In Sermon Illustrations: "Good Intentions"

Unexpected Journey Thru Cancer

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 12, 2024

The unexpected journey and a second Dove appeared on a difficult day walking thru cancer: I hit another rough day in the journey after my second surgery with Dr. Q – He got back pathology and said it did look good the light showed cancer lining my bladder like a carpet. When the Dr, Q called to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-3

Tags: Hope, Encouragement, Cancer

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[020] A Message From A Poem - Arrogance Without Truth

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 26, 2024

[020] A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - ARROGANCE WITHOUT TRUTH Those of us who are older know very well the great change that has come over our societies from what we lived under in the 1950s to the 1990s at which point it all started to decline. The decline is rapid now as we see lawlessness, riots, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:17-18, 2 Timothy 3:1-2

Tags: Truth, Arrogance, The Me Generation

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Smart Phone Theology

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Oct 29, 2024

Smart phones are really smart. Even smarter than I know. I use my phone for so much more than calling and texting but it’s not uncommon for me to learn new features and abilities my phone has that I previously had never known. Over the years I’ve learned that my phone is a compass, can take video ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 10:13

Tags: Service, Holy Spirit, Power, Temptation, Gifts, Giftedness  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Leaving The City Of Regret

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 1, 2025

Leaving the City of Regret by Larry Harp I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant, and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. I'm talking about my annual "Guilt ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Tags: Freedom, Regret

Denomination: Methodist

[040] A Message From A Poem – Chaotic Times Are Meant To Be

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 28, 2025

[040] A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – CHAOTIC TIMES ARE MEANT TO BE This world is in chaos and your understanding of that depends on your assessment in the scriptures. Right now in the United States there is a new presidency under Trump, and the sick state of American society is being revealed with ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 2 Timothy 3:12-13

Tags: Last Days, Chaos, Leaven, Poetry, United States, President Trump, Evil  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Embracing God's Grace

Contributed by Rev. Randy Barker on Apr 2, 2025

Title: Embracing God's Grace: A Message of Hope from the Churches of Christ in Christian Union Introduction: Dear Friend, We are delighted to share with you the message of God's grace and the transformative power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In this gospel tract, we will ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8

Tags: Grace, Mercy

Denomination: *other

[082]. A Message From A Poem – For Men - The Three Gs

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 14, 2025

[082]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – FOR MEN - THE THREE Gs There are 9 poems in this series. This poem is part of a Trilogy - three sets of three. The first set is addressed to MEN, the second to ALL CHRISTIANS and the third is SPECIFIC. This is the first one in the first set - FOR MEN. ALL ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 1 John 2:16, Philippians 2:3

Tags: Glory, Gold, Strength, Poetry, Poem, Girls, Ensnare, For Men  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[084]. A Message From A Poem – For Men - The Three "fs"

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 16, 2025

[084]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – FOR MEN - THE THREE Fs There are 9 poems in this Trilogy series. This poem is part of a Trilogy - three sets of three. The first set is addressed to MEN, the second to ALL CHRISTIANS and the third is SPECIFIC. This is the third one in the first set - FOR ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:14, James 4:4, 1 Corinthians 1:9, Galatians 5:22-23

Tags: Friendliness, Fellowship, Faithfulness, Poetry, Poem  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[113]. A Message From A Poem – Have You Seen A Gouldian Finch?

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 19, 2025

[113]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – HAVE YOU SEEN A GOULDIAN FINCH? I keep finches including the gouldian finch, one of the most beautiful finches in the world, if not the most beautiful. If you have not seen one, go do a search on the internet. This poem covers a number of subjects. When you look ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8, Acts 17:30-31, John 1:3

Tags: Christian Poems, Gouldian Finches, Wise Designer, Creation, Evolution, Repent, Colors, Christian Poetry  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Exceeding Expectations

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Jun 25, 2025

Last Sunday I preached about heaven. I love preaching about heaven but I always feel like any description I give falls so far short of what it will actually be like. And I must admit, I have many questions. What exactly will it be like? What will we be doing? Will the bonds we've formed here ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Tags: Heaven, Expectations

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

[138]. A Message From A Poem – If You Live In Sin You Will Never Win

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 19, 2025

[138]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – IF YOU LIVE IN SIN YOU WILL NEVER WIN There is nothing truer than the title of this poem. Those who live in sin and claim it as their own will never win in the end. Asaph who wrote Psalm 73 had a problem when he observed people. The godless were always ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:2-5, Psalm 73:9, Psalm 73:13-14, Psalm 73:16-17, Psalm 73:27-28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Judgment, Accountability, Asaph, Sinners, Live In Sin, Sin, Obedience  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[157]. A Message From A Poem – Jesus On Trial (Easter)

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 7, 2025

[157]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – JESUS ON TRIAL (Easter) This is a more unusual style for me as you will see. The whole poem is set at the trial of the Lord from the time He entered the judgement hall until the sentence was pronounced. In particular the poem will mention Herod, Pilate, Barabbas, ...read more

Scripture: John 10:14-18, Revelation 20:11-12, 1 Timothy 1:15

Tags: Jesus Laid Down His Life, Soldiers, Trial Of Jesus, Crucify Him, The Great White Throne, Christian Poems, Jesus On Trial, Easter, Herod, Pilate, Barabbas, Elders  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[165]. A Message From A Poem – Kindness In The Christian’s Pain

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 15, 2025

[165]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – KINDNESS IN THE CHRISTIAN’S PAIN We all need kindness, but not everyone can give kindness. Some find it too hard because of their backgrounds, and some are just so selfish they are incapable of it. Kindness is a special gift when it is given in a sacrificial way, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 2:7, Galatians 5:22

Tags: Pain, Compassion, Kindness, Great High Priest, Christian Poems, God Is Kind  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[231]. A Message From A Poem - Reflections In Older Life

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 18, 2025

[231]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - REFLECTIONS IN OLDER LIFE This poem was completed in 2020 when I was 77 years old. I don’t think I am unique in any way. I believe as people get older and know that most of their life has already gone, there comes a time for reflection on one’s life. That is what ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:31, Psalm 71:17-18, Isaiah 46:4

Tags: Grey Head, Old, Old Age, The Shepherd, Reflections, Christian Poetry, Christian Poems  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[248]. A Message From A Poem – Starlight Is Always There

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 2, 2026

[248]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – STARLIGHT IS ALWAYS THERE This is a short poem, one just came straightaway to me. I could expand it more but I decided I will not do that. Although the poem was written in 2020, the original thought for this came to me one evening when I was walking home. Here ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 John 1:12

Tags: Christian Poetry, Christian Poems, Unveiled Face, Obscured, Love, Barriers, Stars, Shining, Starlight  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Father's Blessing By Morgan Cryar (A Christian ...  PRO

Contributed by Bobby Scobey on May 22, 2007

A FATHER’S BLESSING by Morgan Cryar (a Christian music artist) from Decision magazine. From Stories for a Man’s Heart, P 240. Compiled by Alice Gray Many a morning as a child I stumbled through the darkness to our family’s truck, fell back to sleep, then was awakened by the sound of the truck ...read more

Tags: Bad Habits, Cussing, Pessimist, Attitude General

Denomination: Pentecostal

Bob Russell Shared That Several Months Before ...  PRO

Contributed by Michael Demastus on Oct 22, 2001

*Bob Russell shared that several months before they moved into their new church building in 1998, their ministry staff met at the new site for a special staff meeting. Most of the building still wasn’t carpeted, and some of the rooms still had no drywall. They handed out hard hats, magic markers, ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

Tags: Bible Influence

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Object Lesson  PRO

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Oct 25, 2001

Object Lesson Supplies Needed: One large pumpkin with the facial features cut out. When you cut out the features save them because you will need them during this object lesson. You will also need to save some of the slime and seeds from the inside. You will also need a candle. Lesson: Could I ...read more

Tags: Repentance, God's Forgiveness

Denomination: Baptist

The Gospel Perspective On Thanks  PRO

Contributed by Rex S. Wignall on Nov 28, 2002

The Gospel Perspective on Thanks Because of the great sacrifice Jesus made for each of us on the cross, Christians should have an additional, very personal perspective on thanks. Max Lucado shares this moving story of sacrifice to remind us what Jesus has done in giving His life for us: It’s ...read more

Tags: Joy

Denomination: United Methodist

I'm A Different Person  PRO

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jul 27, 2003

I'M A DIFFERENT PERSON “…that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind…” When I still lived in California, and for a while was selling cars until I repented, I worked with a very lovely young woman named Sheri. We became good friends, because we were hired very close to the same time. She ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:12-17

Tags: Call Of The Disciples, Disciplines Meditation

Denomination: Orthodox