Acres of Diamonds

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Acres of Diamonds

• The story that launched a university

2
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

3
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

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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

5
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

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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!

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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

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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

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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?

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Lessons to Learn
KNOW Opportunity for Scripture
Church Salvation Titus 211-12


Titus 211-12 - 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,
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Lessons to Learn
KNOW Opportunity for Scripture
Church Salvation Titus 211-12
Congregation Service John 94

John 94 I must work the works of Him who sent
Me while it is day the night is coming when no
one can work.
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Lessons to Learn
KNOW Opportunity for Scripture
Church Salvation Titus 211-12
Congregation Service John 94
People Life, Joy, Peace John 1010
John 1010 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.
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Some Suggestions

• Explore present job opportunities
• Dont poke your head in a jug
• Farmer stuck a small pumpkin in a jar
• It grew to fill the jar and stopped
• Dont limit your possibilities
• Study Read, tapes, internet, attend classes,
  attend lectures

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Some Suggestions

• Get Involved find ways to work use what you
  have learned
• See opportunities night is coming
• Spend your efforts in service, ministry

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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
• Dont limit yourself
• See the diamonds where you are