Forever Young

03/16/25 • 25 min

In this sermon by Doug Pratt, the emphasis is on living a fruitful life, particularly as one grows older. Pratt addresses those already in their later years and those who hope to reach them one day. Drawing from Psalm 92, he challenges the cultural allure of remaining "forever young," as epitomized in Bob Dylan's song. Instead, Pratt proposes that being "forever fruitful" is the attainable and desirable goal.

Using the metaphor of the date palm tree, which produces sweeter fruit as it ages, he suggests that life's best contributions may come later with experience. The sermon urges personal growth in faith and kindness and emphasizes making meaningful impacts on others. Pratt highlights seven aspects of a fruitful later life, including lifelong learning and deepening relationships, as integral to a full and balanced life beyond just wealth and health.

The sermon concludes with a reimagined blessing, aiming for listeners to add life to their years. Pratt's prayer seeks God's guidance for leading a fruitful life reflecting divine intent.

The sermon concludes with a reimagined blessing, aiming for listeners to add life to their years. Pratt's prayer seeks God's guidance for leading a fruitful life reflecting divine intent.

Previous Episode

Listening to the Letters of Jesus

In this sermon by Chris Romig, the emphasis is on the season of Lent and its profound role in the Christian tradition as a time for self-examination leading up to Easter. Chirs describes Lent as a centuries-old practice rooted in aligning with God's holiness and truth.

The sermon outlines a practical approach to observing Lent by engaging with the seven letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. Chris highlights these letters as timeless messages from Jesus relevant for churches today. Each day of the week, he encourages reflection on a different letter, prompting self-examination with questions like: Are we offering wholehearted worship? What fears might limit our courage for Christ?

Chris calls for personal and communal prayer, drawing inspiration from historical revivals such as the 1949-1952 revival on the Isle of Lewis, which underscored the transformative power of prayer. He uses this example to inspire a desire for God's renewal in the community.

The sermon concludes by urging the congregation to deeply engage with Lent, embracing it as a time for genuine repentance and seeking God's presence. Chris believes this can lead to a powerful spiritual awakening, reviving both individuals and the church community.

Next Episode

Revelation 4:1-11

In this sermon by Chris Romig, the focus is on understanding the pivotal vision presented in chapters four and five of the book of Revelation. Chris explains that these chapters shift the focus from past and present events to future revelations, laying the groundwork for understanding God's ultimate plan for judgment and restoration. He emphasizes how Revelation chapter four begins with a vision of God’s throne, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and control over the unfolding events.

Chris points out that the vision is not just about the catastrophic imagery that follows in Revelation but is anchored in the majestic and awe-inspiring depiction of God, which reassures believers of God's authority. The depiction of God's throne is filled with symbolism, from the dazzling gemstones representing God's beauty to the rainbow symbolizing God's promises. Surrounding the throne are angelic beings and elders, all engaged in worship, emphasizing God's holiness and eternal nature.

The sermon draws attention to worship as a central theme in Revelation, encouraging believers to adopt worship as a lifestyle, giving glory and honor to God. Chris reflects on the continual worship in heaven, inspiring believers to elevate their worship practice on earth, in anticipation of heavenly worship. He concludes by challenging the congregation to imagine worshiping as if already in the presence of God, aiming to make earthly worship reflect the glory and splendor of heaven.