Sermon Central
-
Asking The Visitor To Leave
Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 11, 2018 (message contributor)
Note: This story is told from my perspective - Jim Butcher of Madison WV.
I was visiting with one of our long-time members a few months ago and she related an interesting story about her visit to Madison Baptist decades ago.
Rosemary was sitting along the aisle, waiting on the service to begin, when a member of the church tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to look up at the member, who said, “You’re in my seat.” The visitor apologized, got up, and the member sat down. The visitor proceeded to walk down the aisle to exit the church, justifiably feeling unwelcome, heading for the doors.
Fortunately, an usher stopped her at the back of the sanctuary and invited her to sit with him and his family. That saved the day, the visitor stayed for the service, and then decided to return. It’s crazy to think, though, how close our church was to losing a person who would go on to be a valuable member of the church for decades because of one person’s rudeness to a visitor.
It’s easy to think that what you do or don’t do Sunday mornings really doesn’t make a difference, but this story is a reminder that it does. Are you welcoming to our visitors? Or are you someone who makes a new person want to head for the exit?
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Spurgeon (1) Wrote, " I Think I May Say To Every ... PRO
Contributed by Michael Raisbeck on Jul 18, 2003
Spurgeon (1) wrote, " I think I may say to every person whom I am addressing,-If you are yourself saved, the work is but half done until you are employed to bring others to Christ. You are as yet but half formed in the image of your Lord. You have not attained to the full development of the ...read more
-
Martin Luther Had Visitors For Dinner One Day. ...
Contributed by Dan Mahan on Jan 7, 2007
Martin Luther had visitors for dinner one day. His puppy happened to be at the table, looking for a morsel from his master. The puppy watched with open mouth and motionless eyes. Martin Luther said, "Oh, if I could only pray the way this dog watches the meat! All his thoughts are concentrated on ...read more
-
A Lot Of People Think They Are Self-Acclaimed ... PRO
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 5, 2007
A lot of people think they are self-acclaimed experts. Take this health food advice: Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it... don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. ...read more
-
Christianity Is A Religion, A Faith Of Love. ...
Contributed by Jim Kane on Jan 12, 2007
Christianity is a religion, a faith of love. Despite the fact that many, unfortunately, have been hurt in the name of Jesus, Christianity has liberated millions of people’s needs of all kinds. The love of God has been, and continues to be, a ...read more
-
Always, Love Is A Choice. You Come Up Against ...
Contributed by Mark Ferrante on Feb 10, 2007
Always, love is a choice. You come up against scores of opportunities every day to love or not to love. You encounter hundreds of small chances to please your friends, delight your Lord and encourage your family. That’s why love and obedience are intimately linked--you can’t have one without the ...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?
-
Falling Out Of Church
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 23, 2014
Examining the importance of church attendance.
-
The Marks Of A Successful Church
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014
What is the REAL evidence of a successful church.
-
God Will Fix It For You
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 7, 2017
Using Psalm 107, this sermon explores how God's love is expressed to us in the context of our troubles in life; then, how worship is birthed in our hearts out of these experiences.
-
True Worship, A Call To Worship
Contributed by Horace Wimpey on Apr 25, 2013
In Nehemiah 8, we see true worship by the people. We see a longing for God's word; Listening to God's word and we see that we must let God speak to us through His word.
