Sermon Illustrations

From Texas history comes the story of the conversion of Sam Houston. At one tine, the Texas hero was called “The Old Drunk.” While he was governor of Tennessee, his wife left him. In despair he resigned as governor and tried to escape his problems by going to live among Cherokee Indians. He stayed drunk much of the time. It is said that the Indians, as they walked through the forest, would have to move him out of the path where he lay in a stupor.

Later, he went to Texas, where he became the great hero of the Texas revolution when he routed General Santa Ana’s Mexican army. Houston’s battle cry, “Remember the Alamo!” helped win independence for Texas. He carried the daughter of a Baptist preacher and later trusted Christ, but he still had some of his old tendencies. One day as he rode along a trail, his horse stumbled. Houston spontaneously cursed, reverting to his old habit. Immediately he was convicted of his sin. he got off his horse, knelt down on the trail, and cried out to God for forgiveness. Houston had already received Christ, but God was teaching him to live in fellowship with him moment by moment. And as soon as the Holy Spirit made Sam Houston aware of his sin, he confessed it.

Darrell W. Robinson, People Sharing Jesus, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995), p. 17

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • Life Or Death-It's Your Choice

    Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Aug 15, 2014
    based on 1 rating
     | 16,630 views

    Moses had some parting words for the Israelites who were getting ready to leave the desert and enter the promised land. He revealed to them that they had an important choice to make. We have the same choice to make. Let’s see how Moses' words apply to us.

  • Who's Your Daddy?

    Contributed by Stephen Becker on Nov 10, 2007
    based on 6 ratings
     | 9,945 views

    A sermon that looks at being adopted by God through the blood of Christ. Though our sins have caused us to be “relinquished” from God’s glory, through faith we are adopted into the family of God. WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD. NOTE, THE SERMON USES MY OWN E

  • Winding Down Series

    Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 24, 2007
    based on 4 ratings
     | 8,386 views

    The Children of Israel begin the period of the Judges well, but begin to neglect their relationship with God and this leads to defeat, much as the Christian who does not nurture that relationship with exist in the weakened flesh.

  • What Does It Mean To Be Religious?

    Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 14, 2011
    based on 1 rating
     | 8,341 views

    Religion as mankind's search for meaning in life and its ultimate expression in God's revelation of Himself in Jesus

  • Three Responses Of Jesus Series

    Contributed by Tim White on Nov 9, 2011
    based on 4 ratings
     | 6,545 views

    For those who sought truth, Jesus offered Refreshment, Restoration and Assurance for their Reservations.