Sermons on Metaphors:

Boot Camp

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Jun 15, 2011

Using the Boot Camp metaphor would lend itself to Moses being a leader ----much like a drill sergeant. In this episode Moses encountered the unhappy campers in the their exodus from Egyptian captivity.

BOOT CAMP Text: Exodus 17:1- 7 Anyone who was ever in the military is familiar what with the term Boot Camp. When a veteran hears the term Boot Camp, they can recall not only the branch of service that they were in, but also how intense the training was for them when they ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

The Bronze Laver (Or Bronze Washbasin) Series

Contributed by Larry Brincefield on Jun 10, 2007

In a continuing series about the different furnishings of the wilderness tabernacle; we now come to the bronze laver. This sermon looks at its use in the day of Moses, and what it means metaphorically for us today.

Introduction The Tabernacle was a beautiful place... many of the furnishings adorned with gold...some with bronze... The beautiful colorful fabrics... I’m sure it must have been a sight to behold... however, the beauty of the tabernacle is not found in the precious metals or the colorful ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 30:17-21

Denomination: Nazarene

Babies, Fields, And Buildings Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Jan 31, 2023

The fifth in our study through the book of 1st Corinthians. In this sermon we examine the metaphors Paul uses to describe the Church in Corinth, and the lessons we can learn from them.

Corinthians Series (Part Five) Text: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 OPEN WITH PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING Well good morning to you. It’s good to see you all here with us this morning. It is good to gather with the Church on the Lord’s Day right! We are in 1st Corinthians chapter 3 this morning, and we’re ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17, Luke 8:11-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"the Dogs May Bark, But The Gospel Train Rolls On."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Mar 28, 2024

This message uses the metaphor of a train and wild dogs, representing gainsayers, including institutions and world governments, attempting to stop the train, illustrating God's plan and purposes through the earth.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Psalms 33:11) "The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations." (Proverbs 16:3-4) [3] "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:11, Proverbs 16:3-4, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 14:26-27, 2 Kings 19:32-33, 2 Kings 19:34-35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Stand Your Ground! Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jun 21, 2021

Message teaches the practical application of the metaphor of armor in Eph. 6:10-17. Christians are in a spiritual battle simply because they are Christians. In an increasingly antichristian culture this teaching becomes even more essential.

The title of this message is: Stand Your Ground! There are times and season when the devil’s assaults against believers are more intense than at other times. Scripture not only tells us to be prepared for such times, but also tells us how to be prepared. That’s our subject today. I am an optimist. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Hebrews 11:32-35, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Proverbs 6:27-28, Ephesians 4:25, 1 Timothy 4:13, Mark 16:15, Luke 22:31-32, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Luke 4:3-13, 1 Peter 3:15, Joshua 1:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Walking Through The Valley Of Death With The Good Shepherd

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Dec 14, 2024

The Valley of Death is a real place and also metaphoric for describing life's trials and daring challenges. Fearlessly, we can walk through any Valley of Death with Jesus, the Good Shephard

The readings you/we have just read are among my most loved passages from God's Word. I know that you love them the most, too. Psalm 23, which we love so much, is, without any doubt, the song of our souls as we live this life as Christians. Even if only we were made to recite and memorise ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:19-25

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Fire Of God Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Mar 9, 2023

"The fire of God" is a biblical metaphor used to describe the power and presence of God. It shows that he is good at cleaning and refining things and that he can eat and destroy everything bad.

THE FIRE OF GOD Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel, March 9, 2023 Hebrews 12:29 "For our God is a consuming fire." INTRODUCTION "The fire of God" is a biblical metaphor used to describe the power and presence of God. It shows that he is good at cleaning and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:29

Denomination: Pentecostal

My Life As A Leader (3 Of 6) Series

Contributed by Mark Mcnees on May 18, 2007

A series called MyLife: Improving Your Profile. Basically, it’s a series looking at the phenomenon known as MySpace and using it as an extended metaphor to moving us closer to the heart and mind of God.

MyLife As a Leader By Pastor Mark McNees This message was originally given at Element3 Church in Tallahassee FL. To download this message’s corresponding PowerPoint, audio, and artistic elements for free please visit www.element3.org Drama Begins “Okay, I’m going to do something right this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

My Life As A Worshiper (1 Of 6) Series

Contributed by Mark Mcnees on Apr 24, 2007

A series called MyLife: Improving Your Profile. Basically, it’s a series looking at the phenomenon known as MySpace and using it as an extended metaphor to moving us closer to the heart and mind of God.

MyLife As a Worshiper By Pastor Mark McNees This message was originally given at Element3 Church in Tallahassee FL. To download this message’s corresponding PowerPoint, audio, and artistic elements for free please visit www.element3.org Hey, I’m Mark. I’m pastor here and we are starting a new ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:22-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

My Life As A Follower (2 Of 6) Series

Contributed by Mark Mcnees on May 2, 2007

A series called MyLife: Improving Your Profile. Basically, it’s a series looking at the phenomenon known as MySpace and using it as an extended metaphor to moving us closer to the heart and mind of God.

This message was originally given at Element3 Church in Tallahassee FL. To download this message’s corresponding PowerPoint, audio, and artistic elements for free please visit www.element3.org Well good morning, I’m Pastor Mark and we are in a series called My Life. What we’re doing is looking ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

My Life As A Owner (4 Of 6) Series

Contributed by Mark Mcnees on May 2, 2007

A series called MyLife: Improving Your Profile. Basically, it’s a series looking at the phenomenon known as MySpace and using it as an extended metaphor to moving us closer to the heart and mind of God.

This message was originally given at Element3 Church in Tallahassee FL. To download this message’s corresponding PowerPoint, audio, and artistic elements for free please visit www.element3.org Reading from God’s word, 1 Kings 17:17-24 Some time later the woman’s son became sick. He grew worse ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:17-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Steering For Success Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Sep 10, 2005

1st in 5 part series on overcoming the obstacles and difficulties of life using five different Psalms. We used a "journey" or "road" metaphor in terms of the bumps of success, fear, guilt, grief, etc.

STEERING FOR SUCCESS Navigating the Bumps of Life - Week 1 PSALM 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES:(Special: “Without A Song.”) It was written in 1929 but it has been sung for over 6 decades by such performers as Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, The Carpenters, The Supremes, Willie Nelson and now, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Christian Church

Alpine Christianity

Contributed by Stephen Evoy on Dec 14, 2007

Applies a "mountaineering" metaphor to the Christian journey to illustrate the difference between a burden ("boulder") and a load ("backpack"). First person perspective, honest illustrations from my own experience. Engaging stories, easy applicability,

In 1953, John Hunt organized an assault-style expedition to Mt. Everest. He enlisted an army of Sherpas to serve as porters. The porters established the climbing route, built bridges across the glacier, and stockpiled supplies at strategic locations up the mountain. One of the Sherpas was named ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:2-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

Sermon On The Pothole Experience

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 28, 2025

The metaphorical "pothole experience” is considered as the unforeseen obstacles, setbacks, and difficult challenges that may jolt or derail a person's journey in life, similar to how actual potholes disrupt a smooth road.

Drew Barrymore, an American actress once remarked: “Oh, I would love to be a motivational speaker. I have pulled myself out of a million potholes, and I can see the potholes ahead of me. That doesn't mean that I could always do that so perfectly for my own life. I totally fall in potholes.” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:6, 1 Peter 4:12-13, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:1-2

Our Final Flight Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 17, 2022

Funeral Sermon: This message was written for the death of a pilot. It shows how aviation is a metaphor for life, with its highs and lows. It was written primarily for the survivors, to help them lean on God during the difficult days ahead.

We are gathered here today to remember and celebrate the life of George Royalty; and I want to hone in on a brief chapter of his life – one of the most memorable – which was his pursuit of aviation; a pursuit he undertook with his son. I got to meet George and talk with him a couple of times, such ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31

Denomination: Baptist