Illustrations and Research – Page 6

On Distraction and Ministry

Laurie Beth Jones in “Jesus, CEO” writes: “Jesus knew his mission statement, and he did not deviate from it. He declared that his mission was, in essence, to teach people about a better way of life. He saw himself as a teacher and a healer. An ancient adage says “If you want to defeat them,… Continue reading On Distraction and Ministry

World’s Largest Jesus Statue

In November, the Polish town of Swiebodzin near the German border — population of 21,000 —is due to complete the soon-to-be world’s largest Jesus Christ statue. At 33-meters (approx. 100 feet), it will exceed the current world’s record holder in Rio de Janeiro which is 30 meters. [Telegraph.co.uk]

Asking For a Christian Roommate Is Discrimination

Michigan’s Department of Civil Rights is investigating a single 31-year-old woman for posting a note on her church bulletin board stating that she was seeking a “Christian roommate” to share her residence. According to the agency, she violated Fair Housing laws by “engaging in discriminatory advertising … due to religious beliefs.” If found guilty, the… Continue reading Asking For a Christian Roommate Is Discrimination

Absolute Surrender

In a meeting of several well-known Christian workers in the last century, the question was asked what was the greatest need in Christian circles at that time. Without hesitation, a Scottish missionary leader summed up that need in two words, “absolute surrender.“ “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield… Continue reading Absolute Surrender

Church Age and Conversions Ratio

A study conducted among Southern Baptist churches indicated that SBC churches 10 years or older average 2.5 baptisms for every active 100 members, while SBC churches 10 years or younger average 10.8 baptisms per 100 active members. ~ Enrichment Magazine

The Secret Mistake Of The Titanic

For 100 years, the real reason for such devastating loss of life on the Titanic had been kept secret. A navigational error was at fault for the initial collision with the iceberg, but it has been revealed that the reason for it’s quick sinking was the rash decision of the ship’s owner, J. Bruce Ismay.… Continue reading The Secret Mistake Of The Titanic

On Obedience and Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:22 says, “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.” We can have obedience with or without sacrifice, and sacrifice with or without obedience… Continue reading On Obedience and Sacrifice

The Little Chap Who Follows Me

A careful man I want to be, A little fellow follows me; I do not dare to go astray For fear he’ll go the self-same way. I cannot once escape his eyes. Whate’er he sees me do he tries. Like ME he says he’s going to be – That little chap who follows me. I… Continue reading The Little Chap Who Follows Me

Ten Most Common Reasons Young Adults Leave the Church

Here are the ten most common reasons the dechurched said they left the church between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two: 1. Simply wanted a break from church. 2. Church members seemed judgmental or hypocritical. 3. Moved to college and stopped attending church. 4. Work responsibilities prevented me from attending. 5. Moved too far away… Continue reading Ten Most Common Reasons Young Adults Leave the Church

Change Your Name to Escape Your Past

Google CEO Eric Schmidt states that the only way to erase your past from the Internet is to have your name changed. What an interesting concept! When we are baptized into Christ, we have put on Christ! Many times in scripture, we find the names of people changing due to their encounter with God. Abram… Continue reading Change Your Name to Escape Your Past