Non-denominational Illustrations
Biblical simplicity, contemporary relevance, practical application.
Key question: “What is the plain meaning and practical application of this text?”
14828 illustrations found
On This Day: Maginulfo is elected Antipope Sylvester IV in opposition to Pope Paschal II. (1105)
On November 18, 1105: Maginulfo is elected Antipope Sylvester IV in opposition to Pope Paschal II. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the ev
On This Day: French Revolutionary Wars: France declares war on the United Kingdom and the... (1793)
On February 1, 1793: French Revolutionary Wars: France declares war on the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership
On This Day: War of 1812: In the Battle of Stoney Creek, considered a critical turning point... (1813)
On June 6, 1813: War of 1812: In the Battle of Stoney Creek, considered a critical turning point in the war, a British force of 700 under John Vincent defeats an American force twice its size under Wi
On This Day: The Crown of St. Stephen (also known as the Holy Crown of Hungary) goes on... (1978)
On January 31, 1978: The Crown of St. Stephen (also known as the Holy Crown of Hungary) goes on public display after being returned to Hungary from the United States, where it was held after World War
On This Day: World War II: The last German formations withdraw from Finland to Norway. The... (1945)
On April 27, 1945: World War II: The last German formations withdraw from Finland to Norway. The Lapland War and thus, World War II in Finland, comes to an end and the Raising the Flag on the Three-Co
On This Day: NATO begins peacekeeping in Bosnia. (1995)
On December 20, 1995: NATO begins peacekeeping in Bosnia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the pursuit of peace in a broken world. Consider using it when preach
On This Day: American Civil War: Texas secedes from the United States and joins the... (1861)
On February 1, 1861: American Civil War: Texas secedes from the United States and joins the Confederacy a week later. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God w
On This Day: Sue Gray, a senior civil servant in the United Kingdom, publishes an initial... (2022)
On January 31, 2022: Sue Gray, a senior civil servant in the United Kingdom, publishes an initial version of her report on the Downing Street Partygate controversy. This historical event can serve as
On This Day: The teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by... (1327)
On February 1, 1327: The teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer. This historical event can serve as a power
On This Day: United Nations Security Council Resolution 90 relating to the Korean War is... (1951)
On January 31, 1951: United Nations Security Council Resolution 90 relating to the Korean War is adopted. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through
On This Day: The Zapatista Army of National Liberation is founded in Mexico. (1983)
On November 17, 1983: The Zapatista Army of National Liberation is founded in Mexico. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consi
On This Day: King Christian IX of Denmark signs the November constitution that declares... (1863)
On November 18, 1863: King Christian IX of Denmark signs the November constitution that declares Schleswig to be part of Denmark. This is seen by the German Confederation as a violation of the London
On This Day: American settlers in Nacogdoches, Mexican Texas, declare their independence,... (1826)
On December 21, 1826: American settlers in Nacogdoches, Mexican Texas, declare their independence, starting the Fredonian Rebellion. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration
On This Day: A North Sea flood causes over 1,800 deaths in the Netherlands and over 300 in... (1953)
On January 31, 1953: A North Sea flood causes over 1,800 deaths in the Netherlands and over 300 in the United Kingdom. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly le
On This Day: The Winter Soldier Investigation, organized by the Vietnam Veterans Against the... (1971)
On January 31, 1971: The Winter Soldier Investigation, organized by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War to publicize alleged war crimes and atrocities by Americans and allies in Vietnam, begins in De
On This Day: French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of the Bridge of Arcole: French forces defeat... (1796)
On November 17, 1796: French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of the Bridge of Arcole: French forces defeat the Austrians in Italy. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about h
On This Day: Vietnam War: Viet Cong guerrillas attack the United States embassy in Saigon,... (1968)
On January 31, 1968: Vietnam War: Viet Cong guerrillas attack the United States embassy in Saigon, and other attacks, in the early morning hours, later grouped together as the Tet Offensive. This his
On This Day: Bulgaria and Romania sign the Treaty of Accession 2005 to join the European... (2005)
On April 25, 2005: Bulgaria and Romania sign the Treaty of Accession 2005 to join the European Union. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the pursuit of peace in a
On This Day: In Egypt, the Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, is... (1869)
On November 17, 1869: In Egypt, the Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, is inaugurated. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadershi
On This Day: Cold War: Space Race: The Explorer 1, the first successful American satellite,... (1958)
On January 31, 1958: Cold War: Space Race: The Explorer 1, the first successful American satellite, detects the Van Allen radiation belt. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustra
On This Day: Cold War: Yugoslavia's new constitution, modeling that of the Soviet Union,... (1946)
On January 31, 1946: Cold War: Yugoslavia's new constitution, modeling that of the Soviet Union, establishes six constituent republics (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia a
On This Day: Suez Crisis: The Suez Canal is reopened following the introduction of UNEF... (1957)
On April 24, 1957: Suez Crisis: The Suez Canal is reopened following the introduction of UNEF peacekeepers to the region. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the p
On This Day: Aeroflot Flight 2723 crashes into the Caspian Sea off the Absheron Peninsula,... (1966)
On April 23, 1966: Aeroflot Flight 2723 crashes into the Caspian Sea off the Absheron Peninsula, killing 33 people. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's call
On This Day: Egyptian-Ottoman War: Egyptian forces decisively defeat Ottoman troops at the... (1832)
On December 21, 1832: Egyptian-Ottoman War: Egyptian forces decisively defeat Ottoman troops at the Battle of Konya. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God wo