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: 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: Guinea-Bissau declares its independence from Portugal. (1973)
On September 24, 1973: Guinea-Bissau declares its independence from Portugal. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider usin
On This Day: Swedish War of Liberation: Swedish troops defeat a Danish force in the Battle of... (1521)
On April 29, 1521: Swedish War of Liberation: Swedish troops defeat a Danish force in the Battle of Västerås. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freed
On This Day: After a civil war, Denis Sassou Nguesso proclaims himself President of the... (1997)
On October 25, 1997: After a civil war, Denis Sassou Nguesso proclaims himself President of the Republic of the Congo. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly le
On This Day: The first direct commercial flights from mainland China (from Guangzhou) to... (2005)
On January 29, 2005: The first direct commercial flights from mainland China (from Guangzhou) to Taiwan since 1949 arrived in Taipei. Shortly afterwards, a China Airlines flight lands in Beijing. Thi
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: 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: Battle of the Standard between Scotland and England. (1138)
On August 22, 1138: Battle of the Standard between Scotland and England. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider
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: A tropical storm originating in the eastern Pacific Ocean passes into the Gulf... (1956)
On September 23, 1956: A tropical storm originating in the eastern Pacific Ocean passes into the Gulf of Mexico and is upgraded and named Hurricane Flossy just hours before striking the Gulf Coast and
On This Day: French Revolution: Following the arrests of Girondin leaders, the Jacobins gain... (1793)
On June 10, 1793: French Revolution: Following the arrests of Girondin leaders, the Jacobins gain control of the Committee of Public Safety installing the revolutionary dictatorship. This historical
On This Day: Gulf War: The Battle of Khafji, the first major ground engagement of the war, as... (1991)
On January 29, 1991: Gulf War: The Battle of Khafji, the first major ground engagement of the war, as well as its deadliest, begins between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. This historical event can serve as a
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: 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: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gains its independence from the United Kingdom. (1979)
On October 27, 1979: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gains its independence from the United Kingdom. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and l
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: Liberation Day tariffs: U.S. President Donald Trump announces sweeping worldwide... (2025)
On April 2, 2025: Liberation Day tariffs: U.S. President Donald Trump announces sweeping worldwide tariffs. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom
On This Day: King George III expands on his Proclamation of Rebellion in the Thirteen... (1775)
On October 27, 1775: King George III expands on his Proclamation of Rebellion in the Thirteen Colonies in his speech from the throne at the opening of Parliament. This historical event can serve as a
On This Day: Mexican Revolution: Mexicali is captured by the Mexican Liberal Party, igniting... (1911)
On January 29, 1911: Mexican Revolution: Mexicali is captured by the Mexican Liberal Party, igniting the Magonista rebellion of 1911. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration
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: 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: King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) of Siam (modern day Thailand) is crowned. (1782)
On June 10, 1782: King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) of Siam (modern day Thailand) is crowned. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impac
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: 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