Baptist Illustrations
Soul liberty, congregational autonomy, believer's baptism.
Key question: “How does this affirm individual conscience and congregational discernment?”
14709 illustrations found
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.
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...
Living Out Courage - Contemporary Example
Imagine a woman named Sarah, a dedicated nurse who faced the chaos of the pandemic head-on. Each day, she entered the hospital with a mix of determination and fear. Yet, in her heart, she carried the conviction of Romans 8:28:...
Beyond the Empty Tomb: Living Resurrection - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, presenting it not just as a past event but as a present reality that offers new life and spiritual growth. It highlights the Orthodox understanding of resurrection as a call to participate in divine nature and transformation, encouraging believers to live in the power of Christ's resurrection today.
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...
Practical Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young woman named Sarah who has recently graduated from college. She enters the workforce full of hope but quickly faces the reality of a challenging job market. Every day, she sends out applications and endures countless rejections. Yet,...
Theosis: Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature - Story
The sermon emphasizes the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis, where believers are called to participate in the divine nature through grace and the sacraments. It highlights the transformative power of the Incarnation and the importance of spiritual practices in achieving union with God, ultimately leading to a profound change in the believer's life.
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.
Faith and Courage - Church Context
Imagine a young mother standing at the threshold of a new school year. Her heart races as she watches her child step onto the bus, a mix of excitement and fear swirling within her. She knows that each school day...
Quiet Time: Grace - Prayer
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This invitation to stillness isn’t merely a call to silence; it’s an embrace of grace. Imagine a busy marketplace, where voices clash and feet stomp on cobblestones—each sound vying for...
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 Example of Faith - Contemporary Example
There’s a young woman in our church named Sarah. Just a few years ago, she was at a crossroads, struggling to find her place in the world. She had just graduated college and felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down...
Genesis 37:1-11 - Eastern Orthodox Perspective
In Eastern Orthodox theology, Genesis 37:1-11 serves as a profound reminder of God's providential plan and the mystery of divine providence working through human events. This passage foreshadows the eventual salvation through suffering, reflecting the theme of theosis, where through trials, believers are drawn closer to God and transformed into His likeness.
Lessons from Hope - Contemporary Example
Last summer, I met a woman named Sarah at a community garden. She was tending to her small patch of tomatoes, her hands caked with soil and her face lit up with hope. As we chatted, Sarah shared her story...
Genesis 4:17-26 - Eastern Orthodox Perspective
In the Eastern Orthodox theological tradition, the passage from Genesis 4:17-26 is viewed as a profound illustration of humanity's fallen state following the sin of Adam and Eve. The development of civilization, represented through Cain's lineage, is seen as both a reflection of human creativity and a stark reminder of the estrangement from God that sin causes, underscoring the need for divine grace and the process of theosis—becoming one with God's divine nature.
Evening Prayer: Understanding - Story
As the day draws to a close, I find myself drawn to the comforting words of Psalm 23:1-6. Picture this: a shepherd and his flock, under the warm glow of the setting sun. The sheep, weary from the day’s wandering,...
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...
Practical Perseverance - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commissions us to go and make disciples, we recognize that this command is not just a distant, lofty ideal but a call to action woven into the fabric of our daily lives....
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...
Thinking About Wisdom - Commentary
As we turn our hearts to Proverbs 3:5-6, we encounter a profound invitation to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. This passage stirs a deep yearning in us—a longing for wisdom...
Scriptural Insight: Understanding - Reflection
As we turn our hearts to Joshua 1:9, we encounter a divine command that resonates deeply with our human experience: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord...
Evening Prayer: Understanding - Story
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue, I often find myself reflecting on the moments of my day, sifting through feelings of triumph and struggle alike. In those quiet moments of prayer, I am reminded...
When Salvation - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a woman named Clara who had spent the better part of her life in a cycle of hardship and heartache. She worked tirelessly to support her family, often feeling like she was trudging through...
The Example of Faithfulness - Story
In a small, bustling town, there lived a woman named Ruth who had seen her share of trials. Widowed young, she struggled to raise her two children while working long hours in a local diner. Each day, as she wiped...