So, the illustration did not make sense to them. I polled the class and discovered that not a single man in the room enjoyed fishing. When I alluded to how much we men love to fish, I received nothing but blank stares. On the other hand, I remember once trying to make a point in an adult Sunday school class about priorities. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). For instance, the idea of the constant oppression of continual darkness clicked in the minds of my children when I likened such darkness to Narnia where it is "always winter, but never Christmas" (C.S. May it be a light to you in the dark places, when all other lights go out." Subsequently, the vial's silver flame grows into a blazing light, like a white torch, which penetrates the cloudy darkness of the cave and afflicts such brightness upon the gigantic spider that she withdraws.Ī sermon illustration has to be obvious and simple, if not self-evident. There he remembers that Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood, gave him a crystal vial containing rays of light from Earendil's star, as she spoke these words: "It will shine still brighter when night is about you. On another occasion, in order to set up Isaiah 9:1-2, which speaks of a piercing light that will shine on a people walking in darkness, I referred to The Fellowship of the Ring and the scene in which Frodo is lost in Shelob's dark and gloomy lair. Look around, God said, and you will see all the evidence you need to understand where our covenantal relationship stands. Its barrenness reflected her nearly dead faith in her God. The withering Promised Land was evidence of how Judah had long neglected her relationship with her God. This too was the case between Judah and her God. The deteriorating garden is a symbol of the neglected relationship between the father and the son. Similarly, Colin was virtually locked in his room continually, suffering great neglect and it was assumed by all that he was dying a slow death. Craven's wife, suffered such neglect that it was all but dead and overgrown with weeds. The garden, locked up ever since the tragic death of Mr. I said, that as far as I could tell the garden symbolized the relationship between the boy, Colin, and his father, Archibald Craven. Recently, I began a sermon from a book of prophecy by referencing the famous children's book, The Secret Garden, by Frances Burnett. Similarly, we may refer to just the right anecdote or quip to seal a biblical point with greater clarity or added panache. Often we can reach into the literary world and find that perfect metaphor or suitable character that helps us to open up our congregants' minds so as to "prime the pump" for our message. Reading fiction is a helpful way to gather sermon illustrations. The Lesser Reason: Mining for Illustrations What I lack in experience and competence perhaps I can compensate for in enthusiasm and the "eloquence of sincere earnestness." Perhaps my eagerness will encourage you to take the plunge! So, why should you listen to a beginner ramble on about the virtues of reading fiction? The reason is because I am a bona fide amateur. Now, when it comes to literature and fiction I am definitely a novice. True they are beginners, but their newly discovered excitement always does my heart good, and reminds me how privileged I am to do what I do as a minister and to love whom I love as a husband. There is simply something inspiring and contagious about the fresh innocence of a young couple's new love. Those who are engaged may be novices, for they cannot speak from long-proven experience, but they are also amateurs, as their speech and the glances they exchange can hardly contain their genuine excitement as they anticipate and talk about a new life of discovery together. Yet, preceding all the pomp and celebration of the gala event is that confidential privilege of a pastor, the premarital counseling sessions. I love everything about weddings the great music, the fancy clothes, the bounty of food and the radiant smiles everywhere you look.
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