Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
A Modern Story of Social Media & Faith
In our digital age, social media has become the modern marketplace where ideas are exchanged. Like the merchants in the temple courts, we often find ourselves caught up in the noise of endless scrolling and comparison. But what if we approached our social media presence with the same intentionality as our faith? Consider Sarah, a young professional who decided to use her Instagram not just for selfies, but to share daily moments of gratitude. Each post became a small testimony of God's goodnes...
Spiritual Insight: Social Media and Community
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Social Media and Community in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 5:9. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Social Media and Community. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of just...
Finding Enemy Love in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, Enemy Love presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 25:31-46 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Enemy Love. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our curr...
When Nonviolent Resistance Meets Real Life
In our modern world, Nonviolent Resistance presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 25:31-46 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Nonviolent Resistance. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the co...
A Contemporary Women and Church Leadership Story
In our modern world, the question of women in church leadership continues to challenge traditional structures. Consider the story of Sarah, a young woman who felt called to ministry but was told by her denomination that women couldn't be pastors. Instead of giving up, she started a small house church in her community, focusing on social justice and inclusive worship. Within two years, her congregation had grown to include people from various backgrounds who felt unwelcome in traditional churches...
Quiet Time: Questioning Traditional Doctrines
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Questioning Traditional Doctrines in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 5:9. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Questioning Traditional Doctrines. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your k...
A Contemporary Science and Faith Story
In our modern world, Science and Faith presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 25:31-46 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Science and Faith. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexiti...
Lessons from Climate Change and Hope
In our modern world, Climate Change and Hope presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 25:31-46 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Climate Change and Hope. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to th...
A Modern Story of We are Imago Dei
The concept of Imago Dei - that all people are created in the image of God - is foundational to progressive Christian understanding of human dignity. Take the story of Marcus, a transgender man who found acceptance in a progressive congregation after being rejected by his family's church. The pastor welcomed him by saying, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made, exactly as God intended you to be." This modern story of inclusion demonstrates how Matthew 22:37-39 calls us to see the divine image...
When Gun Violence and Christian Response Meets Real Life
In a nation plagued by gun violence, Christians are called to respond with both compassion and action. Consider the story of Pastor Maria, who organized her congregation to support families affected by a school shooting in their community. Instead of offering only thoughts and prayers, they provided practical support, advocated for gun safety legislation, and worked to address the root causes of violence in their neighborhood. This contemporary example of Christian response to gun violence illu...
Morning Meditation: Technology and Human Connection
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Technology and Human Connection in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 25:35. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Technology and Human Connection. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kin...
Spiritual Insight: Gun Violence and Christian Response
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Gun Violence and Christian Response in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 5:9. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Gun Violence and Christian Response. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into yo...
The Social Media and Community Challenge
In our modern world, Social Media and Community presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 25:31-46 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Social Media and Community. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding...
Quiet Time: Missions
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Missions in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 25:31-46. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Missions. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with Mi...
When Mental Health & Spirituality Meets Faith
Mental health struggles are often hidden in our churches, yet they affect nearly everyone. Like the woman who touched Jesus' hem in the crowd, many suffer in silence, afraid to speak up about their anxiety, depression, or trauma. Consider Marcus, a worship leader who shared his battle with depression from the pulpit. His vulnerability opened doors for others to seek help and support. The church became a place of healing, not just spiritual, but emotional and psychological as well. This modern ...
Modern Examples of Enemy Love
In our modern world, Enemy Love presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 5:9 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Enemy Love. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current s...
Evening Prayer: Sloth
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Sloth in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 28:19-20. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Sloth. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with Sloth in...
Quiet Time: The Bible is Not a Sex Manual
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on The Bible is Not a Sex Manual in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 25:31-46. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter The Bible is Not a Sex Manual. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your king...
Devotional: We Have What We Need to Practice Love
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on We Have What We Need to Practice Love in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 25:31-46. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter We Have What We Need to Practice Love. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our worl...
Quiet Time: Piety
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Piety in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 6:25-34. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Piety. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with Piety in ...
Modern Examples of A Better Political Imagination
In our modern world, A Better Political Imagination presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 22:37-39 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding A Better Political Imagination. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and re...
Evening Prayer: Science and Faith
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Science and Faith in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 5:44. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Science and Faith. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of justice and peace. I...
Devotional: Spirituality
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Spirituality in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 28:19-20. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Spirituality. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage...
The Reconciliation and Forgiveness Challenge
In our modern world, Reconciliation and Forgiveness presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 22:37-39 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Reconciliation and Forgiveness. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and re...