In Sermon Illustrations: "Keep"

Dead Religion

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 13, 2022

Steven Cole gives us a powerful personal application of the story in Luke 13:10-17. Luke concludes this story by noting that Jesus’ opponents were being humiliated, but the multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him (Lk 13:17). As we saw before, Jesus and His teaching ...read more

Tags: Faith, Church, Satan, Preaching, Revival, Religion, Kingdom Of God, Outlines  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cheapest Way To Park A Rolls Royce!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 26, 2023

In Mattew 25, Jesus taught the Parable of the Talents to His disciples. The parable shows the value of investing wisely by those who took their talent and multiplied it through wise negotiation. The one who buried his talent and did not invest was scolded by the Lord. Here is a funny ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Tags: Talents, Investing, Saving Money, Parables, Business, Kingdom Of God, Money Management  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Tragedy On The Drawbridge

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jun 12, 2023

A man had the duty to raise a drawbridge to allow the steamboats to pass on the river below and to lower it again for trains to cross over on land. One day, this man's son visited him, desiring to watch his father at work. Quite curious, as most boys are, he peeked into a trapdoor that was ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, Romans 5:8

Tags: Salvation, Gospel, Cross, Calvary, Blood Of Jesus, Death Of Christ, Evangelism, Easter, Crucifixion  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Seven Things That Unite Us As Believers

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Aug 2, 2023

Have you ever worked at a job where you felt a strong bond with your co-workers? Perhaps you were united by a sense of mission, or by a respect for your boss, or by the belief that a prosperous company will benefit everyone financially. The more points of agreement among members of a group, the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-13, Philippians 2:1-11

Tags: Fellowship, Church, Unity, One, Undivided, Division  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

George And Edith Are Getting Married In Their 90's

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 6, 2024

KEEP LOOKING UP and always have a positive attitude, because Jesus is coming back one of these days and that is the blessed hope of the believer. Here is a funny example of looking ahead! George, age 92 and Edith, age 90, are all excited about their decision to get married even though they were ...read more

Tags: Hope, Humor, Second Coming, Rapture, Bride Of Christ, Blessed Hope, Return Of Christ, Looking Ahead, Positive Attitude  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Before The Stones Cry Out

Contributed by Samuel M on Feb 15, 2025

But Jesus answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19: 40 What if Jesus literally meant it. Stones have a voice and are waiting to burst forth into praise. Before the stones cry out and praise God, let we start praising ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:40

Tags: Faith, Hope

The Little Word That Changes Everything

Contributed by David Dunn on Dec 26, 2025

Opening (attention hook) (Hold up a big card with the word IF written on it) “Does anyone know this word?” (Let them shout: IF!) “This is a tiny word… but it can change what happens next.” >> The Story There was a little girl named Lily, and Lily loved to ask questions. One morning her ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15, James 1:22

Tags: Obedience, Choice

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Fear And Division

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 3, 2026

A Simple Game Teaches Kids About Fear and Division One of my friends told me about a powerful lesson in her daughter's high school class recently. They're learning about the Salem Witch Trials, and their teacher told them they were going to play a game. "I'm going to come ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3

Tags: Fear, High School, Division, Salem Witch Trials

Denomination: Methodist

If Every Dog Has Its Day I Should Be Barking

Contributed by James Snyder on Nov 2, 2019

Lately, I have been getting behind in my work schedule. Just when I think I am caught up, I discover something I had forgotten about. If only I could forget what I forgot, I would be happy. I am pretty close to being a master at the “O, I simply forgot about that” excuse. Getting away with it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:38

Tags: Relationships, Stewartship

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

What’s Time Got To Do With It?

Contributed by James Snyder on Apr 18, 2020

After so many weeks, I haven't been able to keep track of them, one day seems just like the other day. Today reminds me of yesterday, and yesterday may be the same as tomorrow. I know I am used to being confused, but I have exceeded my limit on this time aspect. The Gracious Mistress of the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Tags: Humor, Time

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Unsung Heroes: The Shepherds Of Bethlehem

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 14, 2020

Introduction: the Christmas story, the birth of Jesus Christ into this world, is one of the most beautiful ever told. Many believers and others are more or less familiar with Mary and Joseph traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and how Jesus was born in an inn and laid in a manger because there ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Tags: Mary, Birth Of Jesus, Shepherds, Unsung Heroes

Denomination: Baptist

[062a]. A Message From A Poem – Does Suffering Cancel Out A God Of Love?

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 14, 2025

[062A]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – DOES SUFFERING CANCEL OUT A GOD OF LOVE? THE POEM AS IT IS WILL NOT FIT IN THE ILLUSTRATION SPACE AVAILABLE. I HAVE HAD TO SPLIT IT INTO THREE PARTS. THIS IS THE FIRST PART PART 1 INTRODUCTION TO THIS POEM This is my most serious poem because it addresses ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 45:6-7, John 3:16, Exodus 34:6-7

Tags: Comfort, Suffering, Tragedy, God Of Comfort, God Of Love, Hurt, Pain, Love, Compassion  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In 1994, Two Christian Missionaries Answered An ...  PRO

Contributed by Rob Short on Apr 7, 2001

In 1994, two Christian missionaries answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics in a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. It was nearing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-22, Luke 2:1-7

Tags: Always, Beginning, Birth Of Jesus, Memorial, Memories, Loved Ones, Look, New Beginning, Survival, Remember, Russian, Search  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Staring Down The Critic's Barrel!" Proverbs 9: ...  PRO

Contributed by Mark Brunner on Jan 17, 2005

“Staring Down the Critic’s Barrel!” Proverbs 9: 7-10 Key verse(s): 8b:“. . . rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” The Bible tells us that “rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” Love? What happened to getting the emotional revenge that is so satisfying? There doesn’t seem to be a lot of ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 9:7-10, Psalm 82:3-4, Philippians 2:13-14

Tags: Grace, Leadership General

Denomination: Lutheran

The Trenches Of Life!" 1 Peter 3: 13-22 Key ...  PRO

Contributed by Mark Brunner on Jan 19, 2005

“The Trenches of Life!” 1 Peter 3: 13-22 Key verse(s): 16:“. . . keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” If you don’t want to be shot at, don’t supply your enemies with the ammunition! Sounds like ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22, 1 Peter 3:13-22

Tags: Leadership General

Denomination: Lutheran

Backing Out Of Life's Garage!" Exodus 20:18-21 ...  PRO

Contributed by Mark Brunner on Feb 20, 2005

“Backing Out of Life’s Garage!” Exodus 20:18-21 Key verse(s): 20:“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning’.” Graduating from a reel mower to a power mower, was a very big step in my life. I began ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:18-21

Tags: Fear And Worry

Denomination: Lutheran

Third, Are We Willing To Tell Others About Jesus ...

Contributed by Don Jones on Mar 29, 2008

Third, are we willing to tell others about Jesus no matter what the cost? A recent statistic said 3 out of 4 people had not heard the gospel. Are you committed enough to tell others about what Jesus has done for you? If not, why? Is it shame or are you focused on other things in life. Jesus ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

New Year's ...

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008

New Year’s Resolutions The Christmas celebrations are over. Now comes that time of the year when many people make New Year’s resolutions. With fixed determination they try to achieve what they have announced at some party. However, they seldom keep those New Year’s resolutions. Why not? There ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Tags: New Year's Day

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sin's ...

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008

Sin’s Birthplace “But each one is tempted when by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1: 14, 15) Before you can win a war you must know your enemy, understand his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:14-15

Tags: Sin Fall Of Man

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Making The Workplace A ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Mar 22, 2010

Making the Workplace a Ministry Priscilla and Aquila are regular people, with regular jobs, but the impact that they have for Jesus Christ goes beyond many who were called to full time ministry in their day. I have a friend back home, Michael. Michael is without a doubt a man with a call from ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

Tags: Honesty, Workplace Evangelism