Sermons by Bruce Pratt (Page 7)
No Reason to Wait
Sermon text: Revelation 4 & 5 Why is worship important? Look no further than the throne room of God. Worship is central to the existence of the beings gathered around God’s throne. So if worship is a key aspect of life in heaven, shouldn’t it be here on earth? After all, God is the One who created us and gives us our being. And Jesus is the One who saved us and gives us the hope for tomorrow and eternity.…
More Than a Book
Topical Sermon Sermon 2 in our series “More Than Checking the Boxes.” The Bible is our guide for life. Yet, its importance can get lost in the rush of daily life. If it mattered enough to God to write it and preserve it, shouldn’t it matter enough to us to know what’s in it? Not just a surface awareness of its contents, either. No, a deep, abiding appreciation for and understanding of Scripture. This is what we need to grow,…
Connecting for the Kingdom
Sermon text: Ephesians 4:11-16 This first sermon in the series “More Than Checking the Boxes” looks at why being part of a regular Bible study matters. A follower of Jesus Christ should be a lifelong student of His Word. To that end, Jesus designed His church to lead believers toward Christian maturity.
Fully Functional Faith
Sermon text: Philippians 2:12-13 While salvation occurs at a point in time, it is not only a once and done event. After you’re saved, you should continue to grow and develop as a Christian. This is what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote, “work out your own salvation.” A believer’s testimony is much more than recounting the day they accepted Christ. What is God doing in your life right now?
Doing It God’s Way
Sermon text: Judges 7:1-22 In this last sermon of our three week study of Gideon, the climactic battle with Midian occurs. Though it isn’t much of a battle. Instead of using conventional methods, Gideon is led by God to take a very different direction. Israel is given a great victory by God, and we can learn some important lessons. First, when we do it God’s way, God is the One who receives the glory. Second, God will encourage us along…
When God Calls, Part 2
Sermon text: Judges 6:25-35 In the second sermon of the series on Gideon, we focus on stepping out when called. Gideon’s experience shows that there are a number of real possibilities when a believer heeds God’s call. Changes may be needed, either internal or external. Furthermore, one’s commitment to God could put them at odds with others. On the other hand, some people may actually be attracted to the mission God has ordained.
When God Calls
Sermon text: Judges 6:11-16 God calls people to do all sorts of things. The call could be to a whole new life pursuit or to a short assignment. Regardless of the length or difficulty of the call, God will always be there leading and equipping. Yet we often push back against His call at first blush. God’s call to Gideon shows us some of the ways we do this.
We Can Help
Sermon text: 1 Peter 2:17 In the midst of a fractured world, Christians have an opportunity to bring people together. We have the message of hope that so many need to hear. But the church must separate itself from the rampant shrillness that marks so much of modern discourse. Instead we must value people the way that God does. We must love our fellow Christians. We must fear God and get in line with His plan. And we must give…
Dealing with Sin
Sermon text: Psalm 32 Salvation opens up the avenue to a relationship with the Lord. Sin sullies that relationship and brings the believer grief and sorrow. When sin goes unconfessed, it builds up and makes confession increasingly difficult. But God is gracious to forgive us of our sin when we come to Him in humility.
Your Father Knows
Sermon text: Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is one of the most well-known passages in the New Testament. It also is a serious challenge to His followers. Near the end of the sermon Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock. This is not just some random instruction or invitation. It really provides the basis on how we can live the directives of Jesus’ great sermon.