This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr. Ron Braley. This is not the opinion of the Elgin Courier.I once heard the saying, “No root, no fruit.” It ’s true, especial ly where God is concerned. Dirt that lacks nutrients, whether natural earth or spiritual soil, stunts root growth. Here, we’ll look at the spiritual stuff. Jesus addressed spiritual seeds, sowers, and receivers in Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23. The “seed” is an introduction to God’s kingdom made by a sower – e.g., teacher, evangelist, or disciple-maker; the soil is the recipient. Depending on the sower and receiver, the result ...