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
Finding God in Climate Change & Stewardship
The climate crisis is perhaps the greatest moral challenge of our generation. Like the parable of the talents, we have been entrusted with a precious gift - our planet - and we will be held accountable for how we steward it. Meet David, a church youth leader who organized a "Green Sunday" where his congregation committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They installed solar panels on the church roof, started a community garden, and challenged each other to carpool to services. What began as ...
A Modern Story of Women and Church Leadership
In our modern world, the question of women in church leadership continues to challenge traditional structures. Consider the story of Sarah, a young woman who felt called to ministry but was told by her denomination that women couldn't be pastors. Instead of giving up, she started a small house church in her community, focusing on social justice and inclusive worship. Within two years, her congregation had grown to include people from various backgrounds who felt unwelcome in traditional churches...
The Nonviolent Resistance Challenge
In our modern world, Nonviolent Resistance presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Galatians 3:28 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Nonviolent Resistance. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the comp...
Modern Examples of Social Media and Community
In our modern world, Social Media and Community presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how John 13:12-17 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Social Media and Community. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to...
Modern Examples of Interfaith Dialogue
In our modern world, Interfaith Dialogue presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Colossians 3:15 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Interfaith Dialogue. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complex...
The Love Challenge
Love in action looks different than love in theory. Consider the story of James, a successful businessman who decided to use his resources to help struggling families in his community. Instead of just writing checks, he personally mentored young people, helped single mothers find affordable housing, and even opened his home to a family who had lost everything in a fire. This modern story of love shows how James 1:27 becomes tangible in our world. Love isn't just a feeling; it's a choice to put ...
Modern Examples of Enemy Love
In our modern world, Enemy Love presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 5:9 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Enemy Love. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current s...
When Economic Justice and the Kingdom Meets Real Life
In our modern world, Economic Justice and the Kingdom presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Psalm 24:1 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Economic Justice and the Kingdom. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and resp...
A Modern Story of Environmental Stewardship
Climate change presents one of the greatest moral challenges of our time, and progressive Christians are called to respond with both urgency and hope. Take the story of the Green Church movement, where congregations are installing solar panels, reducing waste, and advocating for environmental justice in their communities. One church in California transformed their building into a net-zero energy facility and used the savings to fund environmental justice programs in their neighborhood. This mod...
Lessons from Racial Reconciliation
The work of racial reconciliation is central to progressive Christian faith, requiring both personal transformation and systemic change. Consider the story of two churches - one predominantly white, one predominantly Black - that began meeting together for shared worship and community service. Initially, there was tension and misunderstanding, but through honest conversation and shared action, they began to build genuine relationships and work together for justice in their community. This conte...
The A Better Political Imagination Challenge
In our modern world, A Better Political Imagination presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Micah 6:8 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding A Better Political Imagination. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and respondin...
The Climate Change & Stewardship Challenge
The climate crisis is perhaps the greatest moral challenge of our generation. Like the parable of the talents, we have been entrusted with a precious gift - our planet - and we will be held accountable for how we steward it. Meet David, a church youth leader who organized a "Green Sunday" where his congregation committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They installed solar panels on the church roof, started a community garden, and challenged each other to carpool to services. What began as ...
The Environmental Stewardship Challenge
Climate change presents one of the greatest moral challenges of our time, and progressive Christians are called to respond with both urgency and hope. Take the story of the Green Church movement, where congregations are installing solar panels, reducing waste, and advocating for environmental justice in their communities. One church in California transformed their building into a net-zero energy facility and used the savings to fund environmental justice programs in their neighborhood. This mod...
When Gun Violence and Christian Response Meets Real Life
In a nation plagued by gun violence, Christians are called to respond with both compassion and action. Consider the story of Pastor Maria, who organized her congregation to support families affected by a school shooting in their community. Instead of offering only thoughts and prayers, they provided practical support, advocated for gun safety legislation, and worked to address the root causes of violence in their neighborhood. This contemporary example of Christian response to gun violence illu...
Daily Culture
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Culture in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Romans 12:2. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Culture. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with Culture i...
Daily Hope
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Hope in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Ephesians 4:29. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Hope. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with Hope in a wa...
Devotional: Prophecy
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Prophecy in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Acts 1:8. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Prophecy. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with Prophecy i...
Morning Meditation: Inclusive Language for God
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Inclusive Language for God in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Ephesians 2:14. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Inclusive Language for God. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of j...
Evening Prayer: Healthcare & Healing Ministry
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Healthcare & Healing Ministry in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Luke 10:25-37. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Healthcare & Healing Ministry. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God...
Evening Prayer: Enemy Love
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Enemy Love in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 1 John 4:19. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Enemy Love. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of justice and peace. In the name of t...
Evening Prayer: Digital Addiction & Freedom
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Digital Addiction & Freedom in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Digital Addiction & Freedom. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God mi...
Quiet Time: A Better Political Imagination
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on A Better Political Imagination in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Luke 8:1-3. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter A Better Political Imagination. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom ...
Evening Prayer: Economic Inequality & Generosity
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Economic Inequality & Generosity in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Economic Inequality & Generosity. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to con...
Spiritual Insight: Social Media and Community
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Social Media and Community in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Deuteronomy 10:19. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Social Media and Community. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom o...