Sermon Illustration: What’s Your Approach?

Last updated on: September 29, 2017 at 9:00 am by Matt Pearson

Sermon Illustration: What’s Your Approach? 2017-09-24T09:45:32-05:00 Matt Pearson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Recently I preached a message on approach to spiritual influence. We looked at Paul’s approach to influencing the Ephesians to become more Christ-like. I began the sermon with the following illustration (ahem. . . joke). Enjoy. . .

When you want to influence someone spiritually, what is your approach?

Recently I heard about a preacher who held a baptism service for anyone wanting to find Jesus. He and a group from town gathered at the creek behind the church building and baptized anyone looking for Jesus. To everyone’s amazement, the town drunk made his way down to the creek where the baptisms were happening. The whole town had been praying for this man. He was mean. He was rebellious. He stayed drunk. He beat his wife. His mouth made a sailor’s sound like the Pope. Everyone was amazed when they saw him come to be baptized.

The preacher asked him why he came. He said he was tired of the life he was living and believed Jesus could help him. The preacher baptized him in the creek, brought him out of the water, and said, “Sir, did you find Jesus?” The man replied that he did not and maybe they needed to try again. For the second time, the preacher asked the man, “Did you find Jesus that time?” The man replied, “No, I didn’t find Jesus.” The preacher began to get a little miffed and determined to help the man find Jesus. So, for a third time, the preacher held the man down under the water for several seconds before bringing him up. The preacher said, “Sir, that time – did it work? Were you able to find Jesus?” The man said, “No, preacher. I didn’t. Are you sure you left Him in the water right here?”

Perhaps that preacher’s approach wasn’t the best. What’s your approach when trying to influence someone spiritually?

Fridays are For Illustrations

Previous Post

September 26, 2017

What Is a Sermon?

Next Post

October 3, 2017 What A Dolphin Cruise Taught Me About Preaching

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Biblical Reflections Devotions Fridays are For Illustrations General Challenge General Preaching Resources Letters to West Franklin Preparing to Preach Table Talk Questions The Preaching Event Top Ten Quotes Uncategorized West Franklin West Franklin Talks

Select a Month March 2023 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What city was Job from?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Susa Uz Shiloh Edom