Illustrations Archives

• Illustration: Purity, Abstinence  (February 16, 2010)
  In a recent edition of his "Breakpoint" commentary, Chuck Colson talked about a recent landmark study demonstrating that abstinence programs are the most effective sex-education available: ?The study was undertaken by University of Pennsylvania professor John Jemmott III. [Six hundred sixty-two] young girls were randomly assigned to one of five groups, including a control group. Some kids were taught contraceptive-based 'safe sex' education; others were taught to delay having sex; some girls were given a comprehensive message that included contraceptive information. Others were given general health messages about diet and exercise."
• Illustration: Moral of the Story  (February 9, 2010)
  The teacher gave her fifth grade class an assignment: They were to have their parents tell them a story with a moral at the end. The next day, the kids came back and one by one began to tell their stories.
• Illustration: Gifts, Valentine's Day  (February 9, 2010)
  A woman woke up one morning, turned to her husband and said, "Honey, I just had a dream that you bought me a new gold necklace. What do you think it means?" He answered, "I don't know, but Valentine's Day is coming soon. Then you'll know."
• Illustration: Diagnosis, Kids and Pets  (February 1, 2010)
  A distraught dog owner called his vet pleading for an immediate appointment. He explained that his dog had a large growth or swelling near the corner of its mouth. The vet told him to bring the animal right over.
• Illustration: Living in the Present  (February 1, 2010)
  In his "One Minute Uplift" newsletter, Rick Ezell tells this story: "A university professor tells of being invited to speak at a military base in December and their meeting an unforgettable soldier named Ralph. Ralph had been sent to meet him at the airport; and after they had introduced themselves, they headed toward the baggage claim. As they walked down the concourse, Ralph kept disappearing -- once to help an older woman whose suitcase had fallen open, once to lift two toddlers up to where they could see Santa Claus, and again to give directions to someone who was lost. Each time he came back with a big smile on his face."
• Illustration: Speed, Location  (January 25, 2010)
  A man was driving home from a fishing trip in northern Michigan with his boat in tow. He had engine trouble a few miles inland from Lake Huron and didn't have a CB radio in his car, so he decided to use his marine radio to get help. Climbing into his boat, he broadcast his call letters and asked for assistance. A Coast Guard officer responded, "Please give your location."
• Illustration: Sin?Cost of, Temptation  (January 25, 2010)
  Ronald Meredith describes one quiet night in early spring: ?Suddenly out of the night came the sound of wild geese flying. I ran to the house and breathlessly announced the excitement I felt. What is to compare with wild geese across the moon? It might have ended there except for the sight of our tame mallards on the pond. They heard the wild call they had once known."
• Illustration: Stretching the Truth  (January 19, 2010)
  A well-respected surgeon was relaxing on his sofa one evening just after arriving home from work. As he was tuning into the evening news, the phone rang. The doctor calmly answered it and heard the familiar voice of a colleague on the other end of the line.
• Illustration: Relationships, Respect  (January 19, 2010)
  Don Wilton writes: "People quit on us when they don't feel valued. George and Mary Lou were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. A reporter asked George, 'What's your recipe for a long, happy marriage?' George explained that after the wedding his father-in-law handed him a package. Inside it was a gold watch that George still used. He showed it to the reporter. Across the face of the watch where he could see it a dozen times a day, were written the words, 'Say something nice to Mary Lou.'"
• Illustration: Grief, Super Bowl  (January 11, 2010)
  Jack received a free ticket to the Super Bowl from his company. Unfortunately, when Jack arrived at the stadium he realized the seat was in the last row in the corner of the stadium. He was closer to the Goodyear Blimp than the field!
• Illustration: Distractions, Hearing God  (January 11, 2010)
  In his sermon "How to Hear God Speak," Rick Warren talks about the problem of distractions that keep us from listening to the Lord: "Many of you did what I did last Mother's Day. You picked up the phone and dialed your mom to say, 'Happy Mother's Day,' and as you were doing it, you get the same little message, 'Sorry, but all the circuits are busy.' Everybody else in America was calling their mothers.
• Illustration: Aging, Marriage  (January 4, 2010)
  Grandma and Grandpa were sitting in their porch rockers watching the beautiful sunset and reminiscing about "the good old days," when Grandma turned to Grandpa and said, "Honey, do you remember when we first started dating and you used to casually reach over and take my hand?"
• Illustration: Scripture, Illumination  (January 4, 2010)
  In his book Primal, Mark Batterson shares this story: ?In 1801, Sir David Brewster was awarded an honorary master of arts degree from the University of Edinburgh and was ordained to preach. His first sermon turned into his last sermon. Brewster was so nervous when he got behind the pulpit that he vowed never to do it again. In the words of a colleague, 'It was a pity for the National Church of Scotland, but a good day for science.' Brewster decided to pursue his first love, the science of optics. In 1816, his childlike passion produced an invention that has captured the imagination of children ever since. Brewster called it a kaleidoscope. Containing fragments of colored glass, the kaleidoscope reflects light in an endless variety of colors and patterns.
• Sermon Illustration about Christmas Gifts  (December 14, 2009)
  Here are a few suggestions for special gifts: a firm handshake to a shaky soul, a kind word to a lonely person...
• Sermon Illustration about Gifts  (December 8, 2009)
  "Thanks for the harmonica you gave me for Christmas," Johnny said to his Uncle Rodney the first time he saw him after the holidays. "It's the best Christmas present I ever got."
• Sermon Illustration about Christmas, Humility  (December 8, 2009)
  The story is told of Teddy Roosevelt entertaining guests at his Sagamore Hill estate on Long Island. After a late dinner, he invited his guests outside to walk beneath the brilliant nighttime sky. After a silent, reverent stroll Roosevelt said, "I guess we've been humbled enough now. Let's go inside."
• Sermon Illustration about Treasures  (December 7, 2009)
  Two divers found a strange treasure in the River Wear near Durham Cathedral. They found a stash of coins, medals and religious objects. To whom did this treasure belong? They were the possessions of the late Michael Ramsey, former archbishop of Canterbury. This spot in the river was very near where Ramsay served and later retired in 1974.
• Sermon Illustration about Sin  (December 7, 2009)
  In northern New Jersey, police picked up three suspected burglars who were believed to have left a crime scene with only $2 in change. How did the police find them? They left behind keys to their car. Police believe the suspects only got away with the money in a piggy bank.
• Sermon Illustration about Meaning  (December 7, 2009)
  Alan Loy McGinnis tells a story about a man who stood on the bank of Lake Michigan in despair. He was 32 years old, a college dropout and financially bankrupt. On the verge of throwing himself into the lake, he looked to the sky and a thought came to him: ?You have no right to eliminate yourself. You do not belong to you. You belong to the universe.?
• The Lord's Supper  (December 7, 2009)
  According to news sources, there is an 88-year-old woman in Colorado Springs who walks laps around her nursing home property every day. She has reached 10,000 miles. Why does she do it?