Sermons on Illustrations:

What Is Yoour Ship Shape? Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Sep 17, 2017

There is an old illustration of seeing the church as a cruise ship or a battle ship. This is a brief contrast of the two.

1. [A few years ago Linda’s parents invited us to go on a cruise with them to the Caribbean. Over all, we had a very enjoyable time on our first cruise. • The food was great!; The entertainment was first class • Some of the ports of call were enjoyable (some were tourist traps) • The crew’s service ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mercy Triumphs Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Oct 4, 2017

Using the recent controversy of the NFL kneeling during the National Anthem, the need for mercy is illustrated.

Blessed are the Merciful CCCAG October 1st, 2017 Scripture- Matthew 5:7 I’m going to share something fresh from the headlines this morning. This is a very controversial topic for many, so I humbly ask you to listen with an open heart and mind and wait until I get this out before you shut mentally ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Purpose, Discipleship, & Growth

Contributed by Mark Mitchell on Sep 9, 2023

Illustration” Video - Adrian Rogers “If you are not sharing the gospel then you are not right with God”

I. We must be faithful with steadfast purpose. (v.23) - Romans 7:4  Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. II. The church ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Impact Of Rebellious Fathers Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 14, 2025

Let's explore biblical examples that illustrate the consequences of rebellion and the importance of faithfulness.

The Bible provides numerous examples of how rebellious fathers can impact their children and future generations. Let's explore biblical examples that illustrate the consequences of rebellion and the importance of faithfulness. 1. Adam's Disobedience Adam's rebellion in the Garden of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-12, 1 Samuel 2:12-17

Sufferings Endured Is Not In Vain Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 9, 2025

Let's explore a few biblical examples that illustrate the purpose and value of suffering.

The Bible teaches that sufferings endured for the sake of faith and righteousness are not in vain. These experiences can shape our character, deepen our faith, and lead to eternal rewards. Let's explore a few biblical examples that illustrate the purpose and value of suffering. Job: Suffering ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18

Understanding Our Role As God's Altars In The New Era SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

To illustrate that we, as believers, serve as the altars of God in the New Testament under the dispensation of Grace.

Are you an offering? Are you an altar of God? Today, we will explore the concept of being the New Testament altars of God under grace. Let us dive into the Scriptures and discover the truth. In the book of Genesis, we read about Noah building an altar to the Lord. This physical altar was used to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 8:20

Topics: Altar, New Testament, Grace

"Fruitful Branches”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 23, 2024

Opening story: 230 old vine at Hampton Court. And an illustration of running on empty when we are not connected to the vine of Jesus. How to imitate Jesus and let Him produce fruit on our branch. Illustration from Dallas Willard

In Jesus Holy Name April 2, 2024 Text: John 15:1-8 Easter V “Fruitful Branches” In Hampton Court, near London, there is a grapevine that is reported to be the oldest living vine in the world. It is over 230 years old. It was planted in 1768. This grapevine has one root which is 12 feet ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8, Ephesians 5:1, Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

"God’s Vision For His Church- Koinonia” Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jun 8, 2022

The sermon opens with an illustration of people attending a foot ball game or a basketball game sitting next to each other...They come in as strangers and leave as strangers. The Church must be different. some illustrations from Max Lucado, & others.

In Jesus Holy Name June 12, 2022 Text: Acts 2:42 Redeemer Lutheran “God’s Vision for His Church- Koinonia” This is a very big week for Basketball fans. The Boston Celtics and San Francisco Warriors are playing for the National Championship. Warrior fans will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42, Acts 2:22-42

Denomination: Lutheran

A King's Feast

Contributed by Greg Yount on Nov 21, 2001

An exposition on the feast of King Belshazzar - as an illustration comparing the world’s ways to God’s Ways.

The King’s Feast Daniel 5:1-6; 26-31 Introduction: St. Patrick’s Day was yesterday. The TV was loaded with broadcasts about the festivities in Savannah. There were parties, feasts, and more people than you can imagine. The crowds were thick. Interviews were jolly, but one quote was ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 5:1-6, Daniel 5:26-31

Denomination: Baptist

To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice

Contributed by Rich Hadley on Dec 17, 2001

A sermon for pastors and church leaders. It is a message on leadership illustrated from the interactions between Samuel and Saul.

I Samuel 14:47: After Saul had assumed rule over Israel, he fought against their enemies on every side: Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment on them. Saul was a fighting King. He was a great general. He dealt all kinds ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-29

Denomination: Holiness

How Jesus Successfully Used Metaphors

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Metaphor - A figure of speech used to describe, illustrate or apply something to a lesson that it does not usually denote.

Metaphor - A figure of speech used to describe, illustrate or apply something to a lesson that it does not usually denote. Jesus masterfully communicated truth in a creative way so that His listens would understand and remember His teaching. For example, Jesus used many objects as analogies to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-31, Mark 11:20-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Running The Race

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jul 21, 2002

A sermon on running the race of life, using the Tour De France and the life of Lance Armstrong as illustrations.

Today’s message is entitled "Running The Race." This morning, we’re going to see from the Scriptures that all of life is a race to be run. Now, I realize that you may not feel much like running, at eleven o’clock on a Sunday morning in July. In fact, you may not ever feel much like running. But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

Repentance

Contributed by Billy Kryger on Jul 24, 2003

The message of repentance is missing from preaching today! This message uses the story of Jonah to illustrate repentance.

INTRODUCTION: · “Repentance” = “To change one’s ways because of contrition” · The Bible is a Book of repentance: o Used 46 times in the Old Testament o Used 65 times in the New Testament · There are three types of repentance in the Bible. All are in the text: o Repentance of saints—verse 3 o ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Journey To The Double Portion Of God.

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 13, 2002

We walk with Elijah and Elisha from Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan and illustrate a journey of growth.

Trail to the Double Portion By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Text: 1 Kings 19:19 ... and Elijah passed by him and cast his mantle upon Elisha. This mantle of of God will not be a one time experience but a process and a journey of many years. I ponder today a poor attitude: JUST ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-6, 1 Kings 19:19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Romans Road

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on May 20, 2002

We need to know how to lead others to Christ. Using the Bridge illustration is a great way.

First Baptist Church May 5, 2002 The Romans Road Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9, 13 For the past two weeks we’ve been talking about evangelism, To think of your self as an evangelist can be pretty scary, but evangelism is simply, you and I ‘proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.’ That’s the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:23

Denomination: Baptist