In Sermon Illustrations: "Thank You"

The Muscle Memory Of The Violin

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Apr 17, 2026

From 5th grade through high school graduation, I played the violin. I was serious about it, participating in all-region orchestras, competitions, all of that. My senior recital was performing the Bach Double Concerto with one of my best friends. Here's the thing about playing a string ...read more

Scripture: John 21:3, Romans 7:15

Tags: Spiritual Drift, Sanctification

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

W. A. Criswell Said, "We're All Fascinated With ...

Contributed by Tony Abram on May 8, 2006

W. A. Criswell said, "We’re all fascinated with the future because that is where we will live the rest of our lives." Face it; the Lord is crazy about you. What is most valuable is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:27-43

Tags: Death

In The Book, "Children's Letters To God: The New ...  PRO

Contributed by Paul Larsen on Dec 15, 2001

In the book, “Children’s Letters to God: The New Collection”, a little girl named, Nan, writes this letter: “Dear God, I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There ...read more

Tags: Children, Christian Love

Denomination: Lutheran

When Principles That Run Against Your Deepest ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 20, 2002

When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, and peace has become sin; you must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before ...read more

Tags: Doubt, Endurance, Church Purpose Of

Rick Warren Notes The Mark Of Spiritual Maturity ...  PRO

Contributed by Mike Kern on Jun 30, 2002

Rick Warren notes the mark of spiritual maturity occurs when a believer "takes off the bib and puts on an apron." Immature children wear bibs and expect others to meet their needs. Those who don aprons ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:11-14

Tags: Christian Disciplines

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Pompous-Looking Deacon Was Trying To Impress ...  PRO

Contributed by John Beehler on Oct 29, 2002

A pompous-looking deacon was trying to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life. "Why do people call me a Christian?" the man asked. After a moment’s ...read more

Tags: Love Of The Disciples, Apologetics General

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Chaplain Was Speaking To A Soldier On A Cot In ...

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

A chaplain was speaking to a soldier on a cot in a hospital. "You have lost an arm in the great cause," he said. "No," said the soldier with a smile. "I didn’t lose it--I gave it." In that ...read more

Tags: Christian Disciplines

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Finally Alive  PRO

Contributed by Pat Cook on Jun 15, 2003

FINALLY ALIVE The famous Baptist pastor D.L. Moody used to say, “Some day, you will read in the papers that D.L. Moody of East Northfield is dead. Don’t believe a word ...read more

Tags: Death, Death Nearness

Denomination: Baptist

Isn't It Amazing That It Took An Atheist, ...  PRO

Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Dec 3, 2003

Isn’t it amazing that it took an atheist, Bertrand Russell, to remind us of this insight? Russell said: “Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.”4 4. Rick Warren. The ...read more

Tags: Fulfillment

Denomination: Pentecostal

Just One Letter Of The Alphabet Makes All The ...

Contributed by Evie Megginson on Oct 22, 2004

“Just one letter of the alphabet makes all the difference between us now,” said a recently-converted young woman to an unsaved friend, who could not understand the great change that had come ...read more

Tags: Faith

Denomination: Baptist

Like Eggs

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

C. S. Lewis – It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on ...read more

Tags: Church Body Of Christ

I Remember Back When I Was In My Early 20's I ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

I remember back when I was in my early 20’s I went to a Seminar where Bill Gothard said that God often works by this means: The birth of a vision; the death of a vision; the fulfillment of a vision. You see ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-25

Tags: God In The Hardships

Forgiveness Is Not About Making The Other Person ...  PRO

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Aug 11, 2007

Forgiveness is not about making the other person right in what they did… forgiveness is about 2 things, first it is obedience to your calling as a Child of God, and 2nd it is an instrument that frees you from the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Tags: Forgiveness General

Denomination: Baptist

John 10:29 "...no One Can Snatch Them From The ...

Contributed by Charles Whitmire on Jan 6, 2008

John 10:29 “...No one can snatch them from the father’s hand” - we use this with children, right? We hide a penny in our hand and say get it out. God hides ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Letter Was Sent To The Irs. "Dear Sirs, Last ...

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Aug 25, 2008

A letter was sent to the IRS. "Dear Sirs, last year when I filed my taxes I deliberately misrepresented my income. Now I cannot sleep. Enclosed is a check for $150.00. ...read more

Tags: Character

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Celebrate Everything

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Dec 16, 2008

CELEBRATE EVERYTHING Years back my wife reminded me "Tomorrow will be trash day." I responded to her, "Well, that makes this trash eve. What can we do to celebrate?" You see, if we work ...read more

Tags: Holidays

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Richest I Have Ever Been Was When I Was A ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

The richest I have ever been was when I was a boy and found a five-dollar bill. It is the only time in my life I ever had enough money to buy more ...read more

Tags: Money

Richmans Inevitables Of Parenthood: (1) Enough ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 12, 2007

"Richmans Inevitables of Parenthood: (1) Enough is never enough. (2) The sun always rises in the babys bedroom window. (3) Birthday parties always end in tears. (4) Whenever you decide to take the kids home, it is ...read more

Tags: Parenting

Or Consider The Story Of The Boy Catching Fish ...

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Jul 22, 2009

Or consider the story of the boy catching fish for supper. He wanted to give some to the Lord. So he brought a fish to the pastor. The pastor asked, "Where are the other fish for you to eat?" The boy answered, ...read more

Tags: Stewardship

Denomination: Lutheran

Losing Your Breath

Contributed by Charles Wallis on Sep 22, 2009

LOSING YOUR BREATH Have you ever lost your breath? Anyone who has asthma or knows someone with Asthma knows how scary it can be to lose your breath. We have the same ...read more

Tags: Holy Spirit Attributes

Denomination: Pentecostal