Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2014)
Illustration
Object:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sometimes there is hard service we are asked to perform for our sins. We have a girl who is completing her prison term and has learned her lesson, so we speak tenderly to her. When we look back on our lives we often see that God has put us through painful experiences from which to learn.
Some don't like to get something for nothing. They are too proud. God tells us that the forgiveness of our sins is not for nothing. It cost a great deal. It is because God is the one who has paid for our sin at great cost. We can't do it.
When we punish our children it is (or should be) out of love. We want them to grow up to be better people. God's punishment is also a sign of his love for us. We may pay for some of our sins by God's punishment to make us better people who he can be proud of. In this case the punishment was seventy years in captivity. But our sins were paid for by Jesus suffering on the cross.
Some of the obstacles to be conquered are pride and self-pity. They can keep us from full confession. Do we sometimes, even in church, look over and say to ourselves that our sins are not as bad as some of those others we see on Sunday or meet every day? We need to stop looking at other's sins. Others should see the change in us and see God at work conquering all the obstacles that we have placed there.
We must be aware that we are nothing and deserve nothing. We are like the grass that grows and fades. Only God can put meaning in our life. Only God is permanent. When my first book was published, I felt so important, but after a while the experience faded. I realized that God was the one who made it possible. The only thing that lasted was the word he gave to inspire me. When people commented on my book after reading it, they almost always chose words or passages that God had given me.
To make us men more humble, the Hebrew uses a feminine word for "you or thou." Maybe that implies we are Jesus' "bride" who should proclaim good tidings.
When I try to picture what heaven will be like and what the real estate will be like, it is pointless. Finally I begin to realize that the most important part of heaven to remember is that we will be wrapped in the arms of our shepherd. When we feel love, nothing else matters. No matter what I faced as a little child, the most important thing was to know that my parents loved me and that they were always there for me. When my wife and I moved to a new home, the most important thing for us was to still feel our love for each other. That is the rock we stand on.
Wherever we are in this world, Christ is the rock we stand on. We know his love is always with us.
Bob O.
Isaiah 40:1-11
His fever rose daily until it hit 105 degrees and finally his family took him to the hospital. After a battery of tests Douglas Maurer, age 15, was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a terrible blow to this young teenager. The physicians told him bluntly what to expect over the next three years. The chemotherapy and its side effects would be severe. He would become bald, he would constantly be ill, lose his energy, and probably his body would bloat. Naturally, he became extremely depressed and felt like giving up. An aunt contacted a local florist for an arrangement to be delivered to him. She expressed to the florist her concern for her teenage nephew.
The nurse brought in the floral arrangement and it was beautiful. Doug read the card from his aunt, but as he looked closer he spotted a second card. He wondered why a second card. Written on it were these words: "Douglas -- I took your order. I work at Brix florist. I had leukemia when I was 7 years old. I'm 22 years old now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley." Immediately, his face lit up. He said, "Oh!" His demeanor changed and it was at that moment that he took on a positive attitude.
The comfort he discovered came from a young salesclerk who took the time to share her heart and took just a few moments to write a note.
God told Isaiah to comfort his people. He continues to tell us to do the same... by whatever means it takes.
*Story found in the Chicago Tribune, July 6, 1987 by Bob Greene.
Derl K.
2 Peter 3:8-15a
When the Panama Canal was originally built it was designed to accommodate a ship three times larger than engineers believed could ever be built. That perspective has long been lost as the Panama Canal celebrates its 100th anniversary. Now containers ships as long as three football fields need to cross the canal. A century ago a ship of that magnitude would defy anyone's imagination. Therefore the canal is in a $5.25 billion expansion project.
Application: God's perspective on time can be seen in our own inadequacies in determining future perspectives.
Ron L.
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Impatience with God, the feelings of those addressed in the first century by the lesson, is the human condition. John Calvin put it well while commenting on the text: "Men wish to anticipate for this reason, because they measure time according to the judgment of their own flesh; and they are by nature inclined to impatience" (Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. XXII/2, p. 418). In fact, God does not tell time like we do.
Augustine and Martin Luther describe God's sense of time in a manner compatible with Einstein's Theory of Relativity -- the hypothesis that because time is relative, at the speed of light there is not time. This entails that in the presence of God who is the light of the world there is no time and that all events are simultaneous.
God's mind does not pass from one thought to another. His vision is utterly unchangeable. Thus he comprehends all that takes place -- the not-yet-existing future, the existing present, and the no-longer-existing -- in an immutable and eternal present (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 2, p. 216).
As John Wesley has said regarding God's sense of time, "... no delay is long to the eternal God" (Commentary on the Bible, p. 589). "To the eye of faith it appears as done already" (Ibid.). Reinhold Niebuhr offered a prayer that well says what these insights about time might mean for us in everyday life:
O Lord, who holds all our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows in your eternal presence, we thank you that in imaginations and reason we are fearfully and wonderfully made, transcending time and thus becoming creators with you. Give us grace to know we do not share your foresight into the future or your power over it.
(Justice & Mercy, p. 84)
What is often said in the black church is true: God may not come when you want him, but he's always on time!
Mark E.
Mark 1:1-8
Teaching concerning baptism differs within the Christian world. Many churches teach that baptism accomplishes the washing away of sin. Some Christian denominations teach that baptism is an important step... a sacrament... in the believer's life, only after an individual has acknowledged the salvation experience has already been accomplished. The water of baptism has no saving element.
John the Baptist was commissioned by God to spread the news of the coming of the Messiah. The Baptist called people to repent of their sins and acknowledge their rebelling against God and profess faith through the coming Messiah who would bring forgiveness. This would be Jesus Christ.
The purpose of a believer's baptism is:
An identification with the Triune God... Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
An identification of the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
A little boy was asked in Sunday school to explain baptism. He said, "It's when the preacher holds you under water and you think about Jesus!"
An intentional act of obedience for the believer. It is a statement to the world that a change has occurred in a person's life.
A public testimony -- a public profession of faith or an inward work of Grace.
A little boy asked Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in California, "When can I get advertised?"
He meant "baptized" but he made the right point -- baptism is advertising that you're a Christian. (Rev. Kent Crockett on www.kentcrockett.com).
Derl K.
Mark 1:1-8
So often we find the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New. This quote is from the Old Testament lesson for today. We don't know until the gospels who will fulfill that prophecy, but now comes John, Jesus' cousin, to proclaim Jesus' coming. Mary was there before either John or Jesus was born so they didn't get to meet until Jesus meets him in the desert. We should mention that the word gospel means literally "good news." That is why all the people rushed into the desert to hear John because his message was good news. It was good news to learn that all their sins would be forgiven if they allowed John to baptize them in the river. We lived near the desert in New Mexico, but our church was right at the foot of the mountains. It is the mountains that guide you across the desert. After we have been in the desert God will lead us his mountain.
When I was called to serve the mission in Nepal, I didn't know what I would be doing there until I obeyed. Then I discovered how fulfilling it was. In one sense it was like meeting Jesus again in the new converts who were just full of excitement. I may have learned more about Jesus in seminary, but these Nepali people knew Jesus and it was obvious. We saw it in their eyes and in the smiles on their faces. It is very exciting to meet new Christians. These new Christians were also often dressed in rags and they sometimes ate insects. One girl who lived in our mission house got so excited one day when a huge bug ran into the screen just outside our dining room table. "They are delicious!" she said and wondered at our lack of enthusiasm.
I had been brought up in a solid Christian home, but I was thirty before I met Jesus for the first time in my life. I knew he was there, but I had never really met him! Saint Paul sometimes makes a distinction between knowing and knowing about.
When I attended ministerial meetings it was clear to me which of the pastors really knew Jesus. It was also a discovery to know that they were from different denominations. I met Methodists, Baptists, and Roman Catholic priests who were full of Christ's Spirit. There were some fellow Lutherans who were not sure if they believed me. Jesus will show mercy on who he will show mercy, the Bible says. Baptism was a requirement, as John told the people. Those who believed him and obeyed could receive the second baptism of the Spirit, which is promised at our baptism. It is in Jesus' baptism that the people came to know him!
Bob O.
Sometimes there is hard service we are asked to perform for our sins. We have a girl who is completing her prison term and has learned her lesson, so we speak tenderly to her. When we look back on our lives we often see that God has put us through painful experiences from which to learn.
Some don't like to get something for nothing. They are too proud. God tells us that the forgiveness of our sins is not for nothing. It cost a great deal. It is because God is the one who has paid for our sin at great cost. We can't do it.
When we punish our children it is (or should be) out of love. We want them to grow up to be better people. God's punishment is also a sign of his love for us. We may pay for some of our sins by God's punishment to make us better people who he can be proud of. In this case the punishment was seventy years in captivity. But our sins were paid for by Jesus suffering on the cross.
Some of the obstacles to be conquered are pride and self-pity. They can keep us from full confession. Do we sometimes, even in church, look over and say to ourselves that our sins are not as bad as some of those others we see on Sunday or meet every day? We need to stop looking at other's sins. Others should see the change in us and see God at work conquering all the obstacles that we have placed there.
We must be aware that we are nothing and deserve nothing. We are like the grass that grows and fades. Only God can put meaning in our life. Only God is permanent. When my first book was published, I felt so important, but after a while the experience faded. I realized that God was the one who made it possible. The only thing that lasted was the word he gave to inspire me. When people commented on my book after reading it, they almost always chose words or passages that God had given me.
To make us men more humble, the Hebrew uses a feminine word for "you or thou." Maybe that implies we are Jesus' "bride" who should proclaim good tidings.
When I try to picture what heaven will be like and what the real estate will be like, it is pointless. Finally I begin to realize that the most important part of heaven to remember is that we will be wrapped in the arms of our shepherd. When we feel love, nothing else matters. No matter what I faced as a little child, the most important thing was to know that my parents loved me and that they were always there for me. When my wife and I moved to a new home, the most important thing for us was to still feel our love for each other. That is the rock we stand on.
Wherever we are in this world, Christ is the rock we stand on. We know his love is always with us.
Bob O.
Isaiah 40:1-11
His fever rose daily until it hit 105 degrees and finally his family took him to the hospital. After a battery of tests Douglas Maurer, age 15, was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a terrible blow to this young teenager. The physicians told him bluntly what to expect over the next three years. The chemotherapy and its side effects would be severe. He would become bald, he would constantly be ill, lose his energy, and probably his body would bloat. Naturally, he became extremely depressed and felt like giving up. An aunt contacted a local florist for an arrangement to be delivered to him. She expressed to the florist her concern for her teenage nephew.
The nurse brought in the floral arrangement and it was beautiful. Doug read the card from his aunt, but as he looked closer he spotted a second card. He wondered why a second card. Written on it were these words: "Douglas -- I took your order. I work at Brix florist. I had leukemia when I was 7 years old. I'm 22 years old now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley." Immediately, his face lit up. He said, "Oh!" His demeanor changed and it was at that moment that he took on a positive attitude.
The comfort he discovered came from a young salesclerk who took the time to share her heart and took just a few moments to write a note.
God told Isaiah to comfort his people. He continues to tell us to do the same... by whatever means it takes.
*Story found in the Chicago Tribune, July 6, 1987 by Bob Greene.
Derl K.
2 Peter 3:8-15a
When the Panama Canal was originally built it was designed to accommodate a ship three times larger than engineers believed could ever be built. That perspective has long been lost as the Panama Canal celebrates its 100th anniversary. Now containers ships as long as three football fields need to cross the canal. A century ago a ship of that magnitude would defy anyone's imagination. Therefore the canal is in a $5.25 billion expansion project.
Application: God's perspective on time can be seen in our own inadequacies in determining future perspectives.
Ron L.
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Impatience with God, the feelings of those addressed in the first century by the lesson, is the human condition. John Calvin put it well while commenting on the text: "Men wish to anticipate for this reason, because they measure time according to the judgment of their own flesh; and they are by nature inclined to impatience" (Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. XXII/2, p. 418). In fact, God does not tell time like we do.
Augustine and Martin Luther describe God's sense of time in a manner compatible with Einstein's Theory of Relativity -- the hypothesis that because time is relative, at the speed of light there is not time. This entails that in the presence of God who is the light of the world there is no time and that all events are simultaneous.
God's mind does not pass from one thought to another. His vision is utterly unchangeable. Thus he comprehends all that takes place -- the not-yet-existing future, the existing present, and the no-longer-existing -- in an immutable and eternal present (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 2, p. 216).
As John Wesley has said regarding God's sense of time, "... no delay is long to the eternal God" (Commentary on the Bible, p. 589). "To the eye of faith it appears as done already" (Ibid.). Reinhold Niebuhr offered a prayer that well says what these insights about time might mean for us in everyday life:
O Lord, who holds all our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows in your eternal presence, we thank you that in imaginations and reason we are fearfully and wonderfully made, transcending time and thus becoming creators with you. Give us grace to know we do not share your foresight into the future or your power over it.
(Justice & Mercy, p. 84)
What is often said in the black church is true: God may not come when you want him, but he's always on time!
Mark E.
Mark 1:1-8
Teaching concerning baptism differs within the Christian world. Many churches teach that baptism accomplishes the washing away of sin. Some Christian denominations teach that baptism is an important step... a sacrament... in the believer's life, only after an individual has acknowledged the salvation experience has already been accomplished. The water of baptism has no saving element.
John the Baptist was commissioned by God to spread the news of the coming of the Messiah. The Baptist called people to repent of their sins and acknowledge their rebelling against God and profess faith through the coming Messiah who would bring forgiveness. This would be Jesus Christ.
The purpose of a believer's baptism is:
An identification with the Triune God... Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
An identification of the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
A little boy was asked in Sunday school to explain baptism. He said, "It's when the preacher holds you under water and you think about Jesus!"
An intentional act of obedience for the believer. It is a statement to the world that a change has occurred in a person's life.
A public testimony -- a public profession of faith or an inward work of Grace.
A little boy asked Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in California, "When can I get advertised?"
He meant "baptized" but he made the right point -- baptism is advertising that you're a Christian. (Rev. Kent Crockett on www.kentcrockett.com).
Derl K.
Mark 1:1-8
So often we find the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New. This quote is from the Old Testament lesson for today. We don't know until the gospels who will fulfill that prophecy, but now comes John, Jesus' cousin, to proclaim Jesus' coming. Mary was there before either John or Jesus was born so they didn't get to meet until Jesus meets him in the desert. We should mention that the word gospel means literally "good news." That is why all the people rushed into the desert to hear John because his message was good news. It was good news to learn that all their sins would be forgiven if they allowed John to baptize them in the river. We lived near the desert in New Mexico, but our church was right at the foot of the mountains. It is the mountains that guide you across the desert. After we have been in the desert God will lead us his mountain.
When I was called to serve the mission in Nepal, I didn't know what I would be doing there until I obeyed. Then I discovered how fulfilling it was. In one sense it was like meeting Jesus again in the new converts who were just full of excitement. I may have learned more about Jesus in seminary, but these Nepali people knew Jesus and it was obvious. We saw it in their eyes and in the smiles on their faces. It is very exciting to meet new Christians. These new Christians were also often dressed in rags and they sometimes ate insects. One girl who lived in our mission house got so excited one day when a huge bug ran into the screen just outside our dining room table. "They are delicious!" she said and wondered at our lack of enthusiasm.
I had been brought up in a solid Christian home, but I was thirty before I met Jesus for the first time in my life. I knew he was there, but I had never really met him! Saint Paul sometimes makes a distinction between knowing and knowing about.
When I attended ministerial meetings it was clear to me which of the pastors really knew Jesus. It was also a discovery to know that they were from different denominations. I met Methodists, Baptists, and Roman Catholic priests who were full of Christ's Spirit. There were some fellow Lutherans who were not sure if they believed me. Jesus will show mercy on who he will show mercy, the Bible says. Baptism was a requirement, as John told the people. Those who believed him and obeyed could receive the second baptism of the Spirit, which is promised at our baptism. It is in Jesus' baptism that the people came to know him!
Bob O.
