Sermon Central
-
The One Thing That Has Always Impressed Me About ...
Contributed by Tyler Edwards on Jun 24, 2009 (message contributor)
The one thing that has always impressed me about beggars is that they know how to make money. I don’t mean that to be insulting I really don’t it is impressive. I remember a few years ago I was in my office working and this car pulled up. A couple came in and asked if we could help them out with some food and money. When I looked outside I noticed their car. It was a brand new fresh off the lot Lexus. It had tinted windows, leather seats, chrome hub caps, a sun roof, and every other feature you could imagine. This car was top of the line. So I just looked at these people thinking: you drive a car that is worth more than all the cars, and the yearly salaries of our entire staff put together and you are really asking for food? Do you know how much the average person with a "will work for food" sign makes? $75 an hour.
Beggars can be interesting to talk to. I worked in a homeless ministry for about four years in high school and met a lot of interesting people. There are some incredible people with some incredible stories who live on the streets. I met one guy I can’t remember his name I think it was Sammy. Sammy had a pretty severe limp in his left leg and a whole lot of attitude to go along with it. Of all the sermons I have heard in my life I have never met anyone who could tell a story like Sammy. Of course it was hard to understand him most of the time because he was drunk every time I saw him. The incredible thing was what happened when we talked with them. When I started out I hung out with the other volunteers and rarely talked with the homeless people because they were awkward and creeped me out. I had this prejudice against them. One night I finally tried talking with one of these hurting people and they just gave me a hug. I learned something later that really broke my heart. In an entire week we were often the only human contact they had. Most people wouldn’t talk to them. They just passed by occasionally tossing money at them as they went. Not many people really cared enough to learn their names. I would watch as their entire demeanor would change when someone just talked to them.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
I Mentioned Brian Mclaren's Book "A Generous ... PRO
Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Feb 21, 2005
I mentioned Brian McLaren’s book “A Generous Orthodoxy” last week. The chapter after “Would Jesus Be a Christian” is titled, “Jesus, Savior of What?” In this chapter he argues that while Jesus did come to save us as individuals, we in the west have placed such a strong emphasis on personal ...read more
-
Mrs.baughman Was My 6th Grade Sunday School ... PRO
Contributed by Patrick Wooten on Jan 18, 2005
Mrs.Baughman was my 6th grade Sunday School teacher. One morning, she brought a pan of brownies to our class. As the goodies sat over by her chair, she gave each child a slip of paper marked with a household expense: house payment, utility bill, phone bill, entertainment, etc. My slip had ...read more
-
Several Times My Daughter Had Telephoned To ... PRO
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 19, 2005
Several times my daughter had telephoned to say... "Mother, you must come see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday, " I promised, a little reluctantly, on her third call. Next Tuesday dawned ...read more
-
Cemetery Full Of People Who Never Finished Their ...
Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 30, 2004
CEMETERY FULL OF PEOPLE WHO NEVER FINISHED THEIR WORK A business man, harassed and discouraged from overwork, took his problem to a psychiatrist who promptly told him to do less work. "Furthermore," prescribed the doctor, "I want you to spend an hour each week in the cemetery." "What on earth do ...read more
Related Sermons
-
When God Restores: Steps To Recovery & Restoration In God
Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 10, 2020
As believers, our hope ultimately rests in the promise that Christ will come back for us one day and make all things new. But what about the here & now? The Bible is full of examples of how God makes things new for His glory & our good.
-
Restoring The Backslider Series
Contributed by Eric Hanson on May 19, 2008
Here is a clear plan of action to help people get right with God and continue to walk with Him after having gotten off track.
-
Come Down From Your Sycamore Tree Series
Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 22, 2013
Zacchaeus' whole life changed; he completely turned around from a sinful life and thus became a child of God. God noticed the unnoticed.
-
After This
Contributed by Clint Shrum on Nov 9, 2013
How did Job manage to make it through the trouble and trials without giving up?
-
The Journey Back To The Father's House
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Oct 4, 2015
Examining the reunion and celebration that will take place when the wayward child returns to the Heavenly Father.
