In Sermon Illustrations: "Fervent In Spirit"

Slow And Steady

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 26, 2022

The power of the Holy Spirit is not just for salvation, but for sanctification, a process that is slow and gradual. The difference might look like this: You can take ten gallons of gasoline and release a tremendous amount of power and energy by just dropping a lighted match into it. It makes a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

Tags: Holy Spirit, Energy, Fuel

Church Bans Wifi

Contributed by John Bright on Jun 5, 2025

Hey, did you hear about the church that banned Wi-Fi? Why? Because they didn’t believe in an ...read more

Scripture: John 16:13

Tags: Church, Holy Spirit, Wifi

Denomination: Methodist

Power To Be The Light

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Jun 3, 2024

Smartphones are amazing pieces of technology. Everything my generation went to RadioShack to purchase is now all together in the palm of our hand, including our flashlights. My grandfather loved flashlights. It was okay to get him a new one each year for Christmas or his birthday. He would take a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, John 15:5

Tags: Light, Holy Spirit, Power

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Lesson From A Band Concert

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 19, 2024

Introduction: Sometimes you can find an example or illustration from places you wouldn’t normally expect. Such an instance happened to me recently, Here’s the verse that came to mind when I saw what took place: Text: John 16:13, KJV: 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide ...read more

Scripture: John 16:13

Tags: Holy Spirit, Teaching, Encouragement

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Conected To The Power Source?

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 25, 2025

A missionary named Herbert Jackson ... was a given car when he arrived on ... the mission field. It had one problem... it would not start ... without a push. After pondering his problem, ... he devised a plan. He went to the local school near his home, ... and received permission to take a few ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:13, Ephesians 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:4

Tags: Power, Force, Overflow, Connected, Beliver, Missionary, Spirit, Holy Spirit  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Stop Pushing Your Car And Step On The Gas!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Nov 6, 2022

The Argentine evangelist, Santiago Garaballe, once gave an illustration of a man who bought a new car. He had never owned a car in his life. The car came with a powerful engine under the hood. What if the man then spent the rest of his life pushing it around! Come on family let's go for a ride! ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Tags: Holy Spirit, Resurrection, Victory, Flesh, Defeat, Spirit Filled Life  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Am In A Hurry, But God Isn't!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Feb 6, 2023

The purposes of God often develop slowly because His grand designs are never hurried. The great New England preacher Phillips Brooks was noted for his poise and quiet manner. At times, however, even he suffered moments of frustration and irritability. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

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

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living Without Power  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Sep 2, 2008

LIVING WITHOUT POWER The story is told of an elderly woman named Norena, who lived in southern Florida. When a hurricane hit that area, her home was one of many that was severely damaged. Norena received an insurance settlement, and the repair work began. However, when the money ran out, so did ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Tags: Holy Spirit, Gift, Power, Truth, Living Without, Holy Spirit In Believers  (view more)  (view less)

The Perfect Portrait Of Peace

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Feb 2, 2023

Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The judges ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:19-23, John 14:27, Philippians 4:7

Tags: Spirit Filled Life, Peace, Presence Of God, Fruit Of The Spirit, Trials, Problems  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is That In Thine Hand?  PRO

Contributed by Ted Sutherland on Aug 19, 2001

Dr. Bob Jones Sr. told the story: I remember years ago I was holding a meeting in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. I was in that big amphitheater there that accommodates about ten thousand people. The people told me a story. They said a few nights before I was there they advertised in the paper that a man ...read more

Tags: Love Of The Disciples, Holy Spirit In Believers

Denomination: Baptist

D. L. Moody Said, "I Believe Firmly That ...  PRO

Contributed by Evie Megginson on Oct 9, 2001

D. L. Moody said, “I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and everything that is contrary to God’s law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8

Tags: Holy Spirit In Believers, Love Of The Disciples

Denomination: Baptist

Silver Boxes: The Gift Of Encouragement  PRO

Contributed by Dru Ashwell on Dec 16, 2001

Do you know someone who has: A song waiting to be sung? Some art waiting to be hung? A piece waiting to be played? A scene waiting to be staged? A tale waiting to be told? A book waiting to be sold? A rhyme waiting to be read? A speech waiting to be said? If you do, don’t let them ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit In Believers, Gifts General

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Because Of The Increase Of Wickedness, The Love ...  PRO

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 25, 2001

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." - Matthew 24:12-13 On the night of March 29, 1848, Niagara Falls completely and mysteriously stopped flowing. The estimated 500,000 gallons of water that customarily rushed ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-16

Tags: Love Of The Disciples, Holy Spirit Attributes

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Nothing Takes God By Surprise. He Knows The ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 20, 2002

Nothing takes God by surprise. He knows the future and can therefore guide us through its ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit In Believers, God's Omniscience

To Be God's Property Mean That We Are Owned By ...  PRO

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 26, 2002

To be God’s property mean that we are owned by God. There is a powerful story about an English missionary whose house was being looted. "An English missionary died in the early part of this century [the 20th century]. Immediately after his death his former neighbors broke into his house and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:13

Tags: Holy Spirit In Believers, Descriptions Of God

Denomination: United Methodist

In Forensic Science, There Is A Rule, Known As ...  PRO

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Mar 15, 2002

In forensic science, there is a rule, known as the Lockyear principle, that simply stated, says that "every touch leaves an impression." Many a criminal has rued the day that that principle was discovered. Some of us can vouch for the fact ...read more

Tags: Easter Resurrection, Holy Spirit Attributes

Denomination: Anglican

Watchman Nee  PRO

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Mar 24, 2002

Watchman Nee “Our spirit is released according to the degree of our brokenness. The one who has accepted the most discipline is the one who can best serve. ...read more

Tags: Repentance, Emotions, Holy Spirit Attributes

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

C.s. Lewis: The Chronicles Of Narnia — Thirsty  PRO

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 25, 2002

C. Cs. Lewis "The Chronicles of Narnia" "Are you not thirsty?" said the lion. "I’m dying of thirst," said Jill. "Then drink," said the lion. "May I- could I- would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill. The lion answered this only by a look and very low growl. As Jill gazed at its ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:1-7

Tags: Jesus Teachings, Holy Spirit Attributes

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Hearing Test  PRO

Contributed by Andrew Chan on May 3, 2002

A HEARING TEST Here’s a test to see if you listen well… 1. A bicycle can’t stand on its own because it is two-tired. 2. What’s the definition of a will? (It’s a dead giveaway). 3. In democracy it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism it’s your count that votes. 4. A chicken crossing the road ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-3

Tags: Holy Spirit Attributes, Knowing God's Will

Denomination: Evangelical Free

On The Steps Of The Altar  PRO

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on May 22, 2002

ON THE STEPS OF THE ALTAR C S Lewis in his "Screwtape Letters", the imaginary account of a senior devil giving the benefit of his experience to fellow tempters, has Screwtape saying: "Religion can still send us the truly delicious sins. The fine flower of unholiness can grow only in the close ...read more

Tags: Demons, Satan, Holy Spirit In Believers

Denomination: Baptist