Browse Sermon Illustrations
1,255 illustrations available
Putting Into Practice: Understanding - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—we are reminded that these qualities aren't just personal virtues; they are communal blessings meant to be lived...
Real-World Compassion - Contemporary Example
When we consider Proverbs 3:5-6, which instructs us to "trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight," we’re reminded...
Practical Redemption - Contemporary Example
Imagine a community struggling to overcome division and despair, much like the early church in the book of Acts. One particular story stands out: a woman named Sarah, a single mother who lost her job during a difficult economic downturn....
Real-World Mercy - Illustration
Imagine a small community garden—an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Each plot is tended by different families, each one unique, growing their own fruits and vegetables. One day, a sudden storm sweeps through, lashing the tender plants...
Real-World Humility - Contemporary Example
Imagine a small community garden, tended by a diverse group of neighbors. Each week, they gather not just to plant seeds, but to share their lives. There’s an elderly widow who brings homemade cookies, a single mother who shares stories...
Putting Into Practice: Understanding - Contemporary Example
Faith is not merely an abstract concept; it is the foundation upon which we build our lives. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This assurance transforms our...
Practical Hope - Illustration
Imagine a father and his young daughter standing in their backyard, gazing at a small garden they’ve just planted together. The soil is freshly turned, and tiny seeds lie buried beneath the surface, hidden from view. The little girl, filled...
Putting Into Practice: Faith - Illustration
When we reflect on Psalm 23, we find a profound promise that the Lord is our Shepherd, guiding us through the valleys of life. This imagery resonates deeply within our Anabaptist tradition, which emphasizes not just belief but the embodiment...
Practical Redemption - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young woman named Sarah who, after years of feeling lost and burdened by past mistakes, finally decides to step into a local church one Sunday morning. She had heard the whispers of grace but had been hesitant to...
Living Out Redemption - Illustration
As we reflect on Joshua 1:9, where God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, we see a profound truth about our calling in the midst of fear and uncertainty. The Israelites stood on the cusp of the Promised Land,...
Applying Justice - Teaching Material
When we reflect on Romans 8:28, we are reminded that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." This is not a passive assurance; it calls us into action. It's an invitation...
Real-World Gentleness - Teaching Material
Imagine a small community garden, nestled in the heart of a bustling city. Each plant represents a person, with their unique story and purpose. As the gardener tends to this patch of earth, he does so with care and gentleness,...
Living Out Redemption - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Joshua 1:9, where God commands, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go," we see...
Putting Into Practice: Kindness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9, which reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works, we find a profound call to live out this grace in our daily interactions. The kindness we extend...
Living Faith: Black Church Tradition Lens Principles for Daily Life
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations, promising His presence as we do so. This powerful commissioning can often feel overwhelming, yet it’s vital to remember that the path to discipleship is...
Practical Perseverance - Illustration
As we consider the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we are reminded of Jesus’ call to make disciples, a task woven into the very fabric of our faith. This is not a lofty demand but an invitation to live out...
Real-World Grace - Illustration
Imagine for a moment a weary traveler, burdened by the weight of their luggage. They have journeyed long and hard, driven by the hope of reaching a destination that promises rest and renewal. Yet, here they are, glancing at their...
Real-World Justice - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Galatians 5:22-23, which speaks of the fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — we recognize that these are not just abstract qualities but the very essence of...
Applying Compassion - Contemporary Example
When Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), He invites us into a profound relationship rooted in compassion and grace. This truth isn’t merely a doctrinal statement; it’s a call to embody those very...
Practical Salvation - Illustration
Imagine a young woman named Sarah, who found herself at a crossroads in life. She had recently lost her job, and the weight of uncertainty hung heavily on her shoulders. With bills piling up and no clear path forward, fear...
Practical Redemption - Teaching Material
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we find profound implications for our everyday lives. This bold statement not only reveals the nature of Christ as our Redeemer but...
Putting Into Practice: Forgiveness - Illustration
Picture this: a small village where everyone knows each other's names and stories. The village leader, a wise old woman, tells of a time when she had a falling out with her dearest friend over a misunderstanding. Instead of letting...
Practical Salvation - Teaching Material
Romans 12:2 calls us to not conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is at the heart of our salvation—a beautiful gift of grace that empowers us to...
Applying Forgiveness - Contemporary Example
Forgiveness is a profound act, a spiritual release that we often wrestle with in our daily lives. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” In the...