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: Vietnam War: President Richard Nixon announces his decision to quicken the pace... (1971)
On April 7, 1971: Vietnam War: President Richard Nixon announces his decision to quicken the pace of Vietnamization. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly lead
On This Day: The Battle of Dayr al-'Aqul saves Baghdad from the Saffarids. (876)
On April 8, 876: The Battle of Dayr al-'Aqul saves Baghdad from the Saffarids. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Con
On This Day: Half-Life 2 is released, a game winning 39 Game of the Year awards and being... (2004)
On November 16, 2004: Half-Life 2 is released, a game winning 39 Game of the Year awards and being cited as one of the best games ever made. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illus
On This Day: French victory in the Battle of Melle allows them to capture Ghent in the days... (1745)
On July 9, 1745: French victory in the Battle of Melle allows them to capture Ghent in the days after. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through th
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
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: 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: American Civil War: Siege of Knoxville begins: During the Knoxville campaign,... (1863)
On November 17, 1863: American Civil War: Siege of Knoxville begins: During the Knoxville campaign, Confederate forces under General James Longstreet besiege the city of Knoxville, Tennessee and its U
On This Day: First assassination attempt against Umberto I of Italy by anarchist Giovanni... (1878)
On November 17, 1878: First assassination attempt against Umberto I of Italy by anarchist Giovanni Passannante, who was armed with a dagger. The King survived with a slight wound in an arm. Prime Mini
On This Day: Serbo-Bulgarian War: The decisive Battle of Slivnitsa begins. (1885)
On November 17, 1885: Serbo-Bulgarian War: The decisive Battle of Slivnitsa begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history
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: 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: Vietnam War: Lieutenant William Calley goes on trial for the My Lai Massacre. (1970)
On November 17, 1970: Vietnam War: Lieutenant William Calley goes on trial for the My Lai Massacre. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the e
On This Day: The old St. Peter's Basilica is consecrated by Pope Sylvester I. (326)
On November 18, 326: The old St. Peter's Basilica is consecrated by Pope Sylvester I. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of histo
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: 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: 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: Cold War: In Moscow, Russia, Soviet Union, downed American U-2 pilot Francis... (1960)
On August 19, 1960: Cold War: In Moscow, Russia, Soviet Union, downed American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers is sentenced to ten years imprisonment by the Soviet Union for espionage. This historical
On This Day: In their campaign for women's voting rights, hundreds of suffragettes march to... (1910)
On November 18, 1910: In their campaign for women's voting rights, hundreds of suffragettes march to the British Parliament in London. Several are beaten by police, newspaper attention embarrasses the
On This Day: Marking the first great wave of Muslim conquests and the rapid advance of Islam... (636)
On August 20, 636: Marking the first great wave of Muslim conquests and the rapid advance of Islam outside Arabia, Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid defeat the Byzantine Empire and take control o
On This Day: Oman declares its independence from the United Kingdom. (1971)
On November 18, 1971: Oman declares its independence from the United Kingdom. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider usin
On This Day: World War II: The Battle of Königsberg, in East Prussia, ends. (1945)
On April 9, 1945: World War II: The Battle of Königsberg, in East Prussia, ends. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. C
On This Day: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules 4-3 in Goodridge v. Department of... (2003)
On November 18, 2003: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules 4-3 in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health that the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and gives the state l
On This Day: American Civil War: Morgan's Raid ends; At Salineville, Ohio, Confederate... (1863)
On July 26, 1863: American Civil War: Morgan's Raid ends; At Salineville, Ohio, Confederate cavalry leader John Hunt Morgan and 360 of his volunteers are captured by Union forces. This historical eve