Sermon Illustrations

STALIN: LIKE STEEL TOWARD GOD

According to Svetlana Stalin, as her father, Joseph Stalin lay dying, he was plagued with terrifying hallucinations. He suddenly sat halfway up in bed, clenched his fist toward the heavens once more, fell back upon his pillow, and was dead.

The incredible irony of his whole life is that at one time Joseph Stalin had been a seminary student, preparing for the ministry. Coming of the age of Nietzsche, he made a decisive break from his belief in God. This dramatic and complete reversal of conviction that resulted in his hatred for all religion is why Lenin had earlier chosen Stalin and positioned him in authority--a choice Lenin too late regretted. (The name Stalin, which means "steel," was not his real name, but was given to him by his contemporaries who fell under the steel-like determination of his will.) And as Stalin lay dying; his one last gesture was a clenched fist toward God, his heart as cold and hard as steel.

God seeks and finds but we still have the choice as to how we will respond to him.

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • The Prodigal Son's Brother

    Contributed by Sean Harder on Jul 6, 2012
    based on 4 ratings
     | 57,861 views

    Chapter 15 of Luke is the start of a new discussion as Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem to fulfill his ultimate sacrificial mission. It begins with the Scribes and Pharisees grumbling because Jesus always allowed sinners to listen to him and eat with hi

  • The Goodness Of God Series

    Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 2, 2010
    based on 2 ratings
     | 25,283 views

    Today, I want us to consider the goodness of God. The goodness of God is designed to appeal to our better nature and cause us to respond favorably to God. The purpose of God's goodness and forbearance is not to encourage sin, but to appeal to man's better

  • Christ In The Garden Of Eden Series

    Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 9, 2011
    based on 4 ratings
     | 23,227 views

    Christ was there in the Garden of Eden: 1. Seeking to connect with sinners (vs. 8-9). 2. Seeing through our conniving ways (vs. 7-13). 3. Showing us the consequences of our sin (vs. 14-19). 4. Showing us the cross (vs. 14-15 & 21).

  • From Drought To Abundance

    Contributed by Olorunnisola Oni on Oct 14, 2012
    based on 1 rating
     | 16,854 views

    The sermon tells us how we can transit from a state of drought to abundance

  • Necessary Steps On The Way Back Home (Part 1)

    Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Apr 18, 2015
    based on 5 ratings
     | 16,304 views

    Examining the proper steps toward restoration to a right relationship with the Father.

Browse All Media

Related Media


Forgiveness
SermonCentral
Preaching Slide
Compassion
Church Fuel
Video Illustration