Illustrations from John
1085 illustrations referencing John
The Fruit That Crosses Cultures - Missional (Galatians 5:22-23)
A missionary observed: in every culture, the fruit of the Spirit is recognized as beautiful. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness—these translate. Cultures may differ on what's intelligent or successf
The Son Is the Point - Christocentric (John 3:16)
Karl Barth, arguably the 20th century's greatest theologian, was once asked to summarize his massive Church Dogmatics—thousands of pages of dense theology. He paused, then replied: "Jesus loves me, th
The Presence That Changed Everything - Charismatic (John 3:16)
A woman walked into a Vineyard church service skeptical and guarded. She didn't come for theology—her life was falling apart, and a friend had dragged her there. During worship, she felt something she
The John 3:16 Sign Guy - Baptist (John 3:16)
For decades, a man named Rollen Stewart appeared at major sporting events holding a sign: "John 3:16." Cameras couldn't avoid him. Millions saw those numbers without knowing what they meant—and many l
Mother Teresa's Calcutta - Catholic (John 3:16)
A journalist once watched Mother Teresa tend to a dying man covered in maggots and filth. "I wouldn't do that for a million dollars," he said. She replied, "Neither would I." The journalist was confus
Fruit Takes Time to Grow - Traditional (Galatians 5:22-23)
A farmer doesn't plant an apple tree and expect fruit the next day. There's soil preparation, planting, watering, pruning, waiting—years of waiting. Fruit is organic result, not manufactured product.
Dirk Willems and the Thief Catcher - Anabaptist (John 3:16)
In 1569, Dutch Anabaptist Dirk Willems was fleeing authorities who would execute him for his faith. He crossed a frozen pond; the ice held his slight frame. His pursuer, heavier, broke through and beg
The Slave's Bible - Black Church (John 3:16)
In 1807, a British missionary society published a Bible for Caribbean slaves—but they cut out the Exodus, most of the prophets, and Revelation. They removed any passage that might inspire hope for fre
Luther's Tower Discovery - Lutheran (John 3:16)
Martin Luther spent years terrified of God. He fasted, confessed for hours, punished his body—trying to earn divine favor. Nothing worked; he only felt more condemned. Then, studying Romans in the tow
Jesus the Good Shepherd - Christocentric (Psalm 23)
In John 10, Jesus made an audacious claim: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." He was claiming to be the LORD of Psalm 23—David's divine Shepherd made flesh.
Substitute "Christ" for "Love" - Christocentric (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Try reading 1 Corinthians 13 with "Christ" substituted for "love": "Christ is patient, Christ is kind. Christ does not envy, does not boast, is not proud..." It works perfectly—because Christ IS love
Jesus Is the Straight Path - Christocentric (Proverbs 3:5-6)
What does it mean to have your paths made straight? In Christ, we see the answer: Jesus IS the way (John 14:6). "Trust in the LORD" isn't abstract—it's trust in the One who became flesh and walked our
Prayerful Hell - Biblical Insight
This devotional encourages reflection on the concept of Hell in one's life, urging individuals to seek God's wisdom and respond with love and grace. It emphasizes the importance of being a light in darkness and transforming personal growth into actions that serve and honor God while impacting the world positively.
Real-World Holiness - Quote
The sermon illustration emphasizes the relevance of Holiness in today's world, drawing parallels between biblical characters and contemporary challenges. It highlights the transformative power of Scripture, particularly John 14:6, as a source of guidance and hope amidst life's complexities.
Deep Thoughts on Lament - Teaching Material
This reflection explores the intersection of Lament and Christian theology, emphasizing the importance of understanding human dignity and divine sovereignty in light of faith. It challenges believers to consider how their theological commitments influence their responses to Lament in their communities and the broader world.
Devotional: Providence - Prayer
This devotional emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's Providence in our lives and responding with love and grace. It encourages believers to engage with their surroundings in a way that reflects God's character and serves others, highlighting the transformative power of faith.
Theological Perspective: Evil - Teaching Material
This reflection explores the intersection of Evil and Christian theology, emphasizing the importance of understanding our faith in relation to contemporary issues. It challenges believers to consider how their theological commitments influence their responses to Evil in their communities, highlighting the practical implications of faith.
Faith and Missions - Commentary
This reflection emphasizes the critical relationship between Missions and Christian theology, particularly through the lens of John 3:16. It encourages believers to consider how their theological beliefs influence their actions and responses to contemporary issues, highlighting the practical and transformative nature of faith in engaging with the world.
Theological Insights on Missions - Commentary
This reflection emphasizes the importance of understanding the intersection of Missions and Christian theology in addressing contemporary issues. It challenges believers to consider how their faith informs their actions and responses to the world, highlighting the practical and transformative nature of theological engagement.
Faith and Missions - Teaching Material
This reflection emphasizes the vital connection between Missions and Christian theology, urging believers to consider how their faith informs their engagement with contemporary issues. It highlights the importance of understanding human dignity and divine sovereignty as central to the Christian calling in a practical and transformative way.
Theological Perspective: Evil - Church Context
This reflection emphasizes the importance of understanding Evil within the framework of Christian theology, particularly as it relates to human dignity and divine sovereignty. It challenges believers to consider how their faith informs their responses to Evil in their communities, highlighting the practical implications of theological commitments.
Devotional: Providence - Biblical Insight
This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's Providence in our lives and responding with love and grace. It encourages believers to engage with their surroundings in a way that honors God and serves others, highlighting the transformative power of a devoted life.
Deep Thoughts on Lament - Church Context
This reflection explores the significance of Lament within Christian theology, particularly in relation to John 3:16. It emphasizes the need for believers to engage thoughtfully with issues of human dignity and divine sovereignty, encouraging practical responses to Lament in their communities.
Lessons from Lament - Quote
The sermon illustration emphasizes the relevance of Lament in the modern world, drawing parallels with biblical characters who faced similar struggles. It highlights how Scripture, particularly John 14:6, provides enduring guidance and hope amidst contemporary challenges, showcasing the transformational power of God's word.