In Sermon Illustrations: "John And Jesus"

A Grief Observed

Contributed by Davon Huss on May 20, 2022

C.S. Lewis married when he was older to a woman named Joy. Joy got cancer and died just some years after they were married. Lewis, being a writer, wrote down his thoughts after she died in a journal. He turned that journal in a book called, “A Grief Observed.” The first few pages are somewhat ...read more

Scripture: John 11:35, Psalm 88:9

Tags: Peace, Grief, Loss, Where Is God, Answers  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Old Lady: Looking For The Sonrise...

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on May 21, 2022

AN OLD LADY IN THE RESTHOME 40 YEARS AGO: DEANNA LAFFERTY READ THIS POEM TO ME WEEKLY. Deanna had brain cancer and had half of her head cut off. Her right part of her head was gone, so she could not move the left side of her body. She would hold her Bible or song book in her right hand. She ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30, Proverbs 17:28

Tags: Sunset, Sonrise, Dreaming

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Light In The Dark

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jul 8, 2022

While leaving in Germany, I had the fortune of going camping in the black forest. I found out quickly why they call it the black forest. When the sun goes down it is pitch black and you can barely see your hand in front of your face. We had just finished setting up camp and I had to run back out ...read more

Scripture: John 9:5, Psalm 119:105

Tags: Found, Direction, Light, Darkness, Lost, Saved  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

To Ask Or Not Ask Is No Option

Contributed by James Snyder on Jul 23, 2022

You would think I would have learned all I needed to learn at my age. However, each day I learn something I did not know the day before. So much of my new learning is still connected to being married to The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. I know, for example, that she is not soliciting ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:14

Tags: Harmony, Questions

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Faith

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Aug 20, 2022

“In the last resort faith is an act of will, inspired by love. Our love may be chilled and our will eroded by the spectacle of the shortcomings, folly, and even sins of the Church and its ministers, but I do not think that one who ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1, John 20:27

Tags: Faith, Doubt, Belief, Salvation

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Whoever Gets The Son, Gets All The Father Has!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Dec 3, 2022

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:10-13

Tags: Evangelism, Faith, Heaven, Salvation, Gospel, Invitation  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Suitcase Of Pavement

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Dec 13, 2022

A story is told about a man who found out it was his time to go to Heaven. He asked the Lord if he could bring just one thing. The Lord said, “No”. Finally after many requests the Lord said, “You can bring one thing.” Happily, the man packed his suitcase full of gold. When he arrived in Heaven ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6, Revelation 21:1-7

Tags: Death, Heaven, Funerals, Streets Of Gold

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jingle Bells At A Funeral?

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Dec 22, 2022

Several years ago, a pretty well-known singing group made a monster mistake at a funeral service. This group traveled all around the USA singing and sharing Christ. One of the men in their home church back in Texas told them that he prayed for them, supported them greatly and loved to hear them ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:9

Tags: Christmas, Communication, Confession, Confusion, Embarrassment, Funerals  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Simple Confession, Profound Forgiveness

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 31, 2022

In 1818 one out of six women who had children died of something called “childbirth fever.” A doctor’s daily routine back then started in the dissecting room, where he performed autopsies, and from there he made his rounds to examine expectant mothers. No one even thought to wash his hands...at ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:9

Tags: Grace, Forgiveness

Character Vs Reputation

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Feb 2, 2023

"Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are. " - ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-14

Tags: Witness, Discipleship, Character, Example, Reputation  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Strike While The Iron Is Hot - Engagement

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Mar 1, 2023

There is an old adage ... that you may still hear at times even today: ... Strike while the Iron is hot! The saying is basically telling us .... that when the time is right... you should act... you should seize the moment ... or you will miss out ... on your opportunity. The adage is taken from a ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-9, Mark 2:1-12

Tags: Seize, Strike

Denomination: Anglican

Easter, Easter

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Mar 11, 2023

Is Easter just a holiday, with dyed eggs and yummy candy? Is it a time when children play and all dress so fine and dandy? Is Easter when adults find some much-needed relaxation? Is it a break from their work to enjoy a short vacation? Or does Easter remind us how Christ died our debt to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10

Tags: Holiday, The First Day Of The Week, Easter, Resurrection, Calvary  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Holy Office?

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Apr 21, 2023

When a Christian – the temple of the Holy Spirit – walks into an office at IBM, IBM becomes a spiritual place. Tim Downs, Finding ...read more

Scripture: John 4:31-38, Colossians 3:23

Tags: Work, Tim Downs, Finding Common Ground

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

My Reward I’ll Eat It If I Want To

Contributed by James Snyder on May 6, 2023

One day last week, I was up early working in my office as I normally do. I happened to pause what I was doing for a moment and smelled this wonderful aroma. I know it wasn’t me because I hadn’t taken a shower yet. The aroma was coming from the kitchen area. I got up from my desk, walked out into ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:8

Tags: Reward, Chooses

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Bloopers In The Bulletin

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jul 11, 2023

The following are actual church bulletin board bloopers found in churches across the United States. The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church. The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-7

Tags: Church, Humor, Secretaries, Failure, Pastors, Unconditional Love, Love For Others, Bloopers, Bulletin  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Come And See

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Aug 22, 2023

Come and See ~ When was the day you received the invitation? Come and see. Come and see. When was the day you heard the Master’s voice? When was the day you made Christ your choice? When was the day you allowed the Savior in? When was the day you were cleansed from sin? That was the day He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28, John 4:29

Tags: Christ, Invitation, Knowing God

Denomination: Baptist

Boy, Have I Got News For You!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Nov 29, 2023

A five year old boy had only one line to remember in a church Christmas pageant. Appearing in angel's garb, he was to say to the audience, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy! After practice, the little lad asked his mother, "What in the world does "tidings" ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-12, John 1:1-12

Tags: Humor, Birth Of Christ, Christmas Jokes, Christmas, Children, Advent  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Obedience And Acceptance

Contributed by Shawn Buser on Jan 19, 2024

"You aren't accepted because you obey, you obey because you are ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15, Isaiah 6:8

Tags: Faith, Love, Acceptance, Obedience, Works  (view more)  (view less)

The Pressure Is On!

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 3, 2024

This older Jewish man was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renown surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to receive the anesthesia he asked to speak to his son. Yes Dad, what is it? Dont be nervous, do your best and just remember, if it doesnt ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:1-35, John 6:36-39

Tags: Threats, Demands, Leadership, Pressure, Surgery, Consequences  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

An Observation About A Billboard Worker

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 24, 2024

Text: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, KJV: 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. How many of you have seen anybody changing the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, John 15:5

Tags: Assistance, Billboards, Clergy Appreciation Month

Denomination: Baptist