Sermon Central
-
I Was That Baby Boy Who Almost Died
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Mar 15, 2022 (message contributor)
When I was 15 years old, I met Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. It was the summer before my sophomore year in high school. That summer, the Lord called me to preach with an unmistakable calling on my life. I had a dream of one of my best friends one night. He was surrounded by flames and darkness and calling out to me, "Larry, why didn't you tell me! Larry, why didn't you tell me about Jesus!" I woke up from that dream and called my best friend in high school at midnight and led him to faith in Christ. I had no clue how to do it. It had to be God. It certainly wasn't me. That friend became a tremendous lawyer and author of Christian books. I realized through that experience that there was nothing more exciting than sharing the Gospel. The next Sunday I went to my home church and shared with the Pastor during the invitation that I believed God had called me to preach.
A ton of people came by to encourage me and hug me. The very last person who came through the line was my father. He said, "Son, I need to tell you a story." I said, "Well, Dad, can you make it fast? The Cowboys and Packers are about to play a football game on tv and I'm hungry!"
Dad looked at me and said, "Years ago a baby was born in Dallas and the parents were later warned that he might not live very long because of a complication. Sure enough, he became very ill and the doctors said he probably would not make it. The father went out in front of the old St. Paul Hospital in downtown Dallas and got on his knees on the front lawn of the hospital and cried out to God for his healing."
I had no idea who Dad was talking about and I was getting very hungry.
Then Dad began to weep and said, "Son, God answered the prayers of that father and healed that boy. The father gave his son to the Lord and said, 'Do whatever you want in His life. Just let him live.' And Son, I want you to know today that YOU are that boy and I was that father." I had never heard that story before.
I cannot tell you how this moment touched my heart on the day God called me to preach. I have preached to thousands of people and have been so blessed in my ministry. And when the enemy comes against me or I am facing doubts in my own heart, I remember that story from my father from years ago. I reaffirm to myself that I am alive because God healed me, God saved me, and God called me for His glory.
I should have been in Heaven years ago....but God allowed me the opportunity to have a beautiful life on earth, have a great family, have a tremendous ministry, preach the Word of God and tell you this story. There are no accidents in my life. As I always say, "I am in SALES.....He is in MANAGEMENT!" To God be the glory.
- Dr. Larry Petton
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Speaker In Colorado Was About To Address A ...
Contributed by Bruce Howell on Jan 3, 2005
A speaker in Colorado was about to address a gathering of businessmen and women. Sitting a the head table, he turned to the real estate salesman on his left and said, "So, how are things going for you?" "Terrible," he answered. "Haven¡¯t you heard about the strikes? 80% of the people in this ...read more
-
A Friend Of Mine, Says A Writer Quoted In The ...
Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Nov 1, 2004
A friend of mine, says a writer quoted in the Sunday School Times, who had been a gangster and kidnaper for twelve years, met Jesus Christ in prison. Christ said, "I will come and live in you, and we will serve this sentence together"; and they did. Several years later he was discharged, and just ...read more
-
Have You Ever Noticed That Good Feeling That You ...
Contributed by Michael Trask on Jan 18, 2007
Have you ever noticed that good feeling that you get when you give of yourself? Perhaps you gave time to help someone with a flat tire on the side of the road, or perhaps you helped a lost child be reunited with his mother in a crowd, or maybe when the clerk at the store gave you too much ...read more
-
In The Early 60's, Vince Lombardi, Just After ... PRO
Contributed by Todd Stiles on Jan 18, 2007
In the early 60’s, Vince Lombardi, just after losing a Superbowl and on the eve of a new season, rallied his team in the locker room one day and mounted the bench for a speech. He reviewed last year’s loss, then began to talk about the plans for a return trip to he great game and how they would ...read more
-
You Know It's A Bad Church Business Meeting ...
Contributed by John Shearhart on Feb 16, 2007
You Know It’s A Bad Church Business Meeting When... …People arrive at the meeting, clutching copies of books about "spiritual abuse." …You’re asked to try on a pair of bloody gloves. …A loyal supporter presses a can of Mace into your hands. …The church constitution suddenly becomes ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Is Physical Healing/Deliverance Guaranteed/Provided For In The Atonement?
Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Nov 14, 2017
A detailed look at the Atonement in relation to physical healing.
-
Only One? "Where Are The Others?"
Contributed by Charlie Roberts on May 13, 2012
Aren’t you glad for the grace God extends to us, even when we don’t deserve it, even when He knows how were going to act after we receive it, He still continually offers it, because He loves us!
-
What You Do Have?
Contributed by Charles Jones on Apr 21, 2019
Your Next Blessing May Just Be In Your House
-
A "Come To Jesus" Moment Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 5, 2017
A grieving father comes to Jesus to ask him to heal his dying son, and yet Jesus rebukes him. Why? What possible reason could Jesus have to be so harsh with this man?
-
Turn Back To God Series
Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Sep 11, 2016
When Israel decided to turn back to God wholeheartedl, there was great spiritual revival in that country and God delivered them from their enemy.
