-
I Remember An Old "Dragnet” ...
Contributed by Clark Tanner on Oct 6, 2002 (message contributor)
I remember an old “Dragnet” television episode back in the mid ‘60s, when the arguments about the dangers or relative safeties of marijuana use were in full bloom. The main character, Sgt Joe Friday, was expounding to a young suspect the harmful effects and results of heroine sale and use, and how in his business he witnessed many times, that so-called innocent marijuana users often graduated to worse things. He ended his tirade by saying, “You want to know what I think of marijuana? I judge it by the company it keeps”.
Christians, people outside of the church do not understand the church. They do not know Jesus; they have absolutely no knowledge of the Holy Spirit; they do not care one iota for the will of the Father; but as they look on, and hear that we call ourselves ‘Christians’, and watch our lives, they will judge us by the company we keep.
And when they look at a church body and witness gossip and judgmental-ism and condemnation, and formalism and ritual, but no love and no peace, they will see no need whatsoever, to separate themselves from the life they have in order to join what is there. They will go away with a shrug, saying, “They are no different, so why waste my time?”
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Wife Went With Her Friend To The Police Station ... PRO
Contributed by Bo Dunford on Apr 15, 2005
A wife went with her friend to the police station to report that her husband was missing! * When the policeman asked for a description, she said, “He’s 6 foot 2, has deep blue eyes, dark wavy hair, athletic build, well-groomed and sharply dressed, weighs 185 pounds .......” * “He’s ...read more
-
According To Medieval Legend, Before King Arthur ... PRO
Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 27, 2002
"According to medieval legend, before King Arthur sent his knights on errantry to right wrongs and befriend the helpless, he would call them together at his round table, where each knight could see the face of the his king and the faces of his fellows. Shall the followers of the King of Kings do ...read more
-
Consider This Short Poem Entitled "Power Of ... PRO
Contributed by Chris Hodges on Jul 28, 2003
Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word ...read more
-
How Do I Know He Lives? PRO
Contributed by John Hamby on Aug 11, 2003
How Do I Know He Lives? How do I know that Christ has risen? What proof have I to give? He touched my life one blessed day, And I began to live. How do I know he left the tomb That morning long ago? I met Him just this morning, And my heart is still aglow. How do I know the endless ...read more
-
All For One PRO
Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 27, 2002
ALL FOR ONE "According to Bill Jauss and Steve Rosenbloom in the Chicago Tribune, on July 19, 1996, Chad Kreuter, a reserve catcher for the Chicago White Sox, severely dislocated and fractured his left shoulder on a play at home. He underwent surgery, and the Sox placed him on the sixty-day ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Marks Of A Successful Church
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014
What is the REAL evidence of a successful church.
-
Honor One Another Series
Contributed by David Owens on Sep 28, 2009
We discover in this sermon that to honor one another above ourselves, we must learn to be humble.
-
The Spirit Of The Mixed Multitude
Contributed by Babatunmishe Oke on Apr 24, 2013
Dealing with thoae who try to sabotage the church and the children of God
-
Living In Love Or Death Series
Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jan 14, 2013
We are taught here in John that we know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brethren. Love of the brethren is a proof of sonship. People with a heart for God have a heart for people.
-
A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose
Contributed by Duane Smith on Oct 27, 2008
The goal of this message is to help us understand that God dwells in us and that He has a purpose in the church being a living, vibrant community of believers.