Sermon Central
-
In My Studies This Week I Came Across These Words ... PRO
Contributed by Steve Malone on Apr 5, 2004 (message contributor)
In my studies this week I came across these words from a book in my office called, The Jesus I Never Knew, by Philip Yancey.
As my class in Chicago read the Gospels and watched movies about Jesus’ life, we noticed a striking pattern: the more unsavory the characters, the more at ease they seemed to feel around Jesus.
PEOPLE – like these found Jesus appealing: a Samaritan social outcast, a militant officer of the tyrant Herod, a quisling tax collector, a recent hostess of 7 demons.
In contrast, Jesus got a chilly response from more respectable types. Pious Pharisees thought him uncouth and worldly, a rich young ruler walked away shaking his head, and even the open-minded Nicodemus sought a meeting under the cover of darkness.
I remarked to the class how strange this pattern seemed, since the Christian church now attracts respectable types who closely resemble the people most suspicious of Jesus on earth. What has happened to reverse the pattern of Jesus day? Why don’t sinners like being around us?
I recounted a story told to me by a friend who works with the down and outs in Chicago. A prostitute came to him in wretched sraits, homeless, her health failing, unable to buy food for her 2 year old daughter. Her eyes awash with tears, she confessed that she had been renting out her daughter – 2 years old! – to men.. to support her drug habit. My friend could barely bear hearing the sordid details of her story. He sat in silence not knowing what to say.
At last he asked if she had ever thought of going to a church for help. “I will never forget the look of pure astonishment that crossed her face,” he later told me. “Church!” she cried. “Why would I ever gatherer?...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
One Day In The South Pacific, A Navy Ship Saw ... PRO
Contributed by Kenneth Burisek on Apr 12, 2005
One day in the South Pacific, a navy ship saw smoke coming from one of three huts on an uncharted island. Upon arriving at the shore they were met by a shipwreck survivor. He said, "I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve been alone on this island for more than five years!" The captain replied, "If ...read more
-
A Leader Is A Person With A Magnet In His Heart ... PRO
Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000
A leader is a person with a magnet in his heart and a compass in his ...read more
-
On January 6, 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt ...
Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 7, 2005
On January 6, 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress as to the state of the war in Europe. Most of what he said that day has been forgotten. However at the close of his address, he said that he looked forward "to a world founded upon four essential ...read more
-
He Proved Them Wrong PRO
Contributed by Bruce Howell on Mar 25, 2004
“He Proved Them Wrong” They told him he wasn’t good enough. He was too slow and too small to compete with men who were bigger and faster. The only thing the coach said was, “You’re not good enough to play for us. Turn in your helmet.” He packed everything he owned into a 6 ...read more
Related Sermons
-
20/20 Vision
Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Apr 23, 2012
A church is headed nowhere until it has a clear vision
-
How To Let Christ Shine Through You
Contributed by Greg Nance on Feb 25, 2013
God's purpose for our lives in Christ is clearly for His glory and our good. That begins NOW as we fulfill His purposes and let Christ shine through us to others.
-
The Church Series
Contributed by Timothy Gardner on Nov 27, 2012
The word "Church" is so often used out of context. This sermon series helps the church (the people) identify how God defines church buy using seven different analogies found in the Bible. This is the introduction sermon to the series. There are eight serm
-
The Hardcore, Hypocrite, Heretic And Heinous Church Members
Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Nov 27, 2012
Who's in Church that is keeping you out?
-
A Day Set Aside
Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Jan 2, 2009
There is a day that we as Christians use for worship with each other. This day is special and should be kept special.
