Non-denominational Illustrations
Biblical simplicity, contemporary relevance, practical application.
Key question: βWhat is the plain meaning and practical application of this text?β
14828 illustrations found
On This Day: A group of early Japanese Christians are killed by the new government of Japan... (1597)
On February 5, 1597: A group of early Japanese Christians are killed by the new government of Japan for being seen as a threat to Japanese society. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermo
On This Day: Shooting of a MΔori by an English sailor results in the opening of the Wanganui... (1847)
On April 16, 1847: Shooting of a MΔori by an English sailor results in the opening of the Wanganui Campaign of the New Zealand Wars. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration
On This Day: American Revolutionary War: General George Washington and the Continental Army... (1776)
On December 25, 1776: American Revolutionary War: General George Washington and the Continental Army cross the Delaware River at night to attack Hessian forces serving Great Britain at Trenton, New Je
On This Day: King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo as a personal possession. (1885)
On February 5, 1885: King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo as a personal possession. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact
On This Day: World War II: Santo Tomas Internment Camp is liberated from Japanese authority. (1945)
On February 4, 1945: World War II: Santo Tomas Internment Camp is liberated from Japanese authority. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and li
On This Day: World War I: The Battle of Cer ends as the first Allied victory in the war. (1914)
On August 24, 1914: World War I: The Battle of Cer ends as the first Allied victory in the war. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation and human discov
On This Day: World War II: The Yalta Conference between the "Big Three" (Churchill,... (1945)
On February 4, 1945: World War II: The Yalta Conference between the "Big Three" (Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin) opens at the Livadia Palace in the Crimea. This historical event can serve as a powe
On This Day: The National Protection War breaks out against the Empire of China, as military... (1915)
On December 25, 1915: The National Protection War breaks out against the Empire of China, as military leaders Cai E and Tang Jiyao proclaim the independence of Yunnan and begin a campaign to restore t
On This Day: Second Sino-Japanese War: Harbin, Manchuria, falls to Japan. (1932)
On February 4, 1932: Second Sino-Japanese War: Harbin, Manchuria, falls to Japan. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history.
On This Day: France annexes the Kingdom of Piedmont. (1802)
On September 11, 1802: France annexes the Kingdom of Piedmont. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it when preachin
On This Day: First Balkan War: The Battle of Kumanovo between the Serbian and Ottoman armies... (1912)
On October 23, 1912: First Balkan War: The Battle of Kumanovo between the Serbian and Ottoman armies begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation and
On This Day: Christiana Resistance: Escaped slaves led by William Parker fight off and kill a... (1851)
On September 11, 1851: Christiana Resistance: Escaped slaves led by William Parker fight off and kill a slave owner who, with a federal marshal and an armed party, sought to seize three of his former
On This Day: American Revolutionary War: During the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the Flag of the... (1777)
On September 3, 1777: American Revolutionary War: During the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the Flag of the United States is flown in battle for the first time. This historical event can serve as a powerf
On This Day: After months of pursuit, generals of Menelik II of Ethiopia capture Gaki... (1897)
On September 11, 1897: After months of pursuit, generals of Menelik II of Ethiopia capture Gaki Sherocho, the last king of the Kaffa. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration
On This Day: American Civil War: In Montgomery, Alabama, delegates from six breakaway U.S.... (1861)
On February 4, 1861: American Civil War: In Montgomery, Alabama, delegates from six breakaway U.S. states meet and initiate the process that would form the Confederate States of America on February 8.
On This Day: John Marshall is sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States. (1801)
On February 4, 1801: John Marshall is sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's heart for justice and righteousness
On This Day: The Philippine-American War begins when four Filipino soldiers enter the... (1899)
On February 4, 1899: The Philippine-American War begins when four Filipino soldiers enter the "American Zone" in Manila, igniting the Battle of Manila. This historical event can serve as a powerful s
On This Day: John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr... (1555)
On February 4, 1555: John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about
On This Day: Spain declares war on Morocco. (1859)
On October 22, 1859: Spain declares war on Morocco. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it when preachi
On This Day: Northwest Indian War: General "Mad Anthony" Wayne and a 300 man detachment... (1793)
On December 25, 1793: Northwest Indian War: General "Mad Anthony" Wayne and a 300 man detachment identify the site of St. Clair's 1791 defeat by the large number of unburied human remains at modern Fo
On This Day: The French legislature abolishes slavery throughout all territories of the... (1794)
On February 4, 1794: The French legislature abolishes slavery throughout all territories of the French First Republic. It would be reestablished in the French West Indies in 1802. This historical eve
On This Day: World War II: Beginning of the Battle of Stalingrad. (1942)
On August 23, 1942: World War II: Beginning of the Battle of Stalingrad. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider
On This Day: World War II: Kharkiv is liberated by the Soviet Red Army for the second time... (1943)
On August 23, 1943: World War II: Kharkiv is liberated by the Soviet Red Army for the second time after the Battle of Kursk. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about th
On This Day: World War II: In the second firestorm raid on Germany, the British Royal Air... (1943)
On October 22, 1943: World War II: In the second firestorm raid on Germany, the British Royal Air Force conducts an air raid on the town of Kassel, killing 10,000 and rendering 150,000 homeless. This