In Sermon Illustrations: "Acts Of Kindness"

Pentecost And Babel Contrasted

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 15, 2023

Pentecost was a reversal of the judgment at the Tower of Babel when God confused man’s language (Gen. 11:1-9). God’s judgment at Babel scattered the people, but God’s blessings at Pentecost united the believers in the Spirit. At Babel, the people were unable to understand each other, but at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-7

Tags: Tongues, Holy Spirit, Pentecost, Judgment, Babel  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Lost World Is Watching You!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 22, 2024

Before he became D.L Moody’s famous song leader, Ira Sankey was assigned to night duty in the American Civil War. While on duty one night, he lifted his eyes toward heaven and began to sing, praising the Lord while he was alone. At least, he thought he was alone. Years later, after the war had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Tags: Songs, Signing, Witness, Worship, Praise, Testimony, Lost, Hymns, Evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

John Harper's Last Convert

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 22, 2024

A man stood up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada four years after the sinking of the Titanic in a testimony meeting and this is what he said. He said, “I am a survivor of the Titanic. When I was drifting alone on that awful night, the tide brought a man toward me in the sea and his name was John ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Tags: Testimony, Witnessing, Lost, Saved, Evangelism, Faith, Death, Believe, Trust, Salvation  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cost For Preaching The Truth About Baptism

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 22, 2024

Baptism is identification with Christ. Baptism allows the believer in Christ to openly identify with Christ who died, was buried and who rose again on his behalf. It is a public testimony to say I have identified with Christ. I will live for Christ. On October 15, 1517, an Augustinian monk nailed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Tags: Baptism, Persecution, Immersion, Reformation, Church History, Count The Cost  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The Hole You Go!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 22, 2024

As a minister, I conduct many baptismal services. My denomination baptizes in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. One Sunday, my family and I went to a friend’s home in the country. Our four children went outside to play with the others. After a short while, we heard only silence ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Tags: Faith, Baptism, Church, Children, Great Commission, Salvation'  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unsung Heroes: Paul’s Nephew

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jun 19, 2024

Introduction: It’s interesting that we know very little about Paul except that he was a Jew, born in Tarsus, receiving an education in Jerusalem, and some of his days as Saul the persecutor of the new Church. We’re never told the names of his parents, siblings—or if he had any other siblings ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:16-22

Tags: Paul, Unsung Heroes, Paul's Nephew

Denomination: Baptist

Paul And Silas Prison - Chains Of Praise

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Aug 26, 2024

Paul and Silas in Prison I wonder what it was like in the prison cell. Chained up hands and feet. Behind bars. Waiting on God. Maybe for a moment there was silence. Processing. Maybe wondering whether or not they were going to be the next martyrs. Then Silas shuffles and the chains rattle. Paul ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-24

Tags: Praise, Chains

Denomination: Church Of God

Methodism 1776-1850

Contributed by John Bright on Jun 5, 2025

“In 1776 Methodists made up 2.5 % of religious adherent in the colonies. In 1850 Methodists made up 34.2 % of religious adherents! In seventy years they had increased from a tiny sect to the largest denomination in the United States. (In other words, in 1776 1 in 40 religious people in America were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:31

Tags: Church In America, Methodism, Colonial America

Denomination: Methodist

Horse In The Basement

Contributed by John Bright on Jun 6, 2025

Imagine having what we need but not using it – like the hoarse in the basement or the car that can drive at highway speed but you never go over 25mph. I heard a story about a guy who was looking at chainsaws at the hardware store. The salesman told him, “If you buy this chainsaw, you can cut ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Tags: Chainsaw, Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Car, Horse  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

People Generally Don't Like Change

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 30, 2025

People generally don't like change. As Mark Twain famously said, "The only person who likes change is a wet baby." There's a lot of truth to that quote. Many times, we think of change as being a bad thing, and we older people have seen a lot of bad changes in our lifetimes. *But ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Tags: Demon Possession, Spiritual Transformation, Paul, Salvation, Missions, Silas, Christian Service, Philippian Jailer, Evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

How The Philippian Jailer Got Saved - Crisis

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Oct 2, 2025

How the Philippian jailer got saved - Crisis This Philippian jailer was saved! He was saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And if you have never trusted in the Lord, He wants to save you the same way. But let's take a closer look at how the Lord touched the jailer's ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Tags: Crisis, Christian Service, Philippian Jailer, Demon Possession, Spiritual Transformation, Evangelism, Paul, Salvation, Missions, Silas  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Christians: We Should Be Jumping For Joy!

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Oct 3, 2025

Christians: We Should Be Jumping for Joy! Acts 16:34 says, "Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household." The saved jailer rejoiced in His salvation! And that word "rejoiced" has the great ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Tags: Evangelism, Paul, Demon Possession, Spiritual Transformation, Salvation, Missions, Silas, Crisis, Christian Service, Philippian Jailer  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Confirm Your Love

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Dec 25, 2014

"It takes time and energy to have an enemy at work." - Gary Chapman Everyone’s mouth dropped open at the rude comment made to the receptionist by the higher ranking female employee. The receptionist was a plain, quiet woman, not dressed very well, who went studiously about her work and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Tags: Forgive Your Enemy, Power Of The Tongue, Hold Your Tongue, Confirm Your Love

Denomination: Charismatic

Raise The Cross In The Marketplace

Contributed by Davon Huss on Oct 1, 2013

RAISE THE CROSS IN THE MARKETPLACE George MacLeod wrote: "I simply argue that the cross be raised again at the center of the market place as well as on the steeple of the church. I am recovering the claim that Jesus was not crucified in cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:1-6, Luke 23:38

Tags: Ordinary People, Business And Marketplace

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

His One Mistake  PRO

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Feb 26, 2002

“His One Mistake” He brushed his teeth twice a day. The doctor examined him twice a year. He wore rubbers when it rained. He slept with the windows opened. He stuck to a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. He golfed—but never more than 18 holes at a time. He got at least 8 hours ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:7-12, Matthew 8:11-13, Acts 20:7-12

Tags: Death, God's Judgment, Kingdom Of God

Denomination: Wesleyan

Unsung Heroes: The Servants Of Cornelius

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 18, 2021

Introduction: The Gospel was still being proclaimed but almost exclusively to Jews when this incident occurred. A number of Samaritans (a mixed race of Jews and other peoples from several different locales, 2 Kings 17) had believed and even a high official of Ethiopia had believed in Jesus (Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:1-6, Acts 10:21-23, Luke 7:1-10

Tags: Peter, Cornelius, Centurions, Unsung Heroes

Denomination: Baptist

Was God A God Of Love In The Old Testament?

Contributed by Coz Von on Aug 27, 2017

The Davinci code will tell you that Jesus was married Mary. is it so? NO, NO, AND - mil times NO – NOT! But I want to show you that God did get married. Blasphemy, you say, NOT SO, It’s irreverent, sacrilegious – and not true But He really did! Hear me out. Long, long ago in a land far far away ...read more

Tags: Love, Hosea, Love Story, Long Suffering, Peace, Hope, Care, Hate, Kindness, Gomer  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Super Bowl Sunday Joke!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 6, 2023

Surprised to see an empty seat at the Super Bowl stadium, a diehard fan remarked about it to a woman sitting nearby. "It was my husband's," the woman explained, "But he died." "I'm very sorry," said the man. Then he continued. "Yet, I'm really ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Tags: Death, Sports, Humor, Goodness, Kindness, Super Bowl, Football, Fruit Of The Spirit, Funerals, Widows  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You've Been Summoned

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Apr 18, 2024

A couple of years ago I had the honor of serving on a jury. It was by no means a noteworthy trial but it was important to the people involved. I felt a great deal of responsibility as the jury deliberated and eventually arrived at a verdict. We all wanted to make the right, fair and just decision ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20

Tags: Evangelism, Witness, Testimony, Witnessing, Great Commission  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Servanthood

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 4, 2022

As Christians can find all kinds of ways to minister in the name of Jesus. For example, there are 21,800 patients per year who receive chemotherapy treatments in Louisville, Kentucky, and most lose their hair. When Lynette Le Gette discovered this, it brought her to tears. She ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Acts 9:32-43

Tags: Servanthood, Good Deeds

Denomination: Lutheran