In Sermon Illustrations: "Making A Difference"

Working Hard To Earn Salvation

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 21, 2012

WORKING HARD TO EARN SALVATION United Methodist Bishop Reuben Job writes, "If we are just good enough, do enough, deny ourselves enough, we will be forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to God. Following this path brings no peace, assurance, or sense of companionship with God. Rather than asking ...read more

Tags: Grace

Denomination: Methodist

A Knock On The ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on May 3, 2013

A KNOCK ON THE DOOR An old woman ran out of money, and couldn't pay any of her bills. The landlord was threatening to throw her out if she didn't pay her rent soon. She had only a few candles to keep her warm. And one cold day she was warming her hands over a candle. Just then a knock came at her ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:18-30

Tags: Debt

How Will You Face Death?

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Oct 13, 2019

Voltaire, one of history’s best known atheists, often stated that “by the time I’m buried, the Bible will be non--existent.” His last words were: “I am abandoned by God and man; I shall die and go to hell alone.” His condition had become so terrible that his associates were afraid to approach ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Tags: Death, Heaven, Atheists, Hell

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Inspect Versus Expect

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 13, 2023

There was a young boy who was notorious for cleaning according to what his parents would inspect, but not necessarily what they would expect. In other words, he would do things like fold and put away the dirty laundry, and put away the dirty dishes thinking they were clean. Things looked tidy on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Tags: Expectations, Cover Up

Denomination: Baptist

Conquering Password Memory Issues

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 22, 2025

Am I getting worried about my memory," says 75 year old Rachel to her best friend Sarah. "So why is that?" asks Sarah. "Because every time I go online banking," replies Rachel, "I just don't seem to be able to remember my bank's password. I have to try many ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:6-11

Tags: Memory, Confusion, Complications

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Vicar And The Organist

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jan 12, 2026

Conflicts are not uncommon, but when the Vicar and Organist get into it, stand aside. One week, the Vicar preached on commitment, and how we should move forward into doing service for others. After this sermon, the Organist led the congregation in singing, "I Shall Not Be Moved." The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Tags: Organist, Vicar

Denomination: Anglican

Hope For The Return Of Christ

Contributed by John Bright on Jan 15, 2026

Hope is interesting because it depends on a person's circumstances. Around the world, there are literally millions of persecuted Christians. They often to the end of the Bible for hope: Revelation 22:20 “20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:20, 1 Corinthians 16:22

Tags: Hope, Rapture, Maranatha, Return Of Christ, Persecuted Christians  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

After My Father Died In Dec. Of 1982 Mother ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

After my father died in Dec. of 1982 mother lived another 20 years. She passed away in June of 2002. Mom never drove. She never got her driver’s license so she always had to depend on others to go somewhere. Mom had several male friends after dad died. They often went out to eat or go to the local ...read more

Tags: Money

When There Is A Hill To Climb, Don't Think That ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 11, 2007

"When there is a hill to climb, don't think that waiting will ...read more

Tags: Action

Advertising Is The Modern Substitute For ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 11, 2007

Advertising is the modern substitute for argument; its function is to make ...read more

Tags: Business And Marketplace

Every Man Serves A Useful Purpose: A Miser, For ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 11, 2007

"Every man serves a useful purpose: A miser, for example, makes ...read more

Tags: Family

There's An Old Arabian Proverb That Says "All ...

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Dec 19, 2004

There’s an old Arabian proverb that says “All ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Problems Come When The Individual Tries To Hand ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

Problems come when the individual tries to hand over the ...read more

Tags: Church Practices

The Key To Happiness Is Having Dreams; The Key ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

The key to happiness is having dreams; the key to success is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 128:1

Tags: Blessing, Dreams

I Never Forget A Face, But In Your Case Ill Be ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

"I never forget a face, but in your case Ill be glad to ...read more

Tags: Human Body

The Basis Of Our Political System Is The Right ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter ...read more

Tags: Government

Despair Of All Recovery Spoils Longevity, And ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

"Despair of all recovery spoils longevity, And makes men's ...read more

Tags: Hardship Of Life

Love, Recognizing Germs Of Loveliness In The ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

"Love, recognizing germs of loveliness in the hateful, gradually warms it into ...read more

Tags: Christian Love

I Love Deadlines. I Like The Whooshing Sound ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they ...read more

Tags: Workplace Balance

If You Wish To Forget Anything On The Spot, ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

"If you wish to forget anything on the spot, make a note that this ...read more

Tags: Thought