In Sermon Illustrations: "One Sheep Lost"

An Uncompromising Preacher

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 19, 2022

Peter Cartwright, a nineteenth-century circuit-riding Methodist preacher, was an uncompromising man. One Sunday morning when he was to preach, he was told that General Andrew Jackson was in the congregation, and warned not to say anything out of line. When Cartwright stood to preach, he said, ...read more

Tags: Evangelism, Hell, Truth, Preaching, Faithfulness, Boldness, Pastors  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Boldness Of Peter Cartwright

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jun 6, 2022

Peter Cartwright, a nineteenth-century circuit-riding Methodist preacher, was an uncompromising man. One Sunday morning when he was to preach, he was told that General Andrew Jackson was in the congregation and warned not to say anything out of line. When Cartwright stood to preach, he said, ...read more

Tags: Hell, Death, Eternity, Truth, Courage, Judgment, Boldness, Preachers  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is The Fire In Hell Literal Or A Figure Of Speech?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jun 6, 2022

Brian Bell has an interesting note on as to whether or not it is real flames in Hell or just a figiure of speech: "it seems it is a real torment, thus a real thirst, which desires real water, from a real finger, to touch ...read more

Tags: Hell, Death, Eternity, Scripture, Judgment, Inerrancy  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seven Stanzas At Easter

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Mar 19, 2023

John Updike put it in his wonderful poem : Make no mistake: if he rose at all it was as his body; If the cells dissolution did not reverse, the molecules reknit, the amino acids rekindle, the church will fall. Let us not mock God with metaphor, Analogy, sidestepping transcendence; Making ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:14, Matthew 28:1-10

Tags: Resurrection, Tomb, John Updike

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Have A Heart

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 28, 2023

HEARTBEAT? DO WE EVER SAY: THANK YOU? DO WE EVER GET TIRED AND WEARY? DO WE EVER LISTEN TO HEAR THE HEART BEAT OF GOD? John 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. On the average your heart beats around 70 times a minute, 100,800 TIMES A DAY. ...read more

Scripture: John 13:23

Tags: Faithful, Heart

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Mothers And May

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on May 9, 2023

Mothers and May There are many things I love about the magic month of May-- the beautiful budding flowers, the gorgeous life-giving weather, the celebration of Mother’s Day! There are many things I love about our having Mother’s Day-- a day of recognition, a time to offer commendation, to one ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 127:1-3, Proverbs 23:25, Luke 8:21, Genesis 3:20, Romans 13:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Honor, Mother's Day, Poetry

Denomination: Baptist

Thank God For Blessed Subtractions!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jul 10, 2023

Three local pastors were discussing their Easter Sunday results with one another on the Monday after Easter. The Methodist minister said, "Easter services worked out great for us! We gained four new additions at First Methodist!" Praise God! The Baptist preacher grinned ...read more

Tags: Arrogance, Bragging, Preachers, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Easter, Revival, Church Growth, Pride, Pastors  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Rest In Peace Until I Come

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Aug 7, 2023

The wife ... of a man who had recently died ... assumed ... they were well off financially, ... so she gave him a very nice funeral ... and a fancy tombstone that read, ... Rest in Peace. However, ... when the estate was settled ... she was informed by their attorney ... that he had wasted all ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:9-10, Mark 2:23-28, Exodus 34:21, Matthew 11:28

Tags: Peace, Sabbath, Rest

Denomination: Anglican

King Ahasureus Did Not Have A Beauty Contest

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Aug 21, 2023

Knowing the king’s strong sensual appetite, the counselors suggested that he assemble a new harem composed of the most beautiful young virgins in the empire. This was not a “beauty contest” where the winners were rewarded by having a chance for the throne. These young women were conscripted against ...read more

Tags: Esther, Lust, Israel, King, Sensuality  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

He's No Stranger

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Sep 2, 2023

He’s the wisest man in the church; There’s nothing he can’t do. If you turn down your ministry, He’ll be there to do it for you. He’s also a very faithful member, And shows up right on the dot. Then if you don’t keep your commitment, He’ll cover you and fill in your spot. He’s obviously ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:12, Colossians 3:23

Tags: Labor Day, Funny, Poem, Blame Shifting, Work, Lazy  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Story Of The Telltale Heart

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 7, 2023

Do you remember Edgar Allen Poe's story, ... The Telltale Heart? In that story, ... the main character committed a murder ... and he buries the body of the victim ...in his basement. Yet ... the murderer is unable to escape the haunting guilt... of his deed. He begins to hear...... the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19

Tags: Heart, Guilt, Haunt

Denomination: Anglican

Empowered To Serve

Contributed by John Bright on Nov 9, 2023

In every war there are stories of courage, bravery, and acts of heroism that go beyond all human limitations. Do you know the name Desmond Doss? He was a soldier in WW2 that came from Lynchburg, Virginia. Because of his faith tradition that prevented him from carrying a weapon, he enlisted as a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:59-60

Tags: Courage, Heroism, Bravery, World War 2

Denomination: Methodist

How Much Does The Bible Talk About The Second Coming?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 28, 2023

Biblical prophecy provides some of the greatest encouragement and hope available to us today. Just as the Old Testament is saturated with prophecies concerning Christ's first advent, so both testaments are filled with references to the second coming of Christ. One scholar has estimated that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, John 14:1-6

Tags: End Times, Prophecy, Second Coming, Last Days, Rapture, Day Of The Lord, Return Of Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Things You Do When You Are Obsessed With Prophecy!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 30, 2023

Things you do when you are obsessed with biblical prophecy: 1. You always leave the top down on your convertible in case the Rapture happens while you are driving! 2. You never buy green bananas. 3. Bar code scanners make you nervous. 4. You refuse a tax refund check because the amount comes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:12-18, John 14:1-6

Tags: Return Of Christ, Prophecy, Second Coming, Antichrist, Parousia, Rapture, Tribulation, Revelation, End Times  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The Hole You Go!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 22, 2024

As a minister, I conduct many baptismal services. My denomination baptizes in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. One Sunday, my family and I went to a friend’s home in the country. Our four children went outside to play with the others. After a short while, we heard only silence ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Tags: Faith, Baptism, Church, Children, Great Commission, Salvation'  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Anne Graham Lotz On The Solar Eclipse

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 6, 2024

"The warning is triggered by the total solar eclipse of Aug. 21, nicknamed America's Eclipse. For the first time in almost 100 years, a total solar eclipse will be seen from coast to coast in our nation. People are preparing to mark this significant event with viewing parties at exclusive ...read more

Tags: America, End Times, Prophecy, Judgment, Second Coming, Last Days, Rapture, False Teachers, False Prophets, Return Of Christ, Solar Eclipse  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Use The Old Golf Ball!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jul 8, 2024

As the golfer approached the first tee, a hazardous hole with a green surrounded by water, he debated if he should use his new golf ball. Deciding that the hole was too treacherous, he pulled out an old ball and placed it on the tee. Just then he heard a voice from above say loudly: "Use the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Tags: Lord's Prayer, Will Of God, Golf, Thy Will Be Done

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

President George Washinton's Prayer

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Aug 24, 2024

PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON'S PRAYER FOR THE UNITED STATES: I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3

Tags: Prayer, Intercession, Revival, Nation, United States, Presidents  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trial And Error

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 11, 2025

A lawyer invites his cousin from the Czech Republic to come and stay with him in Canada. Soon they decide to go hiking in the woods. Suddenly, a big grizzly bear appears. The bear kills the Czech cousin and then eats him. The lawyer runs to the nearest village and tells everybody what has ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:39, Luke 20:13, Ecclesiastes 9:11

Tags: Mistakes, Error, Trial, Process, Chances, Puns, Elimination, Perhaps  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Horse In The Basement

Contributed by John Bright on Jun 6, 2025

Imagine having what we need but not using it – like the hoarse in the basement or the car that can drive at highway speed but you never go over 25mph. I heard a story about a guy who was looking at chainsaws at the hardware store. The salesman told him, “If you buy this chainsaw, you can cut ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Tags: Chainsaw, Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Car, Horse  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist