Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 (2011)
Illustration
1 Samuel 3:1-20
Claudia Puig reviewed the movie Cowboys & Aliens for USA Today. She opened the article by stating, "Fifteen producers -- including Steven Spielberg -- and eight writers should have been able to put together a summer movie that transcends a generic action yarn." In other words, the movie was stereotypical and predictable. Even with Harrison Ford wearing his Indiana Jones cap for cowboy attire could not save the film from mediocrity.
When the Lord came and stood before Samuel, Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." It seems in a group of fifteen producers and eight writers, no one who was a servant of the movie was listening to one another. If we are to avoid mediocrity, we must be like Samuel and be willing to listen and then follow.
R. Love
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
According to Forbes, it is now estimated that almost 75% of Americans are now considered overweight or obese (http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_...). That number is staggering when you consider that less than half of Americans fit that category in 1960. While there are several factors that contribute to obesity, with overeating only being one of them, there is no doubt that we live in the kind of society that proclaims, "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" (v. 13). We have countless fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and other eateries throughout the country, giving everyone the chance to indulge their appetites.
However, while it is enjoyable to eat good tasting food, we would all do well to remember that this body is given to us by God and it is up to us to take care of it. "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (vv. 19-20).
C. Kelly
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
In the year 1520 Martin Luther, the German reformer, wrote his small treatise titled The Freedom of a Christian. In an open letter to Pope Leo X that preceded the treatise he made a last attempt to reconcile with Rome. He affirms that he has not attacked the Pope as a person but only the corruption that has surrounded the papacy. Seeking to maintain the balance he believes the apostle Paul reflects in his first letter to the Corinthian church, Luther sets forth what appears to be a contradiction but two truths he feels fit together beautifully, namely:
"A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.
"A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all."
Later in this treatise he elaborates, saying: "Behold from faith thus flows forth love and joy in the Lord, and from love a joyful, willing, and free mind that serves one's neighbor willing and takes no account of gratitude or ingratitude, of praise or blame, of gain or loss."
R. Hasler
John 1:43-51
Cadel Evans of Australia never lost his vision; he never lost his hope; he never lost his perseverance. He finished in second place twice in the Tour de France and was positioned to win on his third try except for a bicycle accident on the course that fractured his left elbow and forced him to withdraw with tears rolling down his cheeks.
In the 2011 Tour de France, Evans was tied for first place with the Schleck brothers from Luxembourg. It would come down to a marathon clock run between the Aussie and Andy and Frank Schleck. The fastest rider would wear the coveted yellow jersey. Evans was able to outpedal his two rivals and at the age of 34 became the oldest winner of the Tour de France since before World War II. As Evans took his victory lap on Paris' Champs-Elysees, it appeared that he stopped and greeted anyone who was waving an Australian flag. Evans later said, "I hope I brought a great deal of joy to my countrymen, my country," as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Evans had been trying to be a winner since 2005 and many thought his time had passed. But the people of his homeland never lost their faith in their native son. Yes, good could come out of Australia because the people believed. It is sad that the people of Galilee lacked such a perspective. When they encountered Jesus they jeered, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Blinded by their own prejudices, they failed to see the "winner" standing among them.
R. Love
Claudia Puig reviewed the movie Cowboys & Aliens for USA Today. She opened the article by stating, "Fifteen producers -- including Steven Spielberg -- and eight writers should have been able to put together a summer movie that transcends a generic action yarn." In other words, the movie was stereotypical and predictable. Even with Harrison Ford wearing his Indiana Jones cap for cowboy attire could not save the film from mediocrity.
When the Lord came and stood before Samuel, Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." It seems in a group of fifteen producers and eight writers, no one who was a servant of the movie was listening to one another. If we are to avoid mediocrity, we must be like Samuel and be willing to listen and then follow.
R. Love
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
According to Forbes, it is now estimated that almost 75% of Americans are now considered overweight or obese (http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_...). That number is staggering when you consider that less than half of Americans fit that category in 1960. While there are several factors that contribute to obesity, with overeating only being one of them, there is no doubt that we live in the kind of society that proclaims, "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" (v. 13). We have countless fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and other eateries throughout the country, giving everyone the chance to indulge their appetites.
However, while it is enjoyable to eat good tasting food, we would all do well to remember that this body is given to us by God and it is up to us to take care of it. "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (vv. 19-20).
C. Kelly
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
In the year 1520 Martin Luther, the German reformer, wrote his small treatise titled The Freedom of a Christian. In an open letter to Pope Leo X that preceded the treatise he made a last attempt to reconcile with Rome. He affirms that he has not attacked the Pope as a person but only the corruption that has surrounded the papacy. Seeking to maintain the balance he believes the apostle Paul reflects in his first letter to the Corinthian church, Luther sets forth what appears to be a contradiction but two truths he feels fit together beautifully, namely:
"A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.
"A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all."
Later in this treatise he elaborates, saying: "Behold from faith thus flows forth love and joy in the Lord, and from love a joyful, willing, and free mind that serves one's neighbor willing and takes no account of gratitude or ingratitude, of praise or blame, of gain or loss."
R. Hasler
John 1:43-51
Cadel Evans of Australia never lost his vision; he never lost his hope; he never lost his perseverance. He finished in second place twice in the Tour de France and was positioned to win on his third try except for a bicycle accident on the course that fractured his left elbow and forced him to withdraw with tears rolling down his cheeks.
In the 2011 Tour de France, Evans was tied for first place with the Schleck brothers from Luxembourg. It would come down to a marathon clock run between the Aussie and Andy and Frank Schleck. The fastest rider would wear the coveted yellow jersey. Evans was able to outpedal his two rivals and at the age of 34 became the oldest winner of the Tour de France since before World War II. As Evans took his victory lap on Paris' Champs-Elysees, it appeared that he stopped and greeted anyone who was waving an Australian flag. Evans later said, "I hope I brought a great deal of joy to my countrymen, my country," as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Evans had been trying to be a winner since 2005 and many thought his time had passed. But the people of his homeland never lost their faith in their native son. Yes, good could come out of Australia because the people believed. It is sad that the people of Galilee lacked such a perspective. When they encountered Jesus they jeered, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Blinded by their own prejudices, they failed to see the "winner" standing among them.
R. Love
