Baptist Illustrations
Soul liberty, congregational autonomy, believer's baptism.
Key question: βHow does this affirm individual conscience and congregational discernment?β
14709 illustrations found
A Contemporary Doubt Story
In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, Doubt often feels like an unwelcome guest that knocks on the door of our faith. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of uncertainty that we are called to lean into the wisdom and grace...
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 preachβthey created an alphabet (Cyrillic) so the Slavs could read Scripture in their own
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 agapeβlove that is God's nature shared with humans. We don't generate this love; we part
The Desert Fathers' Impossible Asceticism - Orthodox (Philippians 4:13)
The Desert Fathers lived in Egypt's wilderness for decadesβfasting, praying, battling demons. St. Anthony spent over 80 years in the desert, dying at 105. How did he survive conditions that would kill
The Icon Writer's Prayer - Orthodox (John 3:16)
Orthodox icon writers don't "paint" icons; they "write" themβa theological act requiring prayer and fasting. One iconographer spent weeks on an image of Christ, praying before each brushstroke. When a
The Spiritual Father's Guidance - Orthodox (Proverbs 3:5-6)
In Orthodox tradition, believers often have a spiritual fatherβa 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
Evening Prayer: The Bible is Not a Sex Manual
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on The Bible is Not a Sex Manual 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 The Bible is Not a Sex Manual. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdo...
Quiet Time: Climate Change and Hope
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Climate Change and Hope in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15. 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 Climate Change and Hope. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of ...
Devotional: We Have What We Need to Practice Love
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on We Have What We Need to Practice Love in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Mark 10:42-45. 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 We Have What We Need to Practice Love. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world i...
Evening Prayer: Women and Church Leadership
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Women and Church Leadership in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Amos 5:24. 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 Women and Church Leadership. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of just...
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: 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 Psalm 46:1. 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 might ...
Evening Prayer: Beauty
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Beauty in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Philippians 4:13. 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 Beauty. 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 Beauty...
Devotional: We Have What We Need to Practice Love
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on We Have What We Need to Practice Love in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 25:31-46. 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 We Have What We Need to Practice Love. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our worl...
Spiritual Insight: We are Imago Dei
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on We are Imago Dei 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 We are Imago Dei. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of justice and peace....
Spiritual Insight: Sustainability & Creation Care
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Sustainability & Creation Care in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Proverbs 31:8-9. 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 Sustainability & Creation Care. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how...
Morning Meditation: Guilt
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Guilt 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 Guilt. 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 Guilt in a...
Quiet Time: Technology & Human Connection
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Technology & Human Connection 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 Technology & Human Connection. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how Go...
Quiet Time: Political Division & Unity
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Political Division & Unity in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. 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 Political Division & Unity. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how Go...
Morning Meditation: Justice
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Justice in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 2 Peter 3:9. 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 Justice. 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 Justice i...
Quiet Time: Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Micah 6:8. 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 Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kin...
Devotional: Providence
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Providence in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in John 14:6. 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 Providence. 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 Provi...
Quiet Time: Political Division & Unity
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Political Division & Unity 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 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 Political Division & Unity. 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 b...
Spiritual Insight: Sabbath
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Sabbath in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Philippians 2:3-4. 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 Sabbath. 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 Sab...