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10,045 illustrations — Lessons from history, biography, and world events
On February 3, 1961: The United States Air Force begins Operation Looking Glass, and over the next 30 years, a "Doomsday Plane" is always in the air, with the capability of taking direct control of the United States' bombers and...
SermonWise.ai generates complete sermon outlines for any passage across 17 theological traditions.
On September 16, 1970: King Hussein of Jordan declares war against the Palestine Liberation Organization, the conflict came to be known as Black September. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation.
On August 5, 1735: Freedom of the press: New York Weekly Journal writer John Peter Zenger is acquitted of seditious libel against the royal governor of New York, on the basis that what he had published was true.
This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it when preaching about history.
On January 12, 1942: World War II: United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt creates the National War Labor Board. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it when preaching about leadership.
This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the enduring nature of faith through history. Consider using it when preaching about faith, leadership, reformation.
On May 27, 1644: Manchu regent Dorgon defeats rebel leader Li Zicheng of the Shun dynasty at the Battle of Shanhai Pass, allowing the Manchus to enter and conquer the capital city of Beijing. This historical event can serve as...
On October 16, 1939: World War II: No. 603 Squadron RAF intercepts the first Luftwaffe raid on Britain. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about showing Christ-like compassion to others. Consider using it when preaching about compassion, discovery.
state of Tennessee, providing for democratic government and a formal system of justice. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's heart for justice and righteousness. Consider using it when preaching about justice, leadership.
This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using it when preaching about freedom.
On July 17, 1717: King George I of Great Britain sails down the River Thames with a barge of 50 musicians, where George Frideric Handel's Water Music is premiered. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.
On October 14, 1863: American Civil War: Confederate troops under the command of A. Hill fail to drive the Union Army completely out of Virginia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history.
Mahmoud Abbas is elected chairman of the PLO minutes later. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using it when preaching about freedom, hope.
This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about renewal and reformation in the life of the church. Consider using it when preaching about reformation.
On December 2, 1805: War of the Third Coalition: Battle of Austerlitz: French troops under Napoleon decisively defeat a joint Russo-Austrian force. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history.
On May 5, 1940: World War II: Norwegian campaign: Norwegian squads in Hegra Fortress and Vinjesvingen capitulate to German forces after all other Norwegian forces in southern Norway had laid down their arms. This historical event can serve as a...
On June 4, 1411: King Charles VI grants a monopoly for the ripening of Roquefort cheese to the people of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, as they had been doing for centuries. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.
On January 5, 2005: The dwarf planet Eris is discovered by Palomar Observatory-based astronomers, later motivating the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to define the term planet for the first time. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration...
This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation and human discovery. Consider using it when preaching about discovery.
On June 18, 1812: The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.