Sermon Illustrations

REPENTANCE IN THE WHITE HOUSE

In 2001, Tim Goeglein started running the White House Office of Public Liaison, providing him almost daily access to then President George Bush for seven years. Then it all ended abruptly on February 29, 2008. A well-known blogger revealed the startling fact that 27 out of 39 of Goeglein's published articles had been plagiarized. By mid-afternoon the next day, Goeglein's career in the White House was over.

Goeglein, who admitted his guilt, said that this began "a personal crisis unequaled in my life, bringing great humiliation on my wife and children, my family, and my closest friends, including the President of the United States."

Goeglein was summoned to the White House to face the President. Once inside the Oval Office, Goeglein shut the door, turned to the President and said, "I owe you an..."

President Bush simply said: "Tim, you are forgiven."

Tim was speechless. He tried again: "But sir..."

The President interrupted him again, with a firm "Stop." Then President Bush added, "I have known grace and mercy in my life, and you are forgiven."

After a long talk, a healing process was launched for Goeglein, which included...

Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • A Teacher Asked A Boy This Question: ...  PRO

    Contributed by Mark Hensley on May 11, 2002
    based on 6 ratings
     | 49,056 views

    A teacher asked a boy this question: “Suppose your mother baked a pie and there were seven of you—your parents and five children. What part of the pie would you get?” “A sixth,” replied the boy. “I’m afraid you don’t know your fractions,” said the teacher. “Remember, there are seven of you.” ...read more

  • Small Words, Profound Effect  PRO

    Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jan 12, 2003
    based on 4 ratings
     | 13,176 views

    SMALL WORDS, PROFOUND EFFECT "The tongue has the power of life and death . . . " That may sound a bit extreme to you; a bit exaggerated. How could mere words kill anyone? But consider this. You’re probably familiar with Karen Carpenter, the popular singer from the seventies who died in 1983 of ...read more

  • Fisherman  PRO

    Contributed by Timothy Jones on Jan 16, 2003
    based on 6 ratings
     | 11,350 views

    Fisherman American businessman was at a pier in a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. ...read more

  • Brennan Manning Wrote: "If Jesus Would Appear At ...  PRO

    Contributed by Andrew Chan on Aug 26, 2003
    based on 8 ratings
     | 8,337 views

    Brennan Manning wrote: “If Jesus would appear at your dining table tonight with knowledge of everything you are and are not, total comprehension of your life story and every skeleton hidden in your closet; if he laid out the real state of your present discipleship with the hidden agenda, the mixed ...read more

  • Martin Of Tours Was A Roman Soldier And A ...  PRO

    Contributed by Philip Gill on Jan 13, 2003
    based on 5 ratings
     | 7,020 views

    Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold, and Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier’s coat, worn and frayed as it was; ...read more

Related Sermons

Browse All Media

Related Media