-
Abraham Vs. Balaam
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 19, 2010 (message contributor)
ABRAHAM VS. BALAAM
Whosoever possesses these three qualities belongs to the disciples of Abraham our father: a generous eye, a humble spirit, and a meek soul. But he who possesses the three opposite qualities--an evil eye, a proud spirit, and a haughty soul--is of the disciples of Balaam the wicked.
How do the disciples of Abraham differ from the disciples of Balaam? The disciples of Abraham enjoy this world and inherit the world to come, as it is written (Proverbs 8:21) "Endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries." The disciples of Balaam inherit Gehenna and go down to the pit of destruction, as it is written (Psalm 55:23) "But you, O God, will cast them down into the lowest pit; the bloodthirsty and treacherous shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you."
(Source: Ethics of the Fathers, 5:22 Mishna/Talmud)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Pornography Now Nets Over $40 Billion A Year ... PRO
Contributed by Tom Lovorn on Jul 26, 2004
Pornography now nets over $40 billion a year selling 400 porno magazines openly. The 3rd largest grossing industry in the US is illegal drug sales. 15 million alcoholics cause over half of our traffic deaths, and that number increases by 1500 every day. Shoplifting losses net over $30 ...read more
-
There's A Far Side Cartoon That Shows A Bum ... PRO
Contributed by Kory Wilcoxson on Jan 12, 2005
There’s a Far Side cartoon that shows a bum sitting in a dirty alley, and there’s a giant bug next to him. And the bug is saying, “There I was, vice president, stock options, corner office, Mercedes, then one day someone comes in and says, “Wait a minute! He’s nothing but a giant cockroach!” Very ...read more
-
When She Turned 21, Tammy Harris From Roanoke, ...
Contributed by Kenneth Henes on Jun 23, 2004
When she turned 21, Tammy Harris from Roanoke, Virginia, began searching for her biological mother. After a year, she had not succeeded. What she didn’t know was that her mother, Joyce Schultz, had been trying to locate her for twenty years. According to a recent Associated Press story, there ...read more
-
Quote From Jerry Vines, ...
Contributed by Troy Borst on Feb 2, 2005
Quote from Jerry Vines, http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+2567 “Our churches are in serious trouble today. There is virtually no difference between the average church member and the person who is not a Christian. God meant for the Christian to be different, to live a different ...read more
-
From National Public Radio -- June 6, 2002 -- ...
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 19, 2005
From National Public Radio -- June 6, 2002 -- Writer Bob Greene calls it "the miracle of the trains." Starting in December 1941 and throughout World War II, volunteers in North Platte, Neb., greeted and comforted millions of soldiers and sailors heading off to battle as troop trains made brief ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Ye Are Complete In Him
Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 13, 2013
An exhortation and three warnings frame what might be another Christ hymn.
-
False Teaching Series
Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jan 17, 2017
Wolves have entered the church and Paul writes to correct the errors that they're promoting
-
Woes To The Pharisees And Lawyers - Part 1 Series
Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Aug 23, 2014
Jesus warns us of the danger of spiritual hypocrisy.
-
Final Words From Paul Series
Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Apr 7, 2012
Paul gives his final preparations regarding his planned trip to Corinth. Paul has tried to counsel and encourage the Corinthian church with only limited success. Now he is coming in person to deal with the problems that have continued in spite of h
-
Uncovering Counterfeits Series
Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 5, 2020
To discern true or false preachers, look beyond their apparel; look beyond their appeal; and look beyond their approach.