Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations

Video Clip: Dead Man Walking: From Videos that Teach -- Fields and James page 52

Can anyone, no matter what they have done, become a child of God?

The Movie: Drama R

Sister Helen Prejan (Susan Sarandon) is a nun who receives a desperate letter from a death row inmate, Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn), a convicted murderer trying to avoid the death penalty. As their relationship develops, Sister Prejean must come to terms with ministering to Poncelet as a fellow child of God despite the horrendous nature of his crimes, while at the same time ministering to the victim’s families.

This clip : Start 1:35:45 “That boy, Walter.” Stop 1:38:01

Sister Helen sits with convicted killer Matthew poncelet in his cell. When he confesses that he has indeed killed a man, sister Prejean teaches him that he can become a child of God by asking for forgiveness of his sins and owning up to his responsibility-which he does, realizing that confession doesn’t negate what he’s done. The best he can do is wish the families peace. Poncelet is grateful for Sister Prejean’s compassion and love.

When you are in a right love relationship with God and others then you come to a place in life when you are at peace in the presence of God.

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • 2 Kings 6:8-23 – "Open His Eyes And Let Him See"

    Contributed by Matt Stone on Sep 7, 2016
    based on 4 ratings
     | 57,944 views

    Elisha's servant sees God's presence, protection and provision when Elisha prays, 'Open his eyes and let him see." How might we see as God sees?

  • The Prodigal Son's Brother

    Contributed by Sean Harder on Jul 6, 2012
    based on 4 ratings
     | 57,682 views

    Chapter 15 of Luke is the start of a new discussion as Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem to fulfill his ultimate sacrificial mission. It begins with the Scribes and Pharisees grumbling because Jesus always allowed sinners to listen to him and eat with hi

  • The Author And Finisher

    Contributed by Mark Baker on Mar 13, 2008
    based on 4 ratings
     | 33,856 views

    His Word says He will never leave us or forsake us. He is always there assisting, encouraging, leading, comforting, giving direction, and disciplining, as needed.

  • What Is In Your House

    Contributed by Odon Bulamba on Dec 30, 2013
    based on 3 ratings
     | 26,622 views

    LIFE is about learning. From childhood until the day you die, you must keep learning. God created us so we can learn and understand who He is, what He wants, etc. There is a blessing in your house. Do you know? Discover it today...

  • The Goodness Of God Series

    Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 2, 2010
    based on 2 ratings
     | 25,049 views

    Today, I want us to consider the goodness of God. The goodness of God is designed to appeal to our better nature and cause us to respond favorably to God. The purpose of God's goodness and forbearance is not to encourage sin, but to appeal to man's better

Browse All Media

Related Media