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4558 illustrations evoking awe
"The journey through waters and fire is the journey of theosis—painful transformation into divine likeness. The fires purify; the waters cleanse. God accompanies through this cosmic baptism. We are not destroyed but transformed, emerging more fully human, more fully divine." — Metropolitan Kallistos Ware.
"'Do not be conformed to this world'—this is resistance to empire, to consumerism, to the values of domination. The renewed mind sees through propaganda and imagines alternatives. Transformation is political: it creates communities that embody different values." — Walter Brueggemann.
"The branch participates in the life of the Vine—this is theosis. Divine energies flow from Christ to those united with Him. Abiding is communion with the divine nature. Through liturgy, through prayer, through sacrament, we remain connected; His life becomes ours." — St.
"When the Spirit comes in, everything changes! Old habits fall away; new desires arise. New creation isn't gradual improvement but supernatural transformation. The same Spirit that raised Christ creates NEW LIFE in you—right now, powerfully, completely!" — Smith Wigglesworth. Pentecostal Spirit-transformation.
"'Trust in the Lord'—not in armies, not in political power, not in violence. The world's understanding says secure yourself; God's way says trust Me. The straight path may look foolish to those who trust in swords, but it is the...
"Missionary fruit comes from abiding in Christ. Programs without presence produce nothing lasting; strategies without spirituality bear no fruit. The sent church must be the abiding church. Apart from Him, our mission efforts are nothing; in Him, fruit remains." — Lesslie Newbigin.
"Through chrismation, you become priest, prophet, and king—sharing Christ's triple office. The royal priesthood participates in the Divine Liturgy, offering spiritual sacrifices. This dignity is theotic: you are being deified, becoming what Christ is by nature." — St. John Chrysostom.
"God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God.
"What does the Lord require? Micah answers for the poor: justice that liberates, mercy that dignifies, humble walk with the God who sides with the oppressed. This is not religion as usual but prophetic faith that transforms society. God requires liberation." — Gustavo Gutiérrez.
"When we delight in the Lord—truly find Him beautiful, satisfying, sufficient—we begin to desire what He desires: His glory among the nations. Missional passion flows from delight in God. Those who treasure Christ most want others to treasure Him too." — Tim Keller.
"The thief is empire—stealing dignity, killing bodies, destroying communities. Jesus brings abundant life: justice, dignity, flourishing for all. Life abundant is not individual prosperity but communal wellbeing. The Good Shepherd opposes every system that steals life from the vulnerable." — Walter Brueggemann.
"The renewed mind sees with missionary eyes: discerning God's will for this context, this culture, this moment. We do not conform to the patterns of our mission field, nor impose our own patterns. We are transformed to discern God's good purposes everywhere." — Lesslie Newbigin.
"The Word becomes ALIVE—rhema word for your moment! When the Spirit quickens Scripture, the lamp BLAZES! Suddenly you see what you couldn't see. Expect God to speak SPECIFICALLY through His Word. The lamp doesn't just glow; it SHINES into your situation!" — Bill Johnson.
"The gift is eternal life IN CHRIST JESUS our Lord. Not life apart from Him but life in Him. Christ is the gift; receiving Him is receiving life. The wages were paid at the cross; the gift was won at resurrection.
"The moment you believe, you are a new creature. Not shall be—ARE. Not becoming—BECOME. Instantaneously, at the point of faith, old things pass away and all things become new. This is the miracle of regeneration: not gradual reform but instant new creation." — Charles Spurgeon.
"'He cares for you' affirms human dignity. God's care is not utilitarian—using us for purposes—but personal, valuing us in ourselves. We can cast cares because we are not cogs in a machine but beloved children. Divine care liberates from utilitarian anxiety." — Rowan Williams.
"The disinherited have been told they are unloved, unworthy, separated from God by their race, their poverty, their status. But Paul declares: NOTHING can separate! Not the lies of oppressors, not the systems of exclusion, not the powers of death.
"Taste and SEE—this is experiential religion. Not mere doctrine but experience; not just hearing but tasting. God's goodness is not proven by argument but savored by encounter. The one who has tasted needs no convincing; they KNOW the Lord is good." — Charles Spurgeon.
"Reason is a beautiful thing, but it must know its limits. 'Lean not on your own understanding'—reason submitted to revelation. Faith goes where reason cannot follow. Trust God's promise even when it contradicts your calculations." — Martin Luther. Lutheran: faith over reason.
"We live in the dispensation of grace. The church age is uniquely characterized by salvation through faith alone, apart from law-keeping. This was always God's way, but now it is fully revealed. Grace distinguishes this age—pure gift, received by faith." — Charles Ryrie.
"The early Anabaptists faced drowning, burning, imprisonment—and testified that God gave them Spirit not of fear but of power. Fearless discipleship requires supernatural courage. The community emboldens each member; together we receive what we could not alone." — Stanley Hauerwas.
"The courage God calls for is not military might but the strength to love enemies, to suffer rather than inflict suffering. Joshua's context was war; Christ's context transforms it. 'Be strong'—strong enough to put down the sword and take up...
"'Be still and know that I am God'—this is not suggestion but sovereign command. God will be exalted whether nations cooperate or not. Our stillness acknowledges His sovereignty; our knowing rests in His decree. We cease striving because He has...
"The LORD is my light—illuminating truth in a world of error. Through the Church's teaching, through the sacraments' grace, this light shines. Salvation comes through Christ in His Body; the stronghold is the communion of saints. Fear nothing when held by the Church." — St.