In Sermon Illustrations: "Standing Firm"

Roller Coaster-Type Fear

Contributed by Jim Kane on Sep 27, 2008

Roller Coaster-Type Fear Fear comes when our equilibrium is knocked out of whack. When I think such experiences one word comes to mind – roller coasters! It took me a long to time (I was 21) to finally ride a coaster. I was afraid of them. (Not now!) I remember being coaxed on one at Six Flags in ...read more

Tags: Fear And Worry

Denomination: Church Of God

Light In Dark Places

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 11, 2008

Light in Dark Places A young girl once consulted with her minister. "I cannot stick it out any longer. I am the only Christian in the factory where I work. I get nothing but taunts and sneers. It is more than I can stand. I am going to resign." "Will you tell me," asked the minister, "where ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Tags: Evangelism How To

During The American Revolution, Farmers Who ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 28, 2008

During the American Revolution, farmers who joined the Continental Army during the spring and summer went AWOL in the fall and winter. They were known as "summer soldiers". They signed up with the Army after their crops were planted, they fought the British over the summer, but then returned home ...read more

Tags: Prayer General

Our Topic Today Is Worship And Service. I'd Like ...

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 29, 2009

Our topic today is worship and service. I’d like to begin by telling a true story that happened to Reverend Forrest I. Sears. He writes: Wilma had been a member of our church for many, many years. In her later years she needed the assistance of a cane to help in walking. As she was talking ...read more

Tags: Preaching

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Put Your Body Where Your Mind Is...

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 14, 2021

There is a wonderful story in a book entitled, The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., which was based on Dr. King’s speeches and writings. On one occasion he told of growing up in Atlanta, Georgia: "I remember another experience I used to have in Atlanta. I went to high school on the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:1-5, Philippians 2:5-11

Tags: Segregation, Obedience, Body, Mind Of Christ, Mind, Racism, Martin Luther King  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Funny Church Feuds

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 31, 2022

Church feuds are not uncommon, especially among cliques in the congregation. But when the pastor and worship leader get into it, stand aside. In one church, the preacher preached one weekend on commitment, and how you should dedicate yourselves to service. The worship leader then led the choir in ...read more

Tags: Church, Unity, Hymns, Division, Church Fights  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seven Life Lessons From Samson

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 13, 2022

Certainly the story of Samson and the prostitute of Gaza stands as a cautionary tale to all of us. Here are some of the obvious lessons: 1) Just because we think we have conquered a certain sin doesn’t mean it will stay conquered forever. 2) The price of long-term spiritual victory is continued ...read more

Tags: Sin, Temptation, Judgment, Samson, Brokenness, Backslidden  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keep It Short, Pastor!

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 5, 2023

A pastor was scheduled to address a large Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. His wife, who often reminded him to preach shorter sermons, said to him, “I am giving you an envelope in which is a message for you. Open the envelope just before you speak and it will really help ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-31, Ephesians 2:15

Tags: Sermon Introductions, Humor, Pastors, Churches, Husbands, Sermons, Wives, Love  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

See The Lamb Of God

Contributed by Samuel M on Mar 19, 2025

When we are going through difficult times( or testing) and still remain obedient to God’s word, we will find, see (the lamb of God) and receive a greater (or deeper) revelation of the lamb of God. When Abraham was about to offer his only son as a sacrifice, he saw the ram caught in the thicket. ...read more

Tags: Faith, Hope

The Heartbeat And Bloodline Of Praying African American Mothers

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on May 8, 2025

Legacy of Blood and Heartbeat From the heartbeat of ancestors long gone, Rises a rhythm—a sacred song, Passed through blood, through bloodlines deep, A legacy rooted in faith to keep. Mothers praying in quiet nights, Holding on through struggles and fights, Their voices rising, fierce ...read more

Tags: Poem, Call To Action

Denomination: Methodist

Do Not Jump To Judge Other Christians

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 14, 2019

Don't Jump to Judge Other Christians This is God's message for us in Romans 14:3-4, where Paul said: 3. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4. Who are you to judge another's servant? To his ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:3-4

Tags: Judging Others, False Assumptions

Denomination: Baptist

[034] A Message From A Poem – Beneath His Wings – My Prayer

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 23, 2025

[034] A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – BENEATH HIS WINGS – MY PRAYER In this poem there is a little word interplay in each stanza. It is simple to see. The reason for this poem is to express a prayer for personal concerns. I tried to cover a number of points I thought were important. These are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:29-31, Luke 18:10-11, Nehemiah 2:4, Luke 18:13-14, Romans 12:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Devoted To Prayer, Silent Prayer, Prayer, Sincerity, Poetry  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Read The Story This Week, Of A Woman Who Was ...  PRO

Contributed by Terry Rolen on Dec 11, 2001

I read the story this week, of a woman who was shamed and brought closer to God by someone the world would over look. “We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and ...read more

Tags: Parable General, Kingdom Of God, Children

Denomination: Church Of God

Mitsuo Fuchida Was The Pilot In Charge Of ...  PRO

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jul 26, 2004

ILL. Mitsuo Fuchida was the pilot in charge of one of the most successful aerial attacks in recorded history. Under his command was a squadron of 360 specially selected pilots, & on Dec. 7, 1941, Fuchida’s squadron bombed Pearl Harbor. He quickly became one of the most highly decorated pilots ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-47

Tags: Change

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Quaker John Woolman's Longstanding Anti-Slavery ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 12, 2010

Quaker John Woolman’s Longstanding Anti-slavery Campaign John Woolman was a Quaker who grew up in Pennsylvania in the early eighteenth century. He was a contemporary of George Washington. When he was a boy he was given to the things boys often do—in this case throwing rocks at a robin’s nest ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-9

Tags: Servanthood

One Tribe Of Native Americans Had A Unique ...  PRO

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Oct 10, 2001

One tribe of native Americans had a unique practice for training young braves. On the night of a boy’s thirteenth birthday, he was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night alone. Until then he had never been away from the security of his family and tribe. But on this night he was ...read more

Tags: Descriptions Of God, Parenting, God's Provision

Denomination: Independent/Bible

In 1900, In Bangor, Ireland, A Group Of Salvation ...  PRO

Contributed by Robert Massey on Apr 8, 2002

In 1900, in Bangor, Ireland, a group of Salvation Army youth were conducting a street meeting. A young man named Billy Nicholson who had desired to do great things for God passed by. Several of the ones in the Salvation Army troop knew that Billy professed Christianity so they invited him to ...read more

Tags: Confession Of Sin, Commitment To Christ

Denomination: Church Of God

What Prayer Is…  PRO

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jun 6, 2002

What Prayer Is… Prayer is coming into the presence of God… Prayer is entering the throne room of the KING of kings and LORD of lords… Prayer is taking our concerns to the one who cares for me Prayer is to stand on holy ground… Prayer is communicating with the creator of the world…(the one spoke ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Robert Schuller Tells A Story About A Banker Who ...  PRO

Contributed by Michael Gibney on Aug 7, 2002

Robert Schuller tells a story about a banker who always tossed a coin in the cup of a legless beggar who sat on the street outside the bank. But, unlike most people, the banker would always insist on getting one of the pencils the man had beside him. "You are a merchant," the banker would say, "and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24

Tags: Gifts Encouragement, Miraculous

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Brian L. Harbour, Rising Above The ...

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Aug 9, 2002

[illustration, Brian L. Harbour, Rising Above the Crowd.] The year was 1920. The scene was the examining board for selecting missionaries. Standing before the board was a young man named Oswald Smith. One dream dominated his heart. He wanted to be a missionary. Over and over again, he prayed, ...read more

Tags: Disappointment, God's Provision

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational