Sermons on illustration:

Whosoever Will

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Apr 19, 2006

A sermon that explains JOHN 3:16, using an illustration about American soldiers held captive in Viet Nam in 1968.

‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.’ Those are not only the most beautiful words ever spoken, but they are the most meaningful words ever spoken. Almost everybody knows this verse, but not ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, John 3:1

Denomination: *other

In All Things Be Thankful

Contributed by Bobby Daniel on Nov 13, 2007

A topical Thanksgiving sermon utilizing a few great illustrations found here on Sermon Central along with thoughts of my own.

"In All Things Be Thankful" Ephesians 5:20 Back during the dark days of 1929 (The Great Depression), a group of ministers in the Northeast, all graduates of the Boston School of Theology, gathered to discuss how they should conduct their Thanksgiving Sunday services. Things during that time were ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:20

Denomination: Baptist

Pilate's Moral Struggle Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 22, 2005

Expository sermon dealing with Pilate’s decision. Movie clip from the "Patriot" illustrates the importance of making courageous decisions.

Pilate’s Moral Struggle Fortifying the Foundations # 41 John 19:1-16[1] 7-18-04 In our text this morning we encounter a tremendous moral struggle. The man experiencing this struggle is the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. His struggle begins when providence brings him face to face with the ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-16

Denomination: Charismatic

A Question About Servanthood Series

Contributed by Alan Tison on Aug 5, 2006

Jessu continues asking questions of his disciples, this one deals with serving, the open illustration is a great tension building activity

This morning we are going to start our message off a little differently then normal. Since we are talking about servanthood, I thought it would be appropriate to wash one another¡¦s feet. In just a few moments men and women will be coming in with towels and basins, we will start from the outside ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Separated Unto God Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on May 9, 2006

Four personal stories that illustrate how God’s people are set apart from the world and separated unto God.

I want to begin by telling you about this book. When Sue and I were in high school, we were active members of our youth fellowship. There must have been 40 or 50 of us. A farmer in our congregation was so concerned about the spiritual life of the youth that he purchased a book for every one of ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

The Faithful Woman

Contributed by Jay Winters on Jun 5, 2006

A sermon using the story of Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine as the major illustration to communicate the story of the Syrophonecian-Canaanite woman.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three-In-One who gives us salvation, despite who we truly are. Dear Brother and sisters in Christ. When have you been persistent? Have you ever been persistent, with God? There is a very old old story about a woman, a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

How To Handle Discouragement

Contributed by Rommel Samaniego on May 2, 2008

Based on Ricks Warrens book Answers to life’s difficult questions. I only made it to a Sermonand added illustrations

HOW CAN I HANDLE DISCOURAGEMENT? What can you do when you have the worlds deadliest decease? Cancer, is fatal but atleast the Doctor can tell you when your going to die… AIDS, right now with technology its not that Fatal (Magic Johnson), its not that contagious. Polio…Not really. Let me give ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Bride Of Christ

Contributed by Dan Brown on Nov 30, 2006

Communion messgage focusing on Jewish wedding customs and how Christ used them to illustrate the depth of His love for us.

Sermon-10-29-06-communion and our role as the bride of Christ. Pt. 1-the Bride Price & the Cup Luke 22 the Last supper Deep imagery of the Bible-miss the depth of the metaphors there. Dig into one today-that you may or may not have known is woven into communion-how X’s love for us is revealed ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:19-20

Denomination: *other

Mushrooms Or Maple Trees - Sermon #5 Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Jul 29, 2007

We can be released from our “addiction to self” by submitting to the grace of the Gospel; the 12 steps are especially illustrative here.

Mushrooms or Maple Trees: Spiritual Growth as God Intended Sermon #5 Sermon Objective: We can be released from our “addiction to self” by submitting to the grace of the Gospel; the 12 steps are especially illustrative here. PRE-SERVICE INTRODUCTION We are in a sermon series called Mushrooms and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-35

Denomination: Nazarene

"Jesus Teaches About Thanksgiving"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Nov 19, 2003

There is a difference between being "glad" and being "grateful". There is a difference between being "cleansed" and being "whole". Jesus illustrates this in this miracle.

“Jesus Teaches About Thanksgiving” Luke 17:11-19 INTRODUCTION: We CONTINUE in our series about “What Jesus Taught”. We have already seen what Jesus taught about: The Holy Spirit, the Tongue, Prayer … Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year (weather, meaning). The true meaning of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

Commit Yourself To Jesus Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Sep 28, 2001

A deductive exposition of the text following illustrations leading to a call to commitment. Individuals will be asked to make or reaffirm their commitments during Communion.

Topic: Christian Living / Jesus Theme: Totally Committed Christian Living / Following Jesus Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to totally commit themselves to Jesus. There’s a sign in the window of an English company that reads: “We have been ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Wesleyan

What Is God Like? The Prodigal

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Mar 23, 2004

The Parable of the Prodigal is not really about the younger son; Jesus told it to illustrate what God is like, not what sinners are like.

Fourth Sunday in Lent — March 21, 2004 Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 What Is God Like? The Prodigal R________ (Rejected) R________ (Running) R________ (Restoring) W ________ (Waiting) prod·i·gal adj 1. recklessly extravagant, spendthrift 2. giving ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:1-3

Denomination: Lutheran

Stupid Things Christians Do To Mess Up Their Lives

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on May 24, 2004

The Word of God clearly illustrates that there are "stupid" things we can do to mess up our lives. What are they?

Stupid Things Christians Do (to mess up their lives) TCF Sermon April 18, 2004 Did you ever notice how much of life is full of warnings, full of cautions? You can’t drive from here to home after church today, without seeing something that’s a direct warning or caution, or at the very least, a law ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 4:6, Psalm 119:9-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Palms And Walls

Contributed by Davon Huss on Aug 9, 2004

A sermon on Isaiah 49:14-22 for Baby Recognition Sunday. (Thanks to many SermonCentral contributors for illustrations and ideas)

Sermon for 8/1/2004 Baby Sunday Isaiah 49:14-22 Introduction: A. Isaiah is the Shakespeare of the Old Testament. Start reading here and go through to the end of this book we see wonderful descriptions of Jesus Christ, of salvation, and of the New Israel (the Church) and of heaven. B. Vs. 14- ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:14-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mephibosheth And Me

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 20, 2006

The story of Mephibosheth is a perfect illustration of the Gospel. I used this sermon on a "Friend Day" when we expected many visitors.

Introduction: A. Today I want to tell the story of a man named Mephibosheth. 1. Now there’s a name for you! Anyone want to use that name for their son? 2. It’s so hard to pronounce that I thought about giving him a nickname for today. 3. I thought about just calling him “M.” 4. Then I thought ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ