Preach "The King Has Come" 3-Part Series this week!
Preach Christmas week

Sermon Illustrations

During the Middle Ages there was a popular story which circulated about Martin of Tours, the saint for whom Martin Luther was named. It was said that Satan once appeared to St Martin in the guise of the Savior himself. St. Martin was ready to fall to his feet and worship this resplendent being of glory and light. Then, suddenly, he looked up into the palms of his hands and asked, “Where are the nail prints?” Whereupon the apparition vanished.

Theologians tell a story to illustrate how Christ’s triumph presently benefits our lives: Imagine a city under siege. The enemy that surrounds they city will not let anyone or anything leave. Supplies are running low, and the citizens are fearful. But in the dark of the night, a spy sneaks through the enemy lines. He has rushed to the city to tell the people that in another place the main enemy force has been defeated; the leaders have already surrendered. The people do not need to be afraid. It is only a matter of time until the besieging troops receive the news and lay down their weapons.

Similarly, we may seem now to be surrounded by the forces of evil -- disease, injustice, oppression, death. But the enemy has actually been defeated at Calvary. Things are not the way they seem to be. It is only a matter of time until it becomes clear to all that the battle is really over.

Uncommon Decency, Richard J. Mouw, pp. 149-15

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • "Why Are You Standing Here?"

    Contributed by Timm Meyer on Apr 11, 2011
    based on 8 ratings
     | 29,296 views

    EASTER 7(A) - God’s angels ask the disciples why they are still standing at the place of Jesus’ ascension. We are to go to share God’s kingdom of grace. We are to watch for God’s kingdom of glory.

  • God's Fingerprint

    Contributed by Larry Moore on Dec 9, 2006
    based on 4 ratings
     | 22,423 views

    A message about one of the spiritual attributes of God that’s described with physical examples. The responsibility of believers to be a part of this attribute.

  • Pentecost: The Birth Of The Church Series

    Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 15, 2010
    based on 5 ratings
     | 19,659 views

    A sermon examining the events on the day of Pentecost

  • Hidden Treasure?

    Contributed by Derek Geldart on Nov 6, 2017
    based on 1 rating
     | 19,424 views

    In today’s sermon I want to encourage you to first examine the value of the treasure of both God’s word and salvation and second to invite others to make a decision for Christ before it is too late.

  • The Narrow Door Series

    Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jan 3, 2015
    based on 5 ratings
     | 19,244 views

    The danger of being excluded from the kingdom of God teaches us to be sure that we have entered the kingdom of God.