Illustrations from Romans
1310 illustrations referencing Romans
Lessons from Wisdom - Story
A few years ago, I met a woman named Clara in our community. Clara was a radiant beacon of light, always quick to offer a helping hand or a warm smile. But her journey had not been easy. After losing...
A Story of Forgiveness - Story
Just a few years ago, I encountered a remarkable story of transformation through forgiveness that still stirs my heart today. A woman named Sarah, a member of our church, faced betrayal when her closest friend, whom she had nurtured through...
Thinking About Patience - Church Context
As we gather today to reflect on Romans 8:28, we find profound hope nestled within its words: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to...
Theological Perspective: Wisdom - Church Context
Imagine a vibrant community garden, each plant unique in its colors and fragrances, yet all thriving under the same sun. This garden serves as a beautiful metaphor for our church life, where the wisdom of God nurtures each of us...
The Example of Love - Story
There’s a story I want to share about a woman named Ruth, whom I had the privilege of knowing in my last congregation. Ruth was not just any parishioner; she was a master gardener. Her backyard was a living tapestry...
When Justice - Contemporary Example
In a small town, a young woman named Maria found herself in a desperate situation. After losing her job, she struggled to make ends meet and provide for her daughter, Lily. Each day, Maria would walk her usual route to...
Lessons from Compassion - Story
There was a small town nestled in the mountains where a wise old woman named Sophia lived. Known for her compassionate spirit, she made it her mission to care for those in need. Each week, she would set aside her...
The Power of Wisdom - Contemporary Example
In a small town not too far from here, there lived a woman named Clara who had spent her entire life as a dedicated teacher. She loved guiding her students, pouring her heart into their growth. But one fateful spring,...
The Broken Bridge Builder - Story
The illustration of the old stone bridge emphasizes how God transforms our brokenness into something beautiful and strong. Just as the architect used the damaged stones to create a magnificent structure, God uses our wounds and struggles as the foundation for our ministry and strength. This message highlights the power of God's comfort and the potential for restoration in our lives.
When Goodness - Contemporary Example
There’s a remarkable story of a young man named Aaron, who found himself lost in a swirl of life’s pressures and temptations. Raised in the church, he had a genuine faith, but as he entered college, the challenges mounted. The...
The Example of Justice - Story
Under the weight of a challenging life circumstance, a young woman named Maria found herself at a crossroads. Her family had faced injustice; her mother was wrongfully accused and imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit. Maria, filled with anger...
Living Faith: Arminian (Wesleyan) Lens Principles for Daily Life
Imagine a single seed, buried in the rich soil of a garden. It lies there, unseen, undergoing a transformation that only God can orchestrate. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who...
The Example of Justice - Biblical Analogy
There was a small town where a devastating storm struck, leaving behind a scene of wreckage and despair. Among the debris stood a beloved old oak tree, gnarled and twisted but still standing tall. Its roots, deep and entwined with...
The Orchestra Conductor's Trust - Story
The illustration of the second violin in a world-class orchestra highlights the importance of trusting God's sovereignty in our lives, even when circumstances seem confusing or dissonant. Just as the violinist learns that his seemingly random notes contribute to a greater harmony, we are reminded that God has a divine plan for each of us, as affirmed in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Living Out Love - Illustration
Imagine a small garden tucked away behind a busy street. It’s a place few notice, but to those who look closely, it reveals a hidden beauty. This garden thrives not because of its location but due to the careful attention...
Lessons from Kindness - Biblical Analogy
One chilly December morning, as Mary was preparing for Christmas, she noticed an elderly neighbor struggling to shovel snow from his driveway. The sight tugged at her heart. She had been busy wrestling with her own worries — the pressures...
The Power of Gentleness - Story
Lydia had always been known for her fierce ambition. As a successful businesswoman in her community, she wore her self-made identity like a badge of honor. But as she climbed the corporate ladder, she found herself increasingly tired—exhausted by the...
The Power of Faith - Story
In his quiet backyard, an elderly man named Mr. Thompson tended to his garden, a labor of love that had brought him joy for decades. One spring morning, he noticed a small sapling struggling to grow amidst the vibrant flowers...
Spiritual Insight: Courage - Prayer
As we delve into Romans 12:2, we encounter a profound invitation: to not conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This passage invites us into a journey of prayerful courage,...
Shrek: Confess with Your Mouth (Romans 10:9-10)
In Shrek, the ogre lives behind walls of cynicism and solitude. Donkey keeps talking until the walls crack. Fiona hides her true self until Shrek sees and accepts her anyway. Both must confess what th
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 4:13-25
We read Romans 4:13-25 within the framework of God's sovereign covenant of grace, understanding it as the Apostle Paul's exposition of justification by faith alone, not by works. This passage highlights the continuity of the covenant of grace from Abraham to Christ, demonstrating that the promise co
When Courage - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I met a young woman named Sarah at a community center where I volunteer. She had just signed up for a program to help young adults develop job skills. Sarah was the first in her family...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing Can Separate Us)
We read Romans 8:28-39 through the lens of divine deliverance and unwavering hope. This passage reassures us that God's providence is actively working for our good, even in the midst of systemic oppression and personal suffering. We find solace in the assurance that nothing can separate us from the
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing Can Separate Us)
We read Romans 8:28-39 within our tradition as a powerful affirmation of God's providence and the assurance of His love for us. This passage speaks to the certainty that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, which we interpret as deeply connected to the life of grace we recei