Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations
  • In 1856, Auguste Bartholdi Was Inspired To Begin ...

    Contributed by Rick Pendleton on May 23, 2008 (message contributor)

    based on 1 rating   (rate this sermon illustration)
     | 1,917 views

In 1856, Auguste Bartholdi was inspired to begin working on what would become his most noted work of art.

He was approached by the French government to design a lighthouse to put at the entrance of the Suez Canal (Red Sea to the Mediterranean sea).

He spent ten years working on the design and model of this lighthouse, but he couldn’t get it financed.

The Suez Canal opened without it, and Bartholdi felt he wasted 10 years of his life.

Later when the French wanted to provide a gift for America, they contacted Bartholdi again. (His lighthouse design was perfect)

A colossal robed lady that stood taller than the Sphinx, held a book of justice in one hand and a torch in the other. (Statue of Liberty)

What started out as devastating, discouragement, disappointment, ended up a magnificent success.

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • The Church Is Like Noah's Ark: The Stench Inside ...  PRO

    Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 29, 2003
    based on 6 ratings
     | 21,758 views

    “The church is like Noah’s ark: The stench inside would be unbearable if it weren’t for the storm outside. It’s true—sometimes we stink and the world is stormy. But as imperfect as we are on this side of heaven, the miracle is that God in fact chooses to ...read more

  • In 1829 A Man Named George Wilson Was Arrested ...

    Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
    based on 3 ratings
     | 18,009 views

    In 1829 a man named George Wilson was arrested for robbery and murder in a US mail heist. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to obtain his pardon from President Andrew Jackson. But when told of this, Wilson refused it ...read more

  • Like Bill Hybels, I Believe That There Is Nothing ...  PRO

    Contributed by Jim Kane on May 25, 2004
    based on 8 ratings
     | 6,375 views

    Like Bill Hybels, I believe that there is nothing like the local church when it is working right. In addition, I agree with what he says after that sentence: “Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the ...read more

  • Finding Nemo

    Contributed by Darrin Hunt on Feb 5, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 4,460 views

    Many of you have seen the movie, “Finding Nemo”. •It’s a powerful story of the love and determination of a caring father. •It’s the story of being lost, and then found. •It’s a story that can help us understand our Heavenly Father and His love for us. In the movie, Nemo’s father Marlin loved ...read more

  • A.w. Tozer Writes, "Whoever Will Listen Will Hear ...  PRO

    Contributed by Richard Wafford on Nov 24, 2004
    based on 2 ratings
     | 4,084 views

    A.W. Tozer writes, "whoever will listen will hear the speaking heaven. This is definitely not the hour when men take kindly to an exhortation to listen, for listening is not today a part of popular religion. We are at the opposite end of the pole from there. Religion has accepted the monstrous ...read more

Related Sermons