Sermon Central
-
Not Just Another Offering
Contributed by Sermon Central on Feb 12, 2009 (message contributor)
NOT JUST ANOTHER OFFERING
I had been praying regularly with the deacons for one of our members. His wife, Pat, attended our small congregation faithfully, but John hadn’t been to church in years. So every Sunday afternoon before the evening service, we prayed for ways to communicate our commitment to John and his family.
It wasn’t long before we received an answer. During the morning service one week, Pat told us through tears that John had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. A surgery was planned for the following week, and doctors were confident John would make a full recovery.
The bad news was John would be out of work for months. He drove a log truck and was paid by the mile. There was no way he could recover while spending ten hours a day in a bumpy eighteen-wheeler, but if he didn’t drive, John and Pat didn’t get a paycheck.
The congregation sprang immediately to action. There was no question whether the congregation would pitch in to support the family in their time of need. That afternoon in an emergency business meeting, we sat around a long folding table and our head deacon, a trucker himself, asked with his characteristic boldness, "How much can everyone give?" Some pledged $50 or $100 a month; one family committed to pay for utilities and another for groceries, whatever the cost.
Beginning immediately, Anchor Baptist Church took responsibility for the wellbeing of one of its families. All bills were paid on time; there was a new supply of groceries on the front steps every weekend; some of the men made sure the lawn was mowed and other maintenance issues around the house were addressed.
John has since rejoined the congregation. Months after his surgery, John testified on a Sunday morning that the church’s tireless care of his family had convinced him that the congregation did not simply want another warm body in the seats or an extra dollar in the offering plate; they were committed to sharing their lives and resources with him unconditionally.
Source: Brandon O’Brien, assistant editor, PreachingToday.com From a sermon by Stephen Collins, "Part 3: Our Biggest Challenge" 1/14/2009)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Dear God, So Far Today I've Done All Right. I ... PRO
Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Oct 17, 2004
Dear God, So far today I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper, I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent. I’m very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get ...read more
-
The Story Is Told Of The Pioneer Days In Our ...
Contributed by Fred Mueller on Dec 16, 2004
The story is told of the pioneer days in our country. A man was making his way west when he came to the Missouri River. It was winter and the ice covered the river from bank to bank. But how could the man be sure it would hold his weight? He knew people often drowned in that river when the ice ...read more
-
In His Retirement, Thomas Jefferson Founded The ... PRO
Contributed by Michael King on Jul 20, 2003
In his retirement, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia. Because Jefferson trusted that students would take their studies seriously, the code of discipline was lax. Unfortunately, his trust proved misplaced when the misbehavior of students led to a riot in which professors who ...read more
-
A Survey Was Done Of Boys Before Father's Day. ...
Contributed by Fred Mueller on Dec 16, 2004
A survey was done of boys before Father's Day. The surveyors asked what the most important things about a father were. The answers were things like, he plays catch with me. He shows me his work. He takes me on errands with him. Every single answer in the top ten had to do with a father ...read more
-
During The Lunch Our, The President Of A Large ... PRO
Contributed by Joel Santos on Jan 11, 2005
During the lunch our, the president of a large factory wanted to talk to his company’s manger about an urgent matter, but the manager’s secretary said, “He can not be disturbed for he is in conference—as he is everyday at this time.” “But,” said the impatient official, “tell him the president wants ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Come And See #2: I’ve Found Jesus Series
Contributed by Chris Jordan on Oct 9, 2012
After someone has tasted and seen that the Lord is good, their most natural response is to want to share Jesus with others.
-
How To Let Christ Shine Through You
Contributed by Greg Nance on Feb 25, 2013
God's purpose for our lives in Christ is clearly for His glory and our good. That begins NOW as we fulfill His purposes and let Christ shine through us to others.
-
Get Going! Series
Contributed by Paul Decker on Sep 28, 2008
Deliberately make committed followers of Jesus.
-
Evangelism Series
Contributed by Tyler Edwards on Apr 29, 2009
There are many things that keep us from carrying out the commission of God, how can we overcome those things to fulfill the great commission?
-
Stand Up For Jesus Series
Contributed by Jon Miller on Mar 2, 2011
This message is part of a series on the book of John. The focus of this message is to show how believers can take a stand for Jesus in a world that is sitting down.
