Anabaptist/Mennonite Illustrations
Radical discipleship, pacifism, believer's baptism.
Key question: “How does this call us to follow Jesus in daily life?”
14741 illustrations found
Morning Meditation: Gentleness - Prayer
As dawn breaks and the golden light spills into our homes, we find ourselves in a sacred space, a moment ripe for prayer. Picture yourself sitting quietly, perhaps with a steaming cup of coffee cradled in your hands, the warmth...
Anabaptist Lens Perspective: Sermon Illustration
On a chilly autumn afternoon, I visited a local community garden, a vibrant space bustling with life and connection. As I walked among the plots, I noticed a group of young families gathered around a patch that had seen better...
The Example of Patience - Contemporary Example
There’s a small community garden in my neighborhood, tended by a diverse group of volunteers. One spring, a young woman named Sarah joined us. She was passionate and eager to make her mark, but the soil was rocky, and the...
Daily Reflection: Humility - Story
As we pause to reflect on humility today, let us turn our hearts to Psalm 23, a passage that has cradled countless souls in moments of despair and joy alike. The imagery here is rich: a shepherd gently guiding his...
Quiet Time: Patience - Story
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the fields, where a farmer named Eli diligently tended his crops. With each seed he planted, he whispered prayers of hope and gratitude. Yet, as days turned into...
Quiet Time: Patience - Prayer
Imagine for a moment a gardener, kneeling beside the soil, hands deep in the earth. Each seed that she plants represents not just a hope for future harvest but a commitment to patience and care. She knows that growth doesn't...
Spiritual Insight: Hope - Story
As I reflect on the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, I’m reminded of a story that reveals the essence of hope and community. A few months ago, I visited a small group of believers who had gathered in a...
Daily Reflection: Humility - Prayer
As we meditate on Psalm 23, we find profound comfort in the gentle assurance of our Shepherd. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This opening line invites us into a space of humility—a recognition that we are...
Morning Meditation: Gentleness - Story
Morning sunlight streamed through the window as I sat in quiet reflection, a cup of steaming coffee cradled in my hands. The aroma filled the room, a gentle reminder of the warmth that morning can bring. It was in that...
Daily Reflection: Patience - Story
As I sat in the garden last week, I watched a single seedling break through the soil, stretching its tiny leaves toward the sun. It reminded me of our journey of spiritual growth—an intricate dance of love, patience, and understanding....
The Example of Self-control - Story
At the heart of our community is a woman named Ruth. She’s the kind of person who embodies *agape*—selfless love that reflects Christ’s heart. A few years ago, Ruth faced a personal crisis that shook her to her core. Her...
Spiritual Insight: Compassion - Story
As I reflect on Isaiah 40:31, where we are reminded that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,” I think of a small community garden we started last summer. In that garden, every seed planted was a...
Genesis 23:1-20 - Progressive Perspective
In the Progressive theological tradition, Genesis 23:1-20 is seen as a reflection of the importance of land and belonging, especially within marginalized communities. The passage highlights the significance of honoring the deceased and ensuring their rightful place, which can be interpreted as a call to advocate for social justice and reparative practices in contemporary society.
Putting Into Practice: Wisdom - Teaching Material
As we reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we find a beautiful portrait of love that embodies wisdom and guides our relationships. Love is patient; love is kind; it does not envy or boast. This passage invites us to consider how...
The Power of Grace - Story
In a small village, nestled between rolling hills and sprawling fields, lived an elderly woman named Ruth. Known for her gentle spirit, Ruth had endured many seasons of loss—losing her husband, her children now scattered across the country, and her...
Lessons from Salvation - Quote
This truth has been expressed by many throughout history. In periods of reflection, we see how salvation provides freedom to those who respond. Supporting quote: "[Relevant quote that supports this p
The Power of Goodness - Contemporary Example
Just a few months ago, I visited a local community center where a woman named Deborah runs a weekly cooking class for at-risk youth. Deborah, a retired schoolteacher, had faced her share of trials. She had lost her husband to...
The Doctrine of Courage - Commentary
Jesus' declaration in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” invites us into a profound understanding of courage rooted in grace. This is not merely a statement of fact but a revelation that beckons us to...
Daily Reflection: Salvation - Prayer
As we reflect on Psalm 23, we encounter the profound truth that "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This simple yet powerful declaration invites us to consider the depths of our salvation—a gift that brings us not...
Faith and Justice - Teaching Material
Faith is not merely a passive belief; it’s an active, vibrant force that compels us to seek justice and embody hope in our communities. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about...
A Story of Perseverance - Story
During one of our community outreach events, I met a woman named Maria. She had recently moved to our town from a country torn by conflict. Maria carried the weight of her past; she had lost family members and faced...
Applying Faith - Contemporary Example
Consider the profound invitation in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” This isn’t merely a call to silence; it’s a divine assurance for our turbulent lives. When we pause in stillness, we open ourselves to the...
The Example of Goodness - Story
Sarah lived in a small town where everyone knew each other's stories, joys, and struggles. She was not a woman of great means, but her heart overflowed with *agape*, a selfless love that transformed everything she touched. One chilly autumn...
Lessons from Hope - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a woman named Miriam, whose life mirrored that of Esther. Like Esther, she felt the weight of her decisions and the impact they had on those around her. Miriam worked as a nurse in...