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: A bright flash, resembling the detonation of a nuclear weapon, is observed near... (1979)
On September 22, 1979: A bright flash, resembling the detonation of a nuclear weapon, is observed near the Prince Edward Islands. Its cause is never determined. This historical event can serve as a p
On This Day: Discovery of the chemical elements: Sir William Crookes announces his discovery... (1861)
On March 30, 1861: Discovery of the chemical elements: Sir William Crookes announces his discovery of thallium. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation
On This Day: The Battle of Kherlen is the second significant victory over Ming dynasty China... (1409)
On September 23, 1409: The Battle of Kherlen is the second significant victory over Ming dynasty China by the Mongols since 1368. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration abo
On This Day: King Philip II of Spain issues cedula, ordering a halt to colonizing efforts in... (1561)
On September 23, 1561: King Philip II of Spain issues cedula, ordering a halt to colonizing efforts in Florida. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadershi
On This Day: American Civil War: The largest in a series of Southern bread riots occurs in... (1863)
On April 2, 1863: American Civil War: The largest in a series of Southern bread riots occurs in Richmond, Virginia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God wor
On This Day: Second Anglo-Maratha War: The Battle of Assaye is fought between the British... (1803)
On September 23, 1803: Second Anglo-Maratha War: The Battle of Assaye is fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India. This historical event can serve as a powerful s
On This Day: World War II: The Battle of Cisterna, part of Operation Shingle, begins in... (1944)
On January 30, 1944: World War II: The Battle of Cisterna, part of Operation Shingle, begins in central Italy. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works th
On This Day: On the night of 23-24 September, the steamship Arctique runs aground near Cape... (1884)
On September 23, 1884: On the night of 23-24 September, the steamship Arctique runs aground near Cape Virgenes leading to the discovery of nearby placer gold, beginning the Tierra del Fuego gold rush.
On This Day: Norway and Sweden sign the Karlstad Treaty, peacefully dissolving the Union... (1905)
On September 23, 1905: Norway and Sweden sign the Karlstad Treaty, peacefully dissolving the Union between the two countries. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about t
On This Day: World War II: The Matanikau action on Guadalcanal begins: U.S. Marines attack... (1942)
On September 23, 1942: World War II: The Matanikau action on Guadalcanal begins: U.S. Marines attack Japanese units along the Matanikau River. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon ill
On This Day: Sri Lankan Civil War: Sri Lankan Army soldiers slaughter 158 civilians. (1990)
On September 5, 1990: Sri Lankan Civil War: Sri Lankan Army soldiers slaughter 158 civilians. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events
On This Day: Typhoon Wilda, one of the strongest typhoons to ever strike Japan, makes... (1964)
On September 23, 1964: Typhoon Wilda, one of the strongest typhoons to ever strike Japan, makes landfall, causing at least 30 fatalities and sinking at least 64 ships. This historical event can serve
On This Day: Spanish naval forces defeat an English fleet, under the command of John Hawkins,... (1568)
On September 24, 1568: Spanish naval forces defeat an English fleet, under the command of John Hawkins, at the Battle of San Juan de Ulúa near Veracruz. This historical event can serve as a powerful
On This Day: Mexican-American War: General Zachary Taylor captures Monterrey. (1846)
On September 24, 1846: Mexican-American War: General Zachary Taylor captures Monterrey. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of his
On This Day: During a speech in the Reichstag, Adolf Hitler makes a prediction about the end... (1939)
On January 30, 1939: During a speech in the Reichstag, Adolf Hitler makes a prediction about the end of the Jewish race in Europe if another world war were to occur. This historical event can serve a
On This Day: The Battle of Shiroyama is a decisive victory of the Imperial Japanese Army over... (1877)
On September 24, 1877: The Battle of Shiroyama is a decisive victory of the Imperial Japanese Army over the Satsuma Rebellion. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about
On This Day: Representatives of 71 nations sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at... (1996)
On September 24, 1996: Representatives of 71 nations sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at the United Nations. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the
On This Day: Ottoman Emperor Bayezid I defeats a Christian army at the Battle of Nicopolis. (1396)
On September 25, 1396: Ottoman Emperor Bayezid I defeats a Christian army at the Battle of Nicopolis. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the enduring nature of fa
On This Day: American Revolutionary War: Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec sets off to... (1775)
On September 25, 1775: American Revolutionary War: Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec sets off to join the American invasion. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration abo
On This Day: World War I: The Second Battle of Champagne begins. (1915)
On September 25, 1915: World War I: The Second Battle of Champagne begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Conside
On This Day: The Mozambican War of Independence against Portugal begins. (1964)
On September 25, 1964: The Mozambican War of Independence against Portugal begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider
On This Day: Friso-Hollandic Wars: Frisians defeat Holland in the Battle of Warns. (1345)
On September 26, 1345: Friso-Hollandic Wars: Frisians defeat Holland in the Battle of Warns. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events o
On This Day: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C. after a march to... (1982)
On November 13, 1982: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C. after a march to its site by thousands of Vietnam War veterans. This historical event can serve as a powerful serm
On This Day: Bohemia is granted freedom of religion through the Letter of Majesty by the Holy... (1609)
On July 9, 1609: Bohemia is granted freedom of religion through the Letter of Majesty by the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the