Sermons by Darryl G. Klassen

DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE HEARING?   I always thought that I had good hearing, but recently I noticed that I am having trouble picking up words. I struggle with crowd-noise, people mumbling, and my own attention to what people are saying.              A few weeks ago, I was speaking at the Heritage Center about this Parable of the Sower, and I asked the group why Jesus spoke from a boat. One resident responded, but I couldn’t hear what he said, so I said, “What was that?” (I say that a lot). He repeated his answer, “So that the people could hear him better.” Ironic answer, isn’t it? Jesus got into a boat to speak knowing that the natural amplification of the water would help carry his voice. If I ask the audience a question, it will help me if you all sat in a boat on a lake.             Do you have trouble hearing?              The parable of Jesus we are studying today is well-known and it’s thrust is about hearing the message of the kingdom. Are we “hearing” the Word of God?             J

GOD’S HEART FOR FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP   Do you remember the story about the young minister who preached a sermon on raising children? He called it “Ten Commandments for Raising Godly Children.” And then his wife had a child. So, he changed the title of that sermon to “Ten Principles for Raising Godly Children.” And then he had another child. He changed the title again to “Ten Suggestions…” He had two more children and changed the title to “Ten Hints…”              I confess to you that I am in no position to preach about the perfect Christian family. To share stories of godly parenting and family successes would be deceptive. So, by way of a disclaimer, please know that I am not speaking today as an expert in family matters. What I preach is what I believe the Bible says, (as always), about life and faith.              What I can tell you in all confidence is that God has a heart for family discipleship. He has created the family to be one of the great shapers and influencers of the live