In Preaching Articles: "Illustrate"

Illustration Variation

By Peter Mead on Sep 1, 2023

Be careful that you don’t get stuck in a rut with your illustration material.

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-48

Tags: Communication, Preaching, illustration, Quotes, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Find The Perfect Sermon Illustration Every Time

By Bruce D. Johnson on Dec 19, 2019

The point of an illustration is to provide "a window to the soul." Here is one man's soul-opening method.

Tags: perfect, illustration, Preaching

10 Commandments Of Sermon Illustrations

By Yuri Doroshuk on Sep 9, 2025

Thou shall be interesting! Here's guidance.

Scripture: John 1:1-20

Tags: Preaching, creative, Sensitive, diverse, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Illustrations Make Preaching Unforgettable

By Dr. Larry Moyer on May 22, 2020

Illustrations turn speakers into communicators. They clarify truth, reveal the preacher’s understanding, awaken attention, and help listeners see biblical realities clearly.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, John 6:44, Matthew 13:34, Proverbs 25:11, Psalm 78:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, illustration, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Are Your Illustrations Fresh? Use This 9-Point Checklist

By Peter Mead on Oct 18, 2025

Every illustration should "let the light in." Do yours?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Secret To Picking The Best Illustration? It's Right In Front Of You!

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Nov 29, 2019

We must think deeply about how our illustration choices affect how our congregation hears our sermon.

Scripture: Ezekiel 9:1-11, Jeremiah 5:1-10

Tags: best illustration, choices, preaching, Preaching

The Power Of Vivid Description

By Peter Mead on Jul 22, 2024

Peter Mead: "I’m convinced that one of the key ingredients for effective preaching is effective and vivid description. Practice it. Learn it."

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

Tags: Power, Preaching, illustration, descriptions, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Find New Sources For Sermon Illustrations

By Erik Raymond on Jun 17, 2021

Are you constantly mining the same sources for your sermon illustrations? Here are five suggestions to keep things fresh.

Tags: Read, biography, newspaper, Classic

Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity

By Jacob Myers on Jan 14, 2023

In "Gravity" we find a poignant portrayal of what Christian discipleship might look like.

Tags: Faith, Preaching, Prayer, illustration, Gravity, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

33 Wise Sayings From My Most Trusted Teachers

By Ray Hollenbach on Aug 25, 2022

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Scripture: Proverbs 4:19

Tags: Gems, Quotes, Wise Words, Illustrations, e  (view more)  (view less)

Are Your Sermon Illustrations Really Indecent Exposure? 10 Critical Checkpoints

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 13, 2024

Sermon illustrations should be like letting sunlight into a window, not like putting a spotlight on a stage.

Scripture: Amos 5:4-15

Tags:

Jesus Illustrated His Sermons: Shouldn't We Follow His Example?

By Justin Trapp on Dec 28, 2024

Discover how one of our Lord's faous sayings was actually a vivid, up-to-date illustration.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Why Illustrations Matter In Preaching: Learning From Jesus’ Use Of Parables

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 15, 2024

Parables and illustrations bring preaching to life. These seven tests help pastors use stories wisely to clarify truth, reduce resistance, and make sermons memorable.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Psalm 78:2, Luke 8:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Expository Preaching, expository preaching

Change Your Sermon By Changing Your Spices

By Erik Raymond on May 19, 2023

Are you constantly mining the same sources for your sermon illustrations?

Scripture: Psalm 38:1-10, Colossians 4:1-5

Tags: Read, Preaching, Devotional, Spices, Classic, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Popular Sermon Stories That Aren’t Actually True

By Trevin Wax on Feb 6, 2025

Pastors often repeat memorable illustrations that sound helpful but aren’t historically accurate. Here are seven common sermon legends worth retiring for the sake of truth.

Scripture: Mark 10:25

Tags: Preaching, Integrity, false teaching, urban legend, Illustrations, preaching  (view more)  (view less)