In Sermon Illustrations: "Sinfulness"

The Auctioneer And The Old Violin

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Dec 20, 2020

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his while To waste much time on the old violin, But held it up with a smile. ‘What am I bidden, good folks,’ he cried, ‘Who’ll start the bidding for me? A dollar, a dollar,’ then ‘Two; Only two? Two dollars, and who’ll make it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, John 3:1-7

Tags: New Birth, Jesus, Salvation, Cross, Redemption, Change, Transformation  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pardoned Fugitive

Contributed by Roger Byrd on Jul 17, 2021

He was an unlikely criminal. In the difficult days after World War I, many veterans like Robert Elliot Burns had taken to “riding the rails” in search of work. A native of New Jersey, Burns had found the times very trying so when a friend told him of a job, he immediately agreed. The problem was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28

Tags: Pardon, Historical

Denomination: Baptist

The Touch Of The Master's Hand

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 14, 2021

The Touch of the Masters Hand Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin, but held it up with a smile; "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:16-17

Tags: Salvation, New Creation In Christ, The Master, Anointing Of The Spirit

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Building Of Busch Stadium, Skirting Rules.

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Mar 16, 2022

In 1966 the St. Louis Cardinals built a new ballpark and named it Busch Memorial Stadium. There is a story that the owner of the Cardinals, August Busch, wanted to name it Budweiser Stadium, but the city officials would not allow him to name it after a beer. Frustrated by their answer, he ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Tags: Human Nature, Ten Commandments

Denomination: Lutheran

The Marathon

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Oct 17, 2022

On Sunday, October 16, 2022 my daughter, aged 25, ran her first marathon – the Toronto Waterfront marathon. Though I’m currently living 3000 kms away in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada – I was there at the race to cheer her on. I was not prepared for the emotional intensity of the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:14

Tags: Salvation, Perseverance, Gospel, Discipleship, The Cross  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[238]. A Message From A Poem – See Him Now

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 17, 2025

[238]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – SEE HIM NOW This is a simple poem. It covers salvation and service. When Jesus was here people saw Him and heard Him as He spoke the eternal message but eyes were closed and ears were shut. The response to Jesus was the same response to Stephen – {{Acts 7:51 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:51, Acts 7:57, John 5:24

Tags: Hear, Serve, See, Christian Poems, Praise, Take  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith That Leads To Eternal Life

Contributed by Samuel Shamaun on Jan 20, 2026

Introduction Faith is the foundation of the Christian life. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is not blind belief; it is trusting in the person and promises of Jesus Christ. Eternal life begins when we place our faith in Him. 1. Faith Is Trusting Jesus Alone Jesus said, “I am ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6

Tags: Faith, Eternal Life

Denomination: Pentecostal

This Past Christmas, Jade Did Something That ...

Contributed by Stephen Evoy on Jan 4, 2008

This past Christmas, Jade did something that re-awakened a part of my heart that should never have been allowed to doze off. It was late in the evening; my parents had dropped by for a short visit. Jade was overly tired and out of sorts. Looking for some trouble, she wadded up a piece of ...read more

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Diverse Disciples

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Apr 25, 2010

THE DIVERSE DISCIPLES I have always been a bit of a loner. I was not the sort of person you wanted in your team. I didn't fit. If Jesus hadn't come into my life, I am sure I would have ended up as a starving artist or at least a hermit - a recluse with a long beard, black jeans, T-shirt and ...read more

Tags: Disciples

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[166]. A Message From A Poem – Know Jesus – Know Comfort And Peace

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 15, 2025

[166]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – KNOW JESUS – KNOW COMFORT AND PEACE Obviously, the connection here is a vital one, and it’s an eternal one. Those who know Jesus should be living in comfort and peace. That needs defining. Comfort is not the comfort of materialism by having a great home with ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1, Romans 3:17, Isaiah 48:22, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Acts 9:31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Peace With God, Wicked, God Of All Comfort, Christian Poems, Holy Spirit, Peace, Comfort  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

[215]. A Message From A Poem - His Precious Redeemed Ones

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 28, 2025

[215]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - HIS PRECIOUS REDEEMED ONES In my messages and sermons, sometimes I raise the plight of suffering Christians enduring persecution such as we observe in many nations in Africa. It makes me think of these suffering ones and how the Lord views them. They are ...read more

Scripture: John 12:24, Revelation 2:10-11, 1 John 5:4, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 2 Peter 1:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Christ, Jesus, Persecution, Victors, Grain Of Wheat, Christian Poems, Africa, Precious, Put To Death, Redeemed, Believers, Saints  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In His Book The Renew Mind (Bethany House, ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

In his book The Renew Mind (Bethany House, 1981), Larry Christiansen tells a story that is a perfect illustration for our sermon text for today. I’d like for you to imagine that you live in a run down apartment. As I describe this, I actually picture in my mind my apartment in St. Paul I shared ...read more

Tags: Jesus Temptation

[227]. A Message From A Poem - Australia On The Precipice

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 14, 2025

[227]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - AUSTRALIA ON THE PRECIPICE Before we begin! Australia is in the focus of this poem, BUT you can easily insert other nations, and if I can be so bold, then put in Britain, France, Sweden, and many others would qualify. I refrained from saying the United States, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:3, Hebrews 10:31, Genesis 12:3

Tags: Evil, Cursing Israel, Christian Poems, The Precipice, Britain, United States, France, Worse, Signs Of The Times, Politicians, Israel, Hate, Wickedness, Homosexual, Jews, Australia  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Was God A God Of Love In The Old Testament?

Contributed by Coz Von on Aug 27, 2017

The Davinci code will tell you that Jesus was married Mary. is it so? NO, NO, AND - mil times NO – NOT! But I want to show you that God did get married. Blasphemy, you say, NOT SO, It’s irreverent, sacrilegious – and not true But He really did! Hear me out. Long, long ago in a land far far away ...read more

Tags: Love, Hosea, Love Story, Long Suffering, Peace, Hope, Care, Hate, Kindness, Gomer  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Resolutions Of Jonathan Edwards  PRO

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jan 5, 2003

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5

Tags: Discipleship, New Year's Day

Denomination: Baptist

Zanzibar Is An Old City In East Africa. A City ...  PRO

Contributed by Gregory Fisher on Jul 1, 2004

Zanzibar is an old city in East Africa. A city with an unfortunate past. It is filled with ornate architecture, and it is the home of the Swahili Institute, the official guardians of the Kiswahili language. But, for nearly 300 years it was the home of something else. It was the home of one of ...read more

Tags: Salvation By Grace, Salvation, Redemption, Ransom For All, Ransom From Sin, Missionary, Missionary Work, Gospel Impact, Grace, Grace Of God, Justification, Slavery, Sola Gratia  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

One Of The Most Incredible Stories Of ...  PRO

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Mar 13, 2001

ILL. One of the most incredible stories of forgiveness I’ve ever heard came out of Tulsa, OK, a couple of years ago. Tom McGee was a young man who went out for a night of partying & revelry. He got drunk & ran head-on into a car driven by a young man by the name of Ted Morris. He killed Ted ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48, Leviticus 19:17-18, Romans 12:17-21, Matthew 18:21-22, Jonah 4:1-10, Matthew 18:23-35  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Cross Agony, Forgiveness General, Forgiveness For Others

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dostoevsky And The Firing Squad  PRO

Contributed by David Simmons on Feb 22, 2002

DOSTOEVSKY AND THE FIRING SQUAD The famous Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky told the story of the time he was arrested by the czar and sentenced to die. The czar, though, liked to play cruel psychological tricks on the people who rebelled against him by blindfolding them and standing them in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Tags: Fulfillment, Death Nearness

Denomination: Baptist

But Before That...  PRO

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Jul 7, 2002

BUT BEFORE THAT... In 1992, when our own Govenor, Kirk Fordice stated unreservedly “America is a Christian nation” the response bordered on hysteria. But before that -- Congress, declared 1983 to be the “Year of the Bible” — stating that the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Psalm 33:12

Tags: Kingdom Of God, America, Freedom, History, Heritage, July, Independence, Independence Day  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Willing To Die  PRO

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jul 21, 2002

WILLING TO DIE Lance Armstrong is a phenomenal cyclist who has won the Tour De France for the last four years--and that after having survived cancer! One of the keys to his success as an athlete has been his single-minded devotion to training, including a willingness to suffer physically, to push ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18-19

Tags: Endurance, Discipleship, Lord's Supper

Denomination: Baptist