Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word
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Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes. The shoes, and his other foot attire, are hand-sewn for him by the Italian cobbler Adriano Stefanelli. But for a forthcoming celebration, Stefanelli convinced the pope to break with his traditional ruby red shoes. Benedict, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is to conference in Moscow with Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. For this special and unprecedented occasion, Stefanelli has made two identical sets of footwear. He has sewn white satin shoes for the pope and identical black satin shoes for the patriarch. When asked by the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, why he did this, Stefanelli replied, "It's a small sign for strengthening the desire for Christian unity." (In case you're interested, the pope's shoe size is 42, which in the U.S. Is an 8-1/2 men's.)
In this week's epistle reading, Paul is writing from prison to Philemon, who is the leader of the Colossian church. Paul is asking Philemon and the congregation to receive Onesimus into their fellowship as if he were Paul himself. Obviously there has been some difficulty in the past with Onesimus, the former slave of Philemon. Paul is now asking that Onesimus be forgiven and unity restored so that the work of the church may go forth.
If Christians within the same congregations and across denominational lines could understand the meaning of forgiveness, acceptance, and unity by wearing identical shoes, then the church would be propelled forth in service. To wear the same attire, be it spiritual or actual, would demonstrate the the commonality we all share in serving the same Christ.
***
Individuals do not win football games, only teams. That's the unapologetic and uncompromising position of Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey. During a recent preseason practice, a group of teenagers occupying the same section of seats continually heckled and hassled Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, who is attempting to reclaim the starting role that he lost last season.
After the practice Gailey walked over to the hecklers, and in a voice loud enough to be heard 20 yards away announced, "If you dog one of us, you dog all of us." The coach refused to allow his players to approach that section of the stands to sign autographs. Later, at a news conference Gailey said, "And if you say something derogatory to one of us, you're saying it to all of us."
Paul's letter from prison asks the Colossian church to receive Onesimus into their fellowship with forgiveness and acceptance, absent of criticism for his past misbehavior. Paul writes: "So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me." Paul understood that the church is a team that together serves Jesus. If that team is engaged in ridicule and animosity, then the work of the Lord will be hindered. Therefore, when one member is heckled the entire body of Christ suffers -- so we must always have the spirit of forgiveness and commonality.
***
There is a defamation lawsuit working its way through the courts that ought to make all Christians sit up and take notice. John Stossel, a former correspondent for ABC's 20/20, was accused of using a quote out of context in portraying the extravagant lifestyle of prominent television preacher Frederick K. C. Price, pastor of the Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles. Though Stossel did use the quote out of context and in a misleading fashion, federal Judge R. Gary Klausner nevertheless ruled in his favor and dismissed Price's defamation suit, stating while Price's words were misused, they were still "substantially true." However, the United States Court of Appeals has now reinstated Price's suit, ruling that though his words were substantially true, Judge Klausner had prematurely dismissed the suit because the altered context substantially "changed the viewers' understanding of the speaker's words."
The quote in question was a hypothetical statement about someone whose luxurious lifestyle exceeded all that one could ever envision. What made the quote substantially true is that Price himself indeed has such a lifestyle. He lives in overwhelming material abundance, which he attributes to blessings bestowed upon him from God. With this biblical understanding, he preaches material prosperity from God for all believers -- and as the one elected by God to share the message of prosperity, Price professes himself to be "the prophet of prosperity." In his book Prosperity: Good News for God's People, Price wrote: "I want to show you God's plan for prosperity. Our heavenly Father intends for all believers to be financially secure." In his writings and sermons Rev. Price proclaims the message that the followers of Jesus will be both spiritually and financially wealthy. He assures his followers that he is a demonstration of "proven results," as he lives in an 8,000 sq. ft. home, travels the world in his private Gulfstream jet, drives a Rolls Royce, and wears an $8,500 watch. He describes himself as the CEO of a $40 million enterprise -- referring to the Crenshaw Christian Center. People flock to the church to hear the message of prosperity, to believe that one day they will have a Mercedes of their own -- but they depart wearing the same Timex watch they arrived with.
Rev. Price and so many other megachurch pastors have a most difficult time understanding this week's alternate Old Testament reading from Deuteronomy. The scripture states that if we "keep his commandments," then "you will live and increase." But "increase" as we know the teaching of God is not an oasis life, but an increase is one's spiritual enrichment. Living is to be a reflection of God, and not the reflection seen from one's polished silver dinnerware. A CEO pastor is one who has yet to discover the difference between treasures in heaven and treasures on earth. Or perhaps he has discovered the difference -- and has elected the latter as the most meaningful.
***
Venus Raj has attracted quite a bit of attention for falling short of gaining the crown of Miss Universe. Many people have speculated that Raj, Miss Philippines, lost her chance for the title when she flubbed her answer in the "grab a question from the bowl" segment of the contest. Raj was unable to to articulate an answer to a most basic question -- Have you made any mistakes? She responded that "you know what sir, in my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major major, any problem, that I have done in my life, because I am very confident with my family with the love that they are giving me." Her remark resonated with many, for "Major Major" is still trending on Twitter.
In a column for the Washington Post's website, Alexandra Petri reflects on Raj's unassuming remark. Looking at Raj, Petri notes that the two have much in common. They are of the same age group and both have degrees in journalism. Then Petri writes: "And yet, here she was, saying she had no regrets or major, major problems. Personally, I have lots of regrets. I lie around evenings bent and broken with remorse. Sometimes, late at night, I call strangers to apologize for nothing in particular. Maybe she knew something I didn't!"
In a critical tone, Petri says that if twentysomethings spent less time acquiring Twitter followers and more time actually "doing" something, then maybe they would have some regrets. But as it is now, many do not leave the security of their parents' home. They live in a twilight zone of electronic relationships and amusements. And if they do venture outdoors, it is "only to check in on Foursquare." Petri concludes, " 'Doing' actual 'things' only gives you regrets. The Major Major kind."
Jesus speaks of counting the cost of being a disciple. It will often mean losing everything --family, friends, and possessions -- because of the demands and persecution of following the commands of Jesus. Being involved will entail making mistakes and having regrets, but it will also mean we are doing actual things. The gospel is not advanced by accumulating friends on Facebook and claiming our space on Foursquare.
***
This week's lectionary psalm (Psalm 139) begins, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me." As one continues to read the psalm, it is an affirmation of how much God loves us, cares for us, and will abide with us. Unfortunately, though God has searched our souls, sometimes we fail to do so. When we do not live a life of self-examination, as God has put before us, then we will wander from the holiness of the Spirit into the passions of the flesh.
Ben Roethlisberger, the two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, for years lived the unexamined life. And as we know, it has brought him lawsuits, physical injury, and suspensions. His former coach with the Steelers, Bill Cowher, tried to mentor the young athlete -- but it was to no avail. Though Cowher often cautioned Roethlisberger about his off-field behavior, the response he would receive was always the same: "But we're winning games. We're winning championships." Cowher then would try to explain, "Yeah, but there's more to it than that. It's the whole body of work. It's you as a person, what kind of legacy you want to leave." Cowher, who is now retired from coaching and works as a television analyst, thinks that Roethlisberger's most recent suspension may finally have taught him that lesson. One can only hope. One can only wait and see.
God examines our lives; we are to examine our own lives; and godlike individuals will examine our lives, offering invaluable advice. Through self-examination that is informed by the scriptures and highlighted by the insight of others, we can live according to biblical principles and have a positive self-image. Then we will be able to say, as the psalmist does, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
***
General Ramon Narvaez brutally ruled Spain from 1844 to 1851. Because of his demagogic rule, the people of Spain did not receive the freedom experienced by their neighbors in France during the French Revolution. The revolution of freedom that began in France decades earlier gradually spread throughout numerous countries in Europe -- but Spain and Russia were two countries where the revolution granting human rights stopped at the border.
When a priest came to the bedside of the Spanish emperor to hear a confession, offer absolution, and administer the last rites for a dying man, he asked Narvaez if he had forgiven his enemies. The general replied unapologetically, "I have no enemies. I have shot them all!"
Jeremiah warns us to "so turn from your evil ways." But it seems that some individuals are so callous and hard-hearted that even on their deathbed they have no remorse or sympathy for others. And when those individuals are in positions of authority, only sorrow and destruction can come upon the land.
All of us are rulers over one domain or another. It may be as small as our household or as large as a country; it may contain just the individuals in our work station or an entire corporation. But whatever our sphere of influence is, if we are not benevolent, if we fail to turn from our evil ways, then we will cause countless and needless suffering.
In this week's epistle reading, Paul is writing from prison to Philemon, who is the leader of the Colossian church. Paul is asking Philemon and the congregation to receive Onesimus into their fellowship as if he were Paul himself. Obviously there has been some difficulty in the past with Onesimus, the former slave of Philemon. Paul is now asking that Onesimus be forgiven and unity restored so that the work of the church may go forth.
If Christians within the same congregations and across denominational lines could understand the meaning of forgiveness, acceptance, and unity by wearing identical shoes, then the church would be propelled forth in service. To wear the same attire, be it spiritual or actual, would demonstrate the the commonality we all share in serving the same Christ.
***
Individuals do not win football games, only teams. That's the unapologetic and uncompromising position of Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey. During a recent preseason practice, a group of teenagers occupying the same section of seats continually heckled and hassled Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, who is attempting to reclaim the starting role that he lost last season.
After the practice Gailey walked over to the hecklers, and in a voice loud enough to be heard 20 yards away announced, "If you dog one of us, you dog all of us." The coach refused to allow his players to approach that section of the stands to sign autographs. Later, at a news conference Gailey said, "And if you say something derogatory to one of us, you're saying it to all of us."
Paul's letter from prison asks the Colossian church to receive Onesimus into their fellowship with forgiveness and acceptance, absent of criticism for his past misbehavior. Paul writes: "So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me." Paul understood that the church is a team that together serves Jesus. If that team is engaged in ridicule and animosity, then the work of the Lord will be hindered. Therefore, when one member is heckled the entire body of Christ suffers -- so we must always have the spirit of forgiveness and commonality.
***
There is a defamation lawsuit working its way through the courts that ought to make all Christians sit up and take notice. John Stossel, a former correspondent for ABC's 20/20, was accused of using a quote out of context in portraying the extravagant lifestyle of prominent television preacher Frederick K. C. Price, pastor of the Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles. Though Stossel did use the quote out of context and in a misleading fashion, federal Judge R. Gary Klausner nevertheless ruled in his favor and dismissed Price's defamation suit, stating while Price's words were misused, they were still "substantially true." However, the United States Court of Appeals has now reinstated Price's suit, ruling that though his words were substantially true, Judge Klausner had prematurely dismissed the suit because the altered context substantially "changed the viewers' understanding of the speaker's words."
The quote in question was a hypothetical statement about someone whose luxurious lifestyle exceeded all that one could ever envision. What made the quote substantially true is that Price himself indeed has such a lifestyle. He lives in overwhelming material abundance, which he attributes to blessings bestowed upon him from God. With this biblical understanding, he preaches material prosperity from God for all believers -- and as the one elected by God to share the message of prosperity, Price professes himself to be "the prophet of prosperity." In his book Prosperity: Good News for God's People, Price wrote: "I want to show you God's plan for prosperity. Our heavenly Father intends for all believers to be financially secure." In his writings and sermons Rev. Price proclaims the message that the followers of Jesus will be both spiritually and financially wealthy. He assures his followers that he is a demonstration of "proven results," as he lives in an 8,000 sq. ft. home, travels the world in his private Gulfstream jet, drives a Rolls Royce, and wears an $8,500 watch. He describes himself as the CEO of a $40 million enterprise -- referring to the Crenshaw Christian Center. People flock to the church to hear the message of prosperity, to believe that one day they will have a Mercedes of their own -- but they depart wearing the same Timex watch they arrived with.
Rev. Price and so many other megachurch pastors have a most difficult time understanding this week's alternate Old Testament reading from Deuteronomy. The scripture states that if we "keep his commandments," then "you will live and increase." But "increase" as we know the teaching of God is not an oasis life, but an increase is one's spiritual enrichment. Living is to be a reflection of God, and not the reflection seen from one's polished silver dinnerware. A CEO pastor is one who has yet to discover the difference between treasures in heaven and treasures on earth. Or perhaps he has discovered the difference -- and has elected the latter as the most meaningful.
***
Venus Raj has attracted quite a bit of attention for falling short of gaining the crown of Miss Universe. Many people have speculated that Raj, Miss Philippines, lost her chance for the title when she flubbed her answer in the "grab a question from the bowl" segment of the contest. Raj was unable to to articulate an answer to a most basic question -- Have you made any mistakes? She responded that "you know what sir, in my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major major, any problem, that I have done in my life, because I am very confident with my family with the love that they are giving me." Her remark resonated with many, for "Major Major" is still trending on Twitter.
In a column for the Washington Post's website, Alexandra Petri reflects on Raj's unassuming remark. Looking at Raj, Petri notes that the two have much in common. They are of the same age group and both have degrees in journalism. Then Petri writes: "And yet, here she was, saying she had no regrets or major, major problems. Personally, I have lots of regrets. I lie around evenings bent and broken with remorse. Sometimes, late at night, I call strangers to apologize for nothing in particular. Maybe she knew something I didn't!"
In a critical tone, Petri says that if twentysomethings spent less time acquiring Twitter followers and more time actually "doing" something, then maybe they would have some regrets. But as it is now, many do not leave the security of their parents' home. They live in a twilight zone of electronic relationships and amusements. And if they do venture outdoors, it is "only to check in on Foursquare." Petri concludes, " 'Doing' actual 'things' only gives you regrets. The Major Major kind."
Jesus speaks of counting the cost of being a disciple. It will often mean losing everything --family, friends, and possessions -- because of the demands and persecution of following the commands of Jesus. Being involved will entail making mistakes and having regrets, but it will also mean we are doing actual things. The gospel is not advanced by accumulating friends on Facebook and claiming our space on Foursquare.
***
This week's lectionary psalm (Psalm 139) begins, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me." As one continues to read the psalm, it is an affirmation of how much God loves us, cares for us, and will abide with us. Unfortunately, though God has searched our souls, sometimes we fail to do so. When we do not live a life of self-examination, as God has put before us, then we will wander from the holiness of the Spirit into the passions of the flesh.
Ben Roethlisberger, the two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, for years lived the unexamined life. And as we know, it has brought him lawsuits, physical injury, and suspensions. His former coach with the Steelers, Bill Cowher, tried to mentor the young athlete -- but it was to no avail. Though Cowher often cautioned Roethlisberger about his off-field behavior, the response he would receive was always the same: "But we're winning games. We're winning championships." Cowher then would try to explain, "Yeah, but there's more to it than that. It's the whole body of work. It's you as a person, what kind of legacy you want to leave." Cowher, who is now retired from coaching and works as a television analyst, thinks that Roethlisberger's most recent suspension may finally have taught him that lesson. One can only hope. One can only wait and see.
God examines our lives; we are to examine our own lives; and godlike individuals will examine our lives, offering invaluable advice. Through self-examination that is informed by the scriptures and highlighted by the insight of others, we can live according to biblical principles and have a positive self-image. Then we will be able to say, as the psalmist does, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
***
General Ramon Narvaez brutally ruled Spain from 1844 to 1851. Because of his demagogic rule, the people of Spain did not receive the freedom experienced by their neighbors in France during the French Revolution. The revolution of freedom that began in France decades earlier gradually spread throughout numerous countries in Europe -- but Spain and Russia were two countries where the revolution granting human rights stopped at the border.
When a priest came to the bedside of the Spanish emperor to hear a confession, offer absolution, and administer the last rites for a dying man, he asked Narvaez if he had forgiven his enemies. The general replied unapologetically, "I have no enemies. I have shot them all!"
Jeremiah warns us to "so turn from your evil ways." But it seems that some individuals are so callous and hard-hearted that even on their deathbed they have no remorse or sympathy for others. And when those individuals are in positions of authority, only sorrow and destruction can come upon the land.
All of us are rulers over one domain or another. It may be as small as our household or as large as a country; it may contain just the individuals in our work station or an entire corporation. But whatever our sphere of influence is, if we are not benevolent, if we fail to turn from our evil ways, then we will cause countless and needless suffering.
