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: Copenhagen is surrounded by the army of Frederick I of Denmark, as the city will... (1523)
On June 10, 1523: Copenhagen is surrounded by the army of Frederick I of Denmark, as the city will not recognise him as the successor of Christian II of Denmark. This historical event can serve as a
On This Day: Second Northern War: Battle of Warsaw begins. (1656)
On July 28, 1656: Second Northern War: Battle of Warsaw begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it
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: 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: Council of Trent: Pope Paul III sends out letters to his bishops, delaying the... (1539)
On June 10, 1539: Council of Trent: Pope Paul III sends out letters to his bishops, delaying the Council due to war and the difficulty bishops had traveling to Venice. This historical event can serve
On This Day: The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ends... (1965)
On September 22, 1965: The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ends after the United Nations calls for a ceasefire. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon
On This Day: Lord Randolph Churchill makes a speech in Ulster in opposition to the Irish Home... (1885)
On September 22, 1885: Lord Randolph Churchill makes a speech in Ulster in opposition to the Irish Home Rule movement. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the endu
On This Day: In Saint Petersburg, Bartolomeo Rastrelli presents the newly built Catherine... (1756)
On July 30, 1756: In Saint Petersburg, Bartolomeo Rastrelli presents the newly built Catherine Palace to Empress Elizabeth and her courtiers. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illu
On This Day: World War II: Canadian and Polish units capture the strategically important town... (1944)
On August 21, 1944: World War II: Canadian and Polish units capture the strategically important town of Falaise, Calvados, France. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration ab
On This Day: Daimyō (Lord) Shimazu Tadatsune of the Satsuma Domain in southern Kyūshū, Japan,... (1609)
On May 5, 1609: Daimyō (Lord) Shimazu Tadatsune of the Satsuma Domain in southern Kyūshū, Japan, completes his successful invasion of the Ryūkyū Kingdom in Okinawa. This historical event can serve as
On This Day: In France, the Second Council of Lyon opens; it ratified a decree to regulate... (1274)
On May 7, 1274: In France, the Second Council of Lyon opens; it ratified a decree to regulate the election of the Pope. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God
On This Day: Nathan Hale is hanged for spying during the American Revolution. (1776)
On September 22, 1776: Nathan Hale is hanged for spying during the American Revolution. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of his
On This Day: An Aragonese cavalry force defeats a superior Castilian cavalry force in the... (1359)
On September 22, 1359: An Aragonese cavalry force defeats a superior Castilian cavalry force in the Battle of Araviana during the War of the Two Peters. This historical event can serve as a powerful
On This Day: Thirty Years' War: Battle of Záblatí, a turning point in the Bohemian Revolt. (1619)
On June 10, 1619: Thirty Years' War: Battle of Záblatí, a turning point in the Bohemian Revolt. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the event
On This Day: St. Olaf's Church, a stone church from the 16th century in Tyrvää, Finland, is... (1997)
On September 21, 1997: St. Olaf's Church, a stone church from the 16th century in Tyrvää, Finland, is burnt down by a burglar. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about
On This Day: Taiping Rebellion: The Ever Victorious Army defeats Taiping forces at the Battle... (1862)
On September 21, 1862: Taiping Rebellion: The Ever Victorious Army defeats Taiping forces at the Battle of Cixi. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works
On This Day: Jacobite risings: Battle of Glen Shiel. (1719)
On June 10, 1719: Jacobite risings: Battle of Glen Shiel. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it when p
On This Day: World War I: Germany is the first to make large-scale use of poison gas in... (1915)
On January 31, 1915: World War I: Germany is the first to make large-scale use of poison gas in warfare in the Battle of Bolimów against Russia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon i
On This Day: French Revolution: The National Convention abolishes the monarchy. (1792)
On September 21, 1792: French Revolution: The National Convention abolishes the monarchy. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of h
On This Day: The United Kingdom's MI6 Secret Intelligence Service building is attacked by... (2000)
On September 20, 2000: The United Kingdom's MI6 Secret Intelligence Service building is attacked by individuals using a Russian-built RPG-22 anti-tank missile. This historical event can serve as a po
On This Day: First Barbary War: Yusuf Karamanli signs a treaty ending the hostilities between... (1805)
On June 10, 1805: First Barbary War: Yusuf Karamanli signs a treaty ending the hostilities between Tripolitania and the United States. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustratio
On This Day: South Ossetia declares its independence from Georgia. (1990)
On September 20, 1990: South Ossetia declares its independence from Georgia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using
On This Day: World War II: Military resistance to the German occupation of Norway ends. (1940)
On June 10, 1940: World War II: Military resistance to the German occupation of Norway ends. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about persevering through trials and tri
On This Day: The first Hallé concert is given in Manchester, England, marking the official... (1858)
On January 30, 1858: The first Hallé concert is given in Manchester, England, marking the official founding of The Hallé orchestra as a full-time, professional orchestra. This historical event can se