Browse Sermon Illustrations
450 illustrations available
The Great White Throne: Revelation 20:11-15
Cinematic retelling of the great white throne judgment
The Storm Obeyed: Mark 4:35-41
Cinematic retelling of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee
The Wall Came Down: Ephesians 2:11-22
Experiential vignette showing Ephesians 2:11-22 - unity in Christ
The Pit and the Price: Genesis 37:12-36
Cinematic retelling of Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers
From Dungeon to Throne: Genesis 41:1-40
Cinematic retelling of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and rising to power
Tested in the Wilderness: Matthew 4:1-11
Cinematic retelling of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness
A Model Church: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Apostolic dictation of Paul's thanksgiving for Thessalonica
The Open Hand and the Closed Heart: Love Tested
An experiential vignette showing the practical outworking of 1 John 3:11-4:6 through the story of Marcus learning to love Demetrius in deed not just word. Explores the connection between open hands and confident hearts, then the test for discerning spirits: confession of Jesus Christ come in flesh.
Bone of My Bones: Genesis 2:18-25
Cinematic retelling of Eve's creation and the first marriage
The Mystery Revealed: Colossians 1:24-2:5
Apostolic dictation of Paul's labor for the mystery revealed
Water, Blood, and Spirit: The Three Witnesses
A historical reconstruction of 1 John 5:1-21 in its context of churches shaken by schism and false teaching. Examines the three witnesses (Spirit, water, blood) that testify to Jesus as Christ come in flesh, the assurance passages that John writes so believers may know they have eternal life, and the letter's abrupt closing: keep yourselves from idols.
Citizens of Heaven: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Theological meditation on heavenly citizenship in Philippians 3:17-4:1
Set Apart From Birth: Galatians 1:11-24
Vivid retelling of Paul's conversion and early years
Fire and Shadow: Jude's Urgent Warning
A vivid retelling of Jude 1:1-16, capturing the fierce urgency of Jude's warning against false teachers who have "secretly slipped in." Moves through the examples of judgment—Israel in the wilderness, fallen angels, Sodom, Cain, Balaam, Korah—and the powerful imagery of clouds without rain, autumn trees twice dead, and wandering stars. Jude didn't want to write this letter; danger demanded it.
The Elder's Household: Qualifications Lived
An experiential vignette showing Timothy applying Paul's qualifications for overseers and deacons to real candidates in Ephesus. The standards aren't abstract; they're questions about specific households, specific reputations, specific character. Culminates in the great Christ-hymn that reveals what leadership protects.
Taken Up Before Their Eyes: Acts 1:1-11
Cinematic retelling of Jesus' ascension
The Holy City: Revelation 21:9-27
Cinematic retelling of the New Jerusalem description
What Is Truth?: John 18:28-19:16
Cinematic retelling of Jesus trial before Pilate
All Things to All People: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Vivid retelling of Paul's adaptability and self-discipline
That They May Be One: John 17:1-26
Cinematic retelling of Jesus high priestly prayer
The Shining Face: Exodus 34:1-10, 29-35
Cinematic retelling of Moses' face shining after seeing God
The Four Horsemen: Revelation 6:1-17
Cinematic retelling of the six seals and four horsemen
In Our Image: Genesis 1:24-31
Cinematic retelling of the sixth day of creation and humanity's creation
The House on the Hill: Philemon's Church in Colossae
A historical reconstruction of Philemon's house church in Colossae, setting the scene for Paul's letter. Explores the social dynamics of early Christian gatherings where slaves, freedmen, and citizens shared space as siblings. Shows Philemon as a generous host whose love has "refreshed the hearts of the saints."