In Sermon Illustrations: "A Prodigal Returns"

Strength Through Humility

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Jul 7, 2014

And I must say here, this does not come automatically, we have to work at it and develop it, and many times we grit our teeth as we think we fail every now and again, but I will end with this analogy, it is the best I can up with, it is crude … but think of yourself when you give your offering, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-30

Tags: Humility, Strength

Denomination: Episcopal

The Turtle Tale  PRO

Contributed by Scott Reeves on Aug 26, 2014

It was near the end of the school year in LA (Lower Alabama) and the weather had turned unseasonably hot for mid-May. As I was driving home from the county school I’d substituted for that day I noticed a box turtle working to make his way across the hot pavement of the county road. I steered my car ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 23:11

Tags: Grace, Saving

Denomination: Methodist

Lesson On Mahatma Gandhi

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jan 27, 2017

I HAVE MANY PEOPLE I GREATLY RESPECT... ONE OF THOSE MEN I RESPECT FROM THE TWENTIETH CENTURY IS: MAHATMA GANDHI... Several stories have made an impression in my heart. I read once that Mahatma Gandhi attended a church in Northern Africa. Gandhi had read about Jesus' teachings and he loved ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:22

Tags: Respect, Gandhi Makes A Difference

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Gehenna: The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Apr 17, 2017

The Hinnom Valley was the place Jesus had in mind when He talked about Hell. The Hebrew word for this valley is, "Gehinnom", and the Greek word is, "Gehenna." The Hinnom Valley was located on the south and west side of the city of Jerusalem. It was a very dark place and many believe it is the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Tags: Faith, Hell, Gehenna

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Faith Of Stonewall Jackson

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jan 8, 2021

There is a scene in the Civil War motion picture Gods and Generals that is telling. The movie follows the rise and fall of Civil War hero General Thomas Jackson, and does not try to hide his Christianity. Throughout the picture, Jackson's dependence on God is shown, but never more strikingly ...read more

Tags: Courage, Will Of God, Civil War, Sovereignty Of God, Faith  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Danger: Listen

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 21, 2021

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE YOUNG GIRL CUTTING THROUGH THE WOODS TO TAKE HER GRANDMOTHER SOME FOOD? The weather had turned very cold. The snow was coming down. The cold north wind was blowing so hard. The young girl was walking through the field returning home. She heard someone calling to her. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 107:8-9, John 10:10, Judges 20:18

Tags: Listen, Danger, Ready

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Four Ways To Minister Like The Good Samaritan

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Apr 2, 2022

As we study the characteristics of the Good Samaritan, let’s ask ourselves if these qualities are true of us as well. He opened his eyes. Although all three men physically saw the critically wounded man, only the Samaritan looked and stopped to help. Before we can meet needs, we must be aware of ...read more

Tags: Parables, Neighbor, Kindness, Good Samaritan, Service, Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

As I Begin To Close, In The Cemetery Of Tuskegee ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

As I begin to close, in the cemetery of Tuskegee Institute, in Tuskegee Alabama, there is a tombstone which reads: "GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER - Died in Tuskegee, Alabama, January 5, 1943. A Life that stood out as a gospel of Self-Forgetful Service. He could have added Fortune to Fame, but caring for ...read more

Tags: God In The Hardships

A Heart Of Sacrifice

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 3, 2008

A heart of sacrifice i. ((Lk 10:34-35) "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I ...read more

Just As When A Man And Woman Fall In Love, So ...  PRO

Contributed by Brian Harvison on Apr 18, 2008

Just as when a man and woman fall in love, so also new believers rejoice at their new found forgiveness. You know how it is when you first get married. The newness of it makes it so exciting. An 80-year-old couple was having problems remembering those good times, though they were having problems ...read more

Tags: Evolution, Marriage, Commitment, Reminder, Age, Elderly, Senior, Memorial, New Year, Memory  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

I Would Become The Corn ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 23, 2008

"I WOULD BECOME THE CORN MYSELF." The story is told of two men who were traveling in the country of England a number of years ago. They had stopped at an inn for the night and had gotten settled in for the night when the village came alive with the shouts of alarm. A fire had broken out in a row ...read more

Tags: Sacrifices

What Will You ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 31, 2008

WHAT WILL YOU DO? Henry Ford gave away millions of dollars to many different causes in his lifetime, but he was notorious for the fact that he refused to give any money at all to schools. He felt that well-meaning but non-businesslike people frequently mishandled those gifts. Now, there was a ...read more

Tags: Parable Sower And Seed

Water ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 31, 2008

WATER SOURCE The story is told about an Englishman living in Cairo who visited an Arab Chief in Arabia. The Englishman was treated with such kindness and royalty that he invited the Chief to visit him in Cairo, Egypt. He promised to show him the great sights of the city. The Arab Chief made the ...read more

Tags: Power

Walking In The Confidence Of God  PRO

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008

Walking in the Confidence of God "Personal God" Christians can walk in confidence because the Lord is a personal God: Psalm 147:11 says, "the LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." Song of Solomon 7:10 presents a wonderful truth in regard to our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 7:10

Tags: Confidence

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let Me Share With You The Story Of A Lesser Known ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Sep 2, 2008

Let me share with you the story of a lesser known man, Rev. John Perkins. According to Philip Yancey in his book "Soul Survivor", John Perkins, a black minister in the South "lived through the worst nightmares of the civil rights movement"(Philip Yancey, Soul Survivor, p 31). Perkins started a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43, Matthew 13:14-40

Tags: Hatred

Andy Stanley Tells The Story Of When He Was 13 ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 28, 2008

Andy Stanley tells the story of when he was 13 and learning the meaning of the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” His dad was the Associate pastor of First Baptist in Atlanta when the senior pastor was asked to resign. Charles Stanley was asked to preach on Sundays until a suitable ...read more

Tags: Christian Values

As A Family We Recently Made Use Of A Disposable ...

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Sep 14, 2009

As a family we recently made use of a disposable barbeque. We’ve owned proper barbeques in the past but we haven’t had one for a few years so when my wife suggested a few weeks ago that I should barbeque some burgers in the garden I remembered that we had a few disposable barbeques in the garage. ...read more

Tags: Obedience

Denomination: Anglican

Imagine This ...

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Oct 6, 2009

Imagine this scenario: You have been diagnosed with a rare blood disease and need a blood transfusion. But this transfusion must come from a sibling. To your knowledge you have no siblings, that is until your parents tell you a story they have kept secret for years. You do have a brother. Years ...read more

Tags: Lord's Supper

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

O In Peter Schaeffer's Play ...

Contributed by David Rumley on Oct 28, 2009

o In Peter Schaeffer’s Play Amadeus o Story of Salieri  Makes a prayer before God…  I would offer up secretly the proudest prayer a boy could think of. “Lord, make me a great composer! Let me celebrate your glory through music – and be celebrated myself! Make me famous through the ...read more

Tags: Salvation, Assurance Of Salvation

Denomination: Pentecostal

I Was In High School, Either A Junior Or Senior, ...

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

I was in high school, either a junior or senior, I can’t remember which. My dad and step-mom were out of town, leaving my older step-brothers and me to have the house to ourselves. As was our custom, we partied. Lots of people, lots of alcohol, and even some pot. While I was drunk one of those ...read more

Tags: Father's Day

Denomination: Wesleyan