In Sermon Illustrations: showing 1-20 of 60

Consecration To God--Making A Personal Stand For Jesus

Contributed by Richard Tow on Dec 14, 2017

I read the story of a young woman who out of curiosity entered a little Presbyterian church one evening. She heard the gospel for the first time and was converted. Later she heard God’s call on her life to go to China as a missionary. She was the only daughter of a multi-millionaire. She was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-50

Tags: Sacrifice, Missions, Consecrated Life

Denomination: Charismatic

Consecrated To Do God's Will

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 25, 2017

Years ago a young girl entered a little Presbyterian Church out of curiosity. There she heard the gospel for the first time and was converted. She later heard God’s call on her life to go to China as a missionary. She was the only daughter of a multi-millionaire. She was socially prominent and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Tags: Sacrifice, Consecrated Life

Denomination: Charismatic

Stick With The Basics

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 25, 2017

When kids turn sixteen, they often take an in-car driving course to prepare them for their driver’s license test. I want you to imagine with me a driving instructor who meticulously teaches the student how to properly adjust the seat and put on the seat belt, how to adjust the mirrors so that the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16

Tags: Gospel, Essentials Of Faith

Denomination: Charismatic

Through The Eyes Of A 3-Year-Old

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

Rena was 3 years old when she went to her first baptismal service. It was new for her and a bit mystifying. As events transpired, she looked up at her father with surprise in her eyes, “Daddy, he pushed that guy under the water? Why did he do that?” The father tried to quietly answer her question ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9

Tags: Baptism, Good Works, Water Baptism, New Start

Denomination: Charismatic

Ocean Liner

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

I have never been on a cruise; but I have watched people board a luxury liner. That ship may carry the passengers all the way to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. And the passengers arrive simply by boarding the ship. And I understand it can be a very enjoyable trip. Can you imagine swimming from ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:9-10, Romans 11:6, Ephesians 2:8-9

Tags: Grace, Trust, Grace Alone

Denomination: Charismatic

Salvation Is About Relationship

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

On May 31, 1975 Jeanie and I were legally married. A record of that translation is documented at Potter County in Amarillo, Texas. Because of that, I can introduce her as my wife. She can sign papers as Jeanie Tow. A legal transaction occurred. But what if that were all there is to our marriage? We ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:11-14, 2 Corinthians 6:1

Tags: Grace, Relationship To God, Love And Faith

Denomination: Charismatic

Even If Its Dark

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

A young man’s wife became very ill and died, leaving him alone with his four-year old daughter. The funeral service was simple and heavy with grief. After the burial, his neighbors gathered around him and invited them to bring his little girl and stay at one of their homes this first night. They ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13, Psalms 23:1-6

Tags: Death, Comfort, Trust, Sorrow, Trial  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Encouraging Others

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

After analyzing many surveys, J. C. Staehle found that the principle causes of unrest among workers, were the following: 1. Failure to give credit for suggestions. 2. Failure to correct grievances. 3. Failure to encourage. 4. Criticizing employees in front of other people. 5. Failure to ask ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:39

Tags: Relationships, Encourage Others

Denomination: Charismatic

Not Much Help

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

In his Peanuts strip, Charles Schulz had an amazing talent for communicating truths like this in humorous, memorable ways. In one strip Charlie Brown rests his head in his hands while leaning on the wall and looking miserable. His friend, Lucy, approaches. “Discouraged again, eh, Charlie Brown?” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

Tags: Criticism, Critical, Judging

Denomination: Charismatic

Free For The Taking: Grace

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

Joseph Cooke was a missionary to Thailand a generation ago. He illustrated grace this way. Picture a happily married couple in which both husband and wife are all that either could ever wish the other to be. The husband always respects his wife’s feelings, always treasures her individuality, is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8

Tags: Grace, Love Of God

Denomination: Charismatic

Don't Quit

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. It was a high-society extravaganza. Present in the audience that evening was a mother and her fidgety nine-year old. She had brought him in the hopes that when he heard the great composer play, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:9-15, 1 Peter 4:12, Hebrews 11:11

Tags: Perseverance, Discouragement, Disappointment

Denomination: Charismatic

Billy Graham's Conversion

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017

In an interview on October 15, 2013 Billy Graham said, “There are two basic needs that all people have: the need for hope and the need for salvation. It should not be surprising if people believe easily in a God who makes no demands, but this is not the God of the Bible. Satan has cleverly misled ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:8-9, Matthew 5:17-18

Tags: Salvation, Repentance, Billy Graham, Easy Believism

Denomination: Charismatic

Cicadas: Spiritually Dead

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 16, 2009

CICADAS: SPIRITUALLY DEAD I grew up in West Texas and there were a lot of Cicada insects. They’re not technically locusts but we called them that. During the hot summer days the loud, shrill sound that the males made would fill the air. You would usually see them in the trees. At times you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:5

Tags: Church Practices

Denomination: Charismatic

Finishing The Race Together

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 8, 2009

FINISHING THE RACE TOGETHER Several years ago, five handicapped finalists gathered at the starting line for the Special Olympics. They had all trained hard for this day. Hearts were pounding. And each one wanted to win. The starter’s gun discharged and the athletes exploded from their crouched ...read more

Tags: Church Body Of Christ

Denomination: Charismatic

The Prayer Of Cyrus ...

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 7, 2009

“The Prayer of Cyrus Brown.” “’The proper way for a man to pray,’ said Deacon Lamuel Keyes, ’and the only proper attitude is down upon his knees.’ ’No, I should say the way to pray,’ said Reverend Doctor Wise, ’is standing straight with outstretched arms and rapt and upturned eyes.’ ’Oh, no, ...read more

Tags: Prayer How To, Confidence In Prayer

Denomination: Charismatic

I Came Across This Little Reminder Years ...  PRO

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

I came across this little reminder years ago. “I’m careful of the words I say to keep them soft and sweet. I never know from day to day which ones I’ll have to eat.” From Paul Lee Tan, ...read more

Tags: Friendship General

Denomination: Charismatic

The Clip You Are About To See Is The Inauguration ...

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

The clip you are about to see is the inauguration of John F. Kennedy—the transfer of leadership from the Republican president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Democrat president, John F. Kennedy. As you watch this clip think about why the formal service is necessary. As you listen to Kennedy’s ...read more

Tags: Leadership General

Denomination: Charismatic

I Was Thinking The Other Day About A Humorous ...  PRO

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

I was thinking the other day about a humorous discussion on how to pray. It is a good illustration what we’re talking about here. The discussion went something like this: “The Proper way for men to Pray, Said Deacon Samuel Keys (At least the best for me, Is down upon the knees.) Oh, I ...read more

Tags: Prayer How To

Denomination: Charismatic

I Am Going To Close With A Clip From The Movie, ...

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

I am going to close with a clip from the movie, “Freaky Friday”. In this fantasy, comedy Jamie Curtis plays a middle aged widow named Tess Coleman. She has met someone she loves and is about to get married. However, there is lots of conflict going on between her and her 15 year old daughter, ...read more

Tags: Communication General

Denomination: Charismatic

Thomas Merton Said, "It Is In Deep Solitude That ...

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 9, 2006

Thomas Merton said, “It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers.” From Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipleship ...read more

Tags: Character

Denomination: Charismatic