Sermon Central
-
Traders Vs. ...
Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 8, 2009 (message contributor)
Traders vs. Investors
We all have seen the effect of those who have given up on the economy.
In his newspaper column called “Market Report,” Bill Barnhart once explained the difference between investors and traders in the stock market.
“A trader in a stock,” writes Barnhart, “is making decisions minute-by-minute in the hope of shaving off profits measured in fractions of a dollar. … An investor, on the other hand, typically buys or sells a stock based on views about the company and the economy at large.”
In other words, traders are wheelers and dealers. They pursue short-term profits. Traders may have no confidence whatsoever in the companies in which they buy stock but they buy, smelling an immediate payoff.
By contrast, investors are in it for the long haul. They “chain themselves to the mast.” Investors commit their money to a stock, believing that over a period of years and even decades the stock will pay strong dividends and steadily grow in value. Investors aren’t flustered by the typical ups and downs of the market because they believe in the quality of the company, its leaders, and its product.
In the kingdom of God there are also investors and traders. They come to Christ with very different goals. Traders in the kingdom want God to improve their lot in this world. If following Christ means pain or hardship, they sell out.
But investors in the kingdom stay true to Christ no matter what happens in this world, knowing that eternal dividends await them (Larson, Craig Brian: 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers. Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Books, 2002, S. 68).
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
During The Time Of The Second Great Awakening In ... PRO
Contributed by Scott Malone on Mar 1, 2005
During the time of the Second Great Awakening in America, Charles Finney was the foremost among the great evangelists. Many people know him. However few know the name, Daniel Nash. Nash was a lackluster pastor in upper New York State who, at the age of 48, dedicated his life to prayer. Long ...read more
-
I Sometimes Like To Ask Skeptics Of The ... PRO
Contributed by Guy Caley on Dec 26, 2002
I sometimes like to ask skeptics of the Christ-story what percent of the knowledge available in the world they have: "Do you think you know even one percent of all there is to be known in the universe?" Invariably they reply they don’t know even one percent. Then I’ll ask, "Is it possible that ...read more
-
I Looked About Some More And Saw A Huge Maple ...
Contributed by Lisa Delay on Aug 10, 2005
I looked about some more and saw a huge maple tree. Magnificent, tall and strong it had many leaves like a flowing royal garment. It was lush and full of gorgeous green foliage so not a branch could be seen. It was in all its glory. -Lisa DeLay, wrier and founder of wit4life.com As I continued ...read more
-
The New Pluralism Demands That You Must Not Say ...
Contributed by Scott Malone on Mar 1, 2005
“The new pluralism demands that you must not say that anyone else’s belief is inferior or, worse yet, flatly mistaken. To say someone is wrong is to be intolerant, to be close-minded and provincial, to be extreme and is impossible to reason with.” ...read more
Related Sermons
-
"Why Are You Standing Here?"
Contributed by Timm Meyer on Apr 11, 2011
EASTER 7(A) - God’s angels ask the disciples why they are still standing at the place of Jesus’ ascension. We are to go to share God’s kingdom of grace. We are to watch for God’s kingdom of glory.
-
God's Fingerprint
Contributed by Larry Moore on Dec 9, 2006
A message about one of the spiritual attributes of God that’s described with physical examples. The responsibility of believers to be a part of this attribute.
-
Pentecost: The Birth Of The Church Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 15, 2010
A sermon examining the events on the day of Pentecost
-
Hidden Treasure?
Contributed by Derek Geldart on Nov 6, 2017
In today’s sermon I want to encourage you to first examine the value of the treasure of both God’s word and salvation and second to invite others to make a decision for Christ before it is too late.
-
The Narrow Door Series
Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jan 3, 2015
The danger of being excluded from the kingdom of God teaches us to be sure that we have entered the kingdom of God.
