“Some sermon illustrations are just a stretch too far for credibility in my book.”
My sister and I (Baptist P.K.s) still do this, but it started when we were little. During a sermon, when the preacher starts “speaking evangelistically”, i.e., lying usually in an illustration, each writes on the bulletin, “T” or “NT” (true vs not true). Then we compare notes. We’re usually on the same wavelength when hearing pastoral BS.
And that is really a sad state of affairs.
While St. Paul used illustrations to explain Theology, he didn’t tell lies or make up stories to illustrate his point.
He pointed out the altar “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD”, quoted Greek Philosophers, compared the body of Believers to the Body of Christ, explained Belief as analogous to Marriage, Roman Military Gear, Abraham’s two sons, Slavery, etc, but he didn’t make up stories.
Now, Jesus spoke in Parables, but He always gave an indication that it WAS a Parable.
And, of course, Jesus KNEW what He was talking about. In His illustrations concerning Nature, Crops, Seeds falling in different places, Families, Employers and Servants, etc, the stories were meant to teach Eternal Principles, not just make people feel good.
Sometimes I think preachers get their “stories” from email spam.