-
We Were Just One
Contributed by Bruce Howell on Nov 24, 2008 (message contributor)
WE WERE JUST ONE
During World War II, Hitler commanded all religious groups to unite so that he could control them. Among the Brethren assemblies, half complied and half refused. Those who went along with the order had a much easier time. Those who did not, faced harsh persecution. In almost every family of those who resisted, someone died in a concentration camp.
When the war was over, feelings of bitterness ran deep between the groups and there was much tension. Finally they decided that the situation had to be healed. Leaders from each group met at a quiet retreat. For several days, each person spent time in prayer, examining his own heart in the light of Christ’s commands. Then they came together.
Francis Schaeffer, who told of the incident, asked a friend who was there, "What did you do then?" "We were just one," he replied. As they confessed their hostility and bitterness to God and yielded to His control, the Holy Spirit created a spirit of unity among them. Love filled their hearts and dissolved their hatred.
When love prevails among believers, especially in times of strong disagreement, it presents to the world an indisputable mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ
(Source: Our Daily Bread, October 4, 1992).
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Kenneth Chaflin, A Seminary Professor Who Often ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Berry on Jun 21, 2004
Kenneth Chaflin, a seminary professor who often speaks and writes about building stronger families was home getting ready to eat supper before heading off to a speaking engagement. His 5yr old daughter came and said, “Daddy will you stay home with me tonight?” Her plea pierced his soul. He thought ...read more
-
A Paramedic Was Asked On A Local Dallas Tv ... PRO
Contributed by Fred Sigle on Apr 20, 2005
A PARAMEDIC was asked on a local Dallas TV talk-show program: “What was your most unusual and challenging 911 call?” “Recently,” paramedic began, we got a call from that big white CHURCH on 11th and Walnut. A frantic usher was very concerned that during their WORSHIP service an elderly man ...read more
-
Bob Russell, A Preacher In Kentucky, Says That ...
Contributed by Timothy Smith on Aug 28, 2004
Bob Russell, a preacher in Kentucky, says that when he was 11-12 he wanted to build his brother, John, a toy wheel barrow for Christmas. He got some old broom handles and a wheel off a wagon and some old wood. Bob said he put together the most awful looking contraption you can imagine. One week ...read more
-
Some Might Think That A Sermon Examining Doctrine ... PRO
Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Dec 17, 2004
Some might think that a sermon examining doctrine is dry and boring. More than that, they might think that doctrine isn’t as important as something you can apply directly to your life situation. You might think, you want something that will help you with your marriage, with your other ...read more
-
One Day Billy And Ruth Graham Were Driving ... PRO
Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 31, 2004
One day Billy and Ruth Graham were driving through a long stretch of road construction. They had numerous slowdowns, detours, and stops along the way. Finally they reached the end of all that difficulty, and smooth pavement stretched out before them. This sign caught Ruth’s attention: "End of ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Gomer In Me
Contributed by Kraig Pullam on Feb 17, 2014
Hosea's love for a promiscuous wife becomes the clearest example of God's love for wayward people.
-
The Greatest Love
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Aug 12, 2015
The love of God to mankind demonstrated through the person of Jesus Christ is the greatest love ever demonstrated. God gave His only begotten son, and Jesus laid down His life for our sins. No love could be greater.
-
The Blessed Benefits Of God's Love Series
Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 30, 2014
The secret to living the Christian life is not trying to imitate Jesus. The secret to the Christian life is allowing Jesus simply to control every part of your life so his character is just displayed.
-
The Goodness Of God Series
Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 2, 2010
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
-
God’s Inescapable Love Series
Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 30, 2014
The Bible says we have enemies in this world. It is the world, the flesh and the devil. We have enemies, but who’s afraid of the big, bad world? The Bible talks about how our flesh needs to stay crucified.