In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 57

The Weak And The Strong

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 24, 2002

A message on how those who are spiritually strong ought to be treating those who are spiritually weak.

In every situation, we have those whom we consider weak and those whom we consider strong. A. We all have somewhat different criteria that we use to come to this conclusion. 1. This is generally referred to as “our standards” a. If someone doesn’t measure up to our ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:29-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Value Of Christian Ideals

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 24, 2002

Our Christian ideals affect: What is taught and what is allowed to be taught...our attitudes...our goals...and they give a real focus to our way and walk of life.

I Kings 8:18 - 18“But the Lord said to my father David, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a temple for My name, you did well that it was in your heart. Let us take a look at what Webster has to say about ideals: “Existing as an idea, model, or archetype; or as a perfect model; exactly as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Trying Of Our Faith

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 24, 2002

Encouragement and help in facing overwhelmin trials

We aren’t so unlike the men and women of old. A. As human beings they had the same temptations. 1. As a matter of fact, the men and women of old did not have a present and living Holy Spirit of God in residence. a. It is this Holy Spirit who empowers us to rise above ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:13-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Those Golden Opportunities

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 19, 2002

Some opportunities may come but once. We need to be able to recognize them and take advantage of the moment.

Many times opportunities come but once. A. Sometimes they get by us because we just aren’t paying attention. 1. Things slip by us when we are intent on our own projects, goals, or activities. B. Then too........we can be attacked, criticized or beat down because of our ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

To Far To Turn Back?

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 19, 2002

There is a point of no return....the point at which one has hardened his/her heart.

In many areas of life, there are points that we reach that make it impossible to return. A. Airplanes especially point this problem out. 1. Take-off......point of commitment....either fly or crash. 2. Long range flights.....point of no return.... don’t have enough fuel to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:62

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Trust

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 19, 2002

Faith is trust...without trust in God, we will never be His.

Isaiah 26:3-4 - 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength. The world that we live in, today, says anything but peace. A. It is a scene of anxiety and turmoil all ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:3-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What God Has In Store For Us

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 19, 2002

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard....all the marvelous things that God has in store for us.

WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR US God’s Word is really inspiring. A. I would like to cite a passage which makes all kinds of sense. Hebrews 11:39-12:29 (The Message) Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Worry

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 19, 2002

Christians should be able to cast ALL of their cares on God.

Let us start off by defining what I mean by worry. A. The bible doesn’t even use the word, “worry”...it uses the words, “careful”, or “cares”. 1. The Greek word that is used is the word merimnao - merimnaw. a. The definition for this word is: to be anxious about. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why God?

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 17, 2002

Answers to why things happen.

The best laid plans of mice and men oft time go awry and leave us nothing but grief and pain for promised joy. Robert Burns We have all experienced plans that have gone wrong and the grief and pain that resulted from this. A. Sometimes things went wrong and we really didn’t even have any ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Where Do I Go?

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 17, 2002

God must be involved in every aspect of our lives.

I can remember being in several strange cities, at night. A. There was but one question in my mind....”Where do I go from here”. 1. I realized that there really was a way....a road that would lead me out of my puzzle...but which one? a. I can remember driving around ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Does Jesus Care

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Mar 9, 2002

Jesus cares far more that many actually realize

When good things happen to us, we are all too ready to praise Him for His loving care. A. Certainly this is right. 1. Nobody has to force us to recognize the hand of the Lord, in this blessing. B. Most of us are not really that quick to recognize that God loves and cares for ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:5-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Peace

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Mar 9, 2002

Many seek peace from areas that cannot provide it and ignore the peace which God offers.

Psalm 85:8 - 8 I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones. But let them not return to their foolish ways. John 14:27 - 27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Gnats And Other Annoyances

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Feb 7, 2002

So often little things become important and important things seem to be left unseen.

Matt. 23:24 - 24“Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! During the summer of 1970, a certain individual worked for a road construction company that was rebuilding U.S. highway 90 along the Mississippi gulf coast. This, follow- ing the devastation of hurricane Camille the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Give And Take

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Feb 7, 2002

There are many areas in which we must give and many areas in which we must take.

Life is a “give and take” proposition. A. This is true in the area of material possessions and money. 1. We give of our time and talents in the work place and we take an agreed upon wage for our efforts B. This is true in love and emotional support. 1. We are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:40-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fulfilled

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Feb 7, 2002

As Christians, we need to seek fulfillment, contentment, and peace with God.

We have been told over and over......and in many different ways that we should be fulfilled and content in Christ. A. Too often, this fulfillment and contentment is not defined and directions to achieve this goal are lacking. My questions is this: Are we all content, fulfilled, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ