In Sermon Illustrations: "Spirits"

Tony Campolo Tells About The Time He Was Asked ...  PRO

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 25, 2004

Tony Campolo tells about the time he was asked to speak at a Pentecostal college. Before the service, eight men had him kneel so they could place their hands on his head and pray. Tony was glad to have the prayer, but each of them prayed a long time, and the longer they prayed the more they ...read more

Tags: Prayer In The Spirit, Hand Of God

Denomination: Methodist

In Gulf War The Ground Offensive Was Successful ...  PRO

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 9, 2004

IN GULF WAR THE GROUND OFFENSIVE WAS SUCCESSFUL DUE TO AERIAL ATTACK THAT PRECEDED IT On February 24, 1991, a lightning ground offensive was launched by the U.S. and allied forces in the Persian Gulf War. Its effectiveness shattered the defending Iraqi forces. Within days the world’s fourth ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Tags: Prayer In The Spirit, Prayer Supplication

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In 1961 A.w. Tozer Was Given The Opportunity To ...  PRO

Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Oct 13, 2004

In 1961 A.W. Tozer was given the opportunity to speak to a group of ministers on a subject of his choice. Not surprisingly he chose to speak to them about the holiness of God. During that talk he said the following words: “I believe we ought to have again the old biblical concept of God which makes ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit Attributes, Trinity

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Once Heard The Story Of An Organist Who Was ...  PRO

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 8, 2004

I once heard the story of an organist who was getting ready to play as the church service began. When he put his hands on the keys there was no sound. Everyone knew something was wrong, so the preacher quickly got up and led in prayer. The janitor was aware of the fact that they hadn’t plugged ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Tags: Prayer In The Spirit, Prayer Adoration

Denomination: Baptist

Baptism  PRO

Contributed by David Fox on Nov 10, 2001

“Baptism” – Comes from the Greek word - “Baptismo” which means to immerse or dunk. Baptismo is a word which was used to describe: a) Sinking ships as they sank water would fill the inside of ship. b) Another usage describes a garment being immersed into dye… the dye penetrates ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit Baptism, Baptism

Denomination: Pentecostal

What The Church Needs Today Is Not More Machinery ...

Contributed by Donnie Martin on May 28, 2009

What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can ...read more

Tags: Prayer In The Spirit, Prayer Persistence

Denomination: Baptist

I Was Filling In As Pulpit Supply Years Ago, When ...

Contributed by Terry Barnhill on Nov 9, 2009

I was filling in as pulpit supply years ago, when I was approached by a man after the service. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “That has to be worst sermon I’ve ever heard.” Then he turned and stormed out of the church. I felt crushed. I’d worked hard on that sermon; praying that it ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-24

Tags: Holy Spirit, Sin Exposed

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Craig Von Buseck Tells Of Serving As An Assoc...

Contributed by Tim Smith on May 28, 2015

Craig von Buseck tells of serving as an associate pastor in Pennsylvania. After more than five years on staff, he began sensing that the Lord wanted him to leave this church to complete his ministry training. Relations were beginning to become strained between himself and the senior pastor. While ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:25

Tags: Holy Spirit, God's Guidance

Denomination: Methodist

The Eskimo's Are Among The Greatest Hunter's Of ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

The Eskimo’s are among the greatest hunter’s of the world, but there is one animal that is the most difficult for them to catch. This animal has the greatest intellect, keenest smell, and the sharpest eyesight. And yet for the Eskimo’s to survive they must trap and kill this animal before it ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 140:5, Genesis 19:1-26

Tags: Sin Bondage To, Sword Of The Spirit

Bible Verses On The Presence Of God

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 10, 2022

Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NKJV) Honor and majesty are found in His presence; strength and joy are found in His sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 16: 27 (AMP) And He ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Tags: Holy Spirit, Presence Of God

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Great Quotes On The Presence Of God

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 10, 2022

If you have God's presence, you have favor. One minute of God's Presence can accomplish more than 20 years of your striving. - Heidi Baker If you have never known the power of God's love, then maybe it is because you have never asked to know it - I mean really asked, expecting an ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Tags: Holy Spirit, Presence Of God

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Power To Be The Light

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Jun 3, 2024

Smartphones are amazing pieces of technology. Everything my generation went to RadioShack to purchase is now all together in the palm of our hand, including our flashlights. My grandfather loved flashlights. It was okay to get him a new one each year for Christmas or his birthday. He would take a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, John 15:5

Tags: Light, Holy Spirit, Power

Denomination: Pentecostal

Church Bans Wifi

Contributed by John Bright on Jun 5, 2025

Hey, did you hear about the church that banned Wi-Fi? Why? Because they didn’t believe in an ...read more

Scripture: John 16:13

Tags: Church, Holy Spirit, Wifi

Denomination: Methodist

The Symbolism Of Pentecost

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 19, 2022

Roy Gingrich has an interesting note on the possible symbolism of the signs of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: ? The rushing mighty wind—A symbol of the Spirit’s POWER (to convince, convict, and convert) ? The cloven tongues of fire—A symbol of the Spirit’s PURIFICATION (of sinners from the guilt ...read more

Tags: Power, Preaching, Purity, Signs, Evangelism, Church, Holy Spirit, Pentecost, Gospel, Missions  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It Is Significant To Mention What Happened To ...  PRO

Contributed by Michael Raisbeck on Jul 15, 2003

It is significant to mention what happened to Smith Wigglesworth when he first received the ability to speak in tongues in Sunderland in 1907. He described this experience as follows: "She [Mrs Boddy, a minister’s wife] laid her hands on me and then had to go out of the room. The fire fell. It was ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit General, Gifts Tongues

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unsung Heroes: They Helped A Desperate Father

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jun 14, 2023

Introduction: True friends are those willing to help. These unsung heroes helped a desperate father bring his son to Jesus. Text, Mark 9:17-20a, KJV: 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:17-20

Tags: Jesus, Evil Spirits, Unsung Heroes

Denomination: Baptist

Stop Pushing Your Car And Step On The Gas!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 6, 2022

The Argentine evangelist, Santiago Garaballe, once gave an illustration of a man who bought a new car. He had never owned a car in his life. The car came with a powerful engine under the hood. What if the man then spent the rest of his life pushing it around! Come on family let's go for a ride! ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Tags: Holy Spirit, Resurrection, Victory, Flesh, Defeat, Spirit Filled Life  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Am In A Hurry, But God Isn't!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 6, 2023

The purposes of God often develop slowly because His grand designs are never hurried. The great New England preacher Phillips Brooks was noted for his poise and quiet manner. At times, however, even he suffered moments of frustration and irritability. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Tags: Fruit Of The Spirit, Waiting On God, Holy Spirit, Endurance, Patience, Forbearance  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When The Members Walk With The Fear Of The ...  PRO

Contributed by John Hamby on Jan 8, 2001

“When the members walk with the fear of the Lord before their eyes and with the Spirit’s encouraging voice in their hearts, the church will be strong and will also surely multiply.” [R.C.H. Lenski. The Interpretation ...read more

Tags: Church Purpose Of, Holy Spirit Attributes, Sharing Your Faith

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual River Rafting  PRO

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 5, 2012

SPIRITUAL RIVER RAFTING The necessary safety equipment for river rafting and spiritual river rafting: i. The Helmet – Helmets protect the most vital and vulnerable part on a person their head – their thinking! 1. Spiritually: We need to be wearing the helmet of salvation as we ride the wave of ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit, Salt, Indwelling, Faith General

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational