Many seeker-sensitive preachers will teach that the Four Soils are the four stages of the Christian life, often to lessen the harshness of Christ's words in that parable. In the article, Costi Hinn explains the meaning of this parable and why it's so important to get it correct.

Greek word for “repent” is metanoia and it means “a change of mind.” Repentance is not just regret for being caught in sin or having to suffer consequences from your own sin, repentance is a change of mind about your decisions and the sin those decisions led to.

One of the more-frequently misapplied passages of Scripture is Matthew 18:20, where the Lord Jesus is recorded as saying: “For where two or three have gathered in My name, I am there in their midst.” Whether this verse is thrown around at a men’s prayer breakfast, a church potluck, or a small group conversation in a living room, the subtle suggestion is that Jesus is not going to bother to show up when one of His followers is flying solo.

Over the past 17 years — in the prosperity gospel, the seeker-driven church movement, and reformed-ish world — I’ve seen my fair share of manipulative tactics by greedy preachers and by wealthy parishioners. It seems that one cannot simply relegate money-manipulation to one theological camp, or only to leaders. Rather, it is common anywhere sin resides and wages war within every human heart.

It happens every once and a while. A big-name “sinner” claims he or she has been wrong. On hearing such a claim, some scoff: “Ha! Impossible!” Conversely, others start preparing the victory parade and inviting all to come celebrate—the sinner has repented!

Old time evangelist Vance Havner once said, “The alternative to discipline is disaster.”[1] You know what? He was right. And what’s more? From beyond the grave his words are still piercingly true. When we apply them to how we deal with sexual sin in the church today, his much-needed words touch a sensitive nerve and must stir us into action.