Baptist Illustrations
Soul liberty, congregational autonomy, believer's baptism.
Key question: “How does this affirm individual conscience and congregational discernment?”
14709 illustrations found
Understanding Wisdom - Commentary
Jeremiah 29:11 is a cornerstone of hope: “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 promise was spoken...
Quiet Time: Salvation - Biblical Insight
Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), words that resonate deeply with our human longing for direction, purpose, and belonging. Imagine a weary traveler lost in a vast wilderness, surrounded by dense trees, each...
Applying Wisdom - Teaching Material
As we reflect on John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son”—we find a profound invitation to embody that same love in our lives. This isn’t merely a call to believe; it’s a...
Theology of Faithfulness - Application
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that our salvation is not earned, but rather a precious gift from God: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works,...
When Humility - Story
A small town in the heart of our country had a beloved diner called “Mabel’s Place.” Mabel, the owner, was known not just for her fluffy pancakes but also for her humble spirit. Every morning, she would arrive before dawn,...
Real-World Hope - Illustration
As we reflect on Isaiah 40:31, we find a profound truth: “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...
Applying Grace - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Hebrews 11:1, which tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” we find a profound invitation to embrace grace in our relationships and daily lives. This verse...
Fasting: Feasting on God When Food Fails to Satisfy - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes fasting as a spiritual practice that fosters dependence on God rather than physical comforts. It highlights how fasting prepares individuals for spiritual battles by cultivating self-control and deepening their relationship with God through prayer and Scripture.
Quiet Time: Humility - Biblical Insight
Imagine standing before a vast, star-filled sky on a crisp winter night. Each twinkling star serves as a reminder of our Creator’s greatness, a testimony to His infinite wisdom. In Romans 12:2, we are called not to conform to the...
Understanding Wisdom - Application
Faith is a journey that beckons us into the depths of wisdom, and Hebrews 11:1 beautifully captures this essence: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." At its core, this passage invites...
Genesis 17:1-27 - Eastern Orthodox Perspective
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Genesis 17:1-27 emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and humanity, particularly through the themes of divine promise and transformation. The act of renaming Abram to Abraham signifies not only a new identity but also the call to participate in God's redemptive plan, reflecting the concept of theosis, where humanity is invited to share in the divine nature.
Scriptural Insight: Mercy - Reflection
As we reflect on John 3:16, we encounter a profound expression of divine mercy: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”...
The Meaning of Peace - Application
When we delve into 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we find a profound description of love that serves as the foundation for our understanding of peace. The Apostle Paul writes that love is patient and kind, not envious or boastful; it rejoices...
The Power of Faith - Story
There once was a young woman named Sarah who lived in a small coastal town. She was known for her adventurous spirit but harbored a deep fear of the dark. Every night, as she walked home along the winding path...
Living Out Love - Teaching Material
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” This verse beckons us to reflect on the profound truth that love is...
Understanding Wisdom - Commentary
Faith is the bedrock of our spiritual journey, and in Hebrews 11:1, we find a profound definition: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of wisdom...
The Example of Hope - Contemporary Example
Last summer, I met a young woman named Clara in a small coffee shop. She was seated alone at a corner table, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the café lights but shadowed by the weight of her...
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...
Genesis 37:12-36 - Eastern Orthodox Perspective
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the story of Joseph highlights God's providence and the mysterious workings of His divine plan, even in the midst of suffering and betrayal. The narrative exemplifies the theme of Theosis, where humanity's journey through trials can lead to union with God, revealing His ultimate purposes for redemption and reconciliation.
Lessons from Hope - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Clara, a single mother working tirelessly to provide for her two children. Life had thrown her numerous challenges—financial struggles, health issues, and the weight of loneliness. Yet, despite the storms surrounding...
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....
Theosis: Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustrates the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis, emphasizing that through the Incarnation, humans are called to partake in the divine nature by grace. This transformation is facilitated by the sacraments, prayer, and spiritual disciplines, leading to a mystical union with God, as articulated by the Church Fathers.
Quiet Time: Humility - Story
Imagine a young potter working diligently at his wheel, clay spinning under his gentle touch. As he molds the lump into a vessel, he understands the importance of working with the clay, not against it. Each press, each gentle pull,...
Thinking About Self-control - Church Context
As we gather today, I am reminded of Ephesians 2:8-9, where Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”...