In Sermon Illustrations: "God Keeps Us"

Fake News Or Truth?

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Sep 30, 2024

Donald Trump has often spoken of what he calls, “fake news” when describing what he considers biased reporting. And it is true that most reporting about Trump is negative, while his opponents receive more favorable treatment. But did you know that the phrase “fake news” was first coined by ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:6-12

Tags: Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Fake News, Sure Witness, Jesus Is Son Of God  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

But Before That...  PRO

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Jul 7, 2002

BUT BEFORE THAT... In 1992, when our own Govenor, Kirk Fordice stated unreservedly “America is a Christian nation” the response bordered on hysteria. But before that -- Congress, declared 1983 to be the “Year of the Bible” — stating that the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Psalm 33:12

Tags: Kingdom Of God, July, History, Heritage, Independence, Independence Day, America, Freedom  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Beyond Fiction

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 20, 2024

In a humorous yet thought-provoking comment, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson critiqued movies like 'Armageddon' and 'Moonfall' for violating more laws of physics per minute than any other movies. This observation serves as an interesting analogy for our spiritual lives. Much like ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Tags: Fiction, Physics, Gift Of God, Neil Degrasse Tyson, Eternal Consequences, Movie Analogies, Spiritual Life, Reality, Jesus Christ, Eternal Life, Disobedience, God's Law, Forgiveness, Sin, God, Salvation, Gift, Redemption, Faith, Death, Sacrifice, Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

One Of The Most Powerful Prayers In The Midst Of ...  PRO

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jan 29, 2001

One of the most powerful prayers in the midst of suffering I have read was uncovered from the horrors of Ravensbruck concentration camp. Ravensbruck was a concentration camp built in 1939 for women. Over 90,000 women and children perished in Ravensbruck, murdered by the Nazis. Corrie Ten Boom, who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:46, Luke 23:34, Matthew 12:31-32

Tags: God's Forgiveness, Humility, Prayer, Forgiveness For Others, Forgiveness General, Forgiveness, Suffering  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Seeing The Light, Reflecting The Light.

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Jan 24, 2025

Did anyone else see the comet during the week, Comet Atlas 3G? Janaki and I went out to Titahi Bay to see it, thankfully we had another dad and daughter park near us who could point it out, otherwise we might not have seen it. The power of their witness was in instructing us where to look. ...read more

Scripture: John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16

Tags: Witness, Testimony, Salt, Salt And Light, The Light Of God, The Light Of The World, Reflecting Jesus  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Difference Christmas Makes

Contributed by Martin Spoelstra on Dec 24, 2023

At Christmastime, we set up our Christmas trees and toy trains. We may even walk along singing carols, or we may preach a sermon, but these bits and pieces are barren if we are thinking only of them or even thinking only of being in heaven, and are not stopping to ask ourselves, “What difference ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Tags: Shepherds, Christmas, Glory, God's Glory, Ordinary People, Making A Difference  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Strength To Forgive

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Aug 12, 2024

Some of life's hurts are so deep and painful that to forgive the people who caused them seems impossible. Yet Jesus says that we can't experience His forgiveness if we have an unforgiving spirit. In World War II, Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie were arrested for concealing Jews and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15

Tags: Forgiveness, Lord's Prayer, God's Strength, Forgiving Others, Corrie Ten Boom, Enemies  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[217]. A Message From A Poem - Placed In Perilous Times

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 3, 2025

[217]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - PLACED IN PERILOUS TIMES Placed in perilous times spells the conditions that often apply to Christians in all ages. The believers in Roman times could very well know that. The Huguenots certainly knew that when hunted down by incited mobs from the French Catholic ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:26-27, 2 Timothy 3:1

Tags: A Sure Foundation, Christian Poems, Scriptures Are God Breathed, Persecution, Christianity, Danger, Peril, Unfeigned, A Crown Of Righteousness, Love  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I've Always Liked The Story Of The 3 Old Widows ...  PRO

Contributed by Steve Malone on May 14, 2001

I’ve always liked the story of the 3 old widows who lived together. One sister got up to go to bed, half way up the stairs she stopped and asked "was I going up or was I coming down" One sister replied with hint of aggravation, "you were going up to bed." A second sister headed into the kitchen ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 28:29, Numbers 10:10, Joshua 4:1-24

Tags: Remember, God's Omniscience, Memorial, Aging, Christian Love, Forgetfulness, Friendship New Friends  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

[300]. A Poem Message - There Is One Who Sticks Closer Than A Brother

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 27, 2026

[300]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - THERE IS ONE WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER The disciples walked with Jesus for more than three years and they knew His faithfulness over all that time. The Lord will never desert one of His own. In the storm, He is in the boat. In the death of a very close ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:8, Genesis 15:18, 2 Chronicles 20:7, James 2:23, Proverbs 18:24  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Friend, Friendship, Friend Of God, Christian Poems, Closer Than A Brother, Jesus, Abraham  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[093]. A Message From A Poem – Foraging In The Depths Of Scripture

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 30, 2025

[093]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – FORAGING IN THE DEPTHS OF SCRIPTURE This poem deals with getting into the heart of scripture. There are images and techniques and encouragement in these stanzas. I actually make the comparison between a mudskipper that flits across the shallows on the water, and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:27, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Tags: Buried Treasure, Inspired, Dig Deep, Eel, Mudskipper, Scripture, Word Of God, Workman  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Lifted Up The Spirit Of A Discouraged ...  PRO

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 10, 2003

Jesus lifted up the spirit of a discouraged preacher who retired early because of what happened to him. "In the Pentecostal Evangel church leader George U. Wood writes: "Have you ever heard a healing take place? I have. I listened to an audiotape of Duane Miller teaching his Sunday school ...read more

Tags: Adversity, Faith, God's Forgiveness, Healing, Overcome, New Ministry, Memories, Miracles  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

It Is The Duty Of Nations As Well As Of ...  PRO

Contributed by Daniel Becker on Sep 15, 2001

“It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy ...read more

Tags: Independence Day, Humility, Leadership General, Redeemer, Righteousness, Sin, God, Fountain, Emotions, Cleansing  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

On Sept 16, 1620 2 Ships Set Sail From Plymouth ...  PRO

Contributed by Steve Malone on Nov 13, 2001

On Sept 16, 1620 2 ships set sail from Plymouth Englnad, The Speedwell and the Mayflower. The Speedwell encountered much difficulty as they began their journey springing many leaks in the ship. So when the 2 ships went to Port in Plymouth England, the Speedwell decided to go no further and 42 ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11, John 18:1-11, Isaiah 58:6

Tags: Character, Believe, God's Sovereign Will, God's Provision, Healing, Honor, Joy, Impatience, Integrity, Patience, Power, Light, Love, Respect, Restore, Thanksgiving Holiday, Trust, Unite, Wait, Water, Worship  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Have You Ever Heard Of The Woman Who Hated ...  PRO

Contributed by Andrew Chan on May 17, 2001

Have you ever heard of the woman who hated Mother’s Day? According to the Toronto Star’s website, there was such a woman. If you think the spirit of Mother’s Day has been spoiled by the commercialism of cards, flowers and once-a-year sincerity, you stand united with the woman credited with giving ...read more

Tags: Bible, Forgiveness In Jesus, Funny, God's Provision, Mother's Day, Inspiration, Taste, Spoil  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Bamboo  PRO

Contributed by Danny Thomas on May 21, 2001

Bamboo Once upon a time, in the heart of the Western Kingdom, lay a beautiful garden. And there, in the cool of the day, the Master of the garden was wont to walk. Of all the denizens of the garden, the most beautiful and most beloved was gracious and noble bamboo. Year after year, bamboo grew yet ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:17, Luke 9:1-6, Daniel 1:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Doing God's Will, Christian Disciplines, Discipleship, Destiny, Harvest, Humility, Persistence, Witness, Welcome  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

We Are Not A Political Kingdom

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jan 15, 2020

Various groups of people expected the Messiah to come, but they did not anticipate His coming humbly and meekly. Yet those were the very attitudes that Jesus, the one whom John the Baptist had announced as the Messiah, was both teaching and practicing. The idea of a meek Messiah leading meek people ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Tags: Humility, Prayer, Politics, Meekness, Righteousness, Beatitudes, Government, Brokenness, Sovereignty Of God  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Free Flowing River Purifies Itself And Is ...  PRO

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Dec 8, 2000

A free flowing river purifies itself and is alive with life. So also is the Christian who becomes involved with others in sharing the Gospel. That Christian will discover the reason for his or her existence. Being involved in the ...read more

Tags: Sharing Your Faith, Sharing My Testimony, God Brings Purpose

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Pastor Was Preparing A Christmas Message And ...  PRO

Contributed by Harold Miller on Dec 15, 2000

A pastor was preparing a Christmas message and fell asleep in his study at the church. He dreamed that he was in a world into which Jesus had never come. He walked out on the streets, but no church spires pointed to heaven. He was summoned by a weeping child to visit her dying mother, but on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10-11

Tags: God Brings Hope, Forgiveness In Jesus, Jesus Is The Way, Christmas Advent

Denomination: Mennonite

C. S. Lewis Once Said: "It Is Easier To Be ...  PRO

Contributed by Mary Lewis on Feb 12, 2001

C. S. Lewis once said: "it is easier to be enthusiastic about humanity with a capital "H" than it is to love individual men and women, especially those who are uninteresting, … exasperating, depraved, or otherwise unattractive. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39

Tags: Fake, Excuses, Compassion, True Love, Promises Of God, Sincere Love  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist