Joy Illustrations
2073 illustrations evoking joy
Living Between the Already and Not Yet - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustrates the tension Christians experience between the 'already' of salvation and the 'not yet' of Christ's second coming. This tension fuels hope and encourages believers to live in anticipation of complete healing and justice, transforming their present struggles into a pursuit of righteousness and endurance.
The Example of Faith - Contemporary Example
There’s a young woman in our church named Sarah. Just a few years ago, she was at a crossroads, struggling to find her place in the world. She had just graduated college and felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down...
The Example of Kindness - Story
Last summer, our church organized a community gardening project. It started with a simple idea: to transform an empty lot into a space where our neighbors could come together and grow fresh vegetables. Little did we know how deeply that...
Lessons from Righteousness - Contemporary Example
As I sat in a small coffee shop last week, I noticed a young man named Daniel at a corner table, his head buried in a thick book. His coffee lay forgotten, steam rising, as he flipped page after page...
When Kindness - Story
## When Kindness - Story Margaret had lived alone for eleven years after her husband passed, and the church down the street had become background...
Beyond the Empty Tomb: Living Resurrection - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, presenting it not just as a past event but as a present reality that offers new life and spiritual growth. It highlights the Orthodox understanding of resurrection as a call to participate in divine nature and transformation, encouraging believers to live in the power of Christ's resurrection today.
Theosis: Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustrates the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis, emphasizing that through the Incarnation, humans are called to partake in the divine nature by grace. This transformation is facilitated by the sacraments, prayer, and spiritual disciplines, leading to a mystical union with God, as articulated by the Church Fathers.
The One Anothers: Life in Christian Community - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of the 'one another' commands in the New Testament, highlighting that Christian faith is inherently communal rather than individualistic. It draws on the Anabaptist tradition and the early church's example to illustrate how true fellowship involves sharing both burdens and joys, ultimately reflecting God's kingdom through mutual support and love.
Quiet Time: Joy - Story
Imagine a small village nestled in the hills, where life moves at a gentle pace. The sun rises each morning, casting a golden hue over the fields, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. In...
More Than Harps and Clouds: The Reality of Heaven - Story
The content emphasizes that heaven is not merely an ethereal escape but a restored physical reality where believers will experience perfect communion with God and meaningful existence. It highlights the transformation of our bodies and the fulfillment of God's original intention for creation, presenting a hopeful vision of life after death that is rich with purpose and community.
Theosis: Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature - Story
The sermon emphasizes the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis, where believers are called to participate in the divine nature through grace and the sacraments. It highlights the transformative power of the Incarnation and the importance of spiritual practices in achieving union with God, ultimately leading to a profound change in the believer's life.
The Parable of the Cell Phone Plan - Contemporary Example
The illustration highlights how many Christians live in anxiety about their spiritual performance despite having unlimited access to God's grace and love through Christ. It emphasizes the importance of accepting this gift of salvation and living in the freedom it provides, rather than adhering to a mindset of works and restrictions.
Two Becoming One: The Mystery of Christian Marriage - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes that marriage is a sacrament reflecting Christ's relationship with the Church, requiring divine grace for fulfillment. It highlights the importance of selflessness and love as choices demonstrated through actions, aiming for holiness rather than mere happiness. Ultimately, this union serves to sanctify both partners, fostering spiritual growth and deeper joy.
Beyond the Empty Tomb: Living Resurrection - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, highlighting that it is not merely a past event but a present reality that offers new life and spiritual growth. It encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and participate in the divine nature through baptism and theosis, affirming that resurrection life begins now and transcends earthly limitations.
The One Anothers: Life in Christian Community - Story
The sermon emphasizes the importance of the 'one another' commands in the New Testament, highlighting that Christian faith is inherently communal rather than individualistic. It illustrates how the early church practiced deep fellowship and mutual aid, encouraging believers to share in each other's lives, burdens, and joys as a reflection of God's love and presence in the community.
When Humility - Contemporary Example
There’s a story I want to share about a woman named Elizabeth, who transformed her community through a humble act of love. Elizabeth was a single mother living in a neighborhood often overlooked, where the noise of sirens was a...
The Example of Goodness - Story
There was a small village nestled in the hills, where a woman named Clara lived. Clara was known for her radiant smile and kind heart, but she had not always been that way. Years ago, she found herself trapped in...
A Story of Grace - Contemporary Example
There’s a man named David who I met in a local coffee shop. David was once a successful corporate executive, living a life many would envy. Yet beneath the surface, he felt empty, trapped in a cycle of superficial relationships...
When Kindness - Contemporary Example
Let me tell you about Rachel, a young woman from our community who faced a whirlwind of struggles. Growing up in a neighborhood where hope felt like a distant star, Rachel often wore a mask of bravado to hide the...
Practical Joy - Teaching Material
Imagine waking up each day with a fresh purpose, knowing that your worth is not determined by your accomplishments or failures but by divine grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that...
The Example of Self-control - Story
Maria had always struggled with her weight. It wasn’t just about the numbers on a scale; it was a deep-seated battle that affected her self-image and relationships. Every year, she would make resolutions, vowing to eat healthier and exercise more,...
Living Out Redemption - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Joshua 1:9, where God instructs Joshua to "be strong and courageous," we find a pivotal moment in the life of Israel—transitioning from the wilderness into the promised land. This call to courage is not just for...
The Power of Peace - Contemporary Example
Just last year, I met a woman named Sarah, whose life had felt like a series of storms. She had grown up in a turbulent home, marked by anger and strife. As an adult, she found herself drowning in anxiety,...
The Example of Kindness - Contemporary Example
Rachel had always been a quiet presence in our church community, often sitting in the back, but her heart was full of compassion for those around her. One cold winter morning, she noticed a newcomer, a young mother named Lisa,...