In Sermon Illustrations: "believing God" showing 5,941-5,960 of 19,007

Beyond Fiction

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 20, 2024

In a humorous yet thought-provoking comment, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson critiqued movies like 'Armageddon' and 'Moonfall' for violating more laws of physics per minute than any other movies. This observation serves as an interesting analogy for our spiritual lives. Much like ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Tags: Fiction, Physics, Gift Of God, Neil Degrasse Tyson, Eternal Consequences, Movie Analogies, Spiritual Life, Reality, Jesus Christ, Eternal Life, Disobedience, God's Law, Forgiveness, Sin, God, Salvation, Gift, Redemption, Faith, Death, Sacrifice, Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

I've Always Liked The Story Of The 3 Old Widows ...  PRO

Contributed by Steve Malone on May 14, 2001

I’ve always liked the story of the 3 old widows who lived together. One sister got up to go to bed, half way up the stairs she stopped and asked "was I going up or was I coming down" One sister replied with hint of aggravation, "you were going up to bed." A second sister headed into the kitchen ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 28:29, Numbers 10:10, Joshua 4:1-24

Tags: Remember, Memorial, God's Omniscience, Friendship New Friends, Aging, Christian Love, Forgetfulness  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

There Are Advantages To Being Able To See. For ...  PRO

Contributed by Howard Flynn on May 17, 2001

There are advantages to being able to see. For example, when I was a seminary student, I went to apply for a driver license. The clerk at the Department of Motor Vehicles asked me to read a line on the eye chart. I responded by reading a series of what I thought the correct letters were. To this, ...read more

Tags: Display, Honor, Kingdom Of God, Holy Spirit Attributes, Love Of The Disciples, Lord, Relationships  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Adventist

Not The Gift, But The Giver  PRO

Contributed by Darren Ethier on Apr 9, 2002

NOT THE GIFT, BUT THE GIVER A man told a story about the time his son’s sixth birthday was approaching. He had mentioned he wouldn’t mind a party, and as his son usually was very specific about the kind of presents he liked. The dad asked him what he could get him. Bill expected a well-planned ...read more

Tags: Church Practices, Blessing, Father, Father's Day, Giving, Relationships, Parenting, Worship God  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

This Is Good!  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Aug 29, 2002

THIS IS GOOD! The story is told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, "This is good!" One day the king and his friend were out on a hunting ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-3, Romans 8:28

Tags: God In The Hardships, Goodness, All Things Work For Good, Hope, Positive, Struggles, Trial  (view more)  (view less)

Let Me Tell You A Story From Alberta History: ...  PRO

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Dec 12, 2002

Let me tell you a story from Alberta history: Cree Chief Maskepetoon met Rev. Robert Rundle, and at their first meeting declared "I will never become a Christian as long as there are horses to steal and scalps to take." Nevertheless Maskepetoon became a staunch friend to Rundle and his attitude ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:20

Tags: Christian Liberty, Anxiety, Forgiveness General, God's Image, Prayer, Moving Forward, Supplication  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Flag And The Cross

Contributed by Davon Huss on Aug 1, 2020

Symbols evoke feelings of adoration or hatred. In this election year, the elephant and donkey mean different things to different people. Let's talk about a symbol that all Americans should be able to adore. In 1813 General Armistead commissioned Mary Pickersgill to make a huge flag that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-24, Galatians 6:14, Colossians 2:15

Tags: Patriotic, Cross, Power Of God, United States, National Anthem, Flag Of United States  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Man Who Probably Saved Your Earthly Life

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 15, 2021

In 1983, one man prevented a nuclear war between the USSR and the USA. Stanislav Yevgrafovich Petrov was the duty officer at the command center for the Oko nuclear early-warning system when the system reported that a missile had been launched from the United States, followed by up to five more. ...read more

Tags: Leadership, Unknown People, Unsung, Providence, God's Sovereignty, Heroes, Decisions, Choices, Unappreciated  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Six Kinds Of Biblical Preaching

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 19, 2022

Thomas Constable points out that there are 6 different kinds of biblical preaching: (1) kerugma, which means proclamation of the clear facts of the Christian message. (2) didache or teaching. This was explanation and interpretation of the facts-the "so what?" (3) paraklesis, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:11

Tags: Ministry, Church, Holy Spirit, Teaching, Preaching, Word Of God, Pastors, Simon Peter  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Last Chance  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 13, 2009

LAST CHANCE When Bishop Philip Brooks, author of "O, Little Town of Bethlehem," was seriously ill, he requested no friends come to see him. But when an acquaintance of his named Robert Ingersoll, a famous anti-Christian propagandist, came to see him he allowed him to come in right away. Ingersoll ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Tags: Witness, Love, Man, Heaven, Stewardship, Valentine, Reporter, God Brings Hope, Dog  (view more)  (view less)

The Bible Is Not About Science Or Philosophy

Contributed by Martin Spoelstra on Oct 8, 2022

The Bible has a single purpose. It was given to reveal the love of God as manifested in the divine provision of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is its aim, and sound interpretation must never lose sight of this aim. Consequently, it is a serious and misleading error to regard the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

Tags: Science, Inspiration, Philosophy, Interpretation, Hermeneutics, Exegesis, Love Of God, The Bible, Human Authors  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Patience With Those Who Reject Our Savior

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 6, 2023

According to a traditional Hebrew story, Abraham was sitting outside his tent one evening when he saw an old man, weary from age and journey, coming toward him. Abraham rushed out, greeted him, and then invited him into his tent. There he washed the old man's feet and gave him food and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Tags: Endurance, Patience, Forbearance, Fruit Of The Spirit, Waiting On God, Evangelism, Grace, Holy Spirit  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Great Christmas Story To Use!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 28, 2023

Pastor Clifford S. Stewart of Louisville, Kentucky, sent his parents a microwave oven one Christmas when microwaves were a new thing for many Americans. Here's how he recalls the interesting experience: "They were excited that now they, too, could be a part of the instant generation. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-12, John 1:1-12

Tags: Witnessing, Birth Of Christ, Son Of God, Evangelism, Christmas, Jesus, Salvation, Gospel, Missions  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

8 Types Of Suffering In The Bible

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Mar 25, 2024

Walter Kaiser’s article on “where Job’s friends went wrong about suffering” is very interesting. In the article, Kaiser identifies eight types of suffering mentioned in the Bible. 1. retributive suffering (caused by sin and disobedience to God) 2. educational or disciplinary suffering (as in ...read more

Tags: Glory Of God, Trials, Faith, Doubt, Prayer, Suffering, Testimony, Tribulation, Hurt, Pain  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Strength To Forgive

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Aug 12, 2024

Some of life's hurts are so deep and painful that to forgive the people who caused them seems impossible. Yet Jesus says that we can't experience His forgiveness if we have an unforgiving spirit. In World War II, Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie were arrested for concealing Jews and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15

Tags: Forgiveness, Lord's Prayer, God's Strength, Forgiving Others, Corrie Ten Boom, Enemies  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fake News Or Truth?

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Sep 30, 2024

Donald Trump has often spoken of what he calls, “fake news” when describing what he considers biased reporting. And it is true that most reporting about Trump is negative, while his opponents receive more favorable treatment. But did you know that the phrase “fake news” was first coined by ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:6-12

Tags: Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Fake News, Sure Witness, Jesus Is Son Of God  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Miraculous Adoption Story From India

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 17, 2024

In Bihar, India, there is a man named Augustine Jubakumar who leads a mission called Gospel Echoing Missionary Society (GEMS). Pastor Augustine and his wife have 4 biological children and 4 adopted children. The stories of their adopted children echo our adoption into God’s family. One child was ...read more

Tags: Evangelism, Compassion, Salvation, Missions, Chosen, Abortion, Miracles, Adoption, Inheritance, Others, India, Unconditional Love, Love Of God, Babies  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does Hope Do For Mankind?  PRO

Contributed by David Dewitt on Dec 15, 2000

What Does Hope Do For Mankind? Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest. Hope motivates when discouragement comes. Hope energizes when the body is tired. Hope sweetens while bitterness bites. Hope sings when all melodies are gone. Hope believes when evidence is eliminated. Hope listens for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-32, Romans 8:12-25, Daniel 3:1-28, Colossians 1:5, Romans 15:13, 1 John 2:4-5, Psalm 42:5, Luke 11:1-13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Glory, God Brings Hope, Hope, Living Hope, Mountain, Obstacles, Praise, Compassion, Care, Faith, Encouragement, Qualify, Sun, Victim, Victory, Thankfulness, Thanks  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

It’s Like The Lutheran Pastor Who Always ...  PRO

Contributed by Richard Jones on Nov 1, 2000

It’s like the Lutheran pastor who always started each service with "The Lord be with you." The people would respond, "and also with you.” But, one Sunday the PA system wasn’t working so the first thing he said was "There’s ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-27

Tags: Conflict, Communication General, Church General, Prayer Answered, Help, God's Help, Temptation Pride  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Next Time You’re In An Airport Notice The ...  PRO

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Feb 1, 2001

Next time you’re in an airport notice the difference between passengers who have confirmed tickets and those on standby (Hybels, Too Busy Not to Pray 113). Those who have confirmed tickets are relaxed, their confident and expectant. Those on standby hang around the ticket counter, they pace and ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-16, Genesis 4:1, 1 John 5:11-13

Tags: Faith, Confusion, Assurance Of Salvation, Born Again, God Brings Hope, Forgiveness In Jesus, Uncertainty  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational