In Sermon Illustrations: "On Time"

The Power Of Presence

Contributed by Eduardo Quintana on Jun 12, 2017

Long before I became a Dad, I had strong opinions about fathering. Perhaps it’s because I came along quite late in my father’s life. He was 47 years old. To say I was a surprise would be an understatement! But, my Dad rose to the challenge! Like my sister and brother before me, I became his pride ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3

Tags: Parenting, Legacy, Fatherhood

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

There’s Always Tomorrow

Contributed by James Snyder on Apr 11, 2020

For almost four weeks now, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and Yours Truly have enjoyed some exceptional time together. It has been the rich experience I never thought I would experience until I retired from everything. But, if this is retirement, “Lord, let it be so.” Nothing to complain ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:8

Tags: Together, Rest, Pajamas

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

An Apple Fritter On My Mind

Contributed by James Snyder on Jul 2, 2022

The last few weeks have been rather hectic, and I’ve struggled to keep up with everything. If it weren’t for The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, I probably would not have gotten where I am today. I don’t know anybody who can plan out a day, week, or month better than her. She has everything ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:21

Tags: Stress, Humor

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

I Screamed For Ice Cream And Got In Trouble.

Contributed by James Snyder on Jan 14, 2023

Trouble is not my middle name, although it sure could be; just ask The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. I try to keep out of trouble, but my definition differs from my wife's. What she considers to be trouble is just about everything I do. I will not ask her how I can keep from doing what I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1

Tags: Taste, Trouble, Ice Cream

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Ain’t Nothing Better Than A P&j Sandwich

Contributed by James Snyder on Dec 5, 2023

I'm not sure what happened to my closely guarded diet during these recent holidays, but I won't ask. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has been so busy cooking and preparing food that she didn't have time to oversee my diet. I love it when a plan comes together. As usual, I used ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:4

Tags: Thanksgiving, Food

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Swimming In An Ocean Of Pills

Contributed by James Snyder on Sep 6, 2025

Dr. James L. Snyder I have a confession to make. I never realized that the older I get, the more difficult life seems to be. Oh, for those good ole days. As a young person, I thought that when I got older, all of my problems would be solved. At the time, I did not know all the problems I was ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:22

Tags: Health, Old Age, Doctors, Pills

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

In The Book Scully, There Is A Dialogue Between ...  PRO

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Dec 8, 2000

In the book Scully, there is a dialogue between Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computers and John Scully, who at the time was president of Pepsi. Jobs was attempting to recruit Scully for the top job at Apple and he asked Scully, “Do you want to spend ...read more

Tags: Finding Fulfillment, Workplace

Denomination: Pentecostal

Elton Trueblood Wrote, "It Used To Be That ...  PRO

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Feb 26, 2001

Elton Trueblood wrote, "It used to be that Christianity was a revolutionary faith that turned the world upside down. But today Christians sit in Sunday morning church services looking at their watches, wondering what time dinner will be served, or thinking about the ...read more

Tags: Evangelism How To, Church Purpose Of, Book Of Revelation

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

After The Christening Of His Baby Brother In ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Feb 16, 2002

After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he ...read more

Tags: Parenting, Baptism

Can You Hear Them?  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on May 5, 2002

CAN YOU HEAR THEM? You too, my mother, read my rhymes, For love of forgotten times, And you may chance, to hear once more, The little feet along the floor SOURCE: Robert Louis Stevenson. Citation: The ...read more

Tags: Children, Mother's Day, Parenting

A Politician Sitting In The House Of Lords Was ...  PRO

Contributed by Andrew Clark on Aug 23, 2002

A politician sitting in the House of Lords was recently heard to say "Hallelujah! For the first time in the 10 years I have been here, I have just heard a bishop mention God in a speech!" We must not shy away from declaring the ...read more

Tags: Endurance

Denomination: Holiness

Feel The Nails By Ray Boltz  PRO

Contributed by Sean Smuts on Jan 15, 2003

Feel the Nails by Ray Boltz Does He still feel those nails Every time I fail Does He hear the crowd cry crucify again and again Am I causing Him pain Then I know I’ve ...read more

Tags: Sin Hurtful To God, Sin General

Denomination: Mennonite

I Am Personally Big On Friendship Evangelism - ...  PRO

Contributed by Jim Mazzulla on Apr 6, 2004

I am personally big on friendship evangelism - loving those who do not know Jesus without snubbing my nose at them. If you want to see hearts open to the gospel, treat them with Christ’s love. Oh, some will not respond, but what a ...read more

Tags: Sharing My Testimony

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

David Livingstone Once Said, "I Place No Value ...

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 12, 2004

David Livingstone once said, “I place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of God. If anything will advance the interests of the kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by giving or keeping it I ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 31:25-54

Tags: Giving General

Denomination: Baptist

All Truly Successful People In Life Have Been ...  PRO

Contributed by Bruce Howell on May 27, 2005

ALL TRULY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE IN LIFE HAVE BEEN THOSE WHO PRIORITIZED. Furthermore, they had their priorities in order. A businessman, referring to a friend who was devoting most of his time and energy in pursuit of an insignificant matter, said, “He ...read more

Tags: Evangelism The Lost

Denomination: Wesleyan

Julie Andrews Said, "Perseverance Is Failing 19 ...  PRO

Contributed by Pat Cook on Nov 21, 2005

Julie Andrews said, “Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” Newt Gingrich said, “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” And Walter Elliott said, ...read more

Tags: Prayer Persistence

Denomination: Baptist

How Do They Do It? Although Most Of The Country's ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 18, 2006

How Do They Do It? Although most of the country’s Protestant churches average an attendance of fewer than 100 adults, 80% of those have a full-time, paid Senior Pastor. Unbelievably, the median annual budget of those ...read more

Tags: Church General

Costly Interruptions From Emails, Instant ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 27, 2006

Costly Interruptions from emails, instant messages, the Web, and phone are decreasing U.S. business productivity by $588 billion annually finds a Basix study. Interruptions to workflow can cost the average knowledge worker ...read more

Tags: Workplace Balance

Working Longer: Research Indicates That People ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 27, 2006

Working Longer: Research indicates that people currently in their 50’s plan to continue working after they reach retirement age. Labor force participation among workers aged 55 to 64 increased 2% in ‘01, according to the Center for ...read more

Tags: Workplace Balance

Police In Radnor, Pa., Interrogated A Suspect By ...  PRO

Contributed by Paul Humphrey on Apr 5, 2006

Police in Radnor, Pa., interrogated a suspect by placing a metal Colander on his head and connecting it with wires to a photocopy machine. The Message "He’s lying" was placed in the copier, and police pressed the copy Button each time they thought the suspect wasn’t telling ...read more

Tags: Sin Exposed

Denomination: United Methodist