Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Reflecting on Ascension - Church Context
This reflection emphasizes the significance of the Ascension in Christian theology, particularly as it relates to contemporary issues. It encourages believers to consider how their faith informs their actions and responses within their communities, highlighting the practical implications of theological commitments.
Theology of Women and Church Leadership - Teaching Material
This reflection explores the intersection of Women and Church Leadership with progressive Christian theology, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and divine love. It challenges believers to consider how their faith informs their actions and responses to contemporary issues, advocating for justice and peace in their communities.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Following the Worry-Free Christ - Christocentric (Matthew 6:25-27)
"Jesus lived without worry—wholly dependent on the Father, free for others. Following Him means learning His freedom. Anxiety binds us to ourselves; trust in Christ frees us for discipleship. 'Do not
Scriptural Insight: Nonviolent Resistance - Commentary
This commentary explores the relevance of Nonviolent Resistance within progressive Christianity, highlighting the biblical principles of love, justice, and inclusion as essential for societal transformation. It encourages believers to embody these values in their actions, fostering a more just and compassionate world.
Living Out Science and Faith - Teaching Material
The content emphasizes the importance of integrating Science and Faith through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to take steps towards addressing injustices related to Science and Faith, highlighting the potential for community transformation and the broader impact of small acts of faithfulness.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Christ With Us - Christocentric (Isaiah 41:10)
"'I am with you'—and this 'I' has now taken flesh in Jesus Christ. Emmanuel, God with us. Christ is the fulfillment of Isaiah 41:10. In Him, divine presence is complete; in Him, fear is finally conque
Bill Johnson on Glory Light - Charismatic (Matthew 5:14-16)
"You carry the GLORY! Light isn't just morality; it's PRESENCE! When you walk into a room, the atmosphere should SHIFT! Your good works include healings, deliverances, prophetic words! The world sees
John Calvin on Reflecting Christ's Light - Reformed (Matthew 5:14-16)
"We are light only because Christ is THE Light. We shine with borrowed brightness, reflected glory. The purpose: that they may glorify YOUR FATHER—soli Deo Gloria. We are not the source but the lampst
Putting Into Practice: Incarnation - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of applying the concept of Incarnation in both personal and community contexts. It encourages individuals to reflect on their faith, engage with their local community, and support organizations that promote positive change, highlighting that small acts of faithfulness can lead to significant transformations.
The Technology and Human Connection Perspective - Application
The content explores the intersection of Technology and Human Connection within the framework of progressive Christianity, emphasizing the biblical principles of love, justice, and inclusion. It challenges individuals to reflect on their actions and attitudes, advocating for a faith that actively contributes to a more just and compassionate society.
Lesslie Newbigin on Kingdom Priority - Missional (Matthew 6:25-27)
"'Seek first the kingdom'—and don't worry about the rest. Mission is fueled not by anxiety but by trust. Missionaries who worry about provision miss the point: God who sends also sustains. Kingdom-see
St. Thérèse of Lisieux on Childlike Trust - Catholic (Matthew 6:25-27)
"The little way is trust without anxiety. As a child trusts a parent completely, so we trust our heavenly Father. The birds do not worry; the flowers do not strive. Abandonment to Divine Providence is
Charles Spurgeon on Christian Visibility - Traditional (Matthew 5:14-16)
"You ARE the light—not 'might be' or 'should be,' but ARE. Christ in you IS light. A city on a hill cannot be hidden; neither can authentic faith. Don't hide under a bushel of fear or conformity. Let
Gustavo Gutiérrez on Solidarity Against Anxiety - Liberation (Matthew 6:25-27)
"The poor know real anxiety—hunger, homelessness, insecurity. 'Do not worry' is not dismissal but invitation: God sides with the anxious poor. And the church must become God's provision—sharing bread,
Biblical Foundation for The Peculiar Politics of Christ - Commentary
The commentary explores the relevance of progressive Christian faith in addressing contemporary issues of justice and inclusion, as highlighted in Matthew 22:37-39. It emphasizes the transformative power of God's love and justice in fostering a compassionate and just society, urging believers to embody these principles in their daily lives.
John Stott on Gentle and Humble Christ - Anglican (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Jesus reveals His character: gentle and humble. This is not weakness but strength restrained. The one who could command legions chooses gentleness. In this gentle Master we find rest because we are n
C.S. Lewis on Present Grace - Anglican (Matthew 6:25-27)
"We are not given grace for tomorrow's troubles today. Worry borrows suffering from the future; trust lives in the present. The birds don't worry about tomorrow's food; today's is enough. 'Sufficient
Martin Luther King Jr. on Kingdom Justice - Black Church (Matthew 6:33)
"Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness—and that righteousness is justice. The beloved community IS the kingdom present. When we seek justice first, trusting God for provision, we find that the
St. Theophan the Recluse on Inner Stillness - Orthodox (Matthew 6:25-27)
"Anxiety disturbs the soul's stillness—hesychia. 'Do not worry' is the path to inner peace. Through the Jesus Prayer, through trusting the Father's providence, we quiet the anxious mind. The birds and
Jim Wallis on Public Faith - Progressive (Matthew 5:14-16)
"Light exposes darkness—injustice, oppression, lies. The church as city on a hill is meant to model an alternative: a community of justice, equality, peace. Our good works are social witness: feeding
Gustavo Gutiérrez on Light for Liberation - Liberation (Matthew 5:14-16)
"Light exposes injustice, illuminates paths of liberation. The church must be visible light in dark places of poverty, oppression, exploitation. Good works are not charity but solidarity, not patroniz
The Mental Health and Spirituality Perspective - Reflection
This reflection emphasizes the intersection of Mental Health and Spirituality within the framework of progressive Christianity, highlighting the importance of love, justice, and inclusion. It calls for individuals to examine their attitudes and actions, advocating for a compassionate and transformative approach to faith in today's society.
Joyce Meyer on Peace Over Worry - Pentecostal (Matthew 6:25-27)
"STOP worrying! Jesus COMMANDS it! Your Father KNOWS what you need! Look at the birds—GOD FEEDS THEM! Look at the flowers—GOD CLOTHES THEM! How much MORE will He care for YOU? Cast that anxiety on Him
Martin Luther on Daily Bread - Lutheran (Matthew 6:25-27)
"'Give us this day our daily bread'—God provides day by day, not year by year. Worry grasps for tomorrow; faith receives today. The same God who gave His Son will give all else. What can we lack when