Sermons on Metaphors:

The Armor Of God Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 7, 2020

1) The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14a) , 2) The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b), and 3) Feet prepared with the Gospel (Ephesians 6:15) These are metaphors for the spiritual resources given to those in Christ.

Ephesians 6:14-15 [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (ESV). The retailer “Whole Foods” raised great hostility this week when they ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:14-15

Denomination: Other

Pentecostal Fire Or Hell Fire

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on May 20, 2015

The Bible shares with us two different fires - the Fire of the Holy Spirit and the Fire of Hell. This sermon shares four different ways they are both similar and yet vastly different. It is a way to use the metaphor of fire in a sermon on Pentecost.

Scripture: Acts 1:1-13 and Luke 16:19-31 Theme: Pentecostal Fire or Hell Fire? INTRO: Good morning! A few years ago, the story goes that a certain pastor asked his congregation as rather particular question on Pentecost Sunday. He asked all those sitting in the sanctuary, “How ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-13

Denomination: Nazarene

Soldiers For Christ

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Nov 9, 2014

A Veteran's Day sermon. The Bible often uses warfare as a metaphor for the Christian life. This sermon examines how Paul likens the Christian life to warfare and what this teaches us about how to win the battle in the Christian life.

Soldiers for Christ Veteran’s Day Sermon November 9, 2014 TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to 2 Timothy 2:3-4 INTRODUCTION Illus. – For a long time I didn’t understand my father-in-law, Sydney Robertson. He was the quietist man I ever met; almost unnervingly so. Having ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Transformed By Truth: Building On A Firm Foundation 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 18, 2024

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 speaks about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a builder to convey a powerful truth about our faith and the centrality of Jesus Christ.

Transformed by Truth: Building on a Firm Foundation 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (NLT): "Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, Isaiah 28:16, 1 Corinthians 3:10, Ephesians 2:19-20, Colossians 2:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Revival Through The Whisper Of Water SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

A sermon inspired by the metaphorical language of Job 14:7-9, illustrating how a seemingly dead tree can spring back to life at the mere 'whisper of water'. God calls us to be carriers of this life-giving water.

Today, I want to share a message inspired by the poetic language found in Job 14:7-9. In this passage, Job speaks of a tree that appears dead and without hope, but miraculously comes back to life at the "scent of water." This imagery reminds us that God wants us to be like water carriers, bringing ...read more

Scripture: Job 14:7-9

Topics: Encouragement, Hope, Revival

No Reserve, No Retreat, And No Regret

Contributed by Davon Huss on Oct 27, 2018

Let’s discuss these 3 metaphors from Philippians 2:14-18 (Title and outline adapted from Stephen Davey at: http://www.wisdomonline.org/files/2405/Humility%20Part%209.pdf)

HoHum: In 1904 William Borden graduated from a Chicago high school. As heir to the Borden Dairy estate, he was already a millionaire. For his high school graduation present, his parents gave him a trip around the world. Now William’s mother had a profound influence on his life. In fact, she had ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thorns And Grace (July 2012).

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 14, 2020

Perhaps one of the most intriguing passages of scripture is that of Paul's mention of the "thorn in his flesh." Paul expounded upon his metaphor of the thorn as he said that it was something that kept his pride in check.

THORNS AND GRACE 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 I remember going barefoot as a ten year old kid, when I was living in Aiken as a preacher’s kid. As I was going barefoot, I wound up stepping on a board that had three nails in it. The pain got my attention and definitely ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: United Methodist

Washing Off The Grime Of Guilt Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Oct 8, 2005

3nd in 5 part series on overcoming the obstacles and difficulties of life using 5 different Psalms. We used a "journey" or "road" metaphor, i.e.,bumps of success, fear, guilt, the religious rut and grief, etc.

WASHING OFF THE GRIME OF GUILT Navigating the Bumps of Life - Week 3 PSALM 32 INTRODUCTION: The story is told that Noel Coward, the well known playwright, as a prank, once sent an identical anonymous letter to 10 notable men in London. The note said, "We know what you have done. If you don’t ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 32:1-11

Denomination: Christian Church

Christ - Our New Ark Of The Covenant

Contributed by William Akehurst on Apr 7, 2012

Jesus is the NEW ARK of the NEW COVENANT See the correlation of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus and CHRIST as the NEW ARK of the COVENANT as desribed in John 20:12 Metaphorically, Noah was saved by the Ark, We are saved by the ARK who is CHRIST JESUS.

2014.04.07.Sermon.The New Covenant Arose Symbolic Events of Resurrection Day The New Covenant, Napkin, Ascension and anticipation for His Return Scriptures: Exodus 25:10-22 Jeremiah 31:31-33 Matthew 26:28 John 20:1-29 Acts 1:4-11 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Summary: Christ is our ARK Noah and the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

My Wall Of Jericho Must Fall Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 23, 2025

Many believers face metaphorical “walls” — limitations, delays, opposition, bondage, or spiritual strongholds. But the God who brought down Jericho's walls can collapse every wall standing between you and your destiny.

MY WALL OF JERICHO MUST FALL By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Joshua 6:1-20 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:30, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Psalm 44:3, Isaiah 45:2 INTRODUCTION: The story of the fall of Jericho is one of the most dramatic and miraculous victories recorded in Scripture. It demonstrates ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How Often I Would, But You Would Not

Contributed by John Gaston on May 3, 2023

God uses the metaphor of a hen to describe His love for us. We look at why He wants to gather us, the means He uses to do so, and the dangers of ignoring His call. Missed opportunities become judgments!

HOW OFTEN I WOULD, BUT YOU WOULD NOT Matt. 23:37-38 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Here’s an early Mother’s Day joke. A pastor was talking to a teenage boy; “I want to teach you about a higher power.” 2. The teen answered, “You mean, my Dad?” The pastor laughed, “Haha! No! Much higher than that!” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:37-38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

From Condemnation To Communion: Living In The Liberty Of Christ

Contributed by Barnabas Park on Jan 9, 2026

This message contrasts the "law of sin and death" with the "law of the Spirit." Through a marriage metaphor, it shows how Christ frees believers from legalism to fulfill the Law by walking in the Spirit and practicing authentic love.

. The Contrast of Two Laws Romans 8:1-4 says: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law could not do because of the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-4, Romans 7:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Baptist

Wife, Respect Your Husband (Ephesians 5:15-33) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Oct 7, 2025

Key points: "submission"= treat with respect; "head" is a metaphor, and doesn't mean "ruler"; husbands love/cherish/sacrifice for their wife-bodies, which is why wives submit.

Today, we have the privilege of starting to tackle one of the more heated and debated passages and topics in the Bible. It's about how husbands and wives should relate to each other. With respect to this topic, and this passage, there are three main questions that are debated among ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-33

Serving The Lord

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on May 27, 2025

What does Luke 10:17-24 mean? It cannot be taken literally. Understanding the metaphors and culture of Jesus' day explains everything. Going out to spread the Gospel is a major part of discipleship. When one is doing this Christ is with the person through the Holy Spirit

Serving the Lord Luke 10:17-24 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Luke 10:17 Now the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!” 18 And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 “Behold, I have given you authority to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:17-24

Denomination: United Methodist

God's Hands

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Aug 11, 2013

A fascinating study is how the Bible speaks of God having hands, and how this terminology teaches us metaphorically about God's character and attributes. This sermon examines God's fearful hands, saving hands, keeping hands, helping hands & strong hands.

God’s Hands Chuck Sligh August 11, 2013 NOTE: A PowerPoint is available for this sermon upon request by requesting it at chucksligh@hotmail.com. TEXT: Turn to Hebrews 10 (to be read later) INTRODUCTION Illus. – When I was a small child, I remember a song that was very popular, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:30-31

Denomination: Baptist