Sermon Central
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What Is A Signet ...
Contributed by Timothy Darling on Dec 12, 2008 (message contributor)
What is a Signet Ring?
For us, in these days of DNA and fingerprints, signatures, endorsements and notaries, the idea of a signet ring is kind of odd. Different cultures have done different things to set official approval on documents. In China, today, they still use a chop. A chop is a rubber stamp that is uniquely designed for an individual. In order to "sign" something, instead of a written name, a chop is used.
My Chinese name is Tang Rong-Drew (though I could not spell it or write it). For a gift, a close Chinese friend had my name and Dawn’s Chinese name (Tang Chen-Xei) made into our own chops. If we were in Taiwan we would use these to endorse official documents, and it would carry the weight of a signature. We would guard these very carefully, because stealing one would be a powerful part of identity theft.
Signet rings in ancient days were used in a similar way. The raised design on the ring was used to stamp the king’s sign in clay on official documents. Signet rings were signs of power and affluence. They were used by kings and high officials to conduct official public business, but they were also used by rich merchants and powerful business concerns. In Moses’ day the wealthy gave up their signet rings as part of a great offering to God. In Isaiah’s day, signet rings were part of the luxury driven arrogance that God promised that he would take away. So, just like fine cars and big houses today, they became status symbols, owned by people who had no use for them.
In Biblical times, signet rings worked both ways too. Proud posers could have one made and try to look good. But a true person of power had signet rings and used them to exercise that power with care. An official of the king might be given the king’s ring, but it was a high honor and a sign of special trust.
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A Newly Appointed Young Preacher Was Contacted By ...
Contributed by Craig West on Dec 10, 2004
A newly appointed young preacher was contacted by the local funeral director to hold a graveside committal service at a small country cemetery in Iowa. There was to be no funeral, just the committal, because sadly, the deceased had no family or friends left in Iowa. The young pastor started ...read more
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T.w. Hunt Said In His Book "The Doctrine Of ... PRO
Contributed by Jeff Simms on Jul 11, 2004
T.W. Hunt said in his book “The Doctrine of Prayer” “Selfishness brings into our experience a danger so great that God knows He cannot coddle us with answers hostile to the very thing He is working to achieve in us. I would not give a murderer a knife to pamper one of his whims. God will not ...read more
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City Slickers
Contributed by Sam Peters on Mar 1, 2007
(If available, use the clip illustrated here) In the movie City Slickers, Mitch (Billy Crystal) is on a Baby Boomer cattle drive in search of the real meaning of life. In one scene he is out riding with the gritty trail boss, Curly (Jack Palance). Curly realizes why Mitch is on the trip and ...read more
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Caspar Ten Boon PRO
Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jan 7, 2004
Caspar ten Boon In her famous book and film, “The Hiding Place” Corrie ten Boom tells the story of a Dutch Christian family, her family, who had a heart for the Jewish people Her grandfather Wilhelm started a weekly prayer group in 1844 in the city of Haarlem, near Amsterdam for the ...read more
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Let Me Tell You A Story About A Christian Just ... PRO
Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005
Let me tell you a story about a Christian just like you and I. Let’s call him George for no good reason. George woke up Monday morning after a remarkable Weekend. Family time was well spent and The church services were excellent. He’d had testimonies of answered prayer in his own life and the ...read more
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