Sermon Illustrations
Schwarzenegger's Sacrifice
David Mains, director of Chapel Ministries, was sitting in a dental chair when his orthodontist asked David if he would go with him to see a movie. "I've seen this film five times already," said the orthodontist, "and each time I break down and weep at the same part of the story. I'm hoping you can help me understand why that scene in the movie makes me cry."
"Sure," David said. "What movie is it?"
His orthodontist replied, "Terminator 2, with Arnold Schwarzenegger!"
When David sat with his friend through the movie, the orthodontist broke down as before. It happened in the scene where the Terminator gave his life to save the life of a child.
Over coffee after the film, the two men talked. The orthodontist hinted at an inner longing for a father's love. David identified the symbol of sacrificial love, so poignantly displayed in the movie, as a picture of God's love. "I believe that's what you are looking for," David said. "Your tears are proof of that."
The orthodontist agreed. Together they bowed in prayer and a middle-aged orthodontist received the forgiveness and love of his Heavenly Father.