In Sermon Illustrations: "James 4"

God Still Has One More Move

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Sep 22, 2023

This is a story about a painting in a famous art gallery in France. The painting depicts two chess players, one of whom is Satan, who appears arrogantly confident, and the other is a man who looks forlorn. If Satan wins, he wins the man's soul. (The painting is now popularly known as ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:4, 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 4:7, Ephesians 6:11, 1 Peter 5:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Painting, Control, Player, Chess

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Funny Letter To God!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 5, 2023

A little boy named Johnny wrote a letter to God asking for one hundred dollars. The local post office didn't know where to send the letter, so they sent it to the White House. The President had a secretary that saw the letter and so she sent the little boy five dollars, thinking that would ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-7, James 4:1-2

Tags: Pastors, Tithing, Churches, Children, God, Prayer  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cookie Monster Has Returned

Contributed by James Snyder on Nov 11, 2023

Sitting in my office working on some projects, I was suddenly surrounded by a familiar aroma. This surprised me because I had no idea what was happening. That aroma was familiar, but I couldn't identify it. I’m like that most of the time. My nose doesn't work quite like The Gracious ...read more

Scripture: James 4:17

Tags: Stealing, Cookies, Sneaking

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Are You Tired? I Am.

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Dec 22, 2023

Can you believe it? Another year is in the books. I don’t know about you, but as magical and wonderful this time of year is, it is exhausting. I’m tired! And the fact is that it’s not just this time of year. I find myself getting weary and tired often. Life is like that. It can wear you down. ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7, Matthew 4:1-11

Tags: Perseverance, Endurance, Temptation, Discouragement, Weariness, New Years, Tiredness  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The True Story Of Denise And Diane

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Dec 31, 2023

Illustration: The story of Denise and Diane. One Sunday morning many years ago, as I pastored in Massachusetts a lady attended our church for the first time. During the close at the time of the invitation, she came to the altar. I noticed that one of our ladies prayed with her. After the service, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:1-2, 2 Kings 20:1-6, Luke 16:1-2, James 4:14, Proverbs 27:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ready To God, Mysterious Ways Of God, Life, Preparation, The Gospel, Cancer, New Years, Preparing For Death, Holy Spirit, Heaven, Obedience  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Unrealized Dreams

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 3, 2024

The Soybean Car,” a concept developed by Henry Ford -- is an example of an unrealized dream. The car was intended to run on hemp fuel. According to Wikipedia, “The soybean car was a concept car built with agricultural plastic. The New York Times in 1941 states the car body and fenders were made ...read more

Scripture: James 4:14-15

Tags: Uncertainty, Presumption, Assumption, Unrealized Dreams, Humility, Future, God's Will, Goals, Dreams  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Get Away From Me, Satan!

Contributed by Subasini Peter on May 8, 2024

Get away from me, Satan!" Jesus said to the devil. It is a statement and the tone of speech of Jesus towards the tempter. When you want to chase a puppy or dog which you don't like and if you say to it very softly "ssshhh...shhh...shhh..." will the dog leave you? No, he will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:10, James 4:7

Tags: Confession, Authority

The Desire For Love

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Aug 8, 2024

The Desire for Love Humor: A couple who had been chatting online for weeks finally met on their first date. After an expensive meal in an upscale restaurant, the lady plucked a daisy from the flower arrangement on the table, pulling the pedals off one by one. She repeated to herself, “He loves me, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:5, 1 John 5:4-5, 1 John 5:10, James 4:4, John 15:19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Romance, Humor, Priorities, Love Of World  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer Check-In

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 16, 2025

A simple “check-in” to see where a person is in their prayer life: • For everybody – what are you praying for? Too often, we pray for the circumstances (E) to change when the Response is what needs to change so this is the right prayer – “Lord, change me.” James 4:3 • For everybody – do you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7, James 4:3, James 5:16

Tags: Husband, Wife, Prayer

Denomination: Methodist

Definition Of Sin

Contributed by John Bright on Mar 4, 2025

The Greek word for sin is ‘hamartia.” It means ‘to miss the mark.” This classic interpretation refers to an archer missing the bullseye with an arrow. There are three possible causes for the miss: • Unintentional – archer did not mean to miss – still wrong – Hebrew word: ‘chattah’ – ...read more

Scripture: James 4:8

Tags: Sin, Iniquity, Transgression

Denomination: Methodist

[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

[087]. A Message From A Poem – For All Christians - The Three Os

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 25, 2025

[087]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – FOR ALL CHRISTIANS - THE THREE Os 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 second set ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:45, James 4:6, 1 Samuel 15:22, Hebrews 5:8-9

Tags: For All Christians, Obey, Opposition, Poetry, Open, Poem, Oppose, Obedience, Wrong  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational