When William the Conqueror came to invade England, he made a grand entrance; but as he got off the boat, he stumbled and fell, bloodying his nose on the cobblestones. His aides were aghast. It was not an impressive beginning. One said, “No, it is a good thing. He has spilled his blood on English soil. It is a sign he will win.” He did. When Jesus shed His blood, it did not mean He would conquer some region or territory. It meant He would conquer sin, death, the grave and hell itself.


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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Lady Diana Cooper, an aristocrat whose husband was an ambassador, went to a concert and began chatting with “a nice little woman.” She suddenly realized the woman was Queen Elizabeth II. “Please ma’am,” she said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t recognize you without your crown.” They recognized Jesus without His crown—by what He said. The crowds said, “Never man spake like this.” They recognized Him by what He did. The disciples of John the Baptist reported, “The lame walk, the blind see.” They recognized Him by what He did not do. Those who knew Him best testified that in Him was no sin.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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At the heart of the old city of Quebec is a church called Our Lady of the Victories. It was first named The Church of the Christ Child. Then the French won a significant military victory, and the name was changed to Our Lady of the Victory. When they won another battle, it was changed it to Victories. After that, they were defeated by the British…so they didn’t change the name any more.

It seems a shame the original name was not kept; that history trumped theology; that it is not still The Church of the Christ Child.


View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.

About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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