Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: βHow does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?β
14907 illustrations found
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as a definitive statement on the nature and purpose of Scripture within God's covenantal dealings with his people. The passage affirms that all Scripture is God-breathed, underscoring its divine inspiration and authority as part of God's sovereign decree. It is not merely a
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 9:18-27
In Luke 9:18-27, we read this passage as a pivotal revelation of Christ's identity and mission within the redemptive history framework. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ is not merely a human insight but a revelation granted by sovereign grace. This passage underscores the necessity of under
Quiet Time: Courage - Prayer
When we think of courage, it often conjures images of grand acts of bravery, like a firefighter rushing into a blazing building or a soldier standing firm in the face of danger. Yet, true courage often unfolds in the quiet...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
We read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 as a passage that affirms the sovereign grace of God in the resurrection and the return of Christ. This text assures us of the hope we have in Christ, emphasizing the certainty of His return and the resurrection of the dead. Our understanding is shaped by the covenant
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 John 1:5-10
We read 1 John 1:5-10 as an affirmation of God's transcendence and moral purity, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God ('God is light') and the pervasive need for the cleansing blood of Christ in our lives. This passage underscores the doctrine of total depravity, as it frankly acknowledges the s
Real-World Faithfulness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Galatians 5:22-23, we are reminded that the fruits of the Spirit β love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control β are not just lofty ideals, but tangible expressions of our faithfulness in everyday...
Understanding Patience - Reflection
As we reflect on the profound truth of John 3:16, we encounter the heart of God revealed in a single verse: βFor God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.β This divine love is not just a...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 5:6-11
We read 1 Peter 5:6-11 as a call to humble reliance on God's sovereign grace, recognizing our place within the covenant community. This passage exhorts us to cast our anxieties on God, acknowledging His providential care in the midst of trials. We see the devil's prowling as a reminder of the spirit
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Philippians 2:5-8
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition, we read Philippians 2:5-8 as a profound expression of the incarnation and humiliation of Christ, central to redemptive history. This passage illustrates the covenant of grace, wherein Christ, the second Adam, accomplishes what the first Adam failed to do, pe
Lessons from Self-control - Biblical Analogy
In the quiet of a bustling city, there lived a young man named Daniel, who felt trapped in a cycle of poor choices. Each morning, he awoke with hopes of change, yet by evening, he found himself ensnared once more...
Understanding Wisdom - Application
When we reflect on Isaiah 40:31, we uncover a profound promise: βBut 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...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
We read Romans 16:1-2 as a testament to the unfolding nature of God's covenant faithfulness in the life of the early church. Phoebe is recognized as a servant (διάκονοΟ) of the church, which underscores the covenant community's service in the redemptive history. Her commendation by Paul is not just
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the new creation in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation. Paul speaks of the radical transformation brought about by sovereign grace, where believers are no longer regarded according to the flesh but in the light of Chri
Lessons from Self-control - Contemporary Example
Carla sat at her kitchen table, staring at the remnants of her latest attempt at self-control. The cookie jar, once filled to the brim, now held just a few crumbles. βWhy canβt I resist?β she sighed, feeling defeated. You see,...
Biblical Truth: Kindness - Application
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to our well-being: βFor I know the plans I have for you,β declares the Lord, βplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.β...
The Meaning of Perseverance - Reflection
When we turn to Proverbs 3:5-6, we encounter a profound invitation to trust: βTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.β...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
We read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 as a profound exposition of the resurrection body in the context of Godβs sovereign redemptive plan. Paul contrasts the perishable, dishonorable, and weak natural body with the imperishable, glorious, and powerful spiritual body, emphasizing the transformation wrought
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Galatians 2:15-21
In Galatians 2:15-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, apart from works of the law. This text underscores the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ, where the righteousness we possess is not our own but is imputed
Thinking About Mercy - Church Context
Imagine a small parish community gathered in the warmth of their church hall, the gentle hum of conversation enveloping them like a soft blanket. Here, among familiar faces, they share storiesβjoys and sorrows woven together in the fabric of their...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 12:14-21
In Romans 12:14-21, we read this passage as an exhortation to live out the implications of the gospel within the covenant community and the world. This section calls us to embody the ethic of the kingdom that has been inaugurated through Christ's redemptive work. As those who have been recipients of
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....
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ephesians 2:11-22
We read Ephesians 2:11-22 through the lens of God's sovereign grace, seeing it as a profound exposition of the covenant of grace that unites Jew and Gentile in Christ. This passage speaks to the elimination of the dividing wall of hostility and the creation of one new humanity in Christ, emphasizing
The Example of Kindness - Story
In a small village, there lived a woman named Maria, known for her beautiful garden. Every morning, she tended to her flowers with a gentle touch, nurturing them with kindness and patience. Yet, one spring, a fierce storm swept through...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 15:11-32
We read the parable of the Prodigal Son as a profound illustration of the covenant of grace, highlighting God's sovereign and compassionate initiative in restoring sinners. The fatherβs reception of the prodigal son is a vivid picture of Godβs effectual calling and unconditional election, emphasizin