Category: Christ and Culture
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His stigma has become his glory | John Ortberg Sermon Illustrations
Sociologist Erving Goffman wrote in his classic study Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity that the term stigma originated with the ancient Greeks, roughly during Jesus’ time. Initially a “stigma” was a mark branded on the body of a disgraced individual—a criminal or a slave. The term came to refer to any characteristic…
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The solar system with too many centres | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains that humanity was created to live with God at the centre, to love one another and to care for creation. When humanity rejected God’s authority, relationships became damaged: between nations, social classes, races, families and friends. Illustration – A solar system with everyone at its centre Keller compares human relationships to…
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The exhausted person climbing the ladder of success | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Surrounding biblical exposition Keller explains the consequences of a society built on self-salvation.Isaiah contrasts the lofty city with the strong city. The strong city enjoys peace because its security comes from God. The lofty city, however, is characterised by exhaustion and oppression. Illustration – The endless climb Imagine someone who has worked extremely hard to…
