No title
07 Mar 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Building a Community in Christ] Eph 3:1-13 What is the Church called to do?
Sermonspice - [Me Church]
CHURCH, ATTITUDE TOWARDS
What Do You Get Out of the Church
Date: 1/2007.101
DCFC Sunday School 2007 - Mark 3
Aug 12 2007 - DCFC English Gen 28:10-22 ~ Rock Piles
May 24 2009 - CCCFC English Gen 28:10-22 ~ Rock Piles
AMG Bible Illustrations Book 2 #198
Have you heard the story of Jim Smith and Ron Jones? Jim went to church one Sunday morning. He heard the organist miss a note and he winced. He saw a teen talking when everyone else was praying. He felt certain the usher was watching to see what he put in the offering plate and it made him boil. Five times, by actual count, he caught the preacher in slip-of-the-tongue mistakes. During the invitation, he slipped out the side door all the while muttering to himself, "What a waste of time!"
Ron went to church also. He heard the pianist play an arrangement of "A mighty Fortress Is Our God," and he was stirred to worship by the majesty of it. A special missions offering was received and he was glad his church was doing what they could for people around the world. He especially appreciated the sermon that Sunday; it really spoke to a need in his life. He thought, as he shook the preacher's hand and left, "How can anyone come here and not feel the presence of the Lord?
Both men were in the same church the same day. Each found what he was looking for. It has been said that churches and banks are much alike in one respect: "What one gets out is, for the most part, dependent upon what one puts in."
CHURCH, ATTITUDE TOWARDS
James Hewitt - Illustrations Unlimited
07 Mar 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Building a Community in Christ] Eph 3:1-13 What is the Church called to do?
2-4 Apr 2010 ACBC Revival Meeting (Mandarin) – [Growing in Love, Building the Church] Eph 3:1-13 The Calling of the Church
THE CHURCH WITHOUT COMMITMENT
Emerson Colaw tells about doing some work with his church’s nonresident membership list. He wrote a letter to one family that had been very active in his church. A letter came back saying, “Mr. Colaw, we now live near a university campus and we go every Sunday to the chapel service there. They have unusually fine music… they have nationally known preachers ever Sunday morning.” And she added a note he didn’t think necessary. “We had not heard such preaching as that before. The children are being taught in church school by seminary students.” And then she ended, “But the best of all there is no membership, no pledging, and no women’s society asking me to work. So if you don’t mind, we’ll just leave our membership at Hyde Park and continue to enjoy what we have here.” No involvement, no bother. No crosses.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
A Candle In The Darkness - Putting your Life on the Line
Date: 6/2006.101
More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks P 17
Several years ago in Timisoara, Romania, Laszlo Tokes became pastor of Timisoara's small Hungarian Reformed Church. Tokes preached the Gospel bodily and within two years membership had swelled to five thousand.
But success can be dangerous in a Communist country. Authorities stationed police officers in front of the church on Sundays, cradling machine guns. They hired thugs to attack Pastor Tokes. They confiscated his ration book so he couldn’t buy food or fuel. Finally in December 1989, they decided to send him into exile.
But when police arrived to hustle Pastor Tokes away, they were stopped cold. Around the entrance of the church stood a wall of humanity. Members of other churches - Baptist, Adventist, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Catholic - had joined together to protest.
Though police tried to disperse the crowd, the people held their post all day and into the night. Then, just after midnight, a 19 year old Baptist student named Daniel Gavra pulled out a packet of candles. He lit one and passed it to his neighbor.
When Tokes peered out the window, he was struck by the warm glow reflecting off hundreds of faces. That moment, he said later, was the "turning point in my life." His religious prejudices evaporated. Here were members of the body of Christ, completely disregarding denominational divisions, joining hands in his defense.
It was a moving testimony to Christian unity. The crowd stayed all through the night - and the next night. Finally, police broke through. They bashed in the church door, bloodied Pastor Tokes' face, then paraded him and his wife through the crowd and out into the night.
But that was not the end.
No. the religious protest led - as it always does - to political protest. The people streamed to the city square and began a fill-scale demonstration against the Communist government. Again Daniel passed out his candles.
First they had burned for Christian unity; now they burned for freedom.
This was more than the government could tolerate. They brought in troops and ordered them to open fire on the crowd. Hundreds were shot. Young Daniel felt a searing pain as his leg was blown off. But the people of Timisoara stood bravely against the barrage of bullets.
And by their example they inspired the entire population of Romania. Within days the nation had risen up and the bloody dictator Ceausescu was gone.
For the first time in half a century, Romanians celebrated Christmas in freedom.
Daniel celebrated in the hospital, where he was learning to walk with crutches. His pastor came to offer sympathy but Daniel wasn't looking for sympathy.
"Pastor, I don’t mind so much the loss of a leg," he said. "After all, it was I who lit the first candle."
The candle that lit up an entire country.
Application:
With a candle, a nineteen-year-old boy sparked a revolution that is still being felt today. Romania is a free country thanks to the efforts of people like Daniel Gavra who were willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of the Gospel and for basic human rights. You can make a difference wherever you are if you willing to take a stand. Don't wait for everyone else to do it. Be the first to light your candle.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Animal School
Date: 4/2007.101
11 July 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Extreme Makeover: Church Edition] 1 Cor 12:20-30 Rethinking the Body of Christ
Youth Specialties - Hot Illustrations
A group of animals got together in the forest one day and decided to start a school. There was a rabbit, a bird, a squirrel, a fish, and an eel. They formed a board of education and tried to create a curriculum.
The rabbit insisted that burrowing in the ground be in the curriculum. The fish insisted on swimming. The squirrel insisted that perpendicular tree climbing be included, and the bird wanted flying.
They put all these courses together and wrote a curriculum guide. Then they insisted that all of the animals take all of the subjects.
Although the rabbit was getting an A in burrowing, perpendicular tree climbing was a real problem for him; he kept falling over backwards. Pretty soon he became brain damaged from these falls, and he couldn’t burrow well any more. He found that instead of making an A in burrowing, he was making a C. And, of course, he always made an F in perpendicular climbing.
The bird was really beautiful at flying, but when it came to burrowing in the ground, he couldn’t do it so well. He kept breaking his beak and wings. Pretty soon he was making a C in flying as well as an F in burrowing. And he had a very bad time with perpendicular tree climbing.
The squirrel was terrific at perpendicular tree climbing, but was so afraid of the water that he failed swimming altogether.
The fish was easily the best in swimming class, but he wouldn’t get out of the water to come to any of the other classes.
The valedictorian of the class was a mentally retarded eel who did everything in a halfway fashion. But the teachers were happy because everybody was taking all the subjects in their broad-based educational curriculum.
(From Everything You’ve Heard is Wrong by Tony Campolo, Dallas: Word, 1992, pg. 130)
Where to Take It from Here...
Have you ever felt like the animals in that school? Have you ever been in situation where you are supposed to do things that you are not equipped to do?
The Body of Christ, the church, was designed by God to include everyone, but God never intended for everyone to do everything. You don’t have to be like your pastor, or like your youth minister, or like anyone else. God gave you specific abilities called spiritual gifts which are to be used in the church and in the world by you and you alone. No one else is gifted quite the way you are, and there are many jobs that only you can do. (1 Corinthians 12)
The call to follow Christ is the call to discover our unique giftedness and then to use our God-given gifts and abilities to bring glory and honor to him.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Bamboo Hut in Thailand 1998
Date: 11/2005.101
Saipan 2005 - Man That God Uses
28 May 2006 Pandan Xi Yang - Luke 5:1-11 ~ Qualities of a Disciple
9 Sept 2006 YOC Camping - Luke 5:1-11 ~ Qualities of a Disciple
Dec 5 2006 - Senior Sermon DTS - Luke 9:18-27
Senior Chapel 24 April 2007 - Luke 9:18-27
Sept 2007 FWC Retreat: The Kingdom is Here - Kingdom Path Luke 9:18-27
Oct 2007 Germany Leipzig/Weimar - Luke 5:1-11 - Qualities of a disciple
Aug 10 2008 - FCBC Mandarin - Luke 9:18-27 - Way of the Cross
Aug 24 2008 - MSU Mission Trip - Luke 9:18-27 - Way of the Cross
Feb 13 2011 – DCFC Chinese - Luke 9:18-27 – Way of the Cross
Mar 13 2011 DCFC English Worship – [The Master & The Disciple] Luke 6:20-49 The Call of the Disciple
Sept 3-5 2011 RCCC Retreat [Renewing our first love for Christ] Renewing our vision of the Cross Luke 9:18-27
Personal:
In a missions trip to Thailand in 1998. When we reached there, we were shocked to find that there is not electricity. The first meal was eating instant noodles & there were flies all around. I prayed very hard that no fly will drop in and started to gobble down my food. As I finished my last bite, 1 fly fell in. Thank God. Then went for a night meeting, each one carried a candle to the meeting. Very dark & solemn. Then went toilet, one of us will hold a torch and shine at the hole for the other to use it. The place we sleep was just blanket over bamboo. When I laid down, I felt the bamboo bent and my body sunk in. I asked the person beside me if he felt it, and he said no. So I said, "If you hear the bamboos snap in the middle of the night, please go down the hill to look for me." This is because the house was built on a slope. So if it snaps, I will roll down the hill. Every night we shared & one of those nights, I confessed that I found it very difficult to adapt. I found it a challenge if God calls me to this place. At that moment, I really questioned my commitment to God - I am not even willing to do this, how can I claim to love God? Brother comforted me, "God knows our hearts. If we are unwilling now, it does not mean that we will remain unwilling in the future. Moreover, if God calls you here, He would certainly give you the grace to be willing to come. Also, it has got to do with your spiritual growth. It takes time. So you should focus on your spiritual walk instead.". Are you willing to sacrifice for God? Really willing?
- During the Bible study, it was very dark. I was wondering how we can read. But soon, I as I looked outside, I saw little lights coming up the hill. Each person coming to the BS brought a little oil candle for himself. As they entered the room, each brought a little light and soon the room was lit up and we could each read out Bibles. Each of us make a difference in the body of Christ. We have a part to play.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Body Builder
Date: 8/2008.101
Aug 10 2008 - FCBC English ~ 1 Pet 4:10-11 Get in the Game!
Feb 28 2010 - DCFC Sunday School
12 June 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Extreme Makeover: Church Edition] 1 Cor 3:5-17 Rethinking the Ministry
Body builder –
A man approached a body builder and pointed to his muscles, "What are these for?" "Urgh!!" (he posed). "Ur...ok, but what are they for?" "Urgh!" (he posed again). "Ur.. ok, but what are they for?"
Purpose of muscles, not for posing, but for using. Church also.
IJM - adds, huge muscles only good for opening jammed jars. Don't do the trivial & only open jammed jars.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Can One Person Make a Difference?
Date: 5/2007.101
Preaching Now - Rick Ezell
Can one person really make a difference?
In his One Minute Uplift newsletter last week, pastor Rick Ezell shares this story: I lived in Chicago for eighteen years. I watched the Chicago Bulls win six NBA championships over an eight-year period. Why didn't they win those two years between their two sets of three championships? One major reason was that for most of those two seasons one of their players decided to try a different sport. The sport was baseball. The player was Michael Jordan. Those two years he sat out from basketball the Bulls did not make it to the finals, much less win them. Excluding Jordan, the personnel on the team was virtually the same. Michael Jordan made the difference.
Yet for several seasons before the Bulls went on their historic run of six NBA championships Michael Jordan was playing and the Bulls did not win either. But then the Bulls drafted a virtually unknown player from a small college in Arkansas. Scottie Pippen brought a dimension to the Bulls that even Michael Jordan did not possess. Pippen was, for lack of a better term, a forward-guard. He would often bring the ball up the court. He could single-handedly break opposing team's full-court presses. Opposing teams found him difficult to match up with. He was too tall to be guarded by a guard. He was too quick to be guarded by a forward. He was an unselfish playmaker. He could play inside, but also was deadly from behind the three-point line. He was one of the best defensive players to ever play the game.
Scottie Pippen made Michael Jordan a better player. And Michael Jordan made the Bulls a better team. Together, they won championships. Together, they made a difference.
What is true for basketball is also true for a business or a club or a church. One person can make a difference. Will you be that one person?
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Cooperation
Date: 11/2007.101
Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching From Leadership Journal: Ed. Craig Brian Larson #35
CBS radio newsman Charles Osgood told the story of two ladies who lived in a convalescent center. Each had suffered an incapacitating stroke. Margaret's stroke left her left side restricted while Ruth's stroke damaged her right side. Both of these ladies were accomplished pianists but had given up hope of ever playing again. The director of the center sat them down at a piano and encouraged them to play solo pieces together. They did and a beautiful friendship developed. What a picture of the church's need to work together! What one member cannot do alone, perhaps two or more could do together - in harmony.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Depending on Each Other
Date: 11/2005.101
11 July 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Extreme Makeover: Church Edition] 1 Cor 12:20-30 Rethinking the Body of Christ
Elder Huang - Bible Camp 2005 (Pandan) Romans 12:5
Each of us are part of the body of Christ. We need to learn to work together and depend on each other. If part of the body do not move, the body becomes paralyze. If every part of the body moves at the same time, the body is crazy. But if every part moves with co-ordination, then it becomes a proper body. Each of us need to play our part.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
No title
11 July 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Extreme Makeover: Church Edition] 1 Cor 12:20-30 Rethinking the Body of Christ
I once knew this young energetic pastor. When he preaches, you want to sit at the back of the room because his voice is so loud that it will deafen you if you sit close by. Of course, also to avoid the flying spit! One day, he woke up and he could not move a muscle. Young and energetic as he was, he could not even lift up his arms and could barely move his fingers. Later the ambulance took him to the hospital and found out that his body ran out of one little bitty salt – potassium. Just because of this one little thing called potassium, he could not move his body because his neurons could not communicate.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Get in the Game
Date: 6/2007.101
Aug 10 2008 - FCBC English ~ 1 Pet 4:10-11 Get in the Game!
19 Oct 2008 DCFC English "We have a dream..." 1 Pet 4:10-11 Get in the Game!
- Personal at Soldier's Field experience/ or NBA Mavericks experience
Daily Bread June 9 2007
I love going to Chicago’s Wrigley Field for a baseball game sitting in the stands, downing a great hot dog, and cheering the Cubs on to victory!
Unfortunately, Christianity has become a lot like professional sports. As a friend of mine has observed, there are nine guys on the baseball field doing all the work and thousands in the stands just watching. And as you probably know, that’s not Gods game plan for His people. He wants us to climb out of the stands, get out on the field, and join the team.
If you are wondering what good you can do on the field, wonder no more. What about your financial resources? Jesus can take your silver and gold and use it to accomplish great things for His glory.
But more than just getting out your checkbook, you have gifts you can contribute. God has given each of us spiritual gifts that can help advance His kingdom. Whether its teaching, encouraging, serving, showing hospitality, or extending mercy, each ability can yield great dividends. Lets follow the example of Paul, who tirelessly served on Gods field for the joy of being used by Him (Colossians 1:28-29).
Believe me, it’s far more rewarding to be on the field than to sit in the stands. Joe Stowell
Start where you are in serving the Lord,
Claim His sure promise and trust in His Word;
God simply asks you to do what you can,
Hell use your efforts to further His plan. Anon.
Don’t make a cemetery of your life by burying your talents.
Swish! The shot left Nowitzki's hands from beyond the three-point line and it was pure net. That sent the boisterous crowd crazy. Immediately that familiar beat came over the PA system, "boom-boom-ba! Boom-boom-ba!" And the crowd chanted in unison, "D-fence! D-fence!" It was just an amazing feeling watching the Dallas Mavericks play the LA Lakers live in the American Airline Center. Though it was just a regular season game, the atmosphere was just electrifying. 5 seconds left on the clock and we are leading by 1 point as a result of Dirk's shot. We just need to hold them for 5 seconds. It was so tensed that everyone stood up, cheering, crying out, some praying because of the adrenalin that was coursing through our bodies. 5 seconds! The inbound pass came and alas! Devin Harris made a rookie mistake and allowed Kobe Bryant from the Lakers an open passage to the basket. No one came to help and he made an easy 2, clinching the game! The crowd was just stunned into silence, "How did we let the game slip through our fingers?" People began streaming out in disappointment, some just staring in disbelief and there was just this sense of frustration! That day was such a treat for my wife and I. We had received some free tickets to this game from the Seminary and so we went. We screamed our voices hoarse, felt the emotional highs & lows through the game, even though we were just spectators! I felt so frustrated! In my mind I thought, "If only we could have done something about it then just watch & scream! I would not have made that stupid rookie mistake!" Yeah! Right! That's what I thought! Of course reality is much different! But brothers and sisters, that is spectator sports! In the case of basketball, its just 10 men running after the ball, doing all the work on the court with tens of thousands watching & screaming in the stands. I am sure those of us who has been to a basketball game, a football game or a baseball game, don't you wish you could get involved, rather than just watch?
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Grab a What?
Date: 4/2007.101
Youth Specialties - Hot Illustrations
There is a college that offers a course called Environmental Science, which is another way of saying its a class about the outdoors. The class usually includes several field trips, one of which often is a long hike in the mountains up several steep trails.
One year, to prepare the students for the hike, the professor gathered all the students in a clearing and asked them to do something very unusual.
I want you to mingle around and grab each other in the butt, he said. Just keep grabbing each other in the butt until I tell you to stop.
So about twenty college students started moving among each other, grabbing each other’s butts. They were a little nervous about it at first, but after a while it became fun.
After this exercise, the professor told the class the reason for this unusual procedure.
We are going to be walking up a steep, narrow, slippery slope, he explained. Because of this, we will have to walk single file, hunched over, using our hands and feet. If the person in front of you should slip, the first thing you’ll meet is his or her butt. If that happens, you’ll need to reach up with both hands, grab on, and stop him or her from falling. If you aren’t used to touching someone’s butt, you might be tempted to step aside and let the person slide. This would put him or her at risk, as well as those behind you.
Where to Take It from Here...
The same principle applies in the church. We don’t grab butts, but we get to know each other well enough that we will be better able to help each other in time of need. That’s what the body of Christ is all about. There may be a time when someone has a deep need, and you may be the only person around to give help. If you haven’t taken the time to get to know that person, there is a good chance you will just step aside and let the person slide.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Halley & Newton
Date: 11/2007.101
Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching From Leadership Journal: Ed. Craig Brian Larson #179
Every young student knows of Isaac Newton's famed encounter with a falling apple. Newton's discovered and introduced the laws of gravity in the 1600s which revolutionized astronomical studies. But few know that if it weren't for Edmund Halley, the world might never have learned from Newton. It was Halley who challenged Newtown to think through his original notions. Halley corrected Newton's mathematical errors and prepared geometrical figures to support his discoveries. Halley coaxed the hesitant Newton to write his great work, Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Halley edited and supervised the publication and actually financed its printing even though Newton was wealthier and easily could have afforded the printing costs.
Historians call it one of the most selfless act in the annals of science. Newton began almost immediately to reap the rewards of prominence; Halley received little credit. He did use the principles to predict the orbit and return of the comet that would later bear his name but only after his death did he receive any acclaim. And because the comet only returns every 76 years, the notice is rather infrequent. Halley remained a devoted scientist who didn't care who received the credit as long as the cause was being advanced. Others have played Halley's role. John the Baptist said of Jesus, "He must become greater; I must become less." Barnabas was content to introduce others to greatness. Many pray to uphold the work of one Christian leader. Such selflessness advances the kingdom.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Humor - No difference
Date: 4/2007.101
Preaching Now 3 April 2007
"What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot messes up, the pilot dies; If ATC messes up . . . the pilot dies."
The buck stops with me - no difference if one member of the body hurts, the rest hurts. If you or I mess up - its Christ that is hurt.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Invention of Committee
Date: 3/2007.101
Treasury of Humor 1994
A traveler stopped to observe the curious behavior of a farmer who was plowing his field. A single mule hitched to the plow was wearing blinders, and the farmer was yelling, "Giddyap, Pete! Giddyap, Herb! Giddyap, Ol' Bill! Giddyap, Jeb!"
After watching the farmer carry on like this for a while, the traveler asked, "Say, mister-how many names does that mule have?"
"Just one-his name is Pete."
"Then why do you call out Herb and Bill and-"
"It's like this," explained the farmer. "If Ol' Pete knew he was doing this work alone, I couldn't make him do it. But if he thinks he's got three other mules working' alongside of him, he does the job all by himself."
"What a marvelous idea!" exclaimed the traveler.
And when he got back to his corporate office in New York, he invented the committee.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Jell-O making
Date: 8/2008.101
Fellowship Dallas
14 Mar 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Building a Community in Christ] Eph 4:1-16 How does the Church grow?
make jello - break up into each step - take milk, pour jello, cover , shake, shake again...Everyone has a part to play. Eat the sweetness at the end.
Just like church - which one more important? All!
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Laying Bricks or Building Cathedrals
Date: 3/2007.101
28 Feb 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Building a Community in Christ] Eph 2:11-22 What is Church?
Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks P135
Christopher Wren, who designed St. Paul's Cathedral in London (one of the world's most beautiful buildings), wrote about the reactions of construction workers who were asked what they were doing. Those workers who were bored and tired responded by saying, "I'm laying bricks" or "I'm carrying stones."
But one worker, who was mixing cement, seemed cheerful and enthusiastic about his work. Asked what he was doing, he replied, "I'm building a magnificent cathedral."
Application:
Surveys have found that most people hate their work. They don't look forward to going work; instead they are bored with it and weary of it. They dream of winning the state lottery so they never have to work another day in their lives.
God didn't create us to be bored and unfulfilled by our work. He created us to serve Him in everything we do, including our work. "Work" in Scripture is another word for "worship." God wants us to enjoy our work because our work is what brings glory to God. It's one way we worship God. Paul wrote that we should be happy in our work because we are not working for men, but for God. (See Colossians 3:23). In another place he wrote, "Whatever you do, do it all for glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
If you look at your work merely as something do to make a few bucks and survive, you won't be happy in your work. On the other hand, if you decide to glorify God in your work, you will not only be happy as you work, but God will meet all of your needs as well.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
LOTR
28 Feb 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Building a Community in Christ] Eph 2:11-22 What is Church?
LOTR: In the first installment of the Lord of the Rings, the Fellowship of the ring, the entire world was facing the greatest evil that ever walked on this earth – Sauron. In order to destroy him, the good guys, which included, the dwarves, the elves and mankind had to destroy the one ring made by Sauron to control all things. And the only way to destroy this one ring is to deliver it to Mordor, the home of Sauron and throw it into the volcano from which it was made in the first place. They literally were delivering the one thing that Sauron wanted to him. This mission that was crucial to saving the entire world was given to one little Hobbit called Frodo Baggins. They gathered a team to protect Frodo and help him complete this mission. The team included an old graying wizard, a cynical, cussing Master dwarf, one cool elf, one ambitious and insecure human and another down-trodden human being despised by his fellow men. What a team! Add to that 3 other small, dim witted hobbits who didn’t know a thing in the world. How can this important world saving mission be entrusted to such a bunch?
Conclusion
The final scene of LOTR as they face imminent death in a battle with Saruman. Notice how the relationship between the master Dwarf and the Elf, Legolas has changed. Notice how, the camera switched immediately to the scene where Samwise Gimgee carries Frodo to complete his mission.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Pull Buddy!
Date: 8/2006.101
Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks 4 P23
A man from the big city was enjoying a relaxing drive in the country when a dog ran in front of his car. He swerved to miss it but lost control of his car and ended up in a ditch. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get his car out, the man sat on his bumper and waited for help to arrive.
He didn't have to wait long. A farmer who lived just down the road came to his aid with a big powerful looking horse.
The watched as the farmer hitched the horse to the car's bumper.
When the rope was secured, the farmer yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" But the horse didn’t move.
Then the farmer yelled, "Pull, Buster, pull!" But the horse didn’t move.
Next the farmer yelled, "Pull, Cococ pull!" But the horse still didn't move.
Finally, the farmer said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!"
And the horse dragged the car from the ditch with very little effort.
The motorist was very appreciative - and a little curious, "Why did you call out four names when your horse only responded to one?" he asked.
The farmer smiled. "Oh, Buddy is blind," he explained, "and if he thought he was the only one pulling he wouldn't even try!"
Applications:
Just like Buddy, we need other people to bring out the best in us. As the Scripture says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
That's why God created us to be part of a community, part of a family, part of the church.
It's very difficult to live the Christian life alone. It can be done, but like the verse says, one can be overpowered. The devil will find you easy prey. When you have others who are standing with you - even though they are not physically present - you can draw strength and encouragement from their prayers and support. We all really need each other.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Real Friends
Date: 6/2006.101
Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks P169
A teenage boy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had cancer and was in the hospital for several weeks to undergo radiation treatment and chemotherapy. During that time, he lost all of his hair. On the way home from hospital, he was worried - not about the cancer, but about the embarrassment of going back to school with a bald head. He had already decided not to wear a wig or a hat.
When he arrived home, he walked in the front door and turned on the lights. To his surprise, about 50 of his friends jumped up and turned on the lights. To his surprise, about 50 of his friends jumped up and shouted, "Welcome home!" The boy looked around the room and could hardly believe his eyes - all 50 of his friends had shaved their heads.
Application:
Wouldn't we all like to have caring friends who were so sensitive and committed to us that they would sacrifice their hair for us if that's what it took to make us feel affirmed, included and loved? Friends like that are hard to find in today's world. When we become Christians, we are adopted into an extended family love and support - the church, the body of Christ. The Bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians 12 that when one member of the body hurts or experiences joy, the whole body shares in that pain or that joy. We suffer together and we rejoice together. That's what it means to be the church. We are a community, a family - real friends.
When we act this way, we are doing for each other what Jesus Himself did for us. Jesus loved us so much that He did more than shave His head. He went to the cross for us. He gave up His life so that we might live. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Roles in Church
Date: 11/2005.101
9 Sept 2006 YOC Camping - Eph 4:7-13 - Gifts of a believer
12 Oct 2008 DCFC English "We have a dream..." Eph 4:11-13 - Candle in the Darkness
2-4 Apr 2010 ACBC Revival Meeting (Mandarin) – [Growing in Love, Building the Church] Eph 4:1-16 The Growth of the Church
Personal: Mission Trip to Thailand – 1998
In a missions trip to Thailand in 1998. When we reached there, we were shocked to find that there is not electricity. The first meal was eating instant noodles & there were flies all around. I prayed very hard that no fly will drop in and started to gobble down my food. As I finished my last bite, 1 fly fell in. Thank God. Then went for a night meeting, each one carried a candle to the meeting. Everyone who came made the place brighter & gave more life for the other. This is exactly what the body of Christ - the church is about. Each of us have a part to play. Each of us add a dimension to church life. Each of us become a light which brightens the place. Love shared is love multiplied. Sorrows shared is sorrows divided.
I found myself staring into pitch black darkness as I lowered my head and stepped into bamboo hut that was only as high as my shoulders. Immediately, my nostrils flared at the musky stench that filled the hut. There were some people in the hut, but I just could not see them. Gradually, as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I could barely make out a man sitting on the bed with a lady and a boy sitting by his feet. Then the missionary said to me, "This is where we will have our Bible study tonight!" At that time I was in Thailand on a mission trip. We were supposed to lead a bible study that night at an Ahka village. So after dinner, the missionary brought me to that hut. As I stood there in the hut, the man greeted me in broken Mandarin and lit a little candle. He turned out to be the village chief. "Welcome! Welcome! Please sit here beside me." He offered me the seat on the bed because it was the cleanest spot in his home. "We are waiting for the others. Why don't we sing some worship songs?" So they began worshipping God by their songs. Even though I could not see a thing, but those songs they sung were familiar, so I just sang along with them. I thought to myself, "It's so dark, how are we going to be able to read the Bible?" As we were singing, I looked out of the little window and saw and interesting sight. There was this line of little lights coming toward our huts, like fireflies. It turns out that these were the villagers, coming for Bible study, each carrying a little candle. They came into the hut, a few at a time, each bringing a little candle. By now, I could make out the interior of this hut. It was just a tiny hut, about 10 by 15 feet and with sparse furniture. Then more people came, each with their little candle and the room got brighter and by the time the Bible study began, we had no problems reading our Bibles. Why? Because of the little candle that each believer brought!
When I was in that Thai village, because of the little candle that each believer brought with them, we were able to light up the hut and as a result we could read the Bible. And as I looked over to the other hut on the other hill where they were having a Bible Study, it was lit up like ours. Because of the little candle that each believer brought with them, the church on the hill became a light house that lit up the darkness. Brothers and sisters, this is church. This is what church is about! When each of us brings our gifts together, help each other grow then go out into the world to make a difference becoming the light of the world.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Service
Date: 12/2007.101
Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching from Leadership Journal ed. Craig Brian Larson #207
Don McCullough writes in Waking from the American Dream:
During WWII, England needed to increase its production of coal. Winston Churchill called together labor leaders to enlist their support. At the end of his presentation he asked them to picture in their minds a parade which he knew would be held in Piccadilly Circus after the war. First he said, would come the sailors who had kept the vital sea lanes open. Then would come the soldiers who had come home from Dunkirk and then gone on to defeat Rommel in Africa. Then would come the pilots who had driven the Luftwaffe from the sky. Last of all, he said, would come a long line of sweat stained, soot-streaked men in miner's caps. Someone would cry from the crowd, "And where were you during the critical days of our struggle?" And ten thousand throats would come the answer, "We were deep in the earth with our faces to the coal."
Not all the jobs in a church are prominent and glamorous. But the people with their "faces to the coal" play a vital role in helping the church accomplish its mission.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Shaking Bamboo Stand
Date: 8/2008.101
Aug 10 2008 - FCBC English ~ 1 Pet 4:10-11 Get in the Game!
19 Oct 2008 DCFC English "We have a dream..." 1 Pet 4:10-11 Get in the Game!
Personal – Speaking
After I became a Christian in my college days, I began to attend a local church. I realized that the Bible was so interesting and had every answer to my needs. I was so excited, I wanted to share it with others, through writing letters, over the phone or in the fellowship. But I had a problem. I didn't like talking in front of a crowd, in front of people. I mean I could if I had to since I was a platoon commander in the army, but I felt unworthy to talk about Scripture because it is so sacred and I am so unholy & know so little. But this godly brother encouraged me to do something about it. In fact, we went on a mission trip to Thailand together and he gave me a chance to share my testimony at this drug rehabilitation center. I decided to get in the game and get my hands dirty instead of sitting on the sidelines. I will always remember that first time. The stand was made of bamboo and I prepared a 40 minute testimony. I stood up there and gripped on the sides and in 15 minutes I had gone through my 40-minute script. The whole time, no kidding, the bamboo stand was going "shudder!" But you know what? I got hooked! And now more than a decade later, it’s something that gives me so much joy doing - being able to share God's word. This is a privilege and joy that I would not exchange for anything in this world because it is what God has enabled me to do.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Date: 12/2007.101
Aug 10 2008 - FCBC English ~ 1 Pet 4:10-11 Get in the Game!
Feb 28 2010 - DCFC Sunday School
12 June 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Extreme Makeover: Church Edition] 1 Cor 3:5-17 Rethinking the Ministry
Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching from Leadership Journal ed. Craig Brian Larson #222
A while back on "The Merv Griffin Show," the guest was a body builder. During the interview, Merv asked, "Why do you develop those particular muscles?" The body builder simply stepped forward and flexed a series of well defined muscles from chest to calf. The audience applauded. "What do you use all those muscles for?" Merv asked. Again, the muscular specimen flexed and biceps and triceps sprouted to impressive proportions. "But what do you use these muscles for?" Merv persisted. The body builder was bewildered. he didn't have an answer other than to display his well-developed frame.
Our spiritual exercises - Bible study, prayer, reading Christian books, listening to Christian radio and tapes - are also for a purpose. They are meant to strengthen our ability to build God's kingdom, not simply to improve our pose before an admiring audience.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Statue of Liberty
Date: 9/2006.101
2 Sept 2006 - YOC Camping - Eph 4:7-13 ~ Gifts of a believer
We were in NY and went to see the Statue of Liberty. We had to take a ship there and could see it from afar. Everyone wanted to get into the picture and rush to take photos. But do you know that such a wonderful statue almost didn’t make it to NY? It was almost build in Cleveland or Baltimore. The government of France hired Fredric Auguster Bartholdi the architect and Gustave Eiffel to help build the supporting structure. They wanted to give this statue to the people of NY. But they had to build a pedestal for $280,000. The government of NY could not afford it. So when the government of Baltimore and Cleveland heard about it, they flew to France to try to convince the French government to move the statue to their state. However, the people of NY came together and raised every single cent required to build the statue. So because of their efforts, we have the statue of liberty at the entrance of the Hudson river today.
As a church, everyone needs to come together and contribute to make things possible.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
Teamwork
Date: 12/2007.101
Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching from Leadership Journal ed. Craig Brian Larson #240
A sea captain and his chief engineer were arguing over who was the most important to the ship. To prove their point to each other, they decided to swap places. The chief engineer ascended to the bridge and the captain went to the engine room. Several hours later, the captain suddenly appeared covered with oil and dirt. "Chief!" he yelled, waving his monkey wrench. "You have to get down there: I can't make her go." "Of course you can't" replied the chief engineer. "She’s aground!"
On a team, we don’t excel each other. we depend on each other.
CHURCH, BODY OF CHRIST
The Bodies
Date: 9/2007.101
11 July 2010 DCFC English Worship – [Extreme Makeover: Church Edition] 1 Cor 12:20-30 Rethinking the Body of Christ
Fresh ideas: Illustrations, Stories & Quotations - Jim Burns & Greg McKinnon P177 - Ephesians 4:16
Once upon a time, there were 4 people named, Everybody, Somebody, Nobody and Anybody. When there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Somebody would do it. But Nobody realized that Nobody would do it. So it ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place.
Application:
Everyone has a purpose within the Church - the Body of Christ. If you are not doing what God called you to do, it may not get done.
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