In Sermon Illustrations: "Small Beginning"

Donald Grey Barnhouse: The Truck And Its ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 14, 2009

Donald Grey Barnhouse: The Truck and Its Shadow Donald Grey Barnhouse, famous preacher of the past century wrote of driving his children to his wife, and their mother’s funeral; “I was driving with my children to my wife’s funeral where I was to preach the sermon. As we came into one small town ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-15

Tags: Death

Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman Told Of A Distinguished ...

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Feb 25, 2009

Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman told of a distinguished minister, Dr. Howard, from Australia who preached very strongly on the subject of SIN. After the service, one of the church deacons came to counsel with him in the study. "Dr. Howard," he said, "we don’t want you to talk as openly as you do about man’s ...read more

Tags: Sin General

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Treasure Of The Church  PRO

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

THE TREASURE OF THE CHURCH St. Lawrence was martyred in 258 A.D., but we remember him not for his martyrdom. We remember him as the Archdeacon of Rome. His responsibilities included maintaining the sacred vessels of the small, struggling church and distributing alms to the poor. While he was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:13-16

Tags: Poverty

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Get Off The Bench And Get In The Game!

Contributed by Garris Hudson on Aug 2, 2023

A well-known coach was once asked, “How much does college football contribute to the national physical-fitness picture?” “Nothing,” the coach replied abruptly. “Why not?” the startled interviewer asked. “Well,” said the coach, “the way I see it, you have 22 men down on the field desperately ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-13

Tags: Service, Ministry, Church, Disciples, Spiritual Gifts, Volunteers  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Anchor That Holds

Contributed by Samuel Shamaun on Jan 20, 2026

A pastor once visited a small fishing village and noticed many boats tied securely at the shore. During a storm, the waves were strong, and the wind was fierce. Some boats drifted dangerously, but others remained steady and unmoved. Curious, the pastor asked a fisherman why some boats stayed safe ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:19

Tags: Faith, Hope

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Life Crashes In  PRO

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Aug 20, 2004

When Life Crashes In The classic MG moved briskly through the afternoon traffic. The drive enjoyed the quick response of the small high-powered convertible. After driving her station wagon, this little red car was rather like taking off her boots and putting on sneakers. Driving along with the ...read more

Tags: Promises Of God

Denomination: Church Of God

The Old Man With The Rags  PRO

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 5, 2004

THE OLD MAN WITH THE RAGS A beggar lived near the king’s palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments are welcome. The beggar went on his way. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. Slowly ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:10

Tags: Confession Of Sin, Repentance

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Using The Resources You Have  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Sep 18, 2012

USING THE RESOURCES YOU HAVE At 12:55 pm the mayday call crackled through the speakers at the Flight Service Station on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The desperate pilot of a Piper A22, a small single-engine plane, was reporting that he had run out of fuel and was preparing to ditch the aircraft in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, Ruth 1:1-5

Tags: Grace, Stewardship, Investment, Value, Give Back  (view more)  (view less)

Knowing Your Way To Heaven

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 28, 2008

KNOWING YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN The little church in the suburbs suddenly stopped buying from its regular office supply dealer. So, the dealer telephoned Deacon Brown to ask why. "I'll tell you why," said Deacon Brown, "Our church ordered some pencils from you to be used in the pews for visitors to ...read more

Tags: Discipleship

Trapeze Faith

Contributed by Bobby Scobey on Jul 8, 2009

TRAPEZE FAITH Church growth writer Dr. Win Arn told of an experience he had: "’Jump . . . go ahead . . . jump!’ The words flew upward from boys and girls some sixty feet below. High above, I clutched the bar of a trapeze swinging back and forth in great arcs. At the apex of each swing, an ...read more

Tags: Security

Denomination: Pentecostal

Getting Knocked Down? Humbly Walk  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Oct 22, 2009

GETTING KNOCKED DOWN? HUMBLY WALK There was a woman who was going through some very difficult and trying circumstances. She was experiencing major distress in her marriage, her job was very unfulfilling and was causing her heartache. She became so distraught over her circumstances that she felt ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-25

Tags: Anxiety

A Parable From The Chilean Mining ...

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Oct 16, 2010

A PARABLE FROM THE CHILEAN MINING DISASTER Once upon a time there was a wise, good and powerful King. His kingdom was known as the kingdom of Hope and it was the richest kingdom in the world. He ruled his people with love and justice. The kingdom of Hope was known throughout the world and other ...read more

Tags: Salvation

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dr. John Trent Tells The Story Of A Couple In ...  PRO

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Mar 13, 2001

Dr. John Trent tells the story of a couple in West Texas. The wife, Betty, was very athletic, & had been a cheerleader & very popular in high school. Now she is 55 & has come to Dr. Trent for medical help. She hurts a lot & her joints are beginning to swell. After examining her, he tells her ...read more

Tags: Marriage Commitment, Unconditional Love

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Chemistry 101 — Table Of Elements  PRO

Contributed by Brian Mavis on Apr 11, 2001

Chemistry 101 -- Table of Elements Two new additions to the Periodic Table of Elements: Element Name: WOMAN Symbol: WO Atomic Weight:(don’t even go there) Physical properties: Generally round in form. Boils at nothing and may freeze at anytime. Melts whenever treated properly. Very bitter if ...read more

Tags: Romantic Love, Marriage General, Divorce

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Requires A Can Of Coca-Cola) Coca-Cola Is One ...  PRO

Contributed by R. Darrel Davis on Jun 2, 2001

(Requires a can of Coca-cola) Coca-cola is one product that has far outgrown its humble beginnings. In 1886, Dr. John Pemberton first introduced Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. The pharmacist concocted a caramel-colored syrup in a three-legged brass kettle in his backyard. He first "distributed" ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Tags: Sharing Your Faith, What Is Evangelism?, Evangelism How To

Denomination: Baptist

There Is Almost Nothing Like It In The World. To ...  PRO

Contributed by Mark Hiehle on Jul 10, 2001

There is almost nothing like it in the world. To see the eyes and expression on a little boy’s face the very first time he experiences it. Little boys dream about it. Old men still tell about it with great excitement and enthusiasm. Nothing else compares to the thrill of fighting to bring in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:14-15

Tags: Temptation General, Sin Deceptive, Satan

Denomination: Nazarene

The Following Incident Took Place In 1968 On An ...  PRO

Contributed by Michael Cassara on Sep 8, 2001

The following incident took place in 1968 on an airliner bound for New York. It started out routine and uneventful. Descending to the destination, the pilot realized the landing gear would not engage. He worked the controls back and forth, trying again and again to make the gear lock down into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-12

Tags: Prayer Answered, Prayer General, Prayer Supplication

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Have A Clear Glass Dining Table In A Condo ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Sep 18, 2001

We have a clear glass dining table in a condo that our family uses during the various holidays. One of the favorite pasttimes of our family is to begin a puzzle and complete it during our stay. The glass table is our favorite place to put a puzzle together. One afternoon after playing a round of ...read more

Tags: God's Omniscience, God In The Hardships

There Is A Story Of A Young Hippie Who Gave His ...  PRO

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 16, 2001

There is a story of a young hippie who gave his life to Christ during the Jesus Movement of the late sixties and early seventies. One Sunday he went to a church, not knowing it was one of the more “upper class” churches in the area. He was late to the service, and the pastor was about to begin ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-4

Tags: Jesus' Ministry, Christian Love, Church Body Of Christ

Denomination: Wesleyan

Fairy Tale Princes Story Turns Sour After ...  PRO

Contributed by Michael Biolsi on Nov 24, 2001

“Fairy tale Princes Story Turns Sour After Newlyweds Lose Money.” So read the headlines of the Daily Herald in Chicago on February 20, 1996. A newlywed couple had left a black zippered case on the roof of their car as they sped away from the reception to begin their honeymoon. The case had all ...read more

Tags: Holiness, Love Of The Disciples, Faith

Denomination: Baptist