Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: “How does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?”
14907 illustrations found
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 10:9-10 (Confess and Believe)
We read Romans 10:9-10 within the framework of God's sovereign grace and the covenant of grace that encompasses all of redemptive history. This passage emphasizes the role of faith and confession as responses to God's effectual calling, not as human decisions that initiate salvation. It highlights t
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:8-11
We read Psalm 46:8-11 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign control over history, specifically within the context of his covenantal relationship with his people. The text invites us to witness the works of the Lord, highlighting his power to bring desolation and peace according to his divine
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
We read this passage as an expression of the covenantal generosity that is rooted in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. This text, nestled in the epistle's larger call for the collection for the Jerusalem church, demonstrates how the covenant community is to live in light of the grace they have rec
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: James 2:14-26
We read James 2:14-26 as an essential affirmation of the inseparable link between genuine faith and works within the covenant of grace. In the Reformed tradition, this passage is not a contradiction to justification by faith alone but a clarification that true faith, which is a gift of God's soverei
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Job 38:1-7
We read Job 38:1-7 as a climactic moment in the unfolding drama of redemptive history, where God asserts His sovereign power and wisdom over creation. This passage reminds us that God's covenant dealings with His people are underpinned by His absolute sovereignty, as He speaks out of the whirlwind t
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 7:14-25
We read Exodus 7:14-25 as a profound demonstration of God's sovereign power over creation and history, as He begins the plagues against Egypt. This passage reveals God's covenant faithfulness to His people, Israel, in delivering them from bondage, prefiguring the ultimate redemption accomplished in
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 2:1-11
In Romans 2:1-11, we read this passage as a profound exposition of God's impartial judgment, revealing the universal need for the gospel. This text underscores the futility of self-righteousness and the inevitability of God's righteous decree. It fits within the covenantal framework as Paul dismantl
The Power of Justice - Biblical Analogy
On a sun-drenched afternoon, I found myself wandering through a local farmers' market, where vibrant colors danced before my eyes—crisp apples, plump tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Among the stalls, I noticed a small table run by a humble farmer, his...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 3:1-8
We read Romans 3:1-8 as a profound affirmation of God's sovereign grace and faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite human unfaithfulness. This passage underscores the continuity of God's covenant of grace, emphasizing that human unbelief does not nullify God's faithfulness. In this, Paul anti
Spiritual Insight: Faith - Story
As we gather today, I invite you to consider the profound promise found in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give...
Lessons from Self-control - Story
In a small village, there lived a man named Daniel, known for his unwavering faith and remarkable self-control. Every morning, he would rise before dawn, kneeling by his window, lifting his prayers to God as the sun began to rise....
Evening Prayer: Kindness - Story
As the sun begins to set and the sky transforms into a canvas of soft oranges and deep purples, I find myself reflecting on the stories of kindness that weave through our lives, often hidden in the mundane. Just last...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 4:13-25
We read Romans 4:13-25 within the framework of God's sovereign covenant of grace, understanding it as the Apostle Paul's exposition of justification by faith alone, not by works. This passage highlights the continuity of the covenant of grace from Abraham to Christ, demonstrating that the promise co
Evening Prayer: Kindness - Biblical Insight
As the sun dips below the horizon and the day’s chaos settles into a hushed stillness, we are invited to reflect on the essence of kindness, humility, and sacrifice. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to “Trust in the Lord with all...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 5:12-21
In Romans 5:12-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the federal headship of Adam and Christ, central to our covenant theology. Adam, through the covenant of works, brought sin and death to all humanity; Christ, the second Adam, through the covenant of grace, brings righteousness and
Spiritual Insight: Faith - Biblical Insight
Imagine a small, humble garden tucked away behind a sturdy brick wall. This garden, filled with vibrant flowers and lush vegetables, thrives under the care of a devoted gardener. Day by day, the gardener tends to each plant, nurturing it...
Spiritual Insight: Justice - Biblical Insight
As we reflect on justice today, we are drawn to the profound words of Jesus in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In this simple yet powerful declaration, we find a roadmap to justice, humility,...
Spiritual Insight: Love - Biblical Insight
As we pause to reflect on Psalm 23, we encounter a tapestry of love woven into the very fabric of our lives. “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.” Imagine a shepherd, tenderly guiding each sheep, knowing...
Understanding Self-control - Reflection
Self-control, often seen as a battle against our impulses, is profoundly rooted in our understanding of grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it...
Spiritual Insight: Faith - Prayer
As we gather in this sacred space, let us turn our hearts to the profound truth found in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 6:1-11
We read Romans 6:1-11 as a profound exposition of our union with Christ in both his death and resurrection. This passage, within the redemptive-historical context, highlights the transformative power of sovereign grace. It declares that through God's decree, those who are in Christ have died to sin
Quiet Time: Faithfulness - Story
Picture a moment in your life when you felt utterly exhausted—perhaps during a challenging season of work, family struggles, or personal disappointment. You know that fatigue that weighs heavy on your shoulders, leaving you longing for rest and renewal. In...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 7:14-25
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition, we read Romans 7:14-25 as an exploration of the ongoing struggle between the indwelling sin and the new life in Christ. This passage illustrates the already/not yet tension of sanctification, where the believer, though justified and renewed by sovereign grac
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 15:1-21
We read Exodus 15:1-21 as a profound moment in the unfolding drama of redemptive history, where the covenant-keeping God demonstrates His sovereign power and faithfulness in delivering His people from bondage. This song of Moses celebrates God's triumph over Egypt, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate vi