Illustrations

“If I had a brother who had been murdered, what would you think of me if I ... daily consorted with the assassin who drove the dagger into my brother’s heart; surely I too must be an accomplice in the crime. Sin murdered Christ; will you be a friend to it? Sin pierced the heart of the incarnate God; can you love it?”—Charles Spurgeon

Source: One Thousand Evangelistic Illustrations, Aquilla Webb

Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College

A careless word may kindle strife,
A cruel word may wreck a life,

A bitter word may hate instill,
A brutal word may smite and kill,

A gracious word may smooth the way,
A joyous word may light the day,

A timely word may lessen stress,
A loving word may heal and bless.

Source: Pearls from Many Seas, T. J. Bach

Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it.

During the fourteenth century Raynald III, was a duke in what is now Belgium. As the result of a violent quarrel, Raynald’s younger brother Edward successfully revolted against him. When Edward captured Raynald he built a room around him featuring windows and a door and promised him that the day he left the room his title and property would be returned to him.

Woodrow Wilson’s father was a minister in the South. One day he joined a group of men caught up in a heated discussion. One of the men lost his temper and swore loudly. Only then did he see the Reverend Wilson in their midst. The man apologized profusely and said, “Sir, I had forgotten that you were present. Please pardon me.”

Dr. Wilson replied, “It is not to me that you owe an apology, but to God.”

Source: The Quiet Hour, Larry Brook, September-November, 1997

Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College

A big lump of something lay for centuries in a shallow pool in North Carolina. People passing by just saw an ugly lump and walked on.

One day a poor man saw the heavy lump, and thinking it would be a good thing to hold his door open, took it home. Later a geologist stopped at the poor man’s home and identified the lump as the biggest piece of gold ever found east of the Rockies.

Many people see Jesus as only a historical figure. Friend, you must see Jesus as the only One who can save you from the penalty of your sin.

It is said that the ancient city of Troy had only one entrance, and that from whatever direction travelers approached the city they could only enter through that one legally-appointed entrance.

Likewise Jesus is the only way to Heaven and the Father. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Source: Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations, Paul L. Tan

Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College

During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton oversaw the work of the Red Cross in Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her, asking to buy food for his sick and wounded Rough Riders. However, she refused to sell him any. Roosevelt was perplexed. His men needed the help and he was prepared to pay out of his own funds. When he asked someone why he could not buy the supplies, he was told, “Colonel, just ask for it!” A smile broke over Roosevelt’s face. Now he understood—the provisions were not for sale. All he had to do was simply ask and they would be given freely.

In June of 2008 Phuljharia Kunwa, a rich 80-year old Indian widow, spent thousands of dollars on a feast for 100,000 people hoping it would please the gods and open the doors of heaven for her. She fed lunch to people from surrounding villages and towns for two consecutive days. She has no family or relatives to bequeath her property to. Mrs. Kunwar spent $37,500 on the feast.

Isaiah 64:6 says that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in God's sight. No amount of benevolence can earn someone the right to dwell in Heaven or forgive their sin.

I was reading the story of a railway switchman who testified that he swung his lantern at the crossing as an automobile sped toward a fast train. In spite of the warning, the car sped on, and the driver was killed. The switchman was exonerated. He later confided to a friend that he had no light in his lantern. What an awful guilt would be upon me if I didn’t give you a fair warning of three things.