In Sermon Illustrations: "Memories About Dad"

The Next One

Contributed by Josh Hunt on Aug 16, 2013

THE NEXT ONE Eugene Peterson wrote about visiting a monastery. While on the way to the refectory for lunch, he and the monks he was visiting walked past a graveyard with an open grave. He asked one of the monks which member of the community had died recently, and he was told, "Nobody. That grave ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:12

Tags: Death, Time

Denomination: Baptist

The $100,000 Car, The Thief, & The Tree Of Knowledge

Contributed by Jason Evans on Oct 4, 2016

Let’s say there is a man who owns a brand new $100,000 car. He decides he wants to take it out one day to go to the store and parks in a lot around a lot of other cars. When he comes out it has been stolen. When they find the thief and arrest him the thief says "Well you should have known better ...read more

Tags: Temptation, Temptation General, Tree Of Knowledge, Guilt Of Sin

Denomination: *other

Love And Forgiveness

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Sep 13, 2020

Rabbi David A. Nelson likes to tell the story of two brothers who went to their rabbi to settle a longstanding feud. The rabbi got the two to reconcile their differences and shake hands. As they were about to leave, he asked each one to make a wish for the other in honor of the Jewish New Year. The ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9

Tags: Jesus Is The Answer, Jesus Forgives, Jesus Saves Us

Denomination: Independent/Bible

An Unsung Hero

Contributed by Richard L. Brown on Nov 7, 2021

When I was a boy there was a cartoon about a character called Hector Heathcote…….It was based on the colonial days of America and the Revolutionary War. The character Heathcote was always the unsung hero in each show. I remember one episode where General George Washington was preparing for his ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10

Tags: Unselfishness, Unsung Hero

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Doesn't God Answer?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 13, 2022

The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her preacher father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day she asked him why. The Pastor was so proud that his daughter was so observant of his mesages. He smiled and answered, "Well, honey, ...read more

Tags: Jokes, Fathers, Sermons, Preachers, Children, Prayer, Pastors  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mom, Why Do You Have White Hair???

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on May 5, 2022

One day, a little girl is sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly notices that her mother has several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast to her brunette hair. She looks at her mother and inquisitively asks: “Why are some of your hairs white, ...read more

Tags: Sermon Introductions, Aging, Humor, Mothers, Mother's Day, Grandmothers  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Wright Brothers And The Wrong Message

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 28, 2023

In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their "flying machine" off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: "We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas." Katherine hurried to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-12

Tags: Unsaved, Confused, Message, Gospel, Missions, Witnessing, Lost, Birth Of Christ, Evangelism, Christmas  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Positive Attitude

Contributed by David Swanger on Jan 24, 2024

A beginning driver for an interstate trucking company, made several long tiring trips with an older driver. Though twice his age, this older man seemed to thrive on these long trips. After one such trip, as they sat drinking coffee, the younger man commented on how his partner looked as if he had ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:24

Tags: Choice, Attitude

Bad Attitude

Contributed by David Swanger on Jan 24, 2024

A mother and daughter, trying to make the most of the sales before Christmas, spent the day shopping. As they went from store to store in the mall, the mom complained about everything: the crowds, the poor quality of the merchandise, the prices, her sore feet. After the mother experienced a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:24

Tags: Choice, Attitude

Is The Solar Eclipse A Sign Of The Last Days?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 6, 2024

“The Bible says a number of times that there’s going to be lots of signs in the heavens before Jesus Christ returns to Earth. What about the Solar Eclipse that is coming on April 8? We see this as possibly one of those." “However, my number one encouragement to people would be to just ...read more

Tags: Revelation, Salvation, Hope, End Times, Prophecy, Last Days, Son Of God, Sun, Return Of Christ, Solar Eclipse  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Sermon Reminded Me Of The Peace And Love Of God!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 12, 2024

After a very long and boring sermon the parishioners filed out of the church saying nothing to the preacher. Towards the end of the line was a thoughtful person who always commented on the sermons. "Pastor, today your sermon reminded me of the peace and love of God!" The pastor was ...read more

Tags: Paul, Preaching, Peace Of God, Eutychus, Love Of God, Preachers, Boring Sermons, Long Sermons  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

If God Is Good

Contributed by John Bright on Mar 1, 2025

There is a problem at the heart of Christianity. If God is good and loving why is there evil and suffering in the world? There is an old response when you are asked to do something: “I would if I could but I can’t so I won’t.” That response is like one of the ways our world tries to solve this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:17

Tags: Evil, Suffering, Goodness Of God

Denomination: Methodist

Ham And Egg Breakfast

Contributed by John Bright on Mar 10, 2025

A chicken and a pig were talking about how people don’t truly appreciate what goes into making a breakfast of eggs and ham. The chicken spoke first: “Folks don’t appreciate me and all the hard work it takes to lay an egg. It really hurts!” The pig replied, “That’s the difference between you and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-6

Tags: Sacrifice, Commitment, Chicken, Ham, Pig, Eggs  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Count The Cost

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Jul 24, 2025

I want to tell yall a true story about counting the cost. This happened to a friend, who shall remain nameless to protect her dignity. My friend had been going through a lot and needed something therapeutic to do and so took up gardening. Growing your own food is always a good idea, right? The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:28, Luke 14:29, Luke 14:30

Tags: High, Count The Cost, Building, Cost, Adversity  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Who Lives In Your House?  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 9, 2001

Who Lives In Your House? Author: Unknown Once there was a very wealthy young man who lived in a great,elaborate house with dozens of rooms. Each room was more comfortable and more beautiful than the one before it. One day he decided to invite the Lord to come and stay with him. When the Lord ...read more

Tags: Satan, Lordship Of Christ, Discipleship

The Lord Gave Me This Message This Past Tuesday, ...

Contributed by William Noel on Dec 31, 2006

The Lord gave me this message this past Tuesday, while at a home school choir concert. · I have to admit, the style of music that they sing is not what I normally listen to. · Also, since Sis. Noel takes the kids to their weekly rehearsals, I didn’t know anyone there. · And to top it off, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:16

Denomination: Baptist

I Was Introduced To "Different" The Summer I Took ...

Contributed by Todd Stiles on Mar 27, 2007

I was introduced to “different” the summer I took about 30+ Jr. Highers to Mexico. What an experience! Yes, our own Mike Hain was with me (and what a trip he had). The things I saw on that trip changed my life -- forever! I can’t begin to tell you the broadening I experienced during that two week ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

More Than Anyone Else Christian Parents Can Have ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

More than anyone else Christian parents can have the most influence on their children, because when Christ died upon the Cross the veil was ripped open so they could enter into the presence of God who sits on the Throne of Grace. The call to pray is from God’s Word and we are given a sure promise, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18

Tags: Faith

Several Years Ago I Worked During The Summer As A ...

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Nov 18, 2008

Several years ago I worked during the summer as a chaplain in a large hospital in Dayton. Part of my responsibilities was to be “on call” every other weekend for a 24 hour period. We had to remain at the hospital but be available if and when a need arose for a chaplain. Many times the need was ...read more

Tags: Blood Of Christ

Denomination: Church Of God

Sold: Ten Percent Of Apple Computer For $800

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Mar 25, 2018

I’d like to begin this morning with a story. It involves these men [photo of Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs]. You probably recognize them: Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. The two men who founded Apple Computer. Right? Well, no, actually that’s not completely accurate. Here is a photo of the original ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-20

Tags: Perseverance In Faith, Treasure In Heaven

Denomination: Baptist