Baptist Illustrations
Soul liberty, congregational autonomy, believer's baptism.
Key question: “How does this affirm individual conscience and congregational discernment?”
14709 illustrations found
Spiritual Insight: Courage - Prayer
As we reflect on the fruit of the Spirit, specifically courage, we realize it is a bold act of devotion, woven intricately with prayer. Imagine standing at the edge of a vast wilderness, a terrain that seems both daunting and...
The Power of Mercy - Contemporary Example
There’s a story about a young man named Jason who faced a storm of challenges in his life. Struggling with addiction, he found himself isolated and lost, staring at a future that seemed more like a prison than a promise....
Putting Into Practice: Compassion - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application To live out compassion, we must act in times of testing by {method}.
Living Out Redemption - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application To live out redemption, we must serve in seasons of blessing by {method}.
The Spiritual Father's Guidance - Orthodox (Proverbs 3:5-6)
In Orthodox tradition, believers often have a spiritual father—a trusted guide for the soul's journey. This isn't replacing trust in God but embodying it: God guides through the wisdom of elders. "Lea
The Desert Fathers' Impossible Asceticism - Orthodox (Philippians 4:13)
The Desert Fathers lived in Egypt's wilderness for decades—fasting, praying, battling demons. St. Anthony spent over 80 years in the desert, dying at 105. How did he survive conditions that would kill
Divine Love Transforming Human Love - Orthodox (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
The Orthodox distinguish natural human love (eros, philia) from divine love (agape). 1 Corinthians 13 describes agape—love that is God's nature shared with humans. We don't generate this love; we part
Cyril and Methodius: Apostles to the Slavs - Orthodox (Matthew 28:18-20)
In the 9th century, brothers Cyril and Methodius were sent to evangelize the Slavic peoples. They didn't just preach—they created an alphabet (Cyrillic) so the Slavs could read Scripture in their own
The Icon Writer's Prayer - Orthodox (John 3:16)
Orthodox icon writers don't "paint" icons; they "write" them—a theological act requiring prayer and fasting. One iconographer spent weeks on an image of Christ, praying before each brushstroke. When a
Evening Prayer: Understanding - Prayer
A prayer related to this devotional Today, let us reflect on understanding and how it calls us to forgive in our daily lives.
Evening Prayer: Understanding - Story
A story for devotional reflection Today, let us reflect on understanding and how it calls us to forgive in our daily lives.
Quiet Time: Salvation - Biblical Insight
A biblical insight for devotional reflection The beauty of salvation lies in its ability to restoration when we respond.
Evening Prayer: Understanding - Biblical Insight
A biblical insight for devotional reflection Today, let us reflect on understanding and how it calls us to forgive in our daily lives.
Quiet Time: Salvation - Prayer
A prayer related to this devotional The beauty of salvation lies in its ability to restoration when we respond.
Morning Meditation: Love - Prayer
A prayer related to this devotional As we meditate on love, we discover that love guides us toward growth.
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 Galatians 3:28 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Economic Justice and the Kingdom. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and ...
A Contemporary Women and Church Leadership Story
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...
A Modern Story of Spirituality
In our modern world, Spirituality presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom and grace. Consider how Matthew 6:25-34 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Spirituality. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current situation. This modern example reminds us tha...
The Kingdom Challenge
In our modern world, Kingdom presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom and grace. Consider how Revelation 21:4 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Kingdom. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current situation. This modern example reminds us that God's wo...
Modern Examples of Questioning Traditional Doctrines
In our modern world, Questioning Traditional Doctrines 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 Luke 4:18-19 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Questioning Traditional Doctrines. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and ...
Ostrov (The Island): Theotic Beatitude Character - Orthodox (Matthew 5:3-12)
Father Anatoly embodies the Beatitudes through theosis—his poverty of spirit is kenotic, his mourning is penthos (holy sorrow), his purity allows him to "see God." Orthodox spirituality sees the Beati
Andrei Rublev: Scripture in Iconography and Liturgy - Orthodox (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Andrei Rublev's Trinity icon is Scripture visualized—Genesis 18 rendered as window into divine life. Orthodox theology holds Scripture as God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) within Holy Tradition—the Church
Ostrov (The Island): Theosis Manifesting as Fruit - Orthodox (Galatians 5:22-23)
Father Anatoly in Ostrov displays fruit through theosis: love for those who despise him, joy in poverty, peace in asceticism, patience with difficult people, kindness to all, goodness without recognit
Real-World Science and Faith
In our modern world, Science and Faith 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 5:44 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Science and Faith. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities o...