In Preaching Articles: "Illustrations"

Illustration Variation

By Peter Mead on Aug 31, 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)

10 Commandments Of Sermon Illustrations

By Yuri Doroshuk on Sep 8, 2025

Thou shall be interesting! Here's guidance.

Scripture: John 1:1-20

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

Why Illustrations Make Preaching Unforgettable

By Dr. Larry Moyer on May 21, 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 17, 2025

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

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Power Of Vivid Description

By Peter Mead on Jul 21, 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 Keep Sermon Illustrations Fresh And Engaging

By Erik Raymond on Jun 16, 2021

Predictable illustrations can weaken otherwise strong sermons. Preachers can refresh their preaching by intentionally filling their minds with richer sources of insight and stories.

Scripture: Luke 6:45, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Colossians 4:6, 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Read, Preaching, biography, newspaper, Classic, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Using Illustrations For Maximum Impact: 4 Essential Notes

By Lane Sebring on Feb 18, 2026

A good illustration will reach out and grab your listeners and pull them into your content. It will make them care. But How?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity

By Jacob Myers on Jan 13, 2023

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

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

33 Wise Sayings From My Most Trusted Teachers

By Ray Hollenbach on Aug 24, 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 12, 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:

Why Too Many Sermon Illustrations Hurt Your Preaching

By Bruce D. Johnson on Oct 13, 2024

Many modern sermons rely too heavily on the preacher’s personal stories. Effective illustrations should clarify truth and help ordinary listeners apply it.

Scripture: Colossians 1:28, Romans 10:14, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Preaching, pastor, Self, Homiletics, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Justin Trapp on Dec 27, 2024

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

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Change Your Sermon By Changing Your Spices

By Erik Raymond on May 18, 2023

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

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

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

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

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 14, 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

7 Popular Sermon Stories That Aren’t Actually True

By Trevin Wax on Feb 5, 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, Preaching, Integrity, false teaching, urban legend, Illustrations  (view more)  (view less)