Sermons on symbolism:

Prophecy In Perspective Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Jan 19, 2009

Before we delve into this great prophetic section of Revelation with all of its symbols we need to begin with an understanding of prophecy in general. Why should we study prophecy if it involves a lot of mysteries? If we can’t figure out what all of the

Revelation 6-18 Purpose: To understand the reasons for biblical prophecy and see the big picture of chapters 6-18. Aim: I want the listener to be motivated to walk closer to Jesus Christ. INTRODUCTION: The book of Revelation comes to us in four great movements: Chapters 1-3 Christ enthroned ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Road To A Double Anointing

Contributed by John Gaston on Apr 2, 2017

Elijah & Elisha visited 4 places: Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and the Jordan. Each one is highly significant in Israel’s history and I believe they are symbolic of key growth stages in Christ. Elisha had to complete each stage to gain the double anointing!

THE ROAD TO A DOUBLE ANOINTING 2 Kings 2:1-15 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. JOKE 1: A Sunday school teacher was teaching on the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces and laid it upon the altar. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Order Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 9, 2021

The vision God gave John of the New Jerusalem is a vision of precise and exquisite order. Pythagours said, everything can be described in numbers. That was a profound insight, for numbers are the ultimate symbol of order. God is the great mathematician, and everything He has made has a number.

In the sixth century B. C. a boy by the name of Pythagorus grew up with his father, who was a gem-engraver. He noticed that gemstones came in regular geometric shapes. The beryl was a hexagon, the garnet was a 12 sided crystal, and each gem had it's own unique order. This observation was the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:9-21

A Soiled Faith

Contributed by Boomer Phillips on Mar 6, 2022

Jeremiah's prophecy of the sash. The effort put forth in holding up one’s clothes represents a willingness to labor for the Lord, and letting ones clothes drag along the ground is symbolic of laziness and a lack of zeal for God's work.

In days of old, ladies who wore long dresses would lift them up past their ankles when they were walking near a mud puddle or climbing up some stairs. One reason why they did this was so they would not trip and fall; but another reason was to keep their clothing nice and clean. In order to keep ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 13:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Woman With The Red Rope

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 1, 2023

Rahab was part of a city about to be judged for its wickedness, but she feared God. God saw her heart and and gave her the saving symbol of a Red Rope, that represented the blood of Christ. The Blood preserved her and made her an Ancestor of Jesus Christ.

THE WOMAN WITH THE RED ROPE Josh. 2:1-24; 6:20-25 INTRODUCTION A. ACTIVITY 1. Today our story is about a ROPE. So in preparation, we’re going to have a TUG-OF-WAR. The winner will get a piece of candy and the 2nd place winners will get a piece of candy of your choice. 2. We don’t want anyone ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Out Of The Overflow” Series

Contributed by Allen Hern on Mar 16, 2004

For seven days the water had been poured out at the altar to symbolize God as satisfying the physical thirst of His people. Now Jesus picked up that object lesson and said in effect, “Now if you really want to satisfy your thirst, come to me.”

 200411.ser “Out of the Overflow” CLBC February 22, 2004 p.m. Subject: The Christian Life Theme: Filled with the Spirit Passage: John 7:37 - 39 All week long, the huge crowds ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39

Denomination: Baptist

Rev.# 21~6:1-8 The 4 Horses And Riders Series

Contributed by William D. Brown on Sep 3, 2009

We’re here in chapter 6: of the Revelation, the 1st 8 verses are telling us about 4 horses and their riders, and let me say again that these horses and riders are not real, they are symbolic as to what is going to take place on the earth just after the ra

Rev.# 21~6:1-8 THE 4 HORSES AND RIDERS 9-5-09 We’re here in chapter 6: of the Revelation, the 1st 8 verses are telling us about 4 horses and their riders, and let me say again that these horses and riders are not real, they are symbolic as to what is going to take place on the earth just ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

When Dry Bones Can Live Again

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Mar 1, 2021

Symbolically, this vision is about the resurrection of Israel as a nation. The dry and disconnected bones represent how God’s people had been defeated, divided and scattered in exile. Only God can reconnect their bones, unite them and bring them back together as a country!

WHEN DRY BONES CAN LIVE AGAIN Text: Ezekiel 37:1 - 14 Ezekiel 37:1-14  The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones.  (2)  And he led me around among them, and behold, there were ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: United Methodist

Monday - Cursing Fig Trees And Cleansing Temples Series

Contributed by David Owens on Mar 7, 2022

On Monday of Jesus' final week of earthly life, he cursed the fig tree and cleansed the temple. Both activities symbolized God's judgment on the fruitless religion of Israel. As disciple of Christ, we must be faithful and fruitful, and not cause others to stumble.

A. Years ago, I decided to “edjumacate” myself by reading all the classic novels. 1. I decided to start with Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick. 2. I didn’t get very far, because I just couldn’t take long chapter after long chapter describing the whaling harpoon – you can only say so much ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-19, Mark 9:42, Titus 1:10-11, Romans 16:17-18, John 15:5-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Transforming Power Of Communion: Maundy Thursday Remembering Christ's Sacrifice Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 6, 2024

Maundy Thursday Communion Service - remember and reflect on the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. A time to pause and contemplate the transformative power of communion, where we partake of the bread and the cup, symbols of Christ's body and blood, given for us.

The Transforming Power of Communion: Maundy Thursday Remembering Christ's Sacrifice Introduction: As we gather tonight for our Maundy Thursday Communion Service, we come to remember and reflect on the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. It's a time to pause and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:26, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

"is There No Balm Or Leadership In Gilead?"

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Mar 15, 2024

"Israel's failure to listen to God's prophet despite repeated warnings, symbolized by the balm of Gilead, raises the question of whether the current church leadership also lacks the necessary foresight and willingness to repent. Are they repeating the same mistakes?"

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Jeremiah 8:20-22) "[20] The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." [21] "For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 8:20-22, Jeremiah 46:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Christians And Christmas, Part 1 - An Overview Series

Contributed by Warren Lamb on Nov 29, 2006

What comes to your mind when I said the word, “Christmas”? Christmas trees, presents, lights, candles, food, parties, snow, decorations, the star, angels, Santa Claus…wow! There are about a zillion symbols we have for Christmas, aren’t there? What do they

If everyone would take a moment and close their eyes…I am going to say a word and I want you to tell me what you picture when I say it. Ready? Christmas. What came to your mind when I said the word, “Christmas”? Christmas trees, presents, lights, candles, food, parties, snow, decorations, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Does Belief Sometimes Come The Hard Way?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Why do some people only trust God when they experience terrible hardships? In this passage we are given insights into how a governor of Cyprus was brought to Christ the hard way. His path to faith is symbolic of so many people who seem to prefer to learn

1. Why do some people only trust God when they experience terrible hardships? In this passage we are given insights into how a governor of Cyprus was brought to Christ the hard way. His path to faith is symbolic of so many people who seem to prefer to learn the most important lessons in life, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:4-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tower Of Freedom Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 11, 2011

New York has built a beautiful building to replace the fallen Twin Towers. It’s a beautiful memorial to those who have died. And then Gov. George Pataki named it "The Freedom Tower". This sermon examines the symbolism of that tower and it’s application fo

OPEN: Chuck (our worship leader) just sang Alan Jackson’s song which asked where were you when the “world stopped turning”, when the Twin Towers fell 10 years ago. Several of our people were visiting New York City and were trapped at Central Park, unable to tell quite what had happened, or knowing ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Lower The Flag!

Contributed by Robbie Parsons on Feb 16, 2008

A flag can tell us a lot about a nation or it’s people. A flag becomes a symbol of that body. It can become so revered, that it can cause men and women fight to their death for it’s cause. And a flag is usually on a pole at a high or prominent place to

In the scripture that we have read, there is a reference to setting up the standard. Scholars tell us that the word used here can mean a rallying point, a signal, a banner or a flag. And to set up the standard simply means to raise the flag. A flag can tell us a lot about a nation or it’s ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 50:2

Denomination: United Methodist