Soil

What Makes Good Soil? | Boyd Williams

What kind of soil are we becoming?

In this reflective sermon, Boyd Williams weaves together story, Scripture, and lived experience to explore Jesus’ parable of the sower (Mark 4:1–20). Beginning with a reading from In Kiltumper by Niall Williams, Boyd invites us to imagine our lives like soil at the start of a new season—full of possibility, uncertainty, and quiet hope.

Jesus tells us that the seed is the Word of God, and the soil represents our hearts. But good soil is not automatic, fixed, or permanent. It must be cultivated, renewed, protected, and sometimes rested.

This message explores:

• Why good soil is not a given and does not stay the same
• How the Word of God takes root—or struggles to—in our lives
• The role of the Holy Spirit as water and breath (ruach / pneuma)
• Addressing weeds, dry ground, and shallow roots
• The importance of community, shelter, prayer, and shared life
• God’s design for work and rest, including Sabbath and Jubilee rhythms
• How God often works underground, unseen, before fruit appears

Boyd reflects on renewal, dependency on God, and the courage to rest—asking whether some things in our lives may be “green compost,” preparing the soil for future growth rather than immediate fruit.

This sermon closes with thoughtful questions and space for prayer:

• Is your heart ready to receive the Word?
• What word has God planted in you for this season?
• Are there weeds competing for your attention?
• Is God inviting you to rest, trust, and be expectant?

“Ultimately, it’s God who does the growing.”

📖 Scriptures referenced include: Mark 4, John 3, John 7, Genesis 2, Ezekiel 37, Acts 1, Psalm 91, Leviticus 25, Galatians 5, and more.

🌱 Spring is coming—even if it still feels like winter.

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