Sermon Illustration

Professor Loses Manuscript in Hurricane

Kris Lackey thought he had hurricane-proofed his manuscripts. An English professor at the University of New Orleans, he had saved his fiction and papers (including the novel he had half-finished) via hard drive, flash drive, and hard copy. But as the murky waters continued to rise and he was forced to evacuate his home, he left his papers and computer equipment behind. Even so, he left them in high places—tables and bookshelves well out of harm's way. He was, by no means, expecting the 11 feet of water that completely besieged his house during Hurricane Katrina.

Returning more than a month later, Lackey found pages floating in mud, completely indecipherable, as well as what was left of his flash and hard drives. Nothing was retrievable. Nothing.

Scripture

Psalm 18:1–16

Psalm 29:1–11

Isaiah 43:1–2

Matthew 24:38–39

Matthew 28:19–20

Romans 8:35–39

2 Corinthians 4:7–10

Philippians 4:7

1 Peter 1:6–7

Revelation 2:11

Revelation 3:13

Revelation 3:22

Our Latest

Music at Midnight: The Supreme Value of Mercy

Our pastoral forefather, George Herbert, orients us to the music that stops the flow of discouragement.

Good Expectations

Knowing the ways God uses our preaching feeds our faith in the outcomes.

Matthew D. Love

Sketches of ciy map, stained glass window with light beams shining through, and city view of buildings.

On Finding Sacred Space in the City

How will congregations find places in dense, expensive urban areas?

A shepherd with his flock.

The Weight of Calling

The sanctuary quieted as it cleared. The worship team finished packing up and departed. Daniel’s thoughts faded, interrupted by the sound of Norma’s voice.