Sermon Central
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Anibal Sat In A Brazilian Jail Cell, Guilty Of ...
Contributed by Bret Toman on Dec 22, 2011 (message contributor)
Anibal sat in a Brazilian jail cell, guilty of murder. He was a weightlifter, with bulging biceps, a leathery face and a tattoo of an anchor on his forearm that seemed to symbolize his personality. But he appeared to soften as the preacher talked with him about guilt, forgiveness, a God who knew everything about Him - yet loved him anyway, and the hope of heaven - something no executioner could take away.
But he hardened again at the suggestion that the first step to coming to Christ was an admission of guilt. Phrases like "I'm sorry" "Forgive me" "I've been wrong" were not a part of his vocabulary. He didn't back down for any man, and apparently that applied to God as well.
"Don't you want to go to heaven?" The preacher asked.
"Sure."
"Are you ready?"
Earlier he might have said yes, but after hearing numerous verses from the Bible he knew better. He paused for a long time. "All right, I'll become one of your Christians. But don't expect me to change the way I live."
"You don't draw up the rules. It's not a contract that you negotiate. It's a gift. An undeserved gift. But to receive it, you have to admit that you need it."
"OK. But don't expect to see me at church on Sundays."
Story from Max Lucado's The Applause of Heaven
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A Little Boy Was Leading His Sister Up A ... PRO
Contributed by David Elvery on Nov 14, 2004
A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not too easy. "Why this isn't a path at all," the little girl complained. "Its all rocky and bumpy." Her little brother kept on up the mountain, ...read more
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Most Of Us Are Familiar With This Song – It's The ...
Contributed by Robert Marsh on Mar 22, 2005
Most of us are familiar with this song – it’s the theme from the television show Friends. But have you ever caught the lyrics to the song? They read, in part: So no one told you life was gonna be this way Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s D.O.A. It’s like you’re always stuck ...read more
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The Other Day, Hunter My 6 Year Old Shocked Me As ...
Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 10, 2003
The other day, Hunter my 6 year old shocked me as I came in the door. He said Dad, did the trash man come yet? I said, “I think so,” he said,” Good, I will go get the trash can and bring it in.” I thought, “ I am such a great leader, I have taught my son the responsibilities of taking care of and ...read more
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Dorothea Day's Poem "My Captain" Is The Christian ... PRO
Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Jun 30, 2005
Dorothea Day’s poem “My Captain” is the Christian response to Henley: Out of the light that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole, I thank the God I know to be For Christ the conqueror of my Soul. Since His, the way of circumstance I would not wince nor cry aloud. Under that ...read more
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This Bomb Was Tested Above The Arctic Circle On ...
Contributed by Tim Richards on May 24, 2005
This bomb was tested above the Arctic Circle on October 30, 1961. The explosion was so intense that the flash was visible over 600 miles away. People felt the air move over 160 miles away. Everything in a radius of 15.25 miles was completely destroyed. Very severe damage extended to a distance of ...read more
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