Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations

GOD IS NIGH

I served as an airborne Ranger platoon leader (paratrooper) in the First Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War.

Our company was hacked up pretty badly by the enemy during one mission. When our platoon’s survivors returned to base camp, we all trudged down the muddy path to our tent. As the men took their places in their bunks, the number of empty bunks became apparent. Men put their faces in their hands and sobbed like children. Each of us wondered if our bunk would be empty at the end of the next mission.

Fortunately, there was something we could always count on to help keep our sanity...late in the evening, long after the sun had gone down, a distant bugle could be heard playing "Taps." When that haunting, nostalgic song was played, all activity in the battalion area came to a screeching halt. Conversations would stop and men would sit back in their bunks, listening to what had to be the most poignant sound I have ever heard.

Now, years later, as I look back on the horrors of that combat, I remember that unknown bugler who played "Taps" so late every night. It seemed that, if only for a few moments, we were assured that someone was up...

Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • Independence Day

    Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Feb 11, 2011
    based on 5 ratings
     | 20,989 views

    Celebrating the the prize of independence and freedom before the reality is in hand.

  • Anzac Day/Memorial Day

    Contributed by Noel Atkinson on Apr 26, 2010
    based on 1 rating
     | 19,210 views

    This sermon looks at the sacrifices soldiers make on behalf of others. This is the same sacrifice Jesus makes for us on the cross. We have been bought with a high price and should enjoy our lives.

  • Some Trust In Chariots Series

    Contributed by Boomer Phillips on Jun 9, 2021
    based on 2 ratings
     | 12,876 views

    Independence Day: It appears that more and more, the people of America are going astray from a strong belief and commitment to the Lord. Unfortunately, many people trust in the inventions of man more than they trust in God.

  • Freedom In Christ Series

    Contributed by Boomer Phillips on Jun 9, 2021
    based on 1 rating
     | 12,652 views

    Independence Day: In God we find the basis for national freedom, or physical freedom; however, we also find in the Lord the basis for our spiritual freedom. God’s provision for our spiritual freedom is found in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

  • Don't Forfeit Your Freedom Series

    Contributed by Boomer Phillips on Jun 9, 2021
    based on 6 ratings
     | 11,335 views

    Independence Day: Our country was founded on a value for religious freedom. As biblical morality fades, immorality and moral decay are taking its place; which will eventually lead to the collapse of this nation unless people repent.