Sermon Central
-
A Pastor In Disguise
Contributed by Sermon Central on Nov 9, 2013 (message contributor)
A Pastor in Disguise
A few years ago at a Methodist Church in North Wales, as worshippers arrived at the church, they were distressed to see a dirty, drunk, smelly homeless man on the front steps. They didn't realize this bum was actually their pastor, Derek Rigby, who had disguised himself as a homeless man. To prepare for that morning, Derek hadn't shaved that week. He caked dirt on his hands and face and drew on tattoos. He went to a thrift shop and bought old clothes and ripped them, rubbed them in dirt and soaked them in beer. To complete his disguise he donned a scraggly wig and put on thick broken glasses and hung a half-smoked cigarette from his mouth. Then he sat on the church steps clutching a can of beer. On that morning not one of the members of his congregation spoke to him or offered to help. You can imagine their shock when it came time for the sermon and this homeless man walked on staged and took off the wig. Then he told them they were a stingy lot. He talked about how Jesus said that when we help one of the "least of these" we are helping Jesus. It was a disturbing experience.
(From a sermon by David Dykes, Has Jesus Touched Your Eyes?, 8/20/2012)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Small Words, Profound Effect PRO
Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jan 12, 2003
SMALL WORDS, PROFOUND EFFECT "The tongue has the power of life and death . . . " That may sound a bit extreme to you; a bit exaggerated. How could mere words kill anyone? But consider this. You’re probably familiar with Karen Carpenter, the popular singer from the seventies who died in 1983 of ...read more
-
Fisherman PRO
Contributed by Timothy Jones on Jan 16, 2003
Fisherman American businessman was at a pier in a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. ...read more
-
Martin Of Tours Was A Roman Soldier And A ... PRO
Contributed by Philip Gill on Jan 13, 2003
Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold, and Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier’s coat, worn and frayed as it was; ...read more
-
When I Was Growing Up My Parents Raised Chickens. ... PRO
Contributed by Jonathan Busch on Jan 13, 2003
When I was growing up my parents raised chickens. Chickens have a very interesting social life. Bill Hybels notes: "Take ten chickens, any ten. Put them in a pen together, and spread a little chicken feed. In short order, you will witness an amazing phenomenon. In a matter of minutes, the ...read more
-
Clip From Final Scene Of "Shrek" PRO
Contributed by Guy Caley on Jan 26, 2003
Clip from final scene of "Shrek" Fiona: "I was supposed to be beautiful" Shrek: "But you are beautiful" Unconditional love. It’s the deepest longing of our hearts, because each of us harbors deep inside the fear that if others really knew us, that they would want nothing to do with us. In ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Every Step Of The Way Series
Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 29, 2013
Jeremiah points out that God will be faithful to you every step of the way. Each day when you rise, God will already be taking care of you. His grace, strength and love will be as much a daily part of you life as is breathing.
-
Compassionate Giving
Contributed by Bruce Ball on Nov 23, 2014
This message explains the necessity of giving to a compassionate ministry so others might be helped. The parable of the Good Samaritan in LUKE 10 is used as the example.
-
The Power Of Forgiveness
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Oct 30, 2021
God forgives us our sins, and He commands us to always forgive those that offend us in any way of the other. When we do, we have a lot of blessings to enjoy.
-
The Food Sign Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 20, 2017
Jesus did many miracles but only 2 are told about in all four Gospels. One is the miracle of Jesus' resurrection... and the other is the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. The question is "Why are these 2 the only miracles listed that in all 4?"
-
Do The Small Thing To Show The Main Thing
Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Apr 13, 2016
What is servant evangelism: It is demonstrating the kindness of God The Love God by offering to do some act of humble service with no strings attached. Do the small thing to show the main thing -- God's Love.
