Search Illustrations
4,649 results found
Beyond the Empty Tomb: Living Resurrection - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, highlighting that it is not merely a past event but a present reality that offers new life and spiritual growth. It encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and participate in the divine nature through baptism and theosis, affirming that resurrection life begins now and transcends earthly limitations.
The Good Shepherd: Psalm 23 in a Dangerous World - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes the profound meaning of Psalm 23, highlighting God's active and protective care as a shepherd. It illustrates the transition from a general acknowledgment of God's sovereignty to a personal assurance of His presence in times of suffering. Ultimately, it connects the imagery of the shepherd to Christ, who embodies perfect protection and sacrificial love for His followers.
Digital Disciples: Living Faith Online - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of Christian witness in the age of social media, urging believers to reflect the teachings of Ephesians 4:29 in their online interactions. It highlights the need for digital wisdom, encouraging individuals to ensure their posts build others up and glorify God, rather than drawing attention to themselves.
Creation Care: Our First Commission - Story
The sermon emphasizes the biblical mandate for responsible stewardship of creation, highlighting that environmental care is a spiritual responsibility rather than a political issue. It connects the care for the earth with the call to love one's neighbor, particularly in addressing the impacts of environmental degradation on vulnerable populations.
Via Media: The Anglican Middle Way - Contemporary Example
The content highlights the Anglican tradition as a balanced approach between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, tradition, and reason in worship and faith. It illustrates how Anglican spirituality embraces the incarnation and a sacramental worldview, allowing for diverse theological perspectives while maintaining unity in core beliefs.
Law and Gospel: God's Two Words - Story
The content emphasizes the distinction between Law and Gospel, highlighting the Law's role in revealing sin and the Gospel's power in providing salvation through faith in Christ. It underscores the ongoing need for both elements in the Christian life, fostering dependence on God's grace while guiding sanctification.
The Silent God: Encountering Divine Mystery - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of contemplative practices in fostering a deeper connection with God through silence and stillness. It highlights the transformative power of being present with God, moving beyond words to encounter the divine mystery, and how this engagement can lead to greater compassion for others in the world.
The Silent God: Encountering Divine Mystery - Story
The content emphasizes the importance of contemplative prayer and silence in encountering God, highlighting that true spiritual growth occurs in stillness and presence rather than words. It outlines the stages of the spiritual journey as awakening, purification, and union, suggesting that such practices lead to deeper engagement with the world and compassion for others.
Digital Disciples: Living Faith Online - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of our online presence as a form of Christian witness, urging believers to reflect the teachings of Scripture in their social media interactions. It highlights the need for discernment in sharing content that builds others up and glorifies God, while also warning against the potential pitfalls of digital communication.
Money Talks: What Is Your Treasure Saying? - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of viewing money as a spiritual force that can either draw us closer to God or lead us into idolatry. It highlights the Reformed theological perspective on stewardship, urging believers to recognize God's ownership of all resources and to transform their relationship with money through practices like tithing, which fosters trust and heart transformation.
Fasting: Feasting on God When Food Fails to Satisfy - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes fasting as a spiritual practice that transcends mere dietary restrictions, highlighting its role in fostering dependence on God and spiritual strength. It illustrates how fasting prepares individuals for deeper spiritual engagement and self-control, ultimately leading to a more profound relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and devotion.
Finding Ascension in Everyday Moments
In our fast-paced world, the concept of Ascension may seem distant, yet it resonates deeply in the hearts of those who seek meaning amidst chaos. Picture a young mother, Sarah, juggling the demands of work, family, and her own spiritual...
A Story of Justice - Story
There’s a remarkable story from a small town that always reminds me of God’s call to justice and forgiveness. A young man named Eli had a troubled past. Years ago, in a moment of rage, he made a terrible choice...
The Doctrine of Self-control - Church Context
As we reflect on the doctrine of self-control within our church context, we find a profound connection to Jesus' commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Here, Jesus invites us to "make disciples of all nations," a call that encompasses growth not only...
When Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
In the small town of Maplewood, a woman named Clara became known as the “light at the end of the tunnel” for many who passed through dark seasons of life. A retired schoolteacher, she spent her days volunteering at the...
Reflecting on Salvation - Church Context
As we gather in the embrace of our community, the words of Romans 8:28 resonate deeply: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his...
When Humility - Contemporary Example
There’s a story I want to share about a woman named Elizabeth, who transformed her community through a humble act of love. Elizabeth was a single mother living in a neighborhood often overlooked, where the noise of sirens was a...
The Example of Goodness - Story
There was a small village nestled in the hills, where a woman named Clara lived. Clara was known for her radiant smile and kind heart, but she had not always been that way. Years ago, she found herself trapped in...
The Master's Paintbrush - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration highlights how God's sovereignty can transform our mistakes and pain into something beautiful, much like an artist incorporating unexpected elements into a masterpiece. It emphasizes the promise of Romans 8:28, reminding us that even our failures serve a greater purpose in God's divine plan.
A Story of Grace - Contemporary Example
There’s a man named David who I met in a local coffee shop. David was once a successful corporate executive, living a life many would envy. Yet beneath the surface, he felt empty, trapped in a cycle of superficial relationships...
The Sovereignty of God in Salvation - Story
The sermon emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation, highlighting the doctrine of election and its implications for believers. It reassures that salvation is based on God's mercy and unchanging character, fostering a sense of security and humility in the believer's faith journey.
The Covenant of Grace Through History - Contemporary Example
The content explores Reformed covenant theology, emphasizing God's unified plan of redemption through various covenants established throughout history. It highlights the significance of Christ as the second Adam and the fulfillment of the Old Testament covenants, while also addressing the practice of infant baptism and the church's relationship with Israel and the world.
A Story of Goodness - Story
In a small, close-knit community, there lived an elderly woman named Ruth. Ruth was known for her unwavering kindness; she seemed to embody the very essence of *agape*, the selfless love spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. One winter, a...
When Patience - Story
There was a young woman named Simone, who lived in a small town where faith was woven into the very fabric of daily life. She carried a dream in her heart—she wanted to open a bakery, a place where the...