Post by Peter Fox on Jul 23, 2005 4:54:48 GMT -5
Just wanted to start a thread for those of you who might have some ideas for "Open Air Sermon Starters". Maybe some ideas for catchy phrases for a sign to get peoples attention etc...
Here are a few that I have used. Please post yours!
THE MOST HATED MAN IN (fill in your city) WAS CRUCIFIED IN 33 AD:
I found this one to be extremely effective with many people making further enquiries. Indeed, I am in the process of getting its basic message incorporated into a gospel tract with the same title. Click here for preview of this tract (minus the graphics) which explains the rationale behind the words.
HEAR ABOUT THE MAN WHO LIVED BEFORE HE WAS BORN:
The "man" being the eternal Son of God, who existed long before Bethlehem: Micah 5:2/John 1:15/30 An add on to this title could be the words: "His birth was just another event in His life." An opportunity to explain the Person of the Lord Jesus, leading unto the question: Why did He come to earth?
HEAR ABOUT A MAN BORN TWICE:
Nicodemus, of course (John 3:3-7) Opportunity to explain why one birth is not enough. Why does God not do a patch up job but insist on giving a totally new heart?
WHO WANTS TO BE A REAL MILLIONAIRE?
At the time of writing, this popular TV show has just come to Irish television and everyone is talking about it. I point out that there are certain things which money cannot buy…like peace with God, pardon for sin and hope for eternity. A few second glances…and a wry request: "Can I ring a friend?"
THREE MEN IN (fill in your city) GOING TO HELL…NAMES WILL BE GIVEN:
The title of a famous sermon preached by Dr Paisley and included in his book: Paisley, the man and his message.
The sermon was prompted by the reading of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and the three men were:
[1] MR OBSTINATE:
(Mr Spare-the-Rod married Miss-Spoil-the-Child and their first born child was Mr Obstinate)
[2] MR HYPOCRISY:
(Mr Hypocrisy is the offspring of Mr Sham and Miss Deceit)
[3] MR PRESUMPTION:
(Mr Presumption is the offspring of Mr Sloth and Miss Take-it-easy)
TWO FOOLS AND A HEN PECKED HUSBAND:
Another sermon title based on the parable Jesus told in Luke 14:16-24. A humorous title (which might appeal to some) although a solemn message.
HAPPY IN HELL(!)
Yet another sermon title. Based on the meaning of the name of Felix in Acts 24:25 and who trembled before the preaching of Paul and uttered those fateful words: "Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee."
THE RICH FARMER WHO LOST HIS MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:
I stumbled on this one almost by accident. I prepared a gospel tract for the National Ploughing Championships here in Ireland (largest event of its kind in Europe) Based it on the foolish farmer in Luke 12:16-20. I didn't want to put The Foolish Farmer as a title as I thought that might be regarded as a bit of a put down. So I decided to run the above title instead. It went well. Many with wry humour wondered how a farmer in these days could be rich? Some wondered what he lost. Was it his milk quota? Or (wondered a few ladies) was it his wife? Banter over…we got down to business. He lost his never dying soul: Mark 8:36
THE SIN WHICH GOD ALMIGHTY WILL NOT PARDON:
Based on Matthew 12:31. A solemn enough thought, hopefully provoking some to ask what it is. Many interpret it to mean the final rejection of Christ, leading to the observation:
There is a time we know not when, A place we know not where
That seals the destiny of men For glory or despair.
There is a line by us unseen, That crosses every path,
It is the boundary line between God's mercy and God's wrath.
THE ROSE OF SHARON - CROWNED WITH THORNS
My very good brother in Christ, Russ O'Neill of Canada used this heading at the world famous Rose of Tralee competition here in Ireland. The participants of this beauty contest are called Roses and the winner is crowned with gold and precious stones. A little bit of imagination enabled Russ to speak of Him who is the Rose of Sharon (Song 2:1) who was crowned with thorns.
CHRISTMAS - READ THE SEQUEL
Or Easter. Drawing attention to the need to the read the Bible. Some are not too happy about associating Christ with Christmas - however this is just adapting to the perception of the sinner. A good verse might accompany this heading like Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a light unto my path" or John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures" etc.,
MISSING HEAVEN BY 18 INCHES
It being approximately 18 inches from the head to the heart. Intellectual faith alone cannot save. I know the heart in the Bible with which we must believe the truth is not the blood pump - but the point can still be made. It is an attention grabber.
THE MAN WHO KISSED THE DOOR OF HEAVEN BUT WENT TO HELL
Judas Iscariot who kissed the One who said of Himself: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" How close can a man get to Christ and yet not be saved?
A MAN CALLED WONDERFUL
I put the words: "Let me introduce you to:" in the heading for this particular attention grabber. Based on the name of Christ in Isaiah 9:6 Why is He called Wonderful? What is so wonderful about Jesus? Plenty of material to draw upon. Think about all that the bride in the Song of Solomon could say about Him especially when asked: What is thy beloved more than another beloved? (5:9)
HEAR ABOUT THE DAY WHEN 5 MEN BLUSHED
Based on the meeting which the Lord Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) How do you think those 5 husbands she had gone through (plus her current live in lover) felt when she hastened back to the city and said unto the men: "Come see a man that old me all things that ever I did?" An opportunity to relate how this wicked woman was saved and her past sins all blotted out as a thick cloud.
DO ALIENS EXIST?
Sent to us by David Graham in Bangor, Co. Down. Slightly changed from the original: "I believe in aliens!" since folk might just pass on and conclude that we are mad. At least the question form leaves the subject open and might draw some one to answer. The thought is based on the words of Ephesians 2:12/4:18 where man is declared to be alienated from God.
WATER CANNOT RISE HIGHER THAN ITS SOURCE
Sent to us by Vincent Rea in Cork. Relating to the fact that man made religion cannot lift any one to God. We need to be born again "from above" in order to able to find acceptance with Him.
THE MAIN THING IS TO KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING!
Sent in by a brother overseas. Everyone will ask (if the board does not relate to it elsewhere) what is this main thing? The main thing is of course your soul etc.,
BEWARE OF RELIGIOUS FANATICS
Got this one from a tract. It was developed along the line that some people (Christians) are fanatical about going to Heaven…but that others were quite fanatical about going to hell. In fact they would do anything to avoid going to Heaven in order to go there.
EVERY ONE OF US CAN SAY LIKE ISAAC…"I KNOW NOT THE DAY OF MY DEATH" (GENESIS 27:2)
A straight Biblical quotation. Although an attention grabber…perhaps not really inductive to starting a conversation. Not many people want to converse on such a morbid topic. Head in the sand syndrome.
DOES YOUR CHURCH LIE TO YOU?
A bit of the shock treatment. Explain that any church that teaches salvation by human merit or human contribution is lying etc.,
"FOOT AND MOUTH AND DISEASE ALIVE AND WELL IN (TOWN)"
I got the following email from David Graham from Bangor, Co. Down relating to the outbreak of the dreaded foot and mouth disease in the UK and other parts of Europe:
I know its a bit dead now (hopefully), but how about "FOOT AND MOUTH AND DISEASE ALIVE AND WELL IN (TOWN)"Matthew 15: 8 "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" and Isaiah 1:6 " From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it"
"HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED TO BE HAPPY?"
One of the richest men replied: "Just a little more…" i.e. he could never attain it. Money can buy you security, but not peace - companions but not friends - laughter but not happiness - and religion but not forgiveness of sins. Relate the story of Zacchaeus.
"AUTUMN MADNESS"
Based on the words of Jeremiah 8:20 "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved."
"SO YOU THINK YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS? - BY WHOSE STANDARD?"
A good follow up verse - where the real power lies - would be: "There is none righteous…no not one" (Roman 3:10) or "Thou art weighed in the balances and found wanting." (Daniel 5:27)
These were taken from a website that I don't remember the address for (sorry ). But here is the info. that I do have: Cork Free Presbyterian Church, 10 Briarscourt (Annex) Shanakiel, Cork, Ireland Pastor: Colin Maxwell. Email: cfpc@esatclear.ie.
Here are a few that I have used. Please post yours!
THE MOST HATED MAN IN (fill in your city) WAS CRUCIFIED IN 33 AD:
I found this one to be extremely effective with many people making further enquiries. Indeed, I am in the process of getting its basic message incorporated into a gospel tract with the same title. Click here for preview of this tract (minus the graphics) which explains the rationale behind the words.
HEAR ABOUT THE MAN WHO LIVED BEFORE HE WAS BORN:
The "man" being the eternal Son of God, who existed long before Bethlehem: Micah 5:2/John 1:15/30 An add on to this title could be the words: "His birth was just another event in His life." An opportunity to explain the Person of the Lord Jesus, leading unto the question: Why did He come to earth?
HEAR ABOUT A MAN BORN TWICE:
Nicodemus, of course (John 3:3-7) Opportunity to explain why one birth is not enough. Why does God not do a patch up job but insist on giving a totally new heart?
WHO WANTS TO BE A REAL MILLIONAIRE?
At the time of writing, this popular TV show has just come to Irish television and everyone is talking about it. I point out that there are certain things which money cannot buy…like peace with God, pardon for sin and hope for eternity. A few second glances…and a wry request: "Can I ring a friend?"
THREE MEN IN (fill in your city) GOING TO HELL…NAMES WILL BE GIVEN:
The title of a famous sermon preached by Dr Paisley and included in his book: Paisley, the man and his message.
The sermon was prompted by the reading of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and the three men were:
[1] MR OBSTINATE:
(Mr Spare-the-Rod married Miss-Spoil-the-Child and their first born child was Mr Obstinate)
[2] MR HYPOCRISY:
(Mr Hypocrisy is the offspring of Mr Sham and Miss Deceit)
[3] MR PRESUMPTION:
(Mr Presumption is the offspring of Mr Sloth and Miss Take-it-easy)
TWO FOOLS AND A HEN PECKED HUSBAND:
Another sermon title based on the parable Jesus told in Luke 14:16-24. A humorous title (which might appeal to some) although a solemn message.
HAPPY IN HELL(!)
Yet another sermon title. Based on the meaning of the name of Felix in Acts 24:25 and who trembled before the preaching of Paul and uttered those fateful words: "Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee."
THE RICH FARMER WHO LOST HIS MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:
I stumbled on this one almost by accident. I prepared a gospel tract for the National Ploughing Championships here in Ireland (largest event of its kind in Europe) Based it on the foolish farmer in Luke 12:16-20. I didn't want to put The Foolish Farmer as a title as I thought that might be regarded as a bit of a put down. So I decided to run the above title instead. It went well. Many with wry humour wondered how a farmer in these days could be rich? Some wondered what he lost. Was it his milk quota? Or (wondered a few ladies) was it his wife? Banter over…we got down to business. He lost his never dying soul: Mark 8:36
THE SIN WHICH GOD ALMIGHTY WILL NOT PARDON:
Based on Matthew 12:31. A solemn enough thought, hopefully provoking some to ask what it is. Many interpret it to mean the final rejection of Christ, leading to the observation:
There is a time we know not when, A place we know not where
That seals the destiny of men For glory or despair.
There is a line by us unseen, That crosses every path,
It is the boundary line between God's mercy and God's wrath.
THE ROSE OF SHARON - CROWNED WITH THORNS
My very good brother in Christ, Russ O'Neill of Canada used this heading at the world famous Rose of Tralee competition here in Ireland. The participants of this beauty contest are called Roses and the winner is crowned with gold and precious stones. A little bit of imagination enabled Russ to speak of Him who is the Rose of Sharon (Song 2:1) who was crowned with thorns.
CHRISTMAS - READ THE SEQUEL
Or Easter. Drawing attention to the need to the read the Bible. Some are not too happy about associating Christ with Christmas - however this is just adapting to the perception of the sinner. A good verse might accompany this heading like Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a light unto my path" or John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures" etc.,
MISSING HEAVEN BY 18 INCHES
It being approximately 18 inches from the head to the heart. Intellectual faith alone cannot save. I know the heart in the Bible with which we must believe the truth is not the blood pump - but the point can still be made. It is an attention grabber.
THE MAN WHO KISSED THE DOOR OF HEAVEN BUT WENT TO HELL
Judas Iscariot who kissed the One who said of Himself: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" How close can a man get to Christ and yet not be saved?
A MAN CALLED WONDERFUL
I put the words: "Let me introduce you to:" in the heading for this particular attention grabber. Based on the name of Christ in Isaiah 9:6 Why is He called Wonderful? What is so wonderful about Jesus? Plenty of material to draw upon. Think about all that the bride in the Song of Solomon could say about Him especially when asked: What is thy beloved more than another beloved? (5:9)
HEAR ABOUT THE DAY WHEN 5 MEN BLUSHED
Based on the meeting which the Lord Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) How do you think those 5 husbands she had gone through (plus her current live in lover) felt when she hastened back to the city and said unto the men: "Come see a man that old me all things that ever I did?" An opportunity to relate how this wicked woman was saved and her past sins all blotted out as a thick cloud.
DO ALIENS EXIST?
Sent to us by David Graham in Bangor, Co. Down. Slightly changed from the original: "I believe in aliens!" since folk might just pass on and conclude that we are mad. At least the question form leaves the subject open and might draw some one to answer. The thought is based on the words of Ephesians 2:12/4:18 where man is declared to be alienated from God.
WATER CANNOT RISE HIGHER THAN ITS SOURCE
Sent to us by Vincent Rea in Cork. Relating to the fact that man made religion cannot lift any one to God. We need to be born again "from above" in order to able to find acceptance with Him.
THE MAIN THING IS TO KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING!
Sent in by a brother overseas. Everyone will ask (if the board does not relate to it elsewhere) what is this main thing? The main thing is of course your soul etc.,
BEWARE OF RELIGIOUS FANATICS
Got this one from a tract. It was developed along the line that some people (Christians) are fanatical about going to Heaven…but that others were quite fanatical about going to hell. In fact they would do anything to avoid going to Heaven in order to go there.
EVERY ONE OF US CAN SAY LIKE ISAAC…"I KNOW NOT THE DAY OF MY DEATH" (GENESIS 27:2)
A straight Biblical quotation. Although an attention grabber…perhaps not really inductive to starting a conversation. Not many people want to converse on such a morbid topic. Head in the sand syndrome.
DOES YOUR CHURCH LIE TO YOU?
A bit of the shock treatment. Explain that any church that teaches salvation by human merit or human contribution is lying etc.,
"FOOT AND MOUTH AND DISEASE ALIVE AND WELL IN (TOWN)"
I got the following email from David Graham from Bangor, Co. Down relating to the outbreak of the dreaded foot and mouth disease in the UK and other parts of Europe:
I know its a bit dead now (hopefully), but how about "FOOT AND MOUTH AND DISEASE ALIVE AND WELL IN (TOWN)"Matthew 15: 8 "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" and Isaiah 1:6 " From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it"
"HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED TO BE HAPPY?"
One of the richest men replied: "Just a little more…" i.e. he could never attain it. Money can buy you security, but not peace - companions but not friends - laughter but not happiness - and religion but not forgiveness of sins. Relate the story of Zacchaeus.
"AUTUMN MADNESS"
Based on the words of Jeremiah 8:20 "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved."
"SO YOU THINK YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS? - BY WHOSE STANDARD?"
A good follow up verse - where the real power lies - would be: "There is none righteous…no not one" (Roman 3:10) or "Thou art weighed in the balances and found wanting." (Daniel 5:27)
These were taken from a website that I don't remember the address for (sorry ). But here is the info. that I do have: Cork Free Presbyterian Church, 10 Briarscourt (Annex) Shanakiel, Cork, Ireland Pastor: Colin Maxwell. Email: cfpc@esatclear.ie.