In Sermon Illustrations: "Day Off"

Alone In A Dark Cave

Contributed by Steve Kinnard on Feb 14, 2019

Alone in the dark in the Cave Back in my teenage years we would go exploring caves. One day five of us went cave exploring, we only had two flashlights but being young , we thought that was enough. We were deep inside the cave and I decided to climb up a shelf, while the others waited and held the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 31:1-5

Tags: Fear, Trouble

Denomination: Pentecostal

Psalm 51 (Ad)

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 23, 2019

Psalm 51 (AD) The only sacrifice you ever desired was done On that rugged Cross by Your own holy Son. In Your sight, I have sinned only against Thee. The painful burden of that sin is ever with me. If You took my life, it would be just and well. You have every right to send my soul to Hell. I ...read more

Tags: Repentance, Sorrow

Denomination: Baptist

Sleep Walking With A Loaded Gun

Contributed by Davon Huss on Dec 29, 2019

Vs. 14 is an invitation to those who have been walking in their sleep, to wake up. Also an invitation for those who are asleep in darkness to wake up and come to the light. Sanford Rothman told police he woke up to a “bang” and realized he has suffered a gunshot wound to his knee. Rothman told ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:14

Tags: Light, Wake Up, Sleep Walking, Outer Darkness

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Not Loving The World

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Jul 30, 2021

It was very late Wed. Night of last week. I had only just finally gotten to relax after working on sermons all day and helping my friends a little with their move. So my plan was, while I was working some more on my sermons, to listen to a documentary about John Foxe, the author of Foxes Book of ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:15, Romans 12:2

Tags: Obedience, Taking Up Your Cross, Not Loving The World

Denomination: Charismatic

How Do You Make People Feel About Themselves?

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Feb 14, 2022

How do you think the people on your staff, in your family or church, or even close friends would say that you make them feel about themselves?? Consider these great quotes on how we treat others: John Maxwell – "People may hear your words, but above all, they feel your attitude. Your ...read more

Tags: Leadership, Importance, Feelings, Self Worth, Love  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Three Dimensions Of Pentecost

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Feb 19, 2022

When you stop and consider the work of the Holy Spirit—and that’s what Pentecost is all about—there are three direct dimensions: • First, the Holy Spirit does an INWARD work in us. He is the One who administers justification, regeneration, and the new birth in our lives. He is the One who cleanses ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit, Pentecost, Revival, Simon Peter

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Door Is Always Unlocked When You Come Home...

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Mar 15, 2022

J. C. Ryle tells of a mother whose daughter ran away and lived a life of sin. For a long time, no one knew where she was, but she finally came back, turned to Christ in repentance, and believed in Him. Someone asked the mother what she had done to bring her daughter back and she replied, “I prayed ...read more

Tags: Parables, Rebellion, Lost, Lost Sheep, Prodigal Son, Daughters, Parents, Mothers, Repentance  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moody's Attitude Toward Death

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Dec 13, 2022

Thousands came to faith in Christ through Moody’s meetings. As he approached the end of his life, he viewed Heaven as something to anticipate. Moody wrote: “Some day you will read in the papers that D.L. Moody of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27

Tags: Death, Heaven, Salvation, Funerals

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Momma, Kiss Me!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Feb 2, 2023

William Gladstone, in announcing the death of Princess Alice to the House of Commons, told a touching story. The little daughter of the Princess was seriously ill with diphtheria. The doctors told the princess not to kiss her little daughter and endanger her life by breathing the child's ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Tags: Death, Love, Sacrifice, Children, Agape, Mothers, Fruit Of The Spirit  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Rich Man And The Mirror

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Apr 10, 2024

One day a certain old, rich man of a miserable disposition visited a rabbi, who took the rich man by the hand and led him to a window. He said, "Look out there my wealthy friend." The rich man looked into the street. "What do you see"? asked the rabbi. "I see men, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10

Tags: Greed, Riches, Gold, Selfishness, Silver, Money, Wealth  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Staying In Our Assigned Scope

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 9, 2024

I was sitting on my deck at home one day this week having a brief devotional with the Lord. I looked up into a tree and saw a very small bird, a tiny yellow finch. I looked at him, and he looked at me. He was perched there without a care in the world, feeling safe and sound on his God-given turf. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 6:10-18

Tags: Peace, Safety, Spiritual Warfare, Obedience, Assignment, Empowerment, Vain Ambition  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Swallowed By A Whale - The Sign Of Jonah

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Feb 13, 2025

Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for 3 days and 3 nights! A kayaker from Chile was in the mouth of a Humpback whale for about 3 seconds - before being spit out! The story was reported by CNN (February 13, 2025) A humpback whale briefly swallowed a 24-year-old kayaker last Saturday during ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:17, Matthew 12:39, Matthew 12:40

Tags: Bible, Jonah, Miracles, Rejection, Escape, Signs, Reliability Of Scripture  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Repent For Better Health

Contributed by John Bright on Mar 10, 2025

Since this is the season of Lent, it’s a good time to repent of the unhealthy habits we have developed over the years. That means we tell God: “You’re right, and I’m wrong.” That’s the beginning of repentance. Then we need to make a plan. There’s an old saying: Those who fail to plan, plan to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-6, Acts 3:19

Tags: Diet, Food, Repent, Health, Sleep, Exercise, Bible Reading  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

God's Plan For Pain!" Matthew 16:21-28 Key ...

Contributed by Mark Brunner on Mar 6, 2005

“God’s Plan for Pain!” Matthew 16:21-28 Key verse(s): 25:“‘For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.’” “And whatever you do, make sure you don’t hurt yourself!” The tractor tire was heavy; definitely a two man job. Perched on the back of his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Tags: Endurance

Denomination: Lutheran

Plots, Plans, Villains And Fools!" Ezra 6:13-18 ...  PRO

Contributed by Mark Brunner on Mar 10, 2005

“Plots, Plans, Villains and Fools!” Ezra 6:13-18 Key verse(s): 14:“So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 6:13-18

Tags: God's Sovereign Will

Denomination: Lutheran

A True Story That Speaks About Mary's ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

A true story that speaks about Mary’s extravagant love for Jesus. A nine-year-old boy who lived in a rural town in Tennessee. His house was in a poor area of the community. A church had a bus ministry that came knocking on his door one Saturday afternoon. The kid came to answer the door and ...read more

Tags: People In The Gospel

Something Seems To Be Missing

Contributed by James Snyder on Apr 10, 2021

Did you ever have a week when it felt like something was missing, but you didn't quite know what it was? I had that kind of a week this past week. It felt like something was missing, and I could not figure out what it was. The past week was typical in many regards. Everything seemed to be ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:9

Tags: Missing, Filling, Empty

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

What's All These Gadgets For?

Contributed by James Snyder on Aug 14, 2021

Without any hesitation, I will gladly admit that I am on the short side when it comes to gadgets. For me, most of them do not make any sense at all. Instead, I like things simple and easy. As for the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, she is obsessed with gadgets. She loves them almost as much as ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:7

Tags: Frustration, Wisdom, Humor, Instruction

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Just When I Think I Got Everything Covered

Contributed by James Snyder on Apr 16, 2022

Dr. James L. Snyder I like to have an organized life. I must confess that my idea of organization is not The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage’s idea. We may share many things, but not planning and organization. When she begins a project, it is well planned and organized down to the tiniest ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:40

Tags: Organization, Planning, Crafts

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

[237 G] [7]. A Message From A Poem - Scenes From The Gospels - Part 7

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Nov 24, 2025

[237 G] [7]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - SCENES FROM THE GOSPELS - PART 7 They are here to enjoy! Scenes from the Gospels are very special to me. I love them. They have taken a lot of effort, and many, many months revision to get them as correct as possible with the difficult word limitations. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:47-49, Matthew 7:24-27, John 14:26, Luke 1:1-4, Matthew 13:10-13, Mark 9:14-27, John 4:5-30, Luke 15:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Living Water, Wise Man, The Samaritan Woman, Foaming At The Mouth, Deaf And Dumb Spirit, Demon Cast Out, Foolish Man, The Lost Coin, Built On Sand, House Upon The Rock, Scenes From The Gospel, Son With A Demon  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational