Sermon Illustrations

The flame in the Marathon Tower in each Olympic stadium is the most recognized symbol of the Olympics, dating back to the Games of ancient Greece, when athletes competed in a relay race, passing a torch from one to another until the last runner, in a long procession of runners, would sprint to the top of the stadium and light the flame to signal the beginning of the competition among the greatest athletes in the world for the Gold Medal.

For many years the flame was extinguished due to neglect, world turmoil and other events but it was officially reignited in 1928, The idea of the marathon relay, where runners would once again carry the torch, was revived in 1936 for the Berlin Games. The relay began at the location of ancient Olympia and ended in Berlin, Germany after passing through seven countries and covering a total of 3,050 km. The journey of the torch took 12 days and 13 nights, and 3,331 torchbearers each took a turn at carrying it along the way.

From then on, the Olympic Torch Relay has remained an important part of the Olympic tradition and the torchbearer is the person who is honored by carrying the Olympic Flame. The flame carries a message as it passes through each town, city and village. It announces that the games are about to begin; it embodies and spreads the ideals of the Olympics and speaks of the union and peace amongst the people, the allegiance, the courage, the fraternity and solidarity of all of the competitors.

God has handed to each of us a torch to bear for him. That torch is the light of the Gospel, the knowledge of God and His ways, and the Word of God. It is put into our hands and our hearts by the Holy Ghost and the fire is ignited so that we may burn as lights in a sin darkened world. Each of us are to let our light shine that all men can see Jesus in us and then we are told to run with it and to pass it on to the next generation so that we will not forget God.

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • The Church Is Like Noah's Ark: The Stench Inside ...  PRO

    Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 29, 2003
    based on 6 ratings
     | 18,357 views

    “The church is like Noah’s ark: The stench inside would be unbearable if it weren’t for the storm outside. It’s true—sometimes we stink and the world is stormy. But as imperfect as we are on this side of heaven, the miracle is that God in fact chooses to ...read more

  • In 1829 A Man Named George Wilson Was Arrested ...

    Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
    based on 3 ratings
     | 13,096 views

    In 1829 a man named George Wilson was arrested for robbery and murder in a US mail heist. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to obtain his pardon from President Andrew Jackson. But when told of this, Wilson refused it ...read more

  • Like Bill Hybels, I Believe That There Is Nothing ...  PRO

    Contributed by Jim Kane on May 25, 2004
    based on 8 ratings
     | 5,611 views

    Like Bill Hybels, I believe that there is nothing like the local church when it is working right. In addition, I agree with what he says after that sentence: “Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the ...read more

  • A.w. Tozer Writes, "Whoever Will Listen Will Hear ...  PRO

    Contributed by Richard Wafford on Nov 24, 2004
    based on 2 ratings
     | 3,582 views

    A.W. Tozer writes, "whoever will listen will hear the speaking heaven. This is definitely not the hour when men take kindly to an exhortation to listen, for listening is not today a part of popular religion. We are at the opposite end of the pole from there. Religion has accepted the monstrous ...read more

  • Finding Nemo

    Contributed by Darrin Hunt on Feb 5, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 3,156 views

    Many of you have seen the movie, “Finding Nemo”. •It’s a powerful story of the love and determination of a caring father. •It’s the story of being lost, and then found. •It’s a story that can help us understand our Heavenly Father and His love for us. In the movie, Nemo’s father Marlin loved ...read more

Related Sermons