Illustrations from John
1085 illustrations referencing John
When Perseverance - Story
There was a young woman named Clara who lived in a small town. From the outside, her life seemed perfect—she had a loving family, good friends, and a promising career ahead of her. But deep inside, Clara struggled with feelings...
The Personal Call of Salvation - Contemporary Example
The Gospel message emphasizes the necessity of personal transformation through a relationship with Jesus Christ, as illustrated in John 3 with Nicodemus. It highlights that salvation is not based on works but is received through faith, leading to a new identity and purpose in life. This personal decision to trust in Christ is central to the evangelical message, affirming that God desires a relationship with each individual.
Lessons from Salvation - Contemporary Example
Last summer, a close-knit community in our parish rallied around a local family facing the unimaginable: their son, a vibrant, young athlete, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. As the news spread, you could feel the weight of despair settle...
Lessons from Justice - Story
In a small town nestled between rolling hills, a woman named Deborah emerged as a beacon of hope amidst deep divisions. The community had been struggling with conflict; neighbors were pitted against one another over land disputes and grievances that...
The Power of Love - Biblical Analogy
There once was a small village nestled in a valley, surrounded by towering mountains that often shrouded it in darkness. The villagers had grown accustomed to this gloom, believing they would never know the warmth of the sun. Yet, among...
Lessons from Courage - Biblical Analogy
There once was a young man named Andrew, who lived in a small fishing village by the sea. His days revolved around the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves and the catch of the day. But beyond that tranquil...
When Peace - Biblical Analogy
There’s a story of a young woman named Sarah who lived in a bustling city, constantly caught in the frenzy of life. No matter how hard she tried to find peace, she felt like a ship adrift, tossed by waves...
When Wisdom - Story
There was a young man named Marcus, raised in a loving family but burdened by doubt. He had dreams, aspirations to become a doctor, but the path was steep and uncertain. There were moments in class when the material felt...
A Story of Redemption - Contemporary Example
There was a young man named Alex, who grew up in a neighborhood thick with shadows. As a child, he felt the weight of expectations, but life’s harsh realities quickly taught him to rely on his own strength. He embraced...
The Sovereignty of God in Salvation - Contemporary Example
The sermon emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God in the doctrine of election, highlighting that salvation is solely dependent on God's mercy rather than human effort. This understanding fosters both humility and confidence in believers, assuring them of their secure salvation based on God's eternal decree.
The Parable of the Cell Phone Plan - Story
The illustration highlights the contrast between living under the burden of legalism and embracing the freedom offered through God's grace. Just as the man struggled with his old habits despite having unlimited access to his uncle's plan, many Christians fail to fully accept and live in the freedom of salvation through Christ. The message encourages believers to recognize their identity as children of God and to stop living in fear of exceeding God's grace.
The Power of Humility - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a man named David, a humble janitor at the local community center. Despite his position, David radiated warmth and kindness. Each day, he would arrive early, not just to clean but to set the...
The Power of Wisdom - Story
There was a wise grandmother in a small town, known for her garden that flourished in every season. Folks would often gather by her fence to admire the vibrant flowers and lush vegetables. One day, a young man, lost and...
A Story of Righteousness - Contemporary Example
In a quiet neighborhood, there lived a man named David, known for his unwavering integrity. One evening, as he was closing up his small hardware store, a young woman rushed in, her face etched with worry. She was in dire...
When Humility - Story
On the outskirts of a small town lived an elderly woman named Ruth, known for her unwavering faith and humble service. Each Sunday, despite her frail body, she would walk to the church with a basket of freshly baked bread,...
The Example of Goodness - Story
In a small town, there lived an elderly woman named Clara, renowned for her radiant goodness. Each Sunday, as she walked to church, her neighbors would stop to admire the way she carried herself, her head held high and her...
Lessons from Understanding - Contemporary Example
There was a young man in our community named Jamal, who grew up facing the challenges of poverty and uncertainty. Despite the struggles, he had a heart full of dreams and an unwavering belief that God had a purpose for...
Faith and Wisdom - Church Context
Consider, for a moment, the profound truth encapsulated in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." Here, we find the divine dance of wisdom and love interwoven in the very fabric...
Lessons from Kindness - Contemporary Example
There was a young man named Daniel who felt lost after losing his job during a difficult economic season. Each day felt heavier than the last, and the weight of uncertainty clouded his spirit. One chilly afternoon, while walking to...
When Peace - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a man named David, a devoted father and a faithful church member. A year ago, his life was upended when he lost his job. The weight of uncertainty pressed heavily upon him—bills piled up,...
Heart Religion and Social Transformation - Story
The sermon emphasizes the importance of both personal faith and social action in true Christianity, as taught by John Wesley. It highlights the concept of prevenient grace, which enables individuals to choose God, and stresses that genuine faith must manifest in works that transform communities. The call to love God and neighbor is central to the Methodist tradition, advocating for both personal renewal and social reform.
A Story of Righteousness - Story
In a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived an elderly man named Dimitri. Known for his unwavering faith, he had become a beacon of hope for many. Each day, he would sit on his weathered porch, sharing stories...
A Story of Forgiveness - Story
There was a woman named Sarah, who had lived in the shadows of unforgiveness for many years. Her life was marred by the hurt inflicted by her father, who had abandoned her at a young age. Each birthday, each holiday,...
Faith and Salvation - Church Context
When Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (*John 14:6*), He invites us into a profound relationship—a pathway not just to salvation, but to a vibrant, living faith that shapes our everyday existence. This declaration is...