Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations

When 19th century American artist James Whistler was at the height of his artistic career, a wealthy patron purchased one of his pictures on the condition that the artist would accompany him home and help select a spot to hang the picture. Once at his mansion, the man held up the picture first here and then there, each time asking, “How about this?”

Finally, Whistler said, “You are going about this all wrong. What you must do is remove all the furnishings from the room, hang the picture where it will be best displayed, and then arrange the furniture in relationship to the picture.”

The reality is that many try adding Christ to their lives, but they don’t want change their lives. God doesn’t work like that. What He requires is that we first place Him as the focal point of our existence.

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • Life Or Death-It's Your Choice

    Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Aug 15, 2014
    based on 1 rating
     | 16,584 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
     | 9,915 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
     | 8,342 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
     | 8,299 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
     | 6,505 views

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