Sermon Illustrations

A lady on television was interviewing a woman who starred for many years on the "Lawrence Welk Show" and asked, "What did you learn from Lawrence Welk?" She replied, "To love the audience." If we preach from hostility the listeners will sense it. If we preach from love, they will sense it. We don't have to tell them-they will pick it up in other ways.

In 1902, a huge volcano erupted and killed the 30,000 inhabitants of St. Pierre, Martinique. Only one man survived-a condemned prisoner, convicted of murder, who was protected because of the sturdiness of his prison cell. He witnessed the whole calamity and was blinded by the volcanic ash. Government officials evidently thought he had been punished enough and pardoned him. He was so moved by his second chance that he became a Christian missionary.

In his famous autobiography, Seven Storey Mountain, Thomas Merton wrote of the death of Christ and used three little prases: He was sacrificed for us, by us and with us. We understand that it was for us. We never held a hammer or drove a nail, but we know it was by us. Time means nothing to God. Jesus could die because of our sins before we're even born. The Bible says that when we sin, we do it all over again; we "crucify Him afresh." What does it mean that He was sacrificed with us? The apostle Paul understood it. He said that by the cross "the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world."

A little, rich kid walked up to the Santa Claus at the local mall and asked, "So, what can I do for you?" It is hard to say what he could have done for Santa, but we know Christmas isn't so much about what we can do for Christ, although giving in His name is a beautiful thing to do. It is primarily about what He has done for us.

Secularism and commercialism have tried to silence Jesus at Christmas-or at least shove Him into a corner. Schoolchildren have a Christmas break, but aren't allowed to acknowledge why or even call it a Christmas break. A woman in a store picked up a Christmas-themed religious recording and said, "I can't believe it-the Christians are trying to horn in on Christmas now." I would not for a moment try to take away from your celebration Santa Claus, Scrooge, the Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life. Still, we must remember it is His day.

Bubba tried a new shampoo for the first time and was so pleased with it that he mailed off an enthusiastic letter of approval to the manufacturer.

The anniversary of the first moon landing has reminded us of some interesting details. What was the first food and drink consumed on the moon? It was the elements of the Lord's Supper. Buzz Aldrin reports that the pastor of Webster Presbyterian Church in Houston presented him with a portable communion kit that included a bit of unleavened bread, a small container of wine, and a small chalice. Aldrin partook shortly after the landing. The church still uses a replica of the cup that went to the moon.

A high school senior saw an inspirational advertisement on television about becoming a teacher. She called the number shown: 1.800.45TEACH. After a woman answered, the student immediately began talking about how she thought she had found her life's calling and asked if she could send her some information.

Stradivarius violins are known as the best violins in the world. Famous musicians love to play them. These violins can be strong and powerful, soft and expressive, energetic and brilliant. Said one performer: "It's like a great race car."