Illustrations from John
1085 illustrations referencing John
The Jesus Revolution: Love Poured Out Through the Spirit - Charismatic
In the film *Jesus Revolution*, we are transported back to the sun-soaked beaches of California during the late 1960s—a time when the air was thick with the scent of incense and the sound of laughter echoed off the waves. This...
Quiet Time: Salvation - Biblical Insight
Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), words that resonate deeply with our human longing for direction, purpose, and belonging. Imagine a weary traveler lost in a vast wilderness, surrounded by dense trees, each...
Quiet Time: Goodness - Prayer
As we gather in the warm embrace of this sacred space, let us pause and reflect on the profound words of Jesus in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Here, we find an invitation to...
The Power of Redemption - Contemporary Example
There was once a young woman named Sarah, who found herself lost in the shadows of addiction. It was a dark season where each day felt heavier than the last, and the dreams of her youth faded like distant stars....
The Lord of the Rings: The One Road Home - Traditional (John 14:1-6)
In *The Lord of the Rings*, we find ourselves immersed in a world teetering on the brink of destruction and hope. Picture Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit from the Shire, clutching the burden of the One Ring—a sinister artifact that...
The Master Gardener's Pruning - Story
The illustration of the master gardener pruning a rosebush serves as a metaphor for God's work in our lives, where He removes what seems good to prepare us for greater fruitfulness. This process, while painful, is ultimately for our benefit, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of His purpose. Trusting in God's wisdom during these times of pruning can bring hope and peace.
Daily Reflection: Compassion - Story
As you rise each morning, take a moment to hold the weight of John 3:16 in your heart: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” This verse is not merely a testament to...
Morning Prayer: Seeking God's Will in the Lutheran Lens Tradition
As dawn breaks, the soft light spills through the window, illuminating the stillness of the morning. In those quiet moments, we are reminded of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…” This love is not a distant concept; it’s...
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.
The Good Shepherd: Psalm 23 in a Dangerous World - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the profound meaning behind Psalm 23, highlighting God's active and protective care as the shepherd. It illustrates the shift from a general acknowledgment of God's presence to a personal relationship in times of suffering, ultimately pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of the shepherd role through His sacrificial love.
Evening Prayer: Gentleness - Story
Imagine a humble baker working in a small-town bakery. Each morning, before the sun rises, he kneads the dough with gentle hands, pouring not just flour and water but also love and care into every loaf. As the sweet scent...
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.
Lessons from Global Pandemic & Community
As we navigate the currents of our modern world, we find ourselves in a time marked by the trials of a global pandemic. Yet, in this very crucible of uncertainty, we are gifted a profound opportunity to embody the love...
The Good Shepherd: Psalm 23 in a Dangerous World - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes the profound meaning of Psalm 23, highlighting God's active and protective care as a shepherd. It illustrates the transition from a general acknowledgment of God's sovereignty to a personal assurance of His presence in times of suffering. Ultimately, it connects the imagery of the shepherd to Christ, who embodies perfect protection and sacrificial love for His followers.
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.
The Silent God: Encountering Divine Mystery - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of contemplative practices in fostering a deeper connection with God through silence and stillness. It highlights the transformative power of being present with God, moving beyond words to encounter the divine mystery, and how this engagement can lead to greater compassion for others in the world.
The Silent God: Encountering Divine Mystery - Story
The content emphasizes the importance of contemplative prayer and silence in encountering God, highlighting that true spiritual growth occurs in stillness and presence rather than words. It outlines the stages of the spiritual journey as awakening, purification, and union, suggesting that such practices lead to deeper engagement with the world and compassion for others.
Quiet Time: Environmental Justice
Dear Heavenly Father, As I pause today to contemplate the urgency of Environmental Justice, I feel the echoes of Your love resonating through the words of 1 John 4:19: "We love because He first loved us." This truth challenges me...
Finding Ascension in Everyday Moments
In our fast-paced world, the concept of Ascension may seem distant, yet it resonates deeply in the hearts of those who seek meaning amidst chaos. Picture a young mother, Sarah, juggling the demands of work, family, and her own spiritual...
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...
The Sovereignty of God in Salvation - Story
The sermon emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation, highlighting the doctrine of election and its implications for believers. It reassures that salvation is based on God's mercy and unchanging character, fostering a sense of security and humility in the believer's faith journey.
Real-World Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
Imagine a single mother named Sarah, juggling two jobs while raising her three children. Each day begins before dawn, as she quietly prepares breakfast, often on little more than a cup of coffee and hope. The weight of her responsibilities...