In Sermon Illustrations: "John 1 1 9 10 18"

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

Ugly Isn’t For Sissies

Contributed by James Snyder on Feb 4, 2023

Over the years of marital bliss, we’ve not had many disagreements. She likes broccoli. I like Apple Fritters. We’ve never been able to come to any agreement with that. But, outside of that, everything has been rather smooth. There’s one controversy that has plagued our house for the last few ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7

Tags: Appearance, Mirror

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Our Influence On Others

Contributed by Richard Tow on Feb 13, 2023

Evangelist Billy Sunday told a story about “a man who lived in east Tennessee. That man hunted rattlesnakes for a living. He would sell rattlesnakes. One particular time he caught a rattlesnake that had fourteen rattlers. It was a huge rattlesnake. He put that rattlesnake in a box and put a glass ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12

Tags: Compromise, Influence, Example, Leadership, Alcohol  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Getting "me" Out Of The Way

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 13, 2023

If we were all honest, we would probably have to admit that we are all guilty of reading a text while we're driving. We see it all the time. People are swerving from their lane into our lane and almost hitting other cars. It can be a serious situation. The way we live can also impact those ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Tags: Selfishness, Selflessness

Denomination: Baptist

The Look Of Love

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 13, 2023

Most of us have a bank account, at least I hope most of us do. But have you ever watched the bank teller to see what they do? Bank tellers have a rather thankless job. All of that monotonous counting, handling those germy dollar bills, and dealing all day with people who are more than likely in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Tags: Love, False Teachers

Denomination: Baptist

The Devil Paid For Her Groceries!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 27, 2023

An older lady came out on her porch every morning, and would raise her arms to the sky and shout, “Praise the Lord.” One day an atheist moved next door and over time he became very irritated with this worshipping woman. So every morning after he heard her exclamation of praise, he would shout out, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-10

Tags: Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Demons, Provisions, Needs, Worship, Praise  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dizzy Is As Dizzy Says

Contributed by James Snyder on May 27, 2023

Several years ago, I had a heart attack, which surprised my family and friends, who didn't know I had a heart. I was not sure I had a heart either until that day it attacked me. What my heart had against me to attack me like that I still have not figured out. Two years later, I have to go in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7

Tags: Stress, Medicine, Dizzy

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

What Is Your Biggest Spiritual Challenge??

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jun 14, 2023

Discipleship Journal asked its readers to rank the areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them. The results came back in this order: 1. Materialism 2. Pride 3. Self-centeredness 4. Laziness 5. (Tie) Anger/Bitterness and Sexual lust 6. Envy 7. Gluttony 8. Lying The respondents also noted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Tags: Lust, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Tests, Trials, Temptations  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Are Sinners. (The Ache In The Human Heart)

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Jul 4, 2023

There is in each of us a dis-ease, a sense of unfulfillment of some high destiny unmet, of some lofty vow broken and shattered. We are sinners! We long for some word of forgiveness which will make us whole. We sense we have a homeland, but we are exiles. We perceive that we are of royal ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1

Tags: Sin, Depravity, Disobedience

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

As If I Really Could

Contributed by James Snyder on Jul 24, 2023

Have you ever had the feeling that you've been hoodwinked? You can't point out the specifics, but something deep inside suggests you have been. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I had a wonderful vacation at St. Augustine, one of our favorite places to go. Something happened ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:17

Tags: Fixing, Hoodwink

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Behold, I Cometh!

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Aug 21, 2023

Once a pastor was frustrated because his church seemed dead and unenthusiastic. He attended a pastor’s conference for encouragement. The keynote speaker suggests sitting down quietly and creating suspense. Speak on the second coming of Christ. Then stand to the pulpit and raise your hand and shout ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Tags: Preacher Joke, Fellowship, Meeting, Humor, Enthusiasm  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Laborers For The Master

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Sep 2, 2023

Laborers for the Master We are laborers for the Master, Bringing sheaves in from His field, Rejoicing in His blessed Spirit For the golden bounty yield. Waste ye not one single moment, For the night will soon appear. Make the most of the daylight, For the end is surely near. Would you labor for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Tags: Faithful, Work, Fruitful, Labor Day, Well Done  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Give Thanks

Contributed by Jonathan Meade on Nov 18, 2023

At 16, a mission to Honduras with my father was an eye-opening experience that left an incredible mark on my soul. I found myself in a foreign land, surrounded by poverty and heart wrenching realities that I had never encountered before. One particular night, our bus pulled into a dimly lit gas ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Tags: Thanksgiving, Missions, Gratitude

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Solomon's Insightful Judgment: Looking For The Reaction Of Hearts

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 16, 2024

King Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom, faced a challenging situation recorded in 1 Kings 3:16-28. Two women, both claiming to be the mother of the same baby, brought their case before him. Solomon's response was both shocking and insightful. He suggested dividing the baby in two, giving ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:16-28

Tags: Discernment, Prolife, Biblical Wisdom, True Motherhood, Love, Morality, Wisdom  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Love Of Money

Contributed by David Swanger on Jan 19, 2024

One day a certain old, rich man of a miserable disposition visited a rabbi, who took the rich man by the hand and lead him to a window. “Look out there,” he said. The rich man looked into the street. “What do you see?” asked the rabbi. “I see men, women and children,” answered the rich man. Again, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10

Tags: Money, Riches

Ben Hooper

Contributed by David Swanger on Jan 19, 2024

In Rising Above the Crowd, Brian Habour tells the story of Ben Hooper. When Ben was born in the foothills of East Tennessee, little boys and girls like Ben who were born to unwed mothers were ostracized and treated terribly. By the time he was three years old, the other children would scarcely play ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9

Tags: Christian, Encouragement

Unintentionally Humorous Texts: What Are They Doing Here?

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 3, 2024

Introduction: David had fled to Achish, king of Gath, in the land of the Philistines once before to escape Saul, the king of Israel and his own father-in-law (1 Samuel 21)! Now it’s a few years later and, once again, Saul is chasing David and, again, David fled to Gath. This time, David and his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 29:1-5

Tags: David, Philistines, Achish

Denomination: Baptist

False Prophecies About The Return Of Christ

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 6, 2024

Throughout history, there have been various preachers and religious figures who believed that Jesus’ Second Coming was imminent. Let’s explore some notable predictions and claims related to this event: Hippolytus of Rome, Sextus Julius Africanus, and Irenaeus (500 CE): These early ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Tags: Deception, End Times, Prophecy, Second Coming, Last Days, Rapture, False Doctrine, False Teaching, False Prophets, Return Of Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Rich Man And The Mirror

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 10, 2024

One day a certain old, rich man of a miserable disposition visited a rabbi, who took the rich man by the hand and led him to a window. He said, "Look out there my wealthy friend." The rich man looked into the street. "What do you see"? asked the rabbi. "I see men, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10

Tags: Gold, Selfishness, Silver, Money, Wealth, Greed, Riches  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Are Here To Live, Not To Just Make A Living.

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 10, 2024

In 1923 a very important meeting was held at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. Attending this meeting were nine of the world's most successful financiers: Charles Schwab, steel magnate: Samuel Insull, president of the largest utility company: Howard Hopson , president of the largest gas ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10

Tags: Death, Money, Wealth, Greed, Life, Riches, Suicide, Fame  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational