In Sermon Illustrations: "Evangelism Fear Of"

In His Book The Renew Mind (Bethany House, ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

In his book The Renew Mind (Bethany House, 1981), Larry Christiansen tells a story that is a perfect illustration for our sermon text for today. I’d like for you to imagine that you live in a run down apartment. As I describe this, I actually picture in my mind my apartment in St. Paul I shared ...read more

Tags: Jesus Temptation

The Rich Fool

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Nov 22, 2008

THE RICH FOOL Ortberg writes (and I have abridged it and translated it into proper English) Once upon a time in the Silicon Valley, there lived a very important man.He routinely logged in 12-14 hours a day work and sometimes at weekends. He went to the Harvard School of Management, where he got ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Tags: Fool, Use Of Time

Denomination: Anglican

The Following Story Was Written By A Missionary ...

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 26, 2009

The following story was written by a missionary doctor who worked in Africa. "One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping ...read more

Tags: Prayer Answered

Denomination: Baptist

Chillin Ain’t What I Thought It Was

Contributed by James Snyder on Oct 3, 2020

Last week the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage came up with a brilliant idea. At least, at the time, it seemed brilliant. “Why don’t we,” she began, “take Monday off and just chill?” Since it's been a long time since I did any chillin, I had to ask her, "What do we chill ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:3

Tags: Humor, Vacation, Day Off

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Unsung Heroines-The Widow Of Zarephath

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on May 4, 2022

Introduction: this widow woman probably wasn’t even an Israelite but she believed the words of Elijah, the prophet of the LORD, God of Israel. She received much more than she gave Elijah! Text: 1 Kings 17:8-16, KJV: 8 And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-16

Tags: Widow Of Zarephath, Unsung Heroines, Elijah

Denomination: Baptist

A Tribute To Ms. Gossips-A-Lot

Contributed by James Snyder on May 3, 2025

I was sitting in the shopping mall, drinking coffee and taking a break. I don't like going to the mall, but sometimes I have to go and pick up something for The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Sometimes, I think she does it on purpose, knowing how much I dislike it. I try to make the most ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 20:19

Tags: Community, Gossip

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Unwanted Items—the Ark Of The Covenant

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jul 16, 2025

Unwanted Items—The Ark of the Covenant Introduction: To “frame” this illustration, we’d need to look at a couple of chapters in 1 Samuel. In chapter 4, the writer tells us of Israel’s decision, foolish as it was, to bring the Ark of the Covenant out of the Tabernacle and down to the battlefield. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 5:1-12

Tags: Philistines, Ark Of The Covenant, Unwanted Items

Denomination: Baptist

The Resolutions Of Jonathan Edwards  PRO

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jan 5, 2003

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5

Tags: Discipleship, New Year's Day

Denomination: Baptist

There Was Once A Great And Noble King Whose Land ...  PRO

Contributed by Tim Zingale on Feb 21, 2006

There was once a great and noble King whose land was terrorized by a crafty dragon. Like a massive bird of prey, the scaly beast delighted in ravaging villages with his fiery breath. Hapless victims ran from their burning homes, only to be snatched into the dragon’s jaws or talons. Those devoured ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Tags: Transfiguration, Transformation, Sin Deceptive

Denomination: Lutheran

The Dragon

Contributed by Sermon Central on Feb 26, 2007

"The Dragon" I would like to tell you a story this morning about a dragon. "There was once a great and noble King whose land was terrorized by a crafty dragon. Like a massive bird of prey, the scaly beast delighted in ravaging villages with his fiery breath. Hapless victims ran from their burning ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:25-34

Great Britain Followed France's Lead And Closes ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

Great Britain followed France’s lead and closes their borders, but once again, they were too late. South Hampton, Liverpool, North Hampton, all reported cases of mystery flu by nightfall. The authorities explain that from all indications a person can be infected for up to a week without even ...read more

Tags: Apologetics The Bible

[132]. Poem Message – "I Am Included” - Song - Solo With Chorus

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 13, 2025

[132]. POEM MESSAGE – “I AM INCLUDED” - SONG - SOLO WITH CHORUS I just love this poem but it was originally meant as part of a Christian musical I wanted to write. I am sad I have not had the time to dedicate to this effort. I have the melody for this in my head but am not able to write ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:8-9

Tags: Joy, Song, Included, Singing, Christian Poetry, Musical, Grace, Mercy, Salvation  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[148]. A Poem Message – Egypt, Israel And The Reed Sea Victory

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 30, 2025

[148]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – EGYPT, ISRAEL AND THE REED SEA VICTORY This poem resulted from a special touch of the Lord from His word to me in 1997 when passing through an uncertain time, and facing a strong injustice I could not resolve. There are times when we must wait for God’s hand ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:2-3, Exodus 14:10

Tags: Army Of Pharaoh, Army Of The Egyptians, Hamam, Answer, Egypt, Deliverance, Defeat, Haman, Israel At The Reed Sea, Moses, Call  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[260]. A Message From A Poem – The Constant Tramp Of Feet Is Reality

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 8, 2026

[260]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – THE CONSTANT TRAMP OF FEET IS REALITY This poem is an emotive one. Have you ever waited for the coming of a cyclone, a typhoon or hurricane? You know how some people become anxious as the system approaches. Many start to fear. People feel they are trapped. In ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:5, Matthew 19:3-4, 2 Timothy 3:1-2, Matthew 24:37

Tags: Christian Poetry, Christian Poems, Tramp Of Feet, Hurricanes, Socialist Order, Climate Change, Male And Female, The Rapture, George Orwell, Coming Judgment, Advancing, Creation, Evil, Transsexual, Days Of Noah  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Carl's Gospel Garden  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Sep 28, 2011

CARL'S GOSPEL GARDEN He didn't talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake. Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well. Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Tags: Christian Witness

Not My Job  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 28, 2008

NOT MY JOB The names in this story have been changed out of respect for their privacy. Julie W told her family's story in a magazine article. [My daughter], Allison, came home for the weekend. She opened the door, didn't speak, and dropped her duffel bag. Smudges of mascara circled her eyes. I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:20, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Tags: Addiction

[226]. A Message From A Poem - Quantum Leaps

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 11, 2025

[226]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - QUANTUM LEAPS This poem is in 4 sections though all are related. It deals with the progression of wickedness in the world, but that progress has been very rapid. Those who are older, and in a reflective mood, will recall how things were in the 1950s and 60s when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 1:10

Tags: Change, Antichrist, Wickedness, The Last Days, A New Creature, The World Gets Worse, Rapid, Christian Poems, Quantum Leaps  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Something For Stevie  PRO

Contributed by Alan Braun on Mar 22, 2002

Titled: Something for Stevie I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn’t sure I wanted one. I wasn’t sure how my customers would react ...read more

Tags: Forgiveness General, Name, Joy

Denomination: Baptist

The Visited Planet,

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 14, 2009

“The Visited Planet,” by J.B. Phillips Once upon a time a very young angel was being shown round the splendours and glories of the universes by a senior and experienced angel. To tell the truth, the little angel was beginning to be tired and a little bored. He had been shown whirling galaxies and ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Tags: Christmas

My Son Died, Don't You Care  PRO

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 11, 2007

Illustration: My Son Died, Don’t You Care An Unknown author wrote this story: The day is over, you are driving home. You tune in your radio. You hear a little blurb about a little village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a flu that has never been seen before. It’s ...read more

Tags: Difference, Impact

Denomination: Other