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: Spanish Civil War: The German Condor Legion, equipped with Heinkel He 51... (1937)
On May 7, 1937: Spanish Civil War: The German Condor Legion, equipped with Heinkel He 51 biplanes, arrives in Spain to assist Francisco Franco's forces. This historical event can serve as a powerful
On This Day: The Cunard Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 is launched in Clydebank, Scotland. (1967)
On September 20, 1967: The Cunard Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 is launched in Clydebank, Scotland. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.
On This Day: Following the Battle of Burki, the Indian Army captures Dograi in during the... (1965)
On September 20, 1965: Following the Battle of Burki, the Indian Army captures Dograi in during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about
On This Day: An explosion kills 17 people and injures at least 46 at a hotel in Peshawar,... (2009)
On June 9, 2009: An explosion kills 17 people and injures at least 46 at a hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through t
On This Day: The Treaty on Relations between the USSR and the GDR is signed. (1955)
On September 20, 1955: The Treaty on Relations between the USSR and the GDR is signed. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the pursuit of peace in a broken world.
On This Day: The White Star Line's RMS Olympic collides with the British warship HMS Hawke. (1911)
On September 20, 1911: The White Star Line's RMS Olympic collides with the British warship HMS Hawke. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the
On This Day: World War II: Ninety-nine civilians are hanged from lampposts and balconies by... (1944)
On June 9, 1944: World War II: Ninety-nine civilians are hanged from lampposts and balconies by German troops in Tulle, France, in reprisal for maquisards attacks. This historical event can serve as
On This Day: The Bank of England is given independence from political control, the most... (1997)
On May 6, 1997: The Bank of England is given independence from political control, the most significant change in the bank's 300-year history. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illu
On This Day: The future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom begins the first visit to North... (1860)
On September 20, 1860: The future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom begins the first visit to North America by a Prince of Wales. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration
On This Day: The decade-long Ragamuffin War starts when rebels capture Porto Alegre in... (1835)
On September 20, 1835: The decade-long Ragamuffin War starts when rebels capture Porto Alegre in Brazil. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through
On This Day: First Balkan War: The Ottomans lose the cities of Thessaloniki and Skopje. (1912)
On October 26, 1912: First Balkan War: The Ottomans lose the cities of Thessaloniki and Skopje. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation and human discov
On This Day: The Walking Purchase concludes, which forces the cession of 1.2 million acres... (1737)
On September 20, 1737: The Walking Purchase concludes, which forces the cession of 1.2 million acres (4,900 km2) of Lenape-Delaware tribal land to the Pennsylvania Colony. This historical event can s
On This Day: At the Battle of Fulford, Harald Hardrada defeats earls Morcar and Edwin. (1066)
On September 20, 1066: At the Battle of Fulford, Harald Hardrada defeats earls Morcar and Edwin. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the even
On This Day: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opens its priesthood to "all... (1978)
On June 9, 1978: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opens its priesthood to "all worthy men", ending a 148-year-old policy of excluding black men. This historical event can serve as a po
On This Day: One hundred and three Korean Martyrs are canonized by Pope John Paul II in... (1984)
On May 6, 1984: One hundred and three Korean Martyrs are canonized by Pope John Paul II in Seoul. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the meaning of true sacrifice
On This Day: Kosovo War: Three Chinese citizens are killed and 20 wounded when a NATO... (1999)
On May 7, 1999: Kosovo War: Three Chinese citizens are killed and 20 wounded when a NATO aircraft inadvertently bombs the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. This historical event can serve as a pow
On This Day: Cardinal Robert of Geneva is elected as Pope Clement VII, beginning the Papal... (1378)
On September 20, 1378: Cardinal Robert of Geneva is elected as Pope Clement VII, beginning the Papal schism. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works thro
On This Day: Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan sign... (1960)
On September 19, 1960: Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan sign the Indus Waters Treaty for the control and management of the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej a
On This Day: Georgian-Seljuk wars: At the Battle of Basian the Kingdom of Georgia defeats the... (1202)
On July 27, 1202: Georgian-Seljuk wars: At the Battle of Basian the Kingdom of Georgia defeats the Sultanate of Rum. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly lead
On This Day: The leaking oil well in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is sealed. (2010)
On September 19, 2010: The leaking oil well in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is sealed. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Cons
On This Day: Saint Kitts and Nevis gains its independence. (1983)
On September 19, 1983: Saint Kitts and Nevis gains its independence. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using it when
On This Day: Pope Honorius III issues the bull Vineae Domini custodes in which he approves... (1225)
On June 10, 1225: Pope Honorius III issues the bull Vineae Domini custodes in which he approves the mission of Dominican friars to Morocco. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illus
On This Day: World War I: British Grand Fleet battle cruisers under Vice-Admiral Sir David... (1915)
On January 24, 1915: World War I: British Grand Fleet battle cruisers under Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty engage Rear-Admiral Franz von Hipper's battle cruisers in the Battle of Dogger Bank. This his
On This Day: The Council of Europe is founded following a speech by Winston Churchill at the... (1946)
On September 19, 1946: The Council of Europe is founded following a speech by Winston Churchill at the University of Zurich. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about th