The theme of this week’s sermon on Acts 10 was the Spirit’s desire to reach beyond ‘people like us’ to include outsiders—such as Samaritans, Ethiopian Eunuchs, Romans and Gentiles of all types—as full members of God’s family. As I was sifting through possible ways to highlight that theme, I came across the following illustration. I found it inspiring and important, it just didn’t quite fit the direction the sermon was taking. I thought you might enjoy thinking it over anyway. 

Archived Posts

Matthew 24: One More Thing...

I sometimes stumble on old documents I’ve created but have completely forgotten about.  I cannot remember why I created them or what purpose they were originally supposed to serve....

Keeping the Church Doors Unencumbered

        Sunday, we considered Jesus’ disruptive actions in the Temple in light of his frustration with keeping gentiles from worshipping in their designated courtyard.  We then reflected on how we still tend to throw up roadblocks to those who don’t normally attend church.  I found the following, but didn’t have space for it in the sermon.  It’s provocative and worth chewing on for a while.

What Was the Crowd Celebrating ​on Palm Sunday?

I came across this list which feels a little like a "Greatest Hits of Jesus' Ministry".  I share it with you today for your inspiration and edification.  Enjoy!

The Best Kind of Trouble-maker

 

        While working on this last week’s sermon I was looking through Phillip Yancey’s excellent book—The Jesus I Never Knew—when I came across a section that I found profound.  It didn’t quite fit my sermon, but it caught my eye enough that I copied it down.

Practical Tips To Avoid Judging Others

 

          When I research a sermon, such as Sunday’s message on judgmentalism, I always try to think through some practical steps or tips in how to implement God’s desire for our lives.  I rustled together a herd of ideas this week and I offer them to you.