Sermon Central
-
The Prayer Police
Contributed by Sermon Central on Aug 16, 2011 (message contributor)
THE PRAYER POLICE
A little over 3 years ago, a group of students at an Alabama high school recited the Lord’s Prayer together in the lunchroom, which prompted a suit by the parents of another student. In response, Judge Ira Dement, on October 29, 1997, termed the action "religiously based harassment" and issued a broad ruling that banned all forms of prayer in Alabama schools, including those which are voluntary and student-led. He also prohibited groups like the Gideons from distributing Bibles in schools, and even specifically barred prayer in times of national emergencies, such as wars or natural disasters. He then ordered federal monitors to stalk hallways and classrooms in search of any students or teachers who cared to pray on school grounds. The prayer police had arrived.
Fortunately for the future of religious freedom in this country, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Judge DeMent’s ruling last October.
(From a sermon by Alison Bucklin, The Gift of Persecution, 6/8/2011)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Billy Graham Noted, "Faith Is The Avenue Of ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Burkey on Jun 23, 2005
Billy Graham noted, “Faith is the avenue of salvation. Not intellectual understanding. Not money. Not your works. Just simple faith. How much faith? The faith of a mustard seed, so small you can hardly see it. But if you will put that little faith in the person of Jesus, your ...read more
-
You Can't Break God's Promises By Leaning On ... PRO
Contributed by Kim Huffman on Mar 31, 2004
You can’t break God’s promises by ...read more
-
Corrie Ten Boom Was A Courageous Dutch Woman Who ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Burkey on Jun 23, 2005
Corrie ten Boom was a courageous Dutch woman who was interned in a Nazi prison camp during World War II because her family helped to hide Jewish people from the Gestapo. During her imprisonment, Corrie endured some of the worst degradation a person can experience. Her sister, Betsy, died in the ...read more
-
From Studying The Brain Scientists Have Found ...
Contributed by Lisa Delay on Aug 28, 2005
From studying the brain scientists have found that repeated thoughts actually create physical grooves in the brain. When we practice a skill, learn a sport or study facts, a little trench is carved into our brain tissue. This is another reason why it is hard to break a habit. A habit is truly ...read more
-
Tim Bowden, In His Book One Crowded Hour About ... PRO
Contributed by Kenneth Henes on Jun 22, 2004
Tim Bowden, in his book One Crowded Hour about cameraman Neil Davis, tells about an incident that happened in Borneo during the confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia in 1964. A group of Gurkhas from Nepal were asked if they would be willing to jump from transport planes into combat against ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Church Of The New Testament - Part 6 Series
Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 14, 2018
Part 6 - While still in its infancy, the church began to experience serious problems. Problems in the church from inside and outside sources seem to be a common element that plagues Christians in every age. What is the solution?
-
A Church That Is Alive
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Dec 12, 2015
A sermon examining the church that is alive and moving forward for Christ.
-
Truth And It's Consequences
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014
The consequences of boldness and taking a stand for the truth.
-
Preparing For The Adventure Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 15, 2016
Within 3 years of its launch, the early church faced persecution and death. And yet the church not only continued to survive, but thrive. How did it manage to do that?
-
The Puzzle Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 25, 2018
The story in Acts 8, that tells of Philip's preaching in Samaria resulting in an Evangelism Explosion, contains 3 puzzles that many folks overlook. What are these puzzles and what can they teach us about our walk with Christ?
