Sermon Central
-
No One Is A Lost Cause
Contributed by Tim Smith on Feb 11, 2015 (message contributor)
Ron Smith was in law enforcement for 20 years. After he retired, he was asked to join a prison ministry of his church. He scoffed at the idea, knowing he had put a lot of those guys in prison and he, above all, knew what types of peoplethey were. But eventually he broke down and joined and God softened his heart to them. He met a young man named Rob who was violently abused by his step father and at one point was thrown through a window shattering it. By the time he was 14, he had moved out to escape what was happening in his home. Not able to support himself, he turned to crime. He started with petty theft but then got caught at 16, stealing a car. He was punished and when he got out at 17 he graduated from stealing cars to robbing banks. He robbed 16 banks in 4 states over 120 days. He was found to be a hopeless cause and was sentenced to 20 years. He tried to escape and that put him in supermax. Now Rob joined the Arian Nation while in prison and Rob was African American. A year away from getting out of prison and Ron woke up one day and realized what a mess he had made of his life. He felt like he was a hopeless cause. Not having anywhere else to turn, he turned to Jesus for hope. One day, he prayed and gave his life to Jesus. Ron was assigned to become his mentor. Ron showed such compassion and love to Rob and that he wasn’t a lost cause that he became a completely different man, a new creature in Christ. This is the opportunity Jesus gives the thief on the cross and it’s the opportunity you can give others as well.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Small Words, Profound Effect PRO
Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jan 12, 2003
SMALL WORDS, PROFOUND EFFECT "The tongue has the power of life and death . . . " That may sound a bit extreme to you; a bit exaggerated. How could mere words kill anyone? But consider this. You’re probably familiar with Karen Carpenter, the popular singer from the seventies who died in 1983 of ...read more
-
Fisherman PRO
Contributed by Timothy Jones on Jan 16, 2003
Fisherman American businessman was at a pier in a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. ...read more
-
The Command Came, "On Your Mark, Get Set," And ... PRO
Contributed by Tim Richards on Dec 1, 2004
The command came, "On your mark, get set," and then the pistol cracked and the race was on. A fine athlete sprang to the lead, and when the race was over he had broke the state record. Only a few other runners even finished the race. Many dropped out when they saw they could not win. As the field ...read more
-
Martin Of Tours Was A Roman Soldier And A ... PRO
Contributed by Philip Gill on Jan 13, 2003
Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold, and Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier’s coat, worn and frayed as it was; ...read more
-
When I Was Growing Up My Parents Raised Chickens. ... PRO
Contributed by Jonathan Busch on Jan 13, 2003
When I was growing up my parents raised chickens. Chickens have a very interesting social life. Bill Hybels notes: "Take ten chickens, any ten. Put them in a pen together, and spread a little chicken feed. In short order, you will witness an amazing phenomenon. In a matter of minutes, the ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Is Physical Healing/Deliverance Guaranteed/Provided For In The Atonement?
Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Nov 14, 2017
A detailed look at the Atonement in relation to physical healing.
-
God Can Break Protocols For Your Sake.
Contributed by Lola Olanrewaju on May 7, 2017
As you continue to allow God to direct your steps through his holy spirit that lives in you , he will begin to break protocol for your sake.
-
When Everything Falls Apart
Contributed by Chris Mcmillan on Jul 28, 2014
What do you do when everything in your world falls apart?
-
The Prodigal Son's Brother
Contributed by Sean Harder on Jul 6, 2012
Chapter 15 of Luke is the start of a new discussion as Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem to fulfill his ultimate sacrificial mission. It begins with the Scribes and Pharisees grumbling because Jesus always allowed sinners to listen to him and eat with hi
-
The Power Of Forgiveness
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Oct 30, 2021
God forgives us our sins, and He commands us to always forgive those that offend us in any way of the other. When we do, we have a lot of blessings to enjoy.
