Preachers are always on the hunt for illustrations and ideas that will make the gospel vivid. We read, we listen, we watch and hopefully when we find something we remember to make a note. It is important, however, to not be satisfied finding a nugget, you want to dig out the vein.

When you find something that is helpful, take the time to use Google book search or whatever tools you have at your disposal to find the context of that quote that you cherish. Usually there will be more. What grave robber upon finding a little statue of Pharaoh would simply return home saying “look what I found” without working to discover if greater treasures are nearby? What gold miner upon finding a nugget would run to town to cash in his prize without getting his pick, shovel and blasting tools to see if in fact the nugget isn’t part of a lar