In Tony Cochran’s Agnes the title character, a precocious grade school girl, is talking to a friend and says, “I think I have discovered the source of all my problems. You see, all my life I have been told to think outside the box. So, just where is this box, and why are they trying so hard to keep us out?” Creativity has its place, but so do the basics. It does no good to be creative if we don’t remember to pay attention to issues like purpose and mission.

-Michael Shannon, Preaching March/April 2004

 


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In
Tony Cochran’s Agnes the title character, a precocious grade school girl, is
talking to a friend and says, “I think I have discovered the source of
all my problems. You see, all my life I have been told to think outside the
box. So, just where is this box, and why are they trying so hard to keep us
out?” Creativity has its place, but so do the basics. It does no good to
be creative if we don’t remember to pay attention to issues like purpose and
mission.

_______________
J.
Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati,
OH.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

A small town barber was having trouble with a new chain operation that came to
town. To get the customers to change, the chain advertised a slogan “Home
of the $5 Haircut.” The old barber had just about reached the end of his
rope when he came up with a slogan that brought his customers back. His slogan
was “We Fix $5 Haircuts.”

___________________________
Illustration by J. Michael Shannon, Professor of Preaching, Cincinnati Bible
College & Seminary, Cincinnati, OH.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.