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: Exodus 4:10-17
We read Exodus 4:10-17 as a profound display of God's sovereign grace and divine calling within the covenantal framework. Here, Moses' reluctance and self-perceived inadequacy are met with God's insistence on His sovereign choice and provision. This passage illustrates God's effectual calling, as He
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 5:1-23
We read Exodus 5:1-23 as a pivotal moment in redemptive history where God, through Moses, begins the deliverance of His covenant people from Egyptian bondage. This passage underscores God's sovereign plan and His commitment to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Pharaoh's resist
Quiet Time: Compassion - Prayer
When we pause for quiet time in prayer, we enter a sacred space where compassion flows like a gentle stream, nourishing our weary souls. Picture a mother cradling her child, feeling every heartbeat, every sigh — this is the essence...
Daily Reflection: Salvation - Prayer
As we gather in prayer, let us pause to reflect on the profound gift of salvation, a treasure that beckons us into a life renewed by God’s grace. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this...
Digital Disciples: Living Faith Online - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of our online presence as a form of Christian witness, urging believers to reflect the teachings of Scripture in their social media interactions. It highlights the need for discernment in sharing content that builds others up and glorifies God, while also warning against the potential pitfalls of digital communication.
Genesis 29:31-35 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 29:31-35 illustrates God's sovereignty in the midst of human relationships and struggles. God's election of Leah, despite her perceived unworthiness, highlights His grace and the unfolding of His covenant promises, showing that His purposes prevail even when human actions seem chaotic.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 6:1-13
We read Exodus 6:1-13 as a pivotal moment in the redemptive history where God reaffirms His covenantal promises to Israel through Moses. This passage highlights God's sovereign grace in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage. It is a profoun
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 8:1-15
We read Exodus 8:1-15 as a profound demonstration of God's sovereign power over creation and his covenantal faithfulness to his people. The plagues in Egypt are not random acts of divine wrath but are purposeful actions within the redemptive-historical narrative, revealing God's supremacy over false
Genesis 31:22-55 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 31:22-55 reveals the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for His purposes. Jacob's flight from Laban and the ensuing confrontation illustrates God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that He guides His people amidst conflict and uncertainty, fulfilling His promises despite human scheming.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as a central declaration of the Gospel's power, rooted in God's sovereign initiative and the unfolding covenant of grace. This passage affirms that salvation is entirely of the Lord, revealed from faith to faith, emphasizing the monergistic nature of salvation. The righteousne
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read Romans 1:18-23 as a declaration of God's righteous wrath against human ungodliness and unrighteousness, revealing the universal need for the Gospel. This passage underscores the doctrine of total depravity, highlighting humanity's suppression of truth and idolatry. Within the redemptive-hist
The Good Shepherd: Psalm 23 in a Dangerous World - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes the profound meaning of Psalm 23, highlighting God's active and protective care as a shepherd. It illustrates the transition from a general acknowledgment of God's sovereignty to a personal assurance of His presence in times of suffering. Ultimately, it connects the imagery of the shepherd to Christ, who embodies perfect protection and sacrificial love for His followers.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Revelation 21:1-5
We read Revelation 21:1-5 as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where the covenant of grace reaches its fulfillment in the new creation. This passage reveals the consummation of all things in Christ, where He makes all things new, echoing the promise of a renewed heavens and earth. The text u
Genesis 41:1-8 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In Genesis 41:1-8, the Reformed tradition highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for the fulfillment of His purposes. This passage illustrates how God governs the affairs of nations and individuals, demonstrating His control over even the most chaotic situations, which serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority and plan in the lives of His covenant people.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Hebrews 12:1-2 (Run the Race)
We read Hebrews 12:1-2 as a profound exhortation within the context of redemptive history, urging us to persevere in the race of faith by looking to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. This passage is rooted in the covenant of grace, through which God sovereignly calls his elect to persev
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
We read this passage as a clear warning against false teaching and the dangers of covetousness, both of which disrupt the covenant community and defile the pursuit of godliness. This section of 1 Timothy is firmly situated within the redemptive-historical framework where Paul exhorts Timothy to upho
Genesis 16:1-16 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In Genesis 16, we see the interplay of divine sovereignty and human agency. The passage illustrates that even in our failures and attempts to fulfill God's promises through our own efforts, God's purposes ultimately prevail. This reflects the Reformed belief in God's providential control over all circumstances, reminding us that He remains faithful to His covenant despite our shortcomings.
The Power of Peace - Contemporary Example
Last fall, I met Maria, a single mother of two, at our parish food pantry. She wore a gentle smile, but her eyes betrayed the weight of worry. Juggling two jobs, she felt the pressures of life closing in—bills piling...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Revelation 11:15-19
We read Revelation 11:15-19 as a consummate vision of the sovereign reign of Christ, the culmination of God's redemptive plan. This passage affirms the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, emphasizing the covenantal promise
Genesis 39:1-6 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 39:1-6 highlights God's sovereignty in the life of Joseph as he finds himself in Egypt, demonstrating that God's providential hand is at work even in difficult circumstances. This passage underscores the covenantal relationship God has with His people, assuring them that He is actively involved in their lives, guiding them toward His ultimate purposes.
Genesis 39:7-23 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 39:7-23 serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, illustrating how He orchestrates events for His purposes even amid human suffering and injustice. Joseph's faithfulness in the face of temptation and false accusation reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, demonstrating that God upholds His own in trials while working out His divine plan.
Thinking About Forgiveness - Teaching Material
When we contemplate the words of Jesus in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we encounter a profound invitation to embrace forgiveness. Here, Jesus reveals Himself not just as a guide but as the very...
The Good Shepherd: Psalm 23 in a Dangerous World - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the profound meaning behind Psalm 23, highlighting God's active and protective care as the shepherd. It illustrates the shift from a general acknowledgment of God's presence to a personal relationship in times of suffering, ultimately pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of the shepherd role through His sacrificial love.
Money Talks: What Is Your Treasure Saying? - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of viewing money as a spiritual force that can either draw us closer to God or lead us into idolatry. It highlights the Reformed theological perspective on stewardship, urging believers to recognize God's ownership of all resources and to transform their relationship with money through practices like tithing, which fosters trust and heart transformation.