I preached what I believe may be my last sermon on Father’s Day, June 15th. I will turn 81 this July if the Lord permits, and with advancing age and declining physical skills it seems timely to consider stepping back. It is impossible to stand so I sit whenever I preach or teach. Climbing a few stairs to the platform is almost impossible due to the loss of strength from nerve damage in my left leg. My mind is usually quite sharp, but I have noticed that I struggle to recall a common word from time to time.

Preaching God’s Word is such an important task, that I don’t want to risk bringing dishonor. When I was asked to preach at our local assembly, there was already a message that had been stirring my heart so I accepted. The text is the parable of the sower and the four types of soil in Luke 8. My focus was on the 3rd soil–the one infested with weeds–because it is so relevant today.

I haven’t created any new posts for almost two years because I had become very busy with other ministry. Perhaps, this will be my last blog post as well. I am simply sharing an address where, if you wish, you may listen to “my last sermon”. I welcome your feedback and even your push-back.

One caution: the sermon was very long, but I believe it stayed on track and by God’s grace accomplished its purpose. If I could change anything, besides being more brief, it would be to add that “the problem with weeds is that we also enjoy them.”

To listen to my “last” sermon you can go to sermonaudio.com/phcc and search for June 15, 2025. This is the site for Pleasant Home Community Church. While visiting the site, check out Pastor Mike Johnston’s sermons.

Syd