Non-denominational Illustrations
Biblical simplicity, contemporary relevance, practical application.
Key question: “What is the plain meaning and practical application of this text?”
16579 illustrations found
On This Day: Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia becomes King of Bohemia. (1158)
On January 11, 1158: Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia becomes King of Bohemia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it
On This Day: Tashkent Declaration, a peace agreement between India and Pakistan signed that... (1966)
On January 10, 1966: Tashkent Declaration, a peace agreement between India and Pakistan signed that resolved the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illus
On This Day: Louis B. Mayer, head of film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), announces the... (1927)
On January 11, 1927: Louis B. Mayer, head of film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), announces the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, at a banquet in Los Angeles, California.
On This Day: Czechoslovakia is peacefully dissolved in what is dubbed by media as the Velvet... (1992)
On December 31, 1992: Czechoslovakia is peacefully dissolved in what is dubbed by media as the Velvet Divorce, resulting in the creation of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. This historical
On This Day: A coup d'état in Ghana removes President Hilla Limann's PNP government and... (1981)
On December 31, 1981: A coup d'état in Ghana removes President Hilla Limann's PNP government and replaces it with the Provisional National Defence Council led by Flight lieutenant Jerry Rawlings. Thi
On This Day: The Anglo-Zulu War begins. (1879)
On January 11, 1879: The Anglo-Zulu War begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it when preaching a
On This Day: American Civil War: CSS Alabama encounters and sinks the USS Hatteras off... (1863)
On January 11, 1863: American Civil War: CSS Alabama encounters and sinks the USS Hatteras off Galveston Lighthouse in Texas. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about h
On This Day: The Kingsland munitions factory explosion occurs as a result of sabotage. (1917)
On January 11, 1917: The Kingsland munitions factory explosion occurs as a result of sabotage. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.
On This Day: Benjamin Ward is appointed New York City Police Department's first ever African... (1983)
On December 31, 1983: Benjamin Ward is appointed New York City Police Department's first ever African American police commissioner. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration a
On This Day: Occupation of the Ruhr: Troops from France and Belgium occupy the Ruhr area to... (1923)
On January 11, 1923: Occupation of the Ruhr: Troops from France and Belgium occupy the Ruhr area to force Germany to make its World War I reparation payments. This historical event can serve as a pow
On This Day: The First Chechen War: The Russian Ground Forces begin a New Year's storming of... (1994)
On December 31, 1994: The First Chechen War: The Russian Ground Forces begin a New Year's storming of Grozny. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation an
On This Day: Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking ends after seven days with the release of... (1999)
On December 31, 1999: Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking ends after seven days with the release of 190 survivors at Kandahar Airport, Afghanistan. This historical event can serve as a powerful serm
On This Day: Space Shuttle program: STS-72 launches from the Kennedy Space Center marking the... (1996)
On January 11, 1996: Space Shuttle program: STS-72 launches from the Kennedy Space Center marking the start of the 74th Space Shuttle mission and the 10th flight of Endeavour. This historical event c
On This Day: World War II: Japanese forces capture Kuala Lumpur, the capital of the Federated... (1942)
On January 11, 1942: World War II: Japanese forces capture Kuala Lumpur, the capital of the Federated Malay States. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God wor
On This Day: The Republic of China agrees to the Sino-British New Equal Treaty and the... (1943)
On January 11, 1943: The Republic of China agrees to the Sino-British New Equal Treaty and the Sino-American New Equal Treaty. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about
On This Day: Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Luther Terry, M.D., publishes the... (1964)
On January 11, 1964: Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Luther Terry, M.D., publishes the landmark report Smoking and Health: Report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General of the Publi
On This Day: The Gateway Bridge, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia is officially opened. (1986)
On January 11, 1986: The Gateway Bridge, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia is officially opened. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.
On This Day: Cold War: While tied to its pier in Polyarny, the Soviet submarine B-37 is... (1962)
On January 11, 1962: Cold War: While tied to its pier in Polyarny, the Soviet submarine B-37 is destroyed when fire breaks out in its torpedo compartment. This historical event can serve as a powerfu
On This Day: Bayinnaung, who would go on to assemble the largest empire in the history of... (1554)
On January 12, 1554: Bayinnaung, who would go on to assemble the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, is crowned King of Burma. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illust
On This Day: Rebels in Zanzibar begin a revolt known as the Zanzibar Revolution and proclaim... (1964)
On January 12, 1964: Rebels in Zanzibar begin a revolt known as the Zanzibar Revolution and proclaim a republic. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works
On This Day: Biafra capitulates, ending the Nigerian Civil War. (1970)
On January 12, 1970: Biafra capitulates, ending the Nigerian Civil War. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider u
On This Day: World War II: The Red Army begins the Vistula-Oder Offensive. (1945)
On January 12, 1945: World War II: The Red Army begins the Vistula-Oder Offensive. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history.
On This Day: Twenty-one Lebanese nationalists are executed in Martyrs' Square, Beirut by... (1916)
On May 6, 1916: Twenty-one Lebanese nationalists are executed in Martyrs' Square, Beirut by Djemal Pasha. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the meaning of true s
On This Day: War of 1812: American frigate USS President, commanded by Commodore Stephen... (1815)
On January 15, 1815: War of 1812: American frigate USS President, commanded by Commodore Stephen Decatur, is captured by a squadron of four British frigates. This historical event can serve as a powe