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
Putting Into Practice: Wisdom - Illustration
Consider a moment in your life when you faced a difficult decision—perhaps a strained relationship or a challenging situation at work. You might recall feeling overwhelmed, wondering how to navigate through the complexities. It is precisely in these moments that...
The Doctrine of Courage - Teaching Material
When Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (*John 14:6*), He reveals not just a path to follow but a profound source of courage for our daily lives. This statement invites us to place our trust...
Theology of Hope - Commentary
In Romans 12:2, Paul exhorts us to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." This call to transformation is not merely about personal change but is rooted in the profound hope of...
Scriptural Insight: Grace - Reflection
As we reflect on the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter a profound expression of grace that calls us not only to transform our lives but also to extend that transformation to others. Jesus commands us to “go...
Understanding Joy - Reflection
As we reflect on Isaiah 40:31, we encounter a profound promise: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and...
The Example of Joy - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I met a woman named Clara in our community. Clara has faced more than her fair share of challenges—widowed young, raising two children alone, and then, just as she began to find her footing, her job...
Scriptural Insight: Perseverance - Reflection
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This poignant verse invites us into a sacred space of both surrender and strength. In a culture that celebrates constant movement and relentless ambition, the psalmist beckons us to pause—a...
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...
A Story of Faithfulness - Story
There was a small, struggling church in a town that felt forgotten. The members often gathered at the pastor's home for prayer, sharing their worries about the future. One chilly evening, with the wind howling outside, they huddled around a...
Living Out Goodness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Psalm 23, we find ourselves invited into a profound truth: goodness and mercy are not just concepts, but companions on our journey of faith. Imagine a shepherd walking alongside his sheep, guiding them through the valleys...
Lessons from Kindness - Story
On a chilly autumn day, a small community in a quiet town came together for a project they called "Restoration Day." They had chosen to renovate a dilapidated house that had long stood vacant. It was the home of an...
Spiritual Insight: Hope - Biblical Insight
As we gather in this sacred space, let’s reflect on the words of our Savior in Matthew 28:19-20, where He commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. It is a call that resonates with both urgency and...
Intercessory Prayer: Anabaptist Lens Model for Community
Heavenly Father, as we gather in Your presence today, we are reminded of Your great commission: to go and make disciples of all nations, to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to...
Lessons from Salvation - Biblical Analogy
Imagine a small, weathered barn on the edge of a field, its wooden boards bleached by the sun and ravaged by storms. Inside this barn, there is an old, rusty lock that has long forgotten its purpose. For years, it...
Applying Hope - Illustration
As we dive into Galatians 5:22-23, we see the beautiful fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each of these traits is not merely a checklist but a vivid invitation to live out...
A Story of Joy - Contemporary Example
Elizabeth had always been the kind of person who exuded joy, a quiet yet vibrant light in our community. Every Sunday, she would arrive at church with a warm smile and a homemade dish to share during fellowship time. Her...
When Understanding - Story
There once was a small, weathered church nestled in the heart of a struggling town. Its members, a mix of young families and elderly folk, gathered each Sunday with a shared sense of purpose, but often felt the weight of...
The One Anothers: Life in Christian Community - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of the 'one another' commands in the New Testament, highlighting that Christian faith is inherently communal rather than individualistic. It draws on the Anabaptist tradition and the early church's example to illustrate how true fellowship involves sharing both burdens and joys, ultimately reflecting God's kingdom through mutual support and love.
Living Out Faith - Illustration
Imagine a tapestry being woven by a skilled artisan. Each thread, vibrant and varied, appears chaotic and disconnected from our vantage point. Yet, as the artisan works, a beautiful pattern emerges that tells a story far greater than any single...
Living Out Humility - Teaching Material
As we reflect on 2 Timothy 1:7, which tells us that God has given us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, we must consider how humility weaves these elements together in our everyday lives. Humility...
The Power of Grace - Biblical Analogy
When I was a young boy, my grandfather owned a small cabin deep in the woods. Every summer, my family would visit, and I loved exploring the trails and playing in the stream nearby. But one particular night, I found...
Daily Reflection: Humility - Biblical Insight
As we turn our hearts to Psalm 23, we find ourselves enveloped in the profound truth that “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Here, David paints a picture of the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his...
A Story of Understanding - Story
There’s a story I want to share about a small community garden in a bustling town. Every spring, a group of neighbors would gather, each bringing their seeds and hopes for a bountiful harvest. Among them was an elderly woman...
Hagar's Humility: Finding God in Affliction
In a small town nestled between rolling hills, there lived a woman named Miriam who carried the weight of deep disappointment. She had longed for a child, but years of waiting had turned her hope into a heavy burden. One...