In Sermon Illustrations: "Be Still"

For Israel There Were The Canaanite Baals, Those ...

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 28, 2008

For Israel there were the Canaanite Baals, those jolly nature gods whose worship was a rampage of gluttony, drunkenness, and ritual prostitution. For us there are still the great gods Sex, Shekels, and Stomach (an unholy trinity constituting one god: self), and the other enslaving trio, Pleasure, ...read more

Tags: Idolatry

Denomination: Other

Something Really Cheap

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 28, 2008

SOMETHING REALLY CHEAP After being away on business, a man thought it would be nice to bring his wife a little gift. "How about some perfume?" he asked the cosmetics clerk. She showed him a bottle costing $50.00. "That's a bit much," he said, so she returned with a smaller bottle for $30.00. ...read more

Tags: Giving General

Discipleship Through Repentance

Contributed by Richard Francis on May 10, 2009

DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH REPENTANCE As A. W. Tozer said, "A growing Christian must have at his roots the life-giving waters of penitence. The cultivation of a penitential spirit is absolutely essential to spiritual progress. The lives of great saints teach us that self-distrust is vital to godliness. ...read more

Tags: Repentance

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Quote:

Contributed by C Jordan on Jul 25, 2009

QUOTE: “Barnabas shines as one of the most mature, reliable, loveable leaders of the early church. And right here Luke shows us how Barnabas’ trusted ministry began—with a demonstrated freedom from the love of things, and a heart of love for the poor. He sold his field and gave all the proceeds to ...read more

Tags: Money

Denomination: *other

The Teacher By Leslie Pinckney Hill

Contributed by Rickey Bennett on Aug 15, 2009

The Teacher by Leslie Pinckney Hill Lord, who am I to teach the way To little children day by day, So prone myself to go astray? I Teach them KNOWLEDGE, but I know How faint they flicker and how low The candles of my knowledge glow. I teach them POWER to will and do, But only now to learn ...read more

Tags: Father's Day

Denomination: *other

A Poem By Ruth Walsh Pierces My ...

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Dec 24, 2009

A poem by Ruth Walsh pierces my heart. I was naked, and you questioned my lack Of modesty in my appearance. I was imprisoned, and you debated The legal aspects of interference. I was penniless, and you discussed Tax-deductable donations from your wealth. I was sick, and you thanked the Lord, For ...read more

Tags: Compassion

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Light Brings Joy

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Feb 7, 2010

Light brings Joy I remember the very first winter after I became an accountant. I would leave home while it was still dark. Sit in an office in artificial light until lunch time. Pop out for a sandwich, bring it back to my desk, eat it there. Then by the time I left at 5 or 6 it was already ...read more

Tags: Joy

Denomination: Anglican

Is This The Right Road ...

Contributed by Bill Butsko on Mar 12, 2010

“Is This the Right Road Home? Is this the right road home, O Lord? The clouds are dark and still, The stony path is hard to tread, Each step brings some fresh ill. I thought the way would brighter grow, And that the sun with warmth would glow, And joyous songs from free hearts flow. Is this the ...read more

Tags: Promises Of God

Denomination: Christian Church

Too Close To Where We Got In

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 21, 2010

TOO CLOSE TO WHERE WE GOT IN A little boy fell out of the bed in his sleep. His father picked him up and put him back in bed. He asked him, "Son, what happened?" The little boy responded, "I fell asleep too close to where I got in." I believe that describes too many Christians today. They have ...read more

Tags: Growth In Christ

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Enjoying Each Day

Contributed by Davon Huss on Dec 27, 2010

ENJOYING EACH DAY When Tamer Lee Owens celebrated her 104th birthday, she credited "laughter, the Lord, and the little things" for keeping her going. She still finds enjoyment each day in talking with people, taking a walk, and reading the Bible as she has done since childhood. "I don’t know how ...read more

Tags: Attitude General

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Beware Of Attachments

Contributed by Sermon Central on Aug 21, 2011

BEWARE OF ATTACHMENTS Felipe Massa of Brazil should have won the Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore in September 2008. But as he drove off from a refueling stop while in the lead, the fuel hose was still attached. By the time his team removed the hose, he had lost so much time that he finished ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Tags: Sin Bondage To

Three Turtles Decided To Go On A Picnic. They ...

Contributed by Johnny A. Palmer Jr. on Feb 10, 2012

Three turtles decided to go on a picnic. They were the best of friends. Before long it started to rain, they decided that one of them should go back and get some umbrellas. One turtle agreed to go but only if the other two promised not to begin eating until he returned. They promised. He headed ...read more

Tags: Action

Denomination: Baptist

House Fire And Marshmallows

Contributed by Sermon Central on Aug 7, 2012

HOUSE FIRE AND MARSHMALLOWS As the coals from our barbecue burned down, our hosts passed out marshmallows and long roasting forks. Just then, two fire trucks roared by, sirens blaring, lights flashing. They stopped at a house right down the block. All twelve of us raced out of the back yard, down ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12

Tags: Neighbor

Singing Your Resolution

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Aug 27, 2012

A while back I got discouraged, I got frustrated. Things were not going the way that I had planned. I was tired. I was tired of solving problems and dealing with people. You ever get like that? I didn’t know what to do. I still remember walking up down the road to my house, tears streaming down ...read more

Tags: Encouragement

Denomination: Baptist

Max Lucado: Beside, Under, With Christ?

Contributed by Kevin Karhoff on Mar 23, 2013

MAX LUCADO: BESIDE, UNDER, WITH CHRIST? As Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20). The apostle sensed within himself not just the philosophy, ideals, or influence of Christ but the person of Jesus. Christ moved in. He still does. When grace happens, Christ ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Foot In Mouthj

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 25, 2020

Here is a true story from Patrick Grilliot: We Uber drivers never know whom we’re going to end up with as a passenger. One day, I was driving over a new bridge, the design of which was very confusing. Completely confounded, I muttered, “I’d love to meet the genius who designed this mess.” With ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5-11

Tags: Behavior, Complaining, Social, Discretion, Two Natures, Foot In Mouth, Embarass  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Desiring More Of God

Contributed by Richard Tow on Mar 27, 2023

A. W. Tozer prayed a prayer that I can identify with. Perhaps it resonates with you as well. Here is the first part of his prayer. “O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6, Luke 6:21, Proverbs 4:23

Tags: Zeal, Hunger, Revival, Desire, Righteousness, Passion  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Backhanded Compliments

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jul 13, 2023

Soon after our last child left home for college, my husband was resting next to me on the couch with his head in my lap. I carefully removed his glasses. "You know, honey," I said sweetly, "without your glasses, you look like the same handsome young man I married." Her husband ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-31

Tags: Compliments, Marriage, Husband, Wife, Family, Words, Growing Old, Love  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Transient Forgiveness  PRO

Contributed by Greg Buchner on May 9, 2005

Transient Forgiveness (Illustrations Unlimited) Two little brothers, Harry and James, had finished supper and were playing until bedtime. Somehow, Harry hit James with a stick, and tears and bitter words followed. Charges and accusations were still being exchanged as their mother prepared them for ...read more

Tags: Forgiveness For Others

Denomination: Methodist

Christian Nation: After Years Of Complaining ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 27, 2006

Christian Nation: After years of complaining about Hollywood, conservative Catholics and Evangelical Christians are gaining traction. But the battle is a long way from over, and the culture is still up for grabs. Many of these developments stem more from a long-overdue recognition of the importance ...read more

Tags: Television And Movies