Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of understanding and knowing God in his Sunday night sermon. He begins by discussing the imminent return of Jesus Christ, highlighting the urgency of being spiritually prepared. The sermon explores how individuals can deepen their relationship with God through various means, including creation, scripture, and personal experience. Pastor Crawford shares insights from Psalm 88, illustrating the psalmist's earnest cries during trials, and how these moments can lead to a greater dependence on God. He concludes by affirming that knowing God profoundly impacts one's decisions, relationships, and overall purpose in life, urging listeners to reflect on their own understanding of God’s nature and presence in their lives.

Pastor Crawford's Sunday night sermon centers around the theme of knowing God, emphasizing the importance of understanding His nature and presence in our lives. The sermon begins with a powerful reminder of the imminent return of Jesus Christ and transitions into the discussion of how God reveals Himself through various avenues. Pastor Crawford highlights the significance of creation, stating that the beauty and complexity of the world around us serve as a testament to God's existence and glory. He references Psalm 19, where the heavens declare the glory of God, urging listeners to recognize that God is not distant but actively involved in our lives and the world.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of knowing God, which impacts every decision in life.
• He discusses how understanding God's nature can influence personal finances and relationships significantly.
• The message highlights that trials and hardships can deepen one's relationship with God and reveal His purpose.
• Pastor Crawford encourages the congregation to rely on God's presence and power during difficult times.
• He notes that God's attributes are displayed through Jesus Christ, providing a clear picture of God's love and grace.
• The sermon reiterates that faith in God equips individuals to handle life's challenges with strength and resilience.

Pastor Crawford's sermon on Psalm 147 emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving as a response to God's grace, mercy, and power. He highlights how the Israelites, having returned from captivity, express their gratitude for God's restoration and healing. The pastor encourages listeners to focus on their relationship with Jesus Christ, suggesting that such focus can transform their lives. He illustrates how God's infinite understanding and care are reflected in His provisions for both nature and humanity, urging individuals to recognize and respond to His goodness. Ultimately, the message calls for a life filled with praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging God's unwavering support in every facet of life.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ in daily life, suggesting that many aspects would improve if individuals kept their eyes on Him.
• Psalm 147 is characterized as a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's goodness and grace towards Israel after their return from captivity.
• The sermon highlights God's infinite power, as illustrated by His ability to name and count the stars, showcasing His greatness and intimate knowledge of creation.
• Pastor Crawford encourages parents to ensure their children are exposed to wholesome music that directs them towards God, exemplifying the role of psalms in shaping spiritual values.
• The speaker points out that true Christianity is not merely a set of rules but rather a deep personal relationship with God, emphasizing the need to know Him intimately.
• God's provision and protection are underscored throughout the sermon, with a reminder that He cares for His people and provides for their needs in every season.

Pastor Eric Crawford delivers a powerful Thanksgiving message emphasizing the importance of being thankful in all circumstances. He draws attention to the biblical mandate found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which instructs believers to give thanks in everything, highlighting that gratitude is not merely a reaction to positive experiences but a command from God. Throughout his sermon, he reflects on historical moments of gratitude, such as the first Thanksgiving by the Plymouth Colony and proclamations by national leaders, reinforcing the idea that thankfulness is deeply rooted in American tradition. Pastor Crawford also challenges listeners to recognize their blessings, even amid trials, and to instill a sense of gratitude in the next generation. He underscores that true thankfulness stems from understanding that all good gifts come from God, encouraging a mindset of appreciation that transcends life's challenges.

Pastor Eric Crawford delivers a compelling Thanksgiving sermon that underscores the significance of gratitude within the Christian life. He begins by revisiting the historical roots of Thanksgiving, particularly the struggles endured by the Plymouth Colonists, who, despite their hardships, chose to set aside time to express gratitude to God. This historical context serves as a foundation for his assertion that thankfulness is not just a seasonal observance but an essential component of faith. He cites 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which commands believers to give thanks in all circumstances, emphasizing that gratitude should permeate every aspect of life, regardless of external conditions.

Throughout his message, Pastor Crawford contrasts the experiences of Americans with those of individuals in developing countries, highlighting how even the economically disadvantaged in the U.S. are often better off than many globally. This comparison serves as a poignant reminder of the myriad blessings that surround us, from material possessions to the intangible gifts of family and freedom. He challenges his audience to actively cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, not only in their words but also through their actions, thereby modeling this behavior for future generations. Pastor Crawford stresses that gratitude is a command from God, urging the congregation to recognize the importance of obeying this directive as a pathway to peace and fulfillment.

As he concludes, Pastor Crawford addresses the challenge of maintaining a thankful heart during difficult times. He asserts that true gratitude arises from a deep-seated faith in God's sovereignty and goodness, referencing Romans 8:28, which reassures believers that God works all things for good. By reframing their perspective on adversity, he encourages his listeners to find reasons to be thankful even amid trials. The sermon culminates in a call for the congregation to acknowledge the source of their blessings and to embody a lifestyle of thankfulness, ultimately transforming their individual lives and strengthening the church community.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Eric Crawford emphasizes the importance of being thankful in all circumstances, as commanded in the Bible.
• He recounts the historical significance of Thanksgiving, linking it to America's early settlers and their gratitude to God.
• The pastor highlights the contrast between a thankful spirit and the current trend of ingratitude prevalent in society today.
• Crawford encourages listeners to recognize God's blessings and to express gratitude not only in words but also through their actions.
• He discusses the challenges of being thankful during difficult times, affirming that our perspective on God's control is crucial.
• Finally, he stresses the necessity of teaching children the value of gratitude, fostering a culture of thankfulness in families.