-
Diversity In The Church PRO
Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 8, 2009 (message contributor)
DIVERSITY IN THE CHURCH
Philip Yancey put it this way in an article in Christianity Today just this last November. He writes, "As I read accounts of the New Testament church, no characteristic stands out more sharply than [diversity]. Beginning with Pentecost, the Christian church dismantled the barriers of gender, race, and social class that had marked Jewish congregations. Paul, who as a rabbi had given thanks daily that he was not born a woman, slave, or Gentile, marveled over the radical change: ’There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’
"One modern Indian pastor told me, ’Most of what happens in Christian churches, including even miracles, can be duplicated in Hindu and Muslim congregations. But in my area only Christians strive, however ineptly, to mix men and women of different castes, races, and social groups. That’s the real miracle.’"
Yancey continues, "Diversity complicates rather than simplifies life. Perhaps for this reason we tend to surround ourselves with people of similar age, economic class, and opinion. Church offers a place where infants and grandparents, unemployed and executives, immigrants and blue bloods can come together. Just yesterday," Yancey wrote, "I sat sandwiched between an elderly man hooked up to a tank...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Wife Went With Her Friend To The Police Station ... PRO
Contributed by Bo Dunford on Apr 15, 2005
A wife went with her friend to the police station to report that her husband was missing! * When the policeman asked for a description, she said, “He’s 6 foot 2, has deep blue eyes, dark wavy hair, athletic build, well-groomed and sharply dressed, weighs 185 pounds .......” * “He’s ...read more
-
Consider This Short Poem Entitled "Power Of ... PRO
Contributed by Chris Hodges on Jul 28, 2003
Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word ...read more
-
How Do I Know He Lives? PRO
Contributed by John Hamby on Aug 11, 2003
How Do I Know He Lives? How do I know that Christ has risen? What proof have I to give? He touched my life one blessed day, And I began to live. How do I know he left the tomb That morning long ago? I met Him just this morning, And my heart is still aglow. How do I know the endless ...read more
-
It Was Said That Mr. Ericsson Of Colgate ... PRO
Contributed by Joel Santos on Sep 23, 2004
It was said that Mr. Ericsson of Colgate Palmolive Philippines, Inc. gave 90% of his income intead of 10% to God. He challenged the Lord by his ...read more
-
True Biblical Worship So Satisfies Our Total ... PRO
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Aug 10, 2003
True biblical worship so satisfies our total personality that we don’t have to shop around for man-made substitutes. William Temple made this clear in his masterful definition of worship: For worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Marks Of A Successful Church
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014
What is the REAL evidence of a successful church.
-
The Spirit Of The Mixed Multitude
Contributed by Babatunmishe Oke on Apr 24, 2013
Dealing with thoae who try to sabotage the church and the children of God
-
A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose
Contributed by Duane Smith on Oct 27, 2008
The goal of this message is to help us understand that God dwells in us and that He has a purpose in the church being a living, vibrant community of believers.
-
Evaluating Your Ministry Mindset Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Nov 9, 2014
A sermon examining the primary focus of our ministry.
-
Why The Church Series
Contributed by John Sears on Jun 12, 2014
In our culture where the influence of the church is diminishing, why should we BE the church? The answer is found in the identity of Jesus and the promises he makes about the Kingdom he is establishing (the church).