Transcript Acres of Diamonds The story that launched a university

Acres of Diamonds
The story that launched a
university
Just a Thought
• Several years ago I preached a sermon
“How to Kiss a Frog”
• It started a frog collection that is now
over 300
• I thought I would preach a sermon about
diamonds and see what happened
Background
• Russell Cornwell raise $7 million – in
1843
• This money founded Temple University
in Philadelphia, PA
• He told this true story in every place he
went to raise funds
Background
• An American farmer had a dream of
searching for diamonds
• He sold his farm, moved to South Africa
• He spent his entire life and savings
searching for diamonds that would make
him rich and famous
Background
• He died – broke – in despair – suicide
• He was buried near the small shack he
used as his home
• When they dug his grave – they
discovered diamonds
• This land is known today – the DeBeers
Diamond Mine
Illustrations
• My grandfather (Manly) and my uncle
were deer hunters
• Every fall they would drive 400 miles into
the UP of Michigan, camp and hunt
• My grandfather was getting too old to
camp in the woods – stayed home
• My uncle spent 2 weeks – nothing!
Illustrations
• My grandfather stood at his back door,
saw a huge buck in the back yard
• He got his gun and shot a 12-point buck
without leaving his house
Illustrations
• Gas Station owner became successful
• When asked how he did it –
• Every morning I ask, “What can I do to
increase service today?
• Many are looking for the pot of gold (or
diamond mine)
• We fail to see what we have right here
Lessons to Learn
• Know your job
– Know your company, its goals
– Know the skills needed, the demands
– Understand your mission and purpose
• Spiritual Application
– Does this church exist to pay bills and pay
of the bank loan?
– Why are we here?
Lessons to Learn
KNOW:
Church
Opportunity for:
Salvation
Scripture
Titus 2:11-12
Titus 2:11-12 - 11For the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men, 12teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
Lessons to Learn
KNOW:
Church
Opportunity for:
Salvation
Congregation Service
Scripture
Titus 2:11-12
John 9:4
John 9:4 – I must work the works of Him who
sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when
no one can work.
Lessons to Learn
KNOW:
Church
Opportunity for:
Salvation
Scripture
Titus 2:11-12
Congregation Service
John 9:4
People
John 10:10
Life, Joy, Peace
John 10:10 – The thief does not come except to steal,
and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have
life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Some Suggestions
• Explore present job opportunities
• Don’t poke your head in a jug
– Farmer stuck a small pumpkin in a jar
– It grew to fill the jar – and stopped
– Don’t limit your possibilities
• Study – Read, tapes, internet, attend
classes, attend lectures
Some Suggestions
• Get Involved – find ways to work – use
what you have learned
• See opportunities – night is coming
• Spend your efforts in service, ministry
Prodigal Son
• Remember the prodigal son
– Came home to find the happiness he did not
find when he lived there
– He was ready to work, be a hired servant
• Don’t limit yourself
• See the diamonds where you are