Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
When Science and Faith Meets Real Life
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 22:37-39 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...
Contemplating Trinity
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Trinity 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 Trinity. 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 Trini...
Daily Climate Change & Stewardship
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Climate Change & Stewardship 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 Climate Change & Stewardship. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God...
Daily Climate Change and Hope
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Climate Change and Hope 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 Climate Change and Hope. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of justice an...
Evening Prayer: Economic Inequality & Generosity
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Economic Inequality & Generosity 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 Economic Inequality & Generosity. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to conside...
Base Communities as Mission - Liberation (Matthew 28:18-20)
In Latin America, base ecclesial communities took the Great Commission to the margins. They didn't wait for missionaries from outside; the poor evangelized the poor. Campesinos read Scripture together
Francis Xavier's Tireless Mission - Catholic (Matthew 28:18-20)
In just 10 years, Francis Xavier baptized an estimated 30,000 people across India, Southeast Asia, and Japan—often preaching through translators in languages he barely knew. He wore out his body, slee
The Commission and the End - Dispensational (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus said, "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and THEN the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). The Great Commission has eschatological urgency—
John Stott's Double Listening - Anglican (Matthew 28:18-20)
John Stott, the influential Anglican leader, spoke of mission requiring "double listening"—listening to the Word AND listening to the world. The Great Commission sends us to "all nations," which means
The Scattered Anabaptist Missionaries - Anabaptist (Matthew 28:18-20)
Early Anabaptists were hunted across Europe. Wherever they fled, they shared their faith. Persecution became mission; scattering became sending. They called it "missionary through martyrdom"—the blood
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
Azusa Street's Global Reach - Pentecostal (Matthew 28:18-20)
The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1915) started in a rundown building in Los Angeles. Within years, missionaries had gone from there to over 25 countries. They had almost no money, little education, but
The Commission Includes Baptizing - Lutheran (Matthew 28:18-20)
A Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany secretly baptized Jewish children to save them from the Holocaust, giving them Christian identities that protected them. Was it right? The questions are complex, but
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
I Am With You Always - Christocentric (Matthew 28:18-20)
The Great Commission ends not with a task but with a presence: "I am with you always, to the end of the age." This isn't Jesus sending us away; it's Jesus going WITH us. Karl Barth noted that mission
When Science and Faith Meets Real Life - Story
The content highlights the intersection of Science and Faith within a progressive Christian framework, emphasizing the need for wisdom and compassion in addressing contemporary challenges. It underscores the relevance of Scripture in providing guidance and hope, while calling for a commitment to justice and love in the pursuit of a more equitable world.
Evening Prayer: Sloth - Prayer
This devotional encourages reflection on the concept of Sloth and how it manifests in one's life. It emphasizes the importance of responding to this challenge with God's wisdom and grace, aiming to transform oneself and serve others in the process.
Spiritual Insight: Immigration and Welcome - Biblical Insight
This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of viewing immigration and welcome through the lens of God's love and justice. It calls for personal transformation that leads to actions reflecting compassion and a commitment to justice, encouraging believers to engage actively in their communities to honor the divine image in all people.
Evening Prayer: Sloth - Biblical Insight
This devotional encourages reflection on the concept of Sloth in one's life, urging individuals to seek God's guidance in overcoming it. It emphasizes the importance of personal transformation not only for individual growth but also for serving and impacting the world around us.
Quiet Time: Inclusive Language for God - Biblical Insight
This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of engaging with Inclusive Language for God, encouraging individuals to view their lives through the lens of divine love and justice. It calls for personal transformation that leads to communal healing and the pursuit of justice in the world, reflecting God's character in our actions.
Spiritual Insight: Immigration and Welcome - Story
This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of viewing immigration and welcome through the lens of God's love and justice. It encourages individuals to engage actively in their communities, reflecting God's character and working towards transformation and healing in the world.
Devotional: Mental Health and Spirituality - Story
This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of viewing mental health through a spiritual lens, encouraging individuals to embody love and justice in their interactions. It calls for personal transformation that extends beyond oneself to impact the world positively, aligning with God's vision of hope and healing.
Deep Thoughts on Nonviolent Resistance - Commentary
This reflection explores the intersection of Nonviolent Resistance and progressive Christian theology, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and divine love in addressing contemporary issues. It challenges believers to consider how their faith informs their actions towards justice and peace in their communities.
Devotional: Spirituality - Story
This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of viewing spirituality through God's wisdom and responding with love and grace. It encourages individuals to engage with spirituality not only for personal growth but also to serve and transform the world around them.