Sermon Illustrations for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (2012)
Illustration
Object:
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
When Judas had to be replaced by a new apostle, the Christian community was scrutinized for the two best leaders. Then with the casting of lots, an exercise that is to be guided by the Holy Spirit, Matthias was selected.
In selecting church leadership today, are we as selective? An example would be the 22 Roman Catholic cardinals that were appointed on January 6, 2012. The biographies that were distributed to the press were cut and pasted from Wikipedia, a notoriously unreliable source of information but is popular for its ease of accessibility.
The Vatican library has more than 1.6 million books and fifty miles of shelves containing documents. It is considered one of the most important research centers in the world. Yet, instead of using this treasure house of information, the Vatican turned to the internet. Why? Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said they were driven by "haste."
Let us be sure we learn the backgrounds of our leaders with better scrutiny and reliable sources.
Ron L.
1 John 5:9-13
Tony Campolo cites a Fortune magazine article telling how young men and women entering the business world define "the good life" in contrast to what the New Testament says, for example in our 1 John 5:9-13 passage.
One, these young people believe that a successful life means financial independence. Two, they believe in themselves. They believe they have the abilities and capacities to be the best. Three, they believe in the corporate world. They are sure that the corporations they would lead are the most worthwhile institutions in the world. Four, they view as a 'drag on success' any relationship that slows their ascent up the corporate ladder. Marriage is an acceptable option only if does not interfere with their aspirations for success. Five, loyalty is not high on their list of values. They believe that loyalty to one company could lead to staying in a system that might not maximize upward mobility. Six, they are convinced that they are more creative and imaginative than those who now hold top corporate positions.
Richard H.
1 John 5:9-13
We live in a politically correct world. Tolerance is a key word in today's society. When it comes to religion, especially, everyone is right and correct in what they believe, so long as it doesn't preclude anyone else from believing whatever they want to believe... if that makes sense. So how can we as Christians balance this culture against this scripture? If we truly believe the Bible is the word of God, how do we respond to the words, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life" (v. 12)? How can we live these words out in love in our PC culture?
Craig K.
John 17:6-19
Ken and Carol Dorushka were having their morning cup of coffee, when Carol mentioned she needed some items from Safeway for lunch. Ken knew that Rep. Gabrielle Gifford would be holding a rally at the Safeway that morning, so he decided to go with his wife. Once at the supermarket they got into line along with everyone else to meet their congressional representative.
Suddenly shots rang out. Ken felt a bullet tear into his right arm. He pushed his wife to the ground and covered her body the best he could with his own body. Sensing the killer behind him, he believed the next bullet would be the one of his own execution. Lying there, he whispered into Carol's ear, "Here I come, God." Fortunately for the Dorushkas, the shooter, Jared Loughner, moved beyond them.
John says, "But I ask you to protect them from the evil one." We will never know why six died that day and thirteen others were wounded. We will never know why some escaped the flying bullets altogether. But, we do know, that in all of life's traumas we need protection from the evil one. And the protection may not come with the splintering of a bullet but in the years of recovery.
Ron L.
When Judas had to be replaced by a new apostle, the Christian community was scrutinized for the two best leaders. Then with the casting of lots, an exercise that is to be guided by the Holy Spirit, Matthias was selected.
In selecting church leadership today, are we as selective? An example would be the 22 Roman Catholic cardinals that were appointed on January 6, 2012. The biographies that were distributed to the press were cut and pasted from Wikipedia, a notoriously unreliable source of information but is popular for its ease of accessibility.
The Vatican library has more than 1.6 million books and fifty miles of shelves containing documents. It is considered one of the most important research centers in the world. Yet, instead of using this treasure house of information, the Vatican turned to the internet. Why? Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said they were driven by "haste."
Let us be sure we learn the backgrounds of our leaders with better scrutiny and reliable sources.
Ron L.
1 John 5:9-13
Tony Campolo cites a Fortune magazine article telling how young men and women entering the business world define "the good life" in contrast to what the New Testament says, for example in our 1 John 5:9-13 passage.
One, these young people believe that a successful life means financial independence. Two, they believe in themselves. They believe they have the abilities and capacities to be the best. Three, they believe in the corporate world. They are sure that the corporations they would lead are the most worthwhile institutions in the world. Four, they view as a 'drag on success' any relationship that slows their ascent up the corporate ladder. Marriage is an acceptable option only if does not interfere with their aspirations for success. Five, loyalty is not high on their list of values. They believe that loyalty to one company could lead to staying in a system that might not maximize upward mobility. Six, they are convinced that they are more creative and imaginative than those who now hold top corporate positions.
Richard H.
1 John 5:9-13
We live in a politically correct world. Tolerance is a key word in today's society. When it comes to religion, especially, everyone is right and correct in what they believe, so long as it doesn't preclude anyone else from believing whatever they want to believe... if that makes sense. So how can we as Christians balance this culture against this scripture? If we truly believe the Bible is the word of God, how do we respond to the words, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life" (v. 12)? How can we live these words out in love in our PC culture?
Craig K.
John 17:6-19
Ken and Carol Dorushka were having their morning cup of coffee, when Carol mentioned she needed some items from Safeway for lunch. Ken knew that Rep. Gabrielle Gifford would be holding a rally at the Safeway that morning, so he decided to go with his wife. Once at the supermarket they got into line along with everyone else to meet their congressional representative.
Suddenly shots rang out. Ken felt a bullet tear into his right arm. He pushed his wife to the ground and covered her body the best he could with his own body. Sensing the killer behind him, he believed the next bullet would be the one of his own execution. Lying there, he whispered into Carol's ear, "Here I come, God." Fortunately for the Dorushkas, the shooter, Jared Loughner, moved beyond them.
John says, "But I ask you to protect them from the evil one." We will never know why six died that day and thirteen others were wounded. We will never know why some escaped the flying bullets altogether. But, we do know, that in all of life's traumas we need protection from the evil one. And the protection may not come with the splintering of a bullet but in the years of recovery.
Ron L.
