In Sermon Illustrations: "Good News"

Whitefield: Which Conversions Are Genuine

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Nov 29, 2012

WHITEFIELD: WHICH CONVERSIONS ARE GENUINE George Whitefield conducted outdoor evangelistic campaigns in the 1700's throughout New England, a period of revival called the "Great Awakening." Though thousands responded to his preaching, when asked how many were converted after one of his sermons he ...read more

Tags: Evangelism The Lost

Denomination: Congregational

Deadly Vending Machines  PRO

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 12, 2012

DEADLY VENDING MACHINES The media’s been reporting on the health risks of too much soda and other sugary drinks; New York's Mayor Bloomberg has taken the step of banning super-size sodas...but even more deadly are the vending machines. Each year, dozens of people are killed by vending machines. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-22

Tags: Anger

Denomination: Congregational

On "Stuff"

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 2, 2013

One authority writes: "For example, ever wonder why retail clothing stores have those helpful bags and baskets for gathering all your potential purchases? Retailers know that once you have held an item in your hand, you’re psychologically tied to it and you don’t want to give the item up. The ...read more

Tags: Confidence, Materialism

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Corporate Discipleship

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Jan 6, 2013

CORPORATE DISCIPLESHIP Did you know that there is not a single case of "one-on-one discipleship" in the New Testament? The choice to become and remain a disciple rests with individuals, but discipleship is always nurtured corporately. Discipleship is not a course you go through; it’s a life you ...read more

Tags: Discipleship

Denomination: Baptist

Words Matter

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 23, 2014

WORDS MATTER The Book of James in the New Testament reminds us that words can direct, delight or destroy (ch. 3). Is this true? Look no further than to what happened in Germany in WWII. For every word in Hitler’s poisonous book, Mein Kampf, it cost the life of 125 people. Here are some words to ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-15

Tags: Words, Tongue

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ignorance

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 18, 2020

This is a transcript of an actual support call to a computer support number: Me: Thank you for calling —- my name is —- how may I help you? customer: My new laptop won’t turn on. Me: Is it plugged in? Customer: What? Me: Did you plug it in? The battery is probably dead. Customer: It’s a WIRELESS ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-4

Tags: Arrogance, Presumption, Rude, Assumptions, Upgrade, Assuming, Stupidity  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Laws

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Sep 13, 2020

The difference between Laws and Love. One earthly and one heavenly. FACTS: The Jews say there are 611 laws given to them directly from God. By the time you get to the New Testament times of Jesus you will find it depends on how they determine the number. Some believe there are 611 in Hebrew ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 1 Corinthians 13:1-6

Tags: Love, Laws, To Many Laws, Jesus And Laws

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Wave

Contributed by Gregory Artz on Nov 5, 2022

In elections there is a term “The Wave”. This term means that a large change is coming, and one side is going to have substantial losses in the upcoming election. In the news you will hear about an upcoming “Blue Wave” or a “Red Wave”. However, as Christians, we will choose to trust in the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:20, Matthew 8:23-27

Tags: Heavenly Citizenship, Sovereignty Of Jesus

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Money In The Bible

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 2, 2023

16 out of 38 of Christ’s parables deal with money. More is said in the New Testament about money than Heaven and Hell combined. Five times more is said about money than prayer. While there are 500 plus verses on both prayer and faith, there are over 2,000 verses dealing with money and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10

Tags: Money, Giving, Stewardship, Money Management

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You "all Ears" For God's Voice?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 2, 2023

A missionary translator was endeavoring to find a word for “obedience” in the native language. This was a virtue seldom practiced among the people into whose language he wanted to translate the New Testament. As he returned home from the village one day, he whistled for his dog and it came ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit, Discipleship, Obedience, Voice Of God, Hearing God  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You All Ears For God?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 28, 2024

A missionary translator was endeavoring to find a word for “obedience” in the native language. This was a virtue seldom practiced among the people into whose language he wanted to translate the New Testament. As he returned home from the village one day, he whistled for his dog and it came ...read more

Tags: Obedience, Voice Of God, Hearing God, Listening, Hearers Of The Word  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Golden Rule

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 19, 2025

We teach children the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When those children get out into the world, they learn a new rule – “Do unto others before they can do unto you.” We are taught to go on the offensive and keep a list of wrongs so we can fulfill ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-23, Matthew 7:12

Tags: Revenge, Golden Rule

Denomination: Methodist

The Skeleton At The End Of The Feast

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Nov 19, 2008

To lick our wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back -- in many ways, it is a feast for a king. The chief ...read more

Tags: Bitterness

Denomination: Baptist

It Is A Subject So Vast, That All Our Thoughts ...

Contributed by Billy Nale on Feb 5, 2009

"It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity... But while the subject humbles the mind, it also expands it. Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6

Tags: Bible Study

Denomination: Baptist

Birds Of ...

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008

Birds of Feather Flock Together Many in America will tell you that they are Christians because they believe in Jesus Christ. Others attempt to proclaim their faith in Him by becoming members of a local church that they may or may not regularly attend. They have convinced themselves as long as ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:10

Tags: Love Of The Disciples

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Brenda Was A Young Woman That Wanted To Learn To ...  PRO

Contributed by Michael Cassara on Sep 8, 2001

Brenda was a young woman that wanted to learn to go rock climbing. Although she was scared to death she went with a group and they faced this tremendous cliff of rock. Practically perpendicular. In spite of her fear, she put on the gear and she took a hold of the rope and she started up the face of ...read more

Tags: Prayer Answered, God's Provision, Faith

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Forgiveness And Reconciliation In South ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on May 1, 2010

Forgiveness and Reconciliation in South Africe Phillip Yancey stated in his book “Finding God In Unexpected Places”, “The job of a journalist is, simply, to see. We are professional eyes. As a Christian journalist, I have learned to look for traces of God. I have found those traces in unexpected ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Tags: Forgiveness For Others

How God Protected David Brainerd During ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Sep 30, 2010

How God Protected David Brainerd During Missionary Work American history tells of missionary saints who interceded for those of this land too. In answer to the question, "What can be done to revive the work of God where it has decayed?" John Wesley once said, "Let every preacher read carefully ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:6-10

Tags: Missions

The Church Without Outreach

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 26, 2011

THE CHURCH WITHOUT OUTREACH Fred Craddock tells the story of his first church. It was a beautiful little white church on a hill in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The church was beautifully maintained. The pews had been hand-hewn from giant poplar trees that had grown nearby. Little kerosene lamps on the walls ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Tags: Church Purpose Of

Angels In A Pickup Truck?

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 16, 2020

There’s not much better than a great day on vacation, especially when the outside temperature is hot and your car’s A/C is cold! That was how it was on one recent summer day when I was visiting my home town. I had done some sight-seeing and was ready to head back to the motel room when I wondered ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:14

Tags: Angels, Assisting People

Denomination: Baptist