Sermon Illustrations

I Missed the Comeback

On New Year's Day 1963, USC played Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. The Wisconsin quarterback, Ron VanderKelen, was one of the all-time great college quarterbacks. I was fourteen years old at the time, and our family was gathered for New Year's Day celebrations. Pete Beathard of USC threw four touchdown passes in the first half, and USC was up by a score of 42-14.

At half-time, I got upset with my parents about something (at this time, I really can't remember what) and I marched off to my bedroom to sulk. I waited for someone to come and offer the sympathy I just knew that I had deserved, but no one did. I thought it was no big deal, because the game was practically over at half-time anyway.

After the game, my brother came and told me that Ron VanderKelen had gotten hot in the second half and Wisconsin had almost completed an incredible comeback. The final score was USC 42, Wisconsin 37. VanderKelen threw for 401 yards, and 11 Rose Bowl records were broken that day. But, because of my anger, I had missed it.

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • What Is Sin?  PRO

    Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
    based on 5 ratings
     | 7,939 views

    What is Sin? · Man calls it an accident; God calls it an abomination. · Man calls it a blunder; God calls it blindness. · Man calls it a defect; God calls it a disease. · Man calls it a chance; God calls it a choice. · Man calls it an error; God calls it an enmity. · Man calls it a ...read more

  • Marine Corps Boot Camp Lasted 18 Weeks When I ...  PRO

    Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
    based on 3 ratings
     | 6,173 views

    Marine Corps Boot camp lasted 18 weeks when I was in the Corps. During those 18 week, we were never, ever called Marines. The very last week of Boot Camp was so exciting because we new we were going to graduate. Then our Drill Instructors handed us a patch to iron on our camouflaged uniform. The ...read more

  • The Rock

    Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 5,453 views

    The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more

  • The Movie Rudy  PRO

    Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 20, 2004
    based on 3 ratings
     | 3,835 views

    Video Illustration: The Movie Rudy The Movie: Based on the true story of Rudy Ruettiger, this film is about friendship, courage, and sacrifice. Rudy (Sean Austin) grew up in a small steel town with the dream of someday playing football for Notre Dame. Despite many obstacles, he refused to give ...read more

  • Did You Know There's A Company Called "The Alibi ...  PRO

    Contributed by Timothy Smith on Sep 8, 2002
    based on 7 ratings
     | 2,971 views

    Did you know there’s a company called “The Alibi Agency.” This London based agency’s slogan is: “We serve those who stray.” Here’s what’s on their web site: “With the pressures of modern life many of us have occasion to stray from our long term partners & dally with a brief sexual relationship with ...read more

Related Sermons