effort.

 Romans 3:26 “To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

 God is both just and the One who justifies the person who believes in Jesus. The believer’s confidence is therefore placed in God’s action rather than personal achievement.

 Romans 4:25 “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

 Jesus was delivered because of humanity’s offenses and raised again for the believer’s justification. His death and resurrection form the foundation of the believer’s right standing.

 Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 Because believers are justified by faith, they have peace with God through Jesus Christ. They are not waiting for peace to be established after they improve their performance.

 Romans 5:17 “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

 Righteousness is specifically called a gift. Those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through Jesus Christ.

 Romans 5:21 “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

 Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ. The focus remains upon Jesus and what He has accomplished.

 Romans 10:9-10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

 The heart believes unto righteousness, and confession is made unto salvation. This righteousness is connected to faith in Jesus’ resurrection and lordship.

 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

 Jesus, who knew no sin, was made sin for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. This verse does not say that believers are merely trying to become righteous; it says that they have been made God’s righteousness in Christ.

 Romans 8:30 “Moreover whom he did predestine, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

 Those whom God called, He also justified, and those He justified, He also glorified. The work is described as God’s action from beginning to end. This situation shows why Paul repeatedly instructs believers to renew their minds, set their thoughts on the things above, and embrace the truth of their identity in Christ. It also shows why Jesus warned His followers to keep the soil of their hearts in good condition.

 When the soul and soil are clean, God’s Word and promises can bear thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold fruit. It is time to clear and clean the mind so that the truth of righteousness, grace, and God’s love can take root.

Protecting the Ear Gates From Mixture

 Leonard says believers must protect their “ear gates.” They must be careful not to allow rocks, worry, fear, anxiety, inferiority, condemnation, or guilt to enter and corrupt their soil.

Paul explains the importance of hearing:

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Leonard emphasizes hearing the good news concerning Jesus Christ—His goodness, the gospel of grace, His effort, His work, and what He has accomplished. Faith springs forth as people hear the good news about Jesus.

Leonard and Pastor Lori have become very selective about what and whom they listen to. When they hear a message turn toward “but you,” with the burden shifted from Jesus’ finished work to human performance, they close their ears to it. Their purpose is to prevent the soil of their minds from becoming corrupted by mixture.

Leonard explains that mixture and incorrect teaching are widespread. He remembers teaching a group of college students every Saturday. He taught them the truth of God’s Word and the gospel of grace, and they received it with tremendous excitement.

However, he later watched some of them hear mixed messages telling them what they needed to do or become. They accepted those demands, and the revelation of the true gospel of grace was quickly taken from them.

Their experience resembled the conditions Jesus described:

Mark 4:14-19 “The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”Leonard continues to see the same pattern while counseling and speaking with people. He often asks where they heard the ideas that produced fear, condemnation, or confusion in their minds. He also acknowledges that there are safe ministers whose messages consistently exalt Jesus without placing people under guilt, shame, and condemnation. He names Joseph Prince as someone who exalts Jesus Christ and reminds believers that they are righteous and free from condemnation.

He also names Francois du Toit as a teacher whose messages encourage and uplift people. Leonard’s larger point is not merely to recommend individuals but to urge believers to recognize the difference between the gospel of grace and teaching mixed with legalism. The ears are a gateway to the soil of the soul. If believers want the Word to remain and bear fruit, they must protect what they continually permit themselves to hear.

Protecting the Eye Gates and Keeping the Soul Clean

In addition to protecting the ears, Leonard teaches that believers must protect their “eye gates.” He turns to the words of Jesus:

Matthew 6:22-23 “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Jesus teaches that the condition and focus of the eye affect the whole person. A healthy or single eye fills the body with light, while an evil eye fills it with darkness.

Leonard expresses gratitude for Pastor Lori and the journey they share. She continually lifts and encourages him, including through the notes she gives him every day. Together, they protect their ears and eyes from influences that would contaminate the soil of their minds.

Leonard is careful to explain that this is not intended as legalism. Believers are free to watch and look at whatever they choose. The purpose of protecting the eyes is not to create a new list of laws. It is to maintain clean soil so that when God’s Word enters, it can produce thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold fruit.

The issue is not bondage but wisdom. What people repeatedly hear and see enters their thoughts, shapes their beliefs, and affects the condition of the soil in which the Word is planted.

Leonard then identifies a third essential truth: it is all about Jesus, and it is not about us. The believer’s attention must remain centered on His work, His goodness, and what He has already accomplished.

Adam and Eve: A Garden Corrupted by Another Voice

Leonard closes with one final illustration from the early-morning experience that produced this message. After getting up at 4:52 and spending approximately an hour and a half receiving the message, he returned to bed around 6:30.

The weather outside was freezing, and Pastor Lori had left the windows open, causing the temperature inside the house to fall to approximately 65 or 66 degrees. As Leonard lay warmly under the blankets, another thought came to him.

Paul said that events recorded in the Old Testament happened as examples for believers:

1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Leonard emphasizes that these events were given as examples, not as another body of laws for believers to follow. The Holy Spirit then brought Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to his mind.

The garden was clean and pure. Leonard sees it as a picture of their thoughts, mindsets, and belief systems. While the garden remained pure and they ate from the tree of life, Adam and Eve possessed authority and dominion. They had more provision and authority than they knew what to do with. Then the enemy entered and questioned what God had said. Through his words, doubt and corruption entered the garden, their thinking, and their beliefs. As corruption entered their soil and soul, they lost the hundredfold fruit they had been experiencing.

Leonard sees God’s command to keep the garden as a picture of the believer’s responsibility to keep and protect the soul and soil. Believers must remain grounded in what God has said: they have been created in His image and likeness, and they are invited to consume and feast upon the tree of life.

They must not allow faulty teaching, fallen mindsets, or thoughts contrary to God’s truth to clutter their minds, create havoc, and leave their souls “stuck in the yuck.” This returns the message to Jesus’ warning about the foundational importance of the parable:

Mark 4:13 “And he said unto them, know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?”

The parable matters because it reveals how the kingdom of God works. God’s Word possesses the power to produce, but believers must protect the soil into which it is planted.

Final Encouragement and Prayer

Leonard encourages believers to listen carefully to Jesus and recognize the importance of the parable of the sower and the soils. The condition of the soil determines whether the Word is stolen, withers under pressure, becomes choked by competing influences, or produces an abundant harvest.

Good soil hears, receives, and holds the Word:

Mark 4:20 “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”

Leonard closes by thanking and praising the Father for His powerful Word. God’s Word can produce within and through believers the thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold fruit they are seeking.

 Following Jesus' and Paul's encouragement, believers can choose to keep their soil clean and pure, so they bear the fruit God intends them to bear. The message concludes with prayer and thanksgiving to God in Jesus’ name.

We hope this article blessed you and helped you understand the importance of protecting the soil of your heart and mind. Share this teaching with others so they can embrace the truth of God’s grace, renew their minds, and allow His Word to produce thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold fruit in their lives.