Sermon Central
-
People Don't Pay Attention
Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 23, 2008 (message contributor)
PEOPLE DON’T PAY ATTENTION
Most people ascribe to the belief that seeing is believing. What you see is what you get. In January 2007, the Washington Post did an experiment to test what people see. They arranged for a young man named Joshua Bell to play music at the Metro station. By most measures, he was nondescript--wearing jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a Washington Nationals baseball cap. From a small case, he removed a violin. Placing the open case at his feet, he threw in a few dollars and pocket change as seed money and began to play. For the next 45 minutes, Bell played Mozart and Schubert as over 1,000 people streamed by, most hardly taking notice.
If they had paid attention, they might have recognized the young man for the world-renowned violinist he is. They also might have noted the violin he played--a rare Stradivarius worth over $3 million. Just three days earlier, Joshua Bell sold out Boston Symphony Hall, with ordinary seats going for $100. In the subway, Bell garnered about $32 from the 27 people who stopped long enough to give a donation.
What we see is not always reality. The people at the subway station saw just another out-of-work musician playing for change. The reality was that they were witnesses to a world famous musician.
(SOURCE: From a sermon by Charles Riner, "What Do You See" SermonCentral.com, 7/1/08)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Farmer Went To His Banker And Announced That He ... PRO
Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Dec 28, 2004
A farmer went to his banker and announced that he had bad news and good news. “First, the bad news...” “Well,” said the farmer, “I can’t make my mortgage payments. And that crop loan I’ve taken out for the past 10 years—I can’t pay that off, either. Not only that, I won’t be able to pay you the ...read more
-
From Joni Eareckson-Tada:‘why Do We Feel So Bad ... PRO
Contributed by Peter Bines on Sep 6, 2005
From Joni Eareckson-Tada:‘Why do we feel so bad about our past sins? Because we confuse sin with its impression. Got a notebook nearby? Let me show you how it can be so. Write the word ‘sin’ on the top page. Press hard. Now tear of that sheet of paper, crumple it up and throw it across the room. ...read more
-
You Know, When I Was A Little Boy My Mother ...
Contributed by Mizraim Esquilin on Oct 8, 2004
You know, when I was a little boy my mother taught us to sing a song that was written by Civilla Martin. Although many hymn books says that it was C. Gabriel who wrote this song, a deep historical investigation shows that Miss Martin was visiting a very close friend that was dying. This lady ...read more
-
John Thomas Oaks Is Musician In Nyc ... PRO
Contributed by Tom Doubt on Mar 19, 2004
John Thomas Oaks is musician in NYC [www.oaksengine.com] . On a chilly November, in Manhattan, he was playing at the Starbucks Café on 51st & Broadway. Others had said it was the most lucrative Starbucks in the world; tips were good if you played your tunes right. John was playing tunes from the ...read more
-
Andrew Murray Once Said About This "Christ's ...
Contributed by Jeff Simms on Jun 28, 2005
Andrew Murray once said about this “Christ’s servants have the spiritual power to use the Name of Jesus only insofar as they yield themselves to live only for the interests and thework of the Master. The use of the name always supposes the surrender of our ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Hope In A Covenant Of Faith Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 18, 2018
A Covenant of Faith and a man named Abraham. Romans 4:3, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
-
What You Do Have?
Contributed by Charles Jones on Apr 21, 2019
Your Next Blessing May Just Be In Your House
-
"I Am Blessed" Series
Contributed by Sean Harder on Jan 22, 2014
The blessings we have in Christ help make up our spiritual identity.
-
Best Outcome For Covid-19 Pandemic Series
Contributed by Richard Tow on Mar 30, 2020
This message focuses on God's intentions toward His people, and the good outcome that He desires for us in the current crisis. What is the key to finding the best solution for the coronavirus pandemic?
-
The Dictionary Of God's Word Series
Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Mar 23, 2015
More wisdom from God’s dictionary. 1- Hatred stirs up trouble 2- Words can bless or blister 3- God’s way is a refuge
