Sermon Illustrations on Testing
58 illustrations found
Practical Perseverance - Illustration
Imagine a father teaching his young daughter how to ride a bicycle. He holds the back of the seat, steadying her, while she wobbles uncertainly. With every push forward, she feels the thrill of possibility mixed with the fear of...
Real-World Salvation - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9, we embrace the profound truth that our salvation is a gift from God, not borne from our own efforts but through *pistis* (faith). This gift transforms not only our standing before God but also...
Practical Perseverance - Teaching Material
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus boldly states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we find a profound source of encouragement for our journey of faith. This promise is not merely theoretical; it’s a lifeline...
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Illustration
Imagine a young woman named Sarah, who had recently accepted Jesus as her Savior. She was filled with excitement about her new faith, but as she stepped into the world, she began to face challenges that tested her resolve. Friends...
Putting Into Practice: Compassion - Illustration
As we reflect on Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises us a future filled with hope, we must recognize that this assurance calls us to action. The Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you...” These plans are...
Living Out Patience - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, we are reminded that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This profound scripture invites us to embrace patience in our...
The Example of Hope - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, a friend of mine named Sarah faced a challenge that would test her faith like never before. She had been diagnosed with a serious illness, one that sent shockwaves through her life. As the news sank...
When Humility - Contemporary Example
There’s a story that unfolded in a small town about a man named Sam, who had spent years struggling with his pride. Sam was a talented mechanic, known for his exceptional skills. One day, he received an unexpected challenge—his reputation...
Putting Into Practice: Compassion - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Jeremiah 29:11, we discover a profound promise from God: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and...
Putting Into Practice: Compassion - Teaching Material
God promises in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is often quoted to...
Real-World Salvation - Illustration
Imagine a young woman named Sarah who has spent years striving to get into a prestigious university. She studies late into the night, pouring over textbooks, attending every review session, and seeking guidance from her teachers. Yet, despite her hard...
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young mother, weary but determined, standing in front of a kitchen sink piled high with unwashed dishes. Each plate represents a moment of grace, a small act of love for her family, but today, they feel like a...
When Redemption - Story
In our small community, there’s a local bakery run by a woman named Sarah. Every morning, the scent of fresh bread wafts through the air, drawing people in. But Sarah's story isn't just about loaves and pastries; it's about redemption...
The Power of Gentleness - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a woman named Maria, known for her gentle spirit. Every day, she would walk to the local bakery, her kind smile greeting everyone she met. However, what many didn’t know was that Maria had...
A Story of Perseverance - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a man named Samuel who had dedicated his life to running a community garden. For years, he cultivated this space, believing it would nourish not just bodies but spirits as well. Each spring, he...
The Example of Goodness - Story
In a small town, there was an elderly woman named Clara who ran a little flower shop on Main Street. Clara had a way of brightening anyone's day with her warm smile and gentle spirit. But life had not been...
When Humility - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Clara, known for her generous spirit and vibrant smile. Yet, beneath her cheerful exterior lay a painful story of loss and disappointment. A few years back, she had lost her husband...
Genesis 44:1-13 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 44:1-13 illustrates the complexities of human sinfulness and the grace of God. The narrative reveals the tension between judgment and mercy, where Joseph's brothers are confronted with their past sins yet ultimately face a situation that leads them to repentance and reconciliation. This passage underscores the reality of being simultaneously justified and a sinner (simul justus et peccator), emphasizing God's grace in the midst of our failures.
Genesis 22:1-19 - Evangelical Perspective
In the Evangelical tradition, Genesis 22:1-19 is viewed as a profound demonstration of faith and obedience to God. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, highlighting themes of redemption and the necessity of personal surrender to God's will.
Genesis 22:1-19 - Catholic Perspective
In the Catholic tradition, Genesis 22:1-19 is seen as a prefiguration of Christ's sacrifice. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac resonates deeply with the understanding of God's ultimate sacrifice of His Son, emphasizing themes of faith, obedience, and divine provision. This passage invites the faithful to reflect on their own surrender to God's will and the transformative nature of trust in divine plans.
The Example of Goodness - Contemporary Example
There once was a woman named Clara, known in her small town for her unwavering goodness. Every Saturday morning, she would bake loaves of bread, filling her kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma that seemed to whisper, “You are not...
Genesis 44:1-13 - Universal Perspective
In the Universal tradition, Genesis 44:1-13 is seen as a profound exploration of divine providence and human agency. The narrative illustrates how God can use complex human situations, including deception and familial strife, to fulfill His overarching purposes, ultimately leading to reconciliation and restoration.
Genesis 44:1-13 - Anglican/Episcopal Perspective
In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, this passage reflects God’s providence and the complex interplay of human agency and divine sovereignty. The narrative illustrates how God can use our failures and missteps for a greater purpose, inviting us to trust in God's unfolding plan even in difficult circumstances.
Genesis 22:1-19 - Non-Denominational Perspective
In the Non-Denominational tradition, Genesis 22:1-19 is often viewed as a profound demonstration of faith and obedience to God. It highlights the idea that true faith may require sacrifice and trust in God's greater plan, emphasizing that God ultimately provides for His people in ways that may surpass human understanding.