In Sermon Illustrations: "Do Not Worry"

Unintentionally Humorous Texts: What Are They Doing Here?

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 3, 2024

Introduction: David had fled to Achish, king of Gath, in the land of the Philistines once before to escape Saul, the king of Israel and his own father-in-law (1 Samuel 21)! Now it’s a few years later and, once again, Saul is chasing David and, again, David fled to Gath. This time, David and his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 29:1-5

Tags: David, Philistines, Achish

Denomination: Baptist

Nothing Is More Satisfying Than Doing Nothing

Contributed by James Snyder on Oct 26, 2024

We were facing a very severe hurricane, and everything was being shut down. The hurricane was to hit us on a Wednesday night. Because we were in the center of where that hurricane was supposed to come, we were not allowed to get out and drive on the streets. I knew that I had to finish all my work ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:2

Tags: Hurricane, Planning

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Do Not Get Counsel From Your Detractors

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 25, 2026

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus." (Matthew 14:27-33) Beloved ... we do not know all the words ... that were spoken between ...read more

Scripture: John 21:25, Matthew 14:25-33

Tags: Counsel, Mother, Detractors, Water, Walk, Advice, Boat  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

I Sure Do Miss St. Sanity

Contributed by James Snyder on Aug 17, 2019

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and me recently celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary. It sure does not seem we have been married that long. I guess, as you get older, according to my grandmother, time goes faster. If that is true, I must be getting older. We met in September, became ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Tags: Politics, Humor, Sanity

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Do You Weep Over Your Sin?

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jan 15, 2020

A young pastor visited Dundee, Scotland, shortly after Robert Murray McCheyne died at age thirty. Many people had come to Christ because of McCheyne's ministry, and the visitor wanted to know the secret of his great influence. The old sexton of McCheyne's church led the preacher into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Tags: Confession Of Sin, Sermon On The Mount, Mourning Over Sin, Prayer, Revival, Repentance, Beatitudes, Pastors, Brokenness  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What’s Time Got To Do With It?

Contributed by James Snyder on Apr 18, 2020

After so many weeks, I haven't been able to keep track of them, one day seems just like the other day. Today reminds me of yesterday, and yesterday may be the same as tomorrow. I know I am used to being confused, but I have exceeded my limit on this time aspect. The Gracious Mistress of the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Tags: Humor, Time

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Reprove An Erring Brother, Do Not Reproach Him

Contributed by James Dina on Oct 7, 2020

REPROVE AN ERRING BROTHER, DO NOT REPROACH HIM Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning." (Proverbs 9:8-9) We should have respect ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 9:8

Tags: Correct In Love, Reprove

Denomination: Pentecostal

Reprove An Erring Brother, Do Not Reproach Him

Contributed by James Dina on Oct 7, 2020

REPROVE AN ERRING BROTHER, DO NOT REPROACH HIM Huwag mong pagsabihan ang isang scoffer, o kapopootan niya kayo, pagsabihan ang isang matalinong tao at mahal niya kayo. Magbigay ng tagubilin sa isang matalinong tao at magiging mas matalino pa rin siya, turuan ang isang mabuting tao at pag-iibayuhin ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 9:8

Tags: Reprove, Correct In Love

Denomination: Pentecostal

How Hard Do You Prepare For Sermons?

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jan 4, 2021

Howard Hendricks shares this insight about the value of preparing and study for sermons... " When I was a college student—I worked in the college dining hall, and on my way to work at 5:30 am. every morning I walked past the home of one of my professors. Through a window I could see the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:15

Tags: Sermons, Shepherding, Feeding The Flock, Sermon Preparation, Studying The Word  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What’s Pete Got To Do With Anything?

Contributed by James Snyder on Feb 20, 2021

If there's anybody that can be conned, it's Yours Truly. It's not so much that I'm stupid; I'm just naïve. I believe when somebody says something, they mean exactly what they say. So, if you can't swindle me, you might as well hang it up and get a real job. I must ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:12-13

Tags: Blame, Accusations

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

I Didn’t Do It My Way

Contributed by James Snyder on Oct 23, 2021

I don’t think I’ve learned very much during my life. I just bounce from day to day and take what comes. The one thing I did learn as I look back is, for the most part, I didn’t do it my way. Remember Frank Sinatra and his song, “I Did It My Way?” I would have liked to ask him, how’s that been ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21

Tags: Surrender, Aggression

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

How Do You Give Without Enabling?

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Apr 2, 2022

How do you give biblically and with a Christ-like approach to needy people, yet not enable the person to become co-dependent on your giving heart? (1) Learn to distinguish between DIVINE appointments and drive-by-guiltings (Luke 10:33/ 1 Timothy 5:8/ Deuteronomy 15:11 and Galatians 6:10/ ...read more

Tags: Needs, Enabling, Wisdom, Discernment, Giving, Finances, Tithing, Good Samaritan, Sacrifice  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Do Human Beings Come From???

Contributed by Garris Hudson on May 5, 2022

A little girl asked her Mom, “Where do human beings come from?” Mom answered, “God made Adam and Eve and they had children, and so was all mankind made.” Two days later the girl asked her Dad the same question. Dad answered, “Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race ...read more

Tags: Mothers, Mother's Day, Fathers, Genesis, Creation, Evolution, Father's Day  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Once When Alabama Was Playing Auburn, Coach Bear ...  PRO

Contributed by Tim George on Apr 19, 2001

Once when Alabama was playing Auburn, Coach Bear Bryant sent in his 2nd string quarterback with instructions to run on every play and he had better not pass the ball. Alabama led by three points and only had to run the clock out to win. Three downs in a row Alabama was crushed. On the fourth down ...read more

Tags: Grace, Fear And Worry, Faith

Denomination: Baptist

To Risk  PRO

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 25, 2001

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool To weep is to risk appearing sentimental To reach out for another is to risk involvement To expose feelings is to risk exposing, your true self To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss To love is to risk not being loved in ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 24:1-13, Matthew 25:14-30, Matthew 25:31-46

Tags: Fear And Worry, Endurance, Doubt

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Elderly Lady Was Asleep In Her Bed One Night, ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 5, 2001

An elderly lady was asleep in her bed one night, when she was awakened by a strange noise from the living room. Cautiously, she walked in and discovered a burglar in the process of stealing the stereo. Overcome with fear, she whispered a desparate prayer, "Help me Jesus!" The burglar heard her and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36, John 18:33-37, Jude 1:20-25

Tags: Fear And Worry, Bible Influence

One Summer Night During A Severe Thunderstorm A ...  PRO

Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 6, 2001

One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, "Mommy, will you stay with me all night?" Smiling, the mother gave him a warm, reassuring hug and said tenderly, "I can’t dear. I have ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 30:1-28, 2 Timothy 1:7

Tags: Fear And Worry, Endurance, Storm

Denomination: Baptist

Sometimes Fear Of Punishment Motivates Better ...  PRO

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 3, 2001

Sometimes fear of punishment motivates better than anything else. One mother decided she would put the fear of a speeding ticket in the speeding drivers going past a local elementary school. Every morning she would park her car in front of the elementary school and point her black hair dryer - ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 10:26-28

Tags: God's Omniscience, Fear And Worry

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

He Was A Professional Thief. His Name Stirred ...  PRO

Contributed by David Yarbrough on Jan 28, 2002

He was a professional thief. His name stirred fear as the desert wind stirs tumbleweeds. He terrorized the Wells Fargo stage line for thirteen years, roaring like a tornado in and out of the Sierra Nevada’s, spooking the most rugged frontiersmen. In journals from San Francisco to New York, his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5-8, Matthew 10:24-31

Tags: Endurance, Fear, Fear And Worry

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Martin Niemoeller Experienced It. One Of Hitler's ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 29, 2002

Martin Niemoeller experienced it. One of Hitler’s least favorite people, Rev. Niemoeller was placed in prison and summoned to a special court. He was suddenly afraid. He had no idea what to expect! But according to Francis Gay, as he was taken along the seemingly endless corridor to the courtroom, ...read more

Tags: Fear And Worry, Bible Influence