In Sermon Illustrations: "Cost"

It Was Around 1870 When New York City Had One Of ...

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 25, 2004

It was around 1870 when New York City had one of the most hotly contested mayor’s races in its history. The incumbent was Mayor John Tweed. Everybody called him “Boss Tweed,” and it was a name that suited him well. The time came when he ran for reelection, and Boss Tweed’s political machine ...read more

Tags: Prayer Adoration

Denomination: Methodist

Who's The Guy With George

Contributed by Sermon Central on Oct 19, 2004

WHO’S THE GUY WITH GEORGE George had a friend with an inflated opinion of himself. As a friend should, George decided to help his friend lose this quirk. Subtly, George mentioned that he knew Johnny Carson. The friend said, "Oh, yeah, prove it." In a few minutes, they were in front of a large ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:12-24

Tags: Parable Great Banquet, Humility

That's Why I Think It Is Very Important In ...  PRO

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Jan 8, 2005

That’s why I think it is very important in understanding God’s grace to comprehend the difference between three words- used in Scripture. Justice - Mercy & Grace. Justice is deserved punishment. Mercy is exemption from punishment, Grace is favor when punishment is deserved. (Repeat) Let me ...read more

Tags: God's Provision, Grace

Denomination: Christian Church

During The Early Morning Hours Of Sunday, January ...

Contributed by Joe La Rue on Feb 12, 2008

During the early morning hours of Sunday, January 27, just one week ago today, fire swept through Tim and Victoria Lasita’s Delhi Township home. The house was destroyed, and with it, practically all their possessions. Tim, Victoria and their two sets of triplets—6 children in all, under the age ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Penny Is An Interesting Piece Of Metal. The ...

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Nov 11, 2008

The penny is an interesting piece of metal. The price of the metal within the penny actually is worth more than its assigned value. And to top it off, the penny is almost worthless at least in terms economic buying power. You can’t get anything for penny nowadays. I can’t think of anything. ...read more

Tags: Money

Denomination: Church Of God

Actions Speak Louder  PRO

Contributed by Tim Smith on Dec 10, 2008

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER 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 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23

Tags: Character

Denomination: Methodist

Not Just Another Offering

Contributed by Sermon Central on Feb 12, 2009

NOT JUST ANOTHER OFFERING I had been praying regularly with the deacons for one of our members. His wife, Pat, attended our small congregation faithfully, but John hadn’t been to church in years. So every Sunday afternoon before the evening service, we prayed for ways to communicate our commitment ...read more

Tags: Evangelism How To

Some Years Back Bill Cosby Wrote A Book Simply ...

Contributed by Bobby Scobey on May 22, 2007

Some years back Bill Cosby wrote a book simply entitled Fatherhood. I would like to share with you two observations that Cosby makes about fathers. He writes: Now that my father is a grandfather, he just can’t wait to give money to my kids. But when I was his kid and I asked him for fifty cents, ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

On May 23, 1863, Nearly 30,000 Union Soldiers ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

On May 23, 1863, nearly 30,000 Union soldiers were camped in a semi-circle around one of the most unlikely places in the country. Just 35 miles north of where we are right now there was a fort built on a high bluff overlooking a sharp bend in the Mississippi River. From the earthen walls of that ...read more

Tags: God In The Hardships

Give-Away Christmas  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Oct 19, 2009

GIVE-AWAY CHRISTMAS Richard Myers tells the story of being a reservist and being called back to active duty in Fort Monmouth, NJ, canceling his Christmas plans with his family in IN. Feeling low, he turned on the radio and heard an appeal from the Post Office for volunteers to answer letters sent ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12

Tags: Christmas

William Wilberforce

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 13, 2021

Jesus is the supreme example. He cares so much about completing His mission on earth that he lets himself be killed. That total commitment to God’s will literally costs Him His life. It also saves it, as the resurrection proves. There are many examples from history of persons who have proved ...read more

Scripture: John 12:25

Tags: Glory, Die, Hate, Lose

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Run The Race

Contributed by James Chandler on Apr 18, 2024

Run the Race ”Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Tags: Perseverance, Hope

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Elderly Man Was Desperately Ill. Knowing The ...  PRO

Contributed by Matthew Rogers on Dec 10, 2001

An elderly man was desperately ill. Knowing the time for his departure was near, he called for his closest friends to come see him one last time. Attending him were his doctor, his pastor and his business manager. The old man said, “I know you can’t take it with you, but who knows for sure? ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:6-10, 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Tags: Money

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A True Story: Mellissa. Texas 1991

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Dec 7, 2006

A True Story: Mellissa. Texas 1991 Two students were hostel roommates for the first year at college. When they returned from their winter break, Andrew was asked what presents he had received for Christmas. He began to tell his friend about the new clothes, the nice books, and all the other ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Easter, Redemption

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008

Easter, Redemption The apostle Paul wrote about this redemptive work of Christ upon the Cross and victory that is available to the children of God through the resurrection of Christ. He writes, "So you are no longer a slave..." (Galatians 4:7) Jesus said, "So if the Son sets you free, you will ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:7

Tags: Easter Resurrection

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

Rare Italian Automobile Good Only For ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Nov 24, 2009

Rare Italian Automobile Good Only for Show I heard this week about a very, very special automobile. It was built in the 1920’s by the Italian manufacturer Bugatti, and it was designed to be sold to the outrageously wealthy. This car was equipped with 450 horses under the hood; it was some 22 feet ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Tags: Materialism

Mother Rescues Son From Alligator And Leaves ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 2, 2009

Mother Rescues Son From Alligator and Leaves Scars on His Arms Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30

Tags: Lord's Supper

Australia Is In The Middle Of Grand Final Fever ...

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Oct 1, 2010

Australia is in the middle of GRAND FINAL FEVER with the NRL - THE DRAGONS VS THE ROOSTERS. What are the characteristics needed for those chosen to be the warriors of this battle? What is it that will win the game and bring victory? What will provide the competitive edge that guarantees success in ...read more

Tags: Restoration

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Risk Of Fishing For Souls  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on May 3, 2011

THE RISK OF FISHING FOR SOULS A little more than 10 years ago (2000), a movie called The Perfect Storm was released, which graphically portrayed the dangers of the fishing industry even in modern times. The movie is about the crew of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat out of Gloucester, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:14-39

Tags: Evangelism Fear Of