In Sermon Illustrations: "Quotes"

The Most Incredible Birthday Miracle

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Nov 21, 2022

I heard a missionary from Brazil tell an amazing story of the faithfulness of God at an Evangelism Conference in Dallas several years ago. He said that there was a woman named Maria in his country who was an unbeliever who was celebrating her 30th birthday. On that day, she looked up to Heaven ...read more

Tags: Evangelism, Missions, Prayer, Miracles, Testimony, Will Of God, Waiting On God, Faithfulness Of God, Sovereignty Of God  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Ring In Witness Protection

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Apr 17, 2026

Have you ever had one of those moments where, as the words are leaving your mouth, you know you're making a terrible mistake? I had one of those back in 2014. I had just started my first real job at an advertising agency, and I was so excited that I went straight from work and bought an ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:2-3, Isaiah 40:3

Tags: God's Timing, Waiting

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Meaning Of Life

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 28, 2008

THE MEANING OF LIFE Atheist philosopher Bertrand Russell: "Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless." (Quoted in Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, 17). Welsh scholar Rheinallt Williams: "There is nothing which arises more spontaneously from man's nature than the ...read more

Tags: Faith

You Are My Dear, Dear Child: I'm Delighted With You.

Contributed by Martin Spoelstra on Apr 22, 2023

A famous movie-maker had a huge legal wrangle with his longtime mentor and guide. The younger man simply couldn't handle criticism and ended up rejecting the person who had helped him so much. When it was all over, a close friend summed up the real problem. "It was all about an ungenerous ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:9-13, Matthew 3:13-17

Tags: God's Love, Loved, Loved By God, Jesus Baptism

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Proverbs Is Not A Book Of Promises

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jun 26, 2023

A broken parent came to me and said, "Pastor Larry, I raised my kids in church. I raised my kids to follow Christ, know His Word and put Him first in their lives. They all made decisions for Christ in our church and were baptized. But, now that they have all graduated from high school, not ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-10

Tags: Proverbs, Children, Parenting, Failure, Prodigal Son, Promises  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Funniest Easter Story Ever!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Mar 25, 2024

The Call to Worship had just been pronounced starting Easter Sunday Morning service in an East Texas church. The choir started its processional, singing "Up from the Grave He Arose" as they marched in perfect step down the center aisle to the front of the church. However, unfortunatley, ...read more

Tags: Resurrection, Miracles, Choir, Church, Easter  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Gossip Test

Contributed by Martin Spoelstra on Feb 11, 2025

Do I get excited when I hear, “Have you heard…?” Does my heart do a little dance when someone starts with, “You won’t believe what I just found out!” If so, you know the answer—it’s gossip. If you find yourself pulling up a chair and grabbing some popcorn, it’s time to rethink your choices. The ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:20

Tags: Prayer, Gossip, Power Of Words, Test

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God's Ultimate Protection - Psalm 91

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 26, 2025

God's Ultimate Protection - Psalm 91 Judy Anderson grew up as a missionary kid in Zaire. As a little girl, she went to a day-long rally celebrating the 100th anniversary of Christian missionaries coming to that part of the country. After a full day of messages and music, an old man came ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Tags: Eternal Life, Refuge, Cross Of Christ, Messiah Prophecies, Fear, Protection, Resurrection, Trust, Overcome, Fortress  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Eric Liddell

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Oct 24, 2025

Isaiah 40:31 says But those who hope in the Lord, Will renew their strength They shall soar on wings like eagles They will run and not grow weary They will walk and not be faint This Scripture is best illustrated up by the true story of Eric Liddell You may recall his life story was told in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:20

Tags: Obedience, Principle, Eric Liddell

Denomination: Anglican

The Truth About The Wizard Of Oz

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Nov 14, 2021

Did you know that “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was written, not about the mythical Land of Oz but it was about Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people. The lyrics were written by Yip Harburg, the youngest of four children born to Russian-Jewish immigrants. His real name was Isidore Hochberg, ...read more

Tags: Jewish, Wizard Of Oz, Israel

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We're Not Going To Heaven In A Rowboat!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jul 12, 2023

A friend gave me the illustration of a man in a rowboat to describe salvation. He told about a man rowing a boat across a lake. In one hand was the oar of faith and in the other was the oar of works. He explained that if he was only rowing with the oar of faith, he would go around in circles. ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, 1 John 5:1-13

Tags: Faith, Grace, Heaven, Salvation, Assurance, Works, Doubts  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Do You Have Spiritual Wax In The Ears?

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jan 28, 2024

JAMES 1:21 - "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." A person must put off every dirty thing and lay it off to the side away from himself. If he enjoys the dirt and filth, then his mind is ...read more

Tags: Followers Of Jesus, Worhsip, Word Of God, Voice Of God, Cleansing, Hearing God, Filth, Listening, Discipleship, Confession  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Looking For A Loophole. W C Fields Story

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Mar 3, 2026

It is a difficult thing... to look in the mirror of our soul... and see where we really stand ... in our relationship with God. Some hold back ... from a total commitment to Jesus... and in a way, ... are looking for a loophole ... to make them acceptable ... before God. (Pause) W. C. Fields ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-34, John 14:6

Tags: Spirit, Battle, Commitment, Flesh, Loophole  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Standing By The Bedside Of The Sick Child Of God

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Apr 11, 2024

Rick Renner suggests that "by praying in Jesus' name, a believer actually stands in the physical place of Jesus who is in Heaven, acting on His behalf and operating in the authority He has vested to that believer as His official representative." Thus, this prayer of the elders in ...read more

Tags: Miracles, Health, Sickness, Power Of God, Authority, Elders, Faith, Healing, Prayer, Confession  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Worst People...

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Dec 2, 2020

Spurgeon said - "Often those who are thought to be the worst of people turn out the best. Many of the most precious pearls have been found in the deepest sea; and some of the most grateful hearts have ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-3, Luke 17:14-19

Tags: Sin, Salvation, Redemption, Gratitude, Lost, Election  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Corruption?

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 26, 2021

, A little girl asks her father: "Daddy, what is corruption?" -- Go bring me a beer and I'll tell you. -- But mommy said you should stop drinking! -- Get yourself an ice-cream too ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:1-4

Tags: Bribe, Sin, Corruption, Dishonesty

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Being Nice Does Have Its Rewards

Contributed by James Snyder on Nov 21, 2020

It was one of those weeks. It seems that every week of mine is "one of those weeks." Just when I think everything was looking fine, I discovered I was looking in the wrong direction. I should know better than thinking. Several problems developed with my vehicle, and I had to take it to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:38

Tags: Nice, Relationship

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Comparing Cain And Abel

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jun 26, 2023

"Physically, Cain still lived, while spiritually he was dead. Physically, Abel was dead, but spiritually, he gloriously lived. You can think of Abel in death, but you can also think of Cain in death. The sinner is dead, while he lives. The ...read more

Tags: Hate, Cain, Abel, Eve, Sin, Murder, Adam  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Silent Kindness

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Feb 27, 2019

Sir Nicholas George Winton – “A Silent Kindness” Nicholas Winton’s parents were German Jews who had moved to London two years before his birth. The family name was Wertheim, but was changed to Winton, they also converted to Christianity, and had Nicholas baptised. Nicholas Winton became a banker ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:15-17

Tags: Love, Children, Compassion, Kindness

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Like The Llama And Face Your Enemy!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Jan 8, 2024

Reports the DENVER POST: "Like many sheep ranchers in the West, Lexy Fowler has tried just about everything to stop crafty coyotes from killing her sheep. She has used odor sprays, electric fences, and 'scare-coyotes.' She has slept with her lambs during the summer and has placed ...read more

Scripture: James 1:10-15

Tags: Stand, Running, Spiritual Armor, Word, Battles, Lust, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Temptation, Victory, Defeat, Fear  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational