In Sermon Illustrations: "Following Directions"

Carry Your Cross

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Aug 4, 2020

A story is told about a boy who desperately wanted to meet Christ. He was praying hard about it. One day, the Lord told him to walk up the mountain carrying his cross. He took his cross and began his journey. In some time, he began to feel the heaviness of the cross. He cut out a small portion of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23

Tags: Following Jesus, Carrying The Cross, Denying Oneself

Popularity

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 4, 2023

Great multitudes will follow as long as there is no price to be paid, no contract to sign, no commands to obey, no orders to follow, no sacrifices to surrender, no gifts to offer, no commitments to keep, no burdens to bear, no suffering to share, no hardship to handle, no effort to exert, no pills ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:28-33, John 6:60, Matthew 7:13-14

Tags: Popularity, Discipleship, Entertainment, Cost, Crowd, Followers  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

As A Boy Growing Up In The Country I Had Heard ...  PRO

Contributed by Johnny Carver on May 12, 2001

As a boy growing up in the country I had heard scary stories about a snake called a "Black Racer" that would chase you. These stories kept me very alert as I walked up and down the gravel roads around where we lived. One day mom asked me to go to the neighbors house and borrow an iron because ours ...read more

Tags: Direction, Fear And Worry, Obedience, Perspective, Sin Fall Of Man  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Easy Yoke

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 15, 2020

A yoke was a wooden frame which was put on the backs of animals and around their necks joining the two animals for a common task, such as plowing or pulling a load. If you were yoked with Jesus Christ, who do you think would "pull the load"? Obviously the Lord. And so in order to manifest ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Matthew 11:28-30

Tags: Discipleship, Beatitudes, Christian Life, Surrender, Yoke, Following Jesus  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Moravian Brethren, 200 Years Ago, Formed One ...  PRO

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

The Moravian Brethren, 200 years ago, formed one of the greatest missionary movements. Two of their members heard of a leper colony in Africa where no missionary was allowed to enter and then return home for fear that the disease might spread in Germany. They volunteered to go into that leper ...read more

Tags: Forgiveness In Jesus, God In The Hardships, Descriptions Of God, Follower

Denomination: Baptist

I've Been In Long Caravans Before Where Anywhere ...

Contributed by Rick Thiessen on Oct 1, 2002

I’ve been in long caravans before where anywhere from 5 to 25 vehicles are making the same trek together - as a tree planting and a youth pastor. You know what my rule always was for the drivers? Keep up with the guy ahead of you. That was my rule. It seemed natural because you’re always ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9, 1 Corinthians 11:1

Tags: Following, Guidance, Apprenticeship, Discipleship, Leading, Leadership, Mentoring  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Bad Things Happen

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Jun 19, 2020

So, what should we say then when bad things happen? Some may say God is still all powerful and all knowing so it seems like it’s still God’s plan that this bad thing happened isn’t it? Kinda, sort of or maybe. There is a difference between what God allows and what God wants. I know that sounds ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:4-5

Tags: Dont Ignore Gods Instructions, Follow Gods Instructions

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Good Intentions

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 29, 2021

In our younger days, my husband and I sign up for a “boot camp” fitness class. This class costs $300 per person for ten classes. At the start of the first class, our instructor. Tara, does a quick roll-call. She frowns and comments: “Hmm, Susie isn’t here. That’s a shame; attending the first ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:14-33

Tags: Unrealized Intentions, Excuses, Discipline, Follow Through, Explanations  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What It Means To Die To Self

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 6, 2022

Self denial becomes a life pattern. Now what does it mean as a Christian?  Here are some practical things.   When you are not forgiven, or neglected, or purposely set aside, and you sting and hurt with the insult or oversight, but your heart is happy and you’re ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Tags: Self Denial, Dying To Self, Discipleship, Following Jesus

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I'm Not Growing Old  PRO

Contributed by Jay Patton on May 20, 2002

I’m Not Growing Old They say that I am growing old I’ve heard them say it times untold In language plain and bold But I’m not growing old This frail old shell in which I dwell Is growing old I know full well But I’m not growing old. What if my hair has turned gray Gray hair is honorable, they ...read more

Tags: Leader, Disciples, Giving Yourself, Follow, Fear And Worry, Family  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Holding Others Up

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 4, 2021

One of the best leaders and models in discipleship was Dawson Trotman, who died after helping to rescue two drowning girls. Says Chuck Swindoll: “When Dawson Trotman passed away, he probably left a legacy of discipleship on this earth that will never be matched except perhaps in the life of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 9:23, Romans 12:1-2

Tags: Discipleship, Following Jesus, Great Commission, Dawson Trotman, Teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Success

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Dec 27, 2022

SUCCESS I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 What is success? “The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” Success Quotes: If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything. - William Lyon Phelps If at first you don't succeed, remove ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:1, James 4:13-15

Tags: Direction, Determined, Goals, Focus, New Year's Resolutions, New Years, Success  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From A Gps  PRO

Contributed by Coz Von on Jul 13, 2016

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov 16:9, 3:6. I’m sure you’ve driven a car with a Global Positioning System (GPS). A number of years ago I settled into the passenger’s seat of a fully equipped ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9

Tags: Gps, Eternally Lost, Divine Direction, Heart For The Lost, Parable Lost Son  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Thanks Offering For His Plans For Us  PRO

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008

A Thanks Offering For His Plans for Us Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Tags: God's Plan, God's Timing, God's Direction, Wisdom Of God, God's Sovereign Will  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

There’s Another Beautiful Picture Of ...  PRO

Contributed by Edward Frey on Jul 18, 2001

There’s another beautiful picture of baptism given here: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Did you catch it? Baptism clothes us with Christ. We’re wrapped up in Jesus and all of his goodness in baptism. We’re clothed with his work and his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17, Galatians 3:27, Luke 1:39-56

Tags: Call Of The Disciples, Baptism, Come, Church Practices, Cross, Disciples, Follow  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Lutheran

Cheap Crosses

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 22, 2024

At a religious festival in a South American country, a series of booths lined the midway. One booth sold trinkets and necklaces. Printed on the front of the booth was a sign that said, “Cheap crosses here!” Many Christians today are looking for cheap ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23, Romans 12:1-2, Luke 6:46

Tags: Works, Lordship Of Christ, Obedience, Cheap, Crosses, Discipleship, Following Jesus  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Words "It Is Finished" Are Also A Cry Of ...  PRO

Contributed by Garth Wehrfritz- Hanson on Apr 11, 2003

The words “It is finished” are also a cry of victory in the sense that Jesus completed, he accomplished what God had sent him in this world to do. In this sense, it is like the athlete who enters a marathon race with the single-minded intention of both reaching the finishing line and coming in ...read more

Tags: Run Hard, Worry, Following Jesus, Jesus Christ, Easter Good Friday  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Lutheran

Einstein And Emmy  PRO

Contributed by Joe La Rue on Apr 28, 2008

EINSTEIN AND EMMY When Einstein fled Nazi Germany, he came to America and bought an old two-story house within walking distance of Princeton University. There he entertained some of the most distinguished people of his day and discussed with them issues as far ranging as physics to human rights. ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-4, Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 40:1-5, 2 Kings 20:1-5, Matthew 13:1-9, Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 24:32-44, Romans 8:20-39, Romans 12:1-2, John 12:23-26  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Children, Welcome, Gift, Funeral, Follow, Persistence, Deny, Share, Prayer General  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Amen, Pharaoh

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Oct 5, 2010

AMEN, PHARAOH A pastor was invited at another church to preach. When he began his sermon, there was enthusiasm. The more the congregation responded loud to his sermon, the longer he went on. Finally, he noticed that the host pastor had started responding to his sermon by saying "Amen, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9

Tags: Moses, Go, Release, Excitement, Enthusiasm, Windy, Long, Short, Direct, Point, Sermon, Brief  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

When Good Intentions Go Wrong

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 15, 2016

Illustration 2: In Tanzania, two guys went for an interview. One was smarter than the other but they were good friends and willing to work together so the less smarter could pass. The educated one said if he went first, he would come back with the answers to the interview questions. It happens that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-33

Tags: Examine, Dull, Dummy, Ax, Evaluate, Test, Independent, Follower, Repeat, Mess, Ignorant, Stupid, Intention  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic