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: Matthew 5:43-48
We read Matthew 5:43-48 as a profound call to love within the covenant community and beyond, reflecting the character of our sovereign God. This passage reveals the radical nature of the kingdom inaugurated by Christ, where love extends even to enemies, mirroring God's indiscriminate grace. In the r
The Covenant of Grace Through History - Contemporary Example
The content explores Reformed covenant theology, emphasizing God's unified plan of redemption through various covenants established throughout history. It highlights the significance of Christ as the second Adam and the fulfillment of the Old Testament covenants, while also addressing the practice of infant baptism and the church's relationship with Israel and the world.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens, we read John 3:16-21 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign grace and the fulfillment of the covenant of grace in Christ. This passage reveals the love of God manifest in the sending of His Son, highlighting God's initiative in salvation — 'God so loved the
Scripture Study: Reformed (Covenental) Lens Interpretation Methods
When we approach the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we’re invited into a profound covenantal relationship that echoes through time. Here, Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father, Son,...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Jeremiah 29:10-14
We read Jeremiah 29:10-14 as an assurance of God's sovereign faithfulness to His covenant people. This passage is situated within the Babylonian exile, reminding us that God's purposes unfold in redemptive history, culminating in Christ. Here, God's promise to restore Israel after 70 years foreshado
A Story of Goodness - Story
Maria was a kind-hearted woman in her seventies, known throughout her community for her unwavering faith and vibrant spirit. Every Sunday, you could find her in the front pew, her gentle hands folded in prayer. But a shadow fell over...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Titus 3:3-8
We read Titus 3:3-8 as a profound exposition of the gospel of sovereign grace within the covenant of grace. This passage highlights the stark contrast between our total depravity and the transformative power of God's mercy, which is not based on our works but on His sovereign choice. In the unfoldin
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 8:28-30
We read Romans 8:28-30 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign grace in the salvation of His elect. This passage highlights the golden chain of redemption, where God foreknows, predestines, calls, justifies, and glorifies His people. It affirms the doctrine of unconditional election, underscori
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord)
We read Proverbs 3:5-6 as a call to unwavering trust in the Lord, who is sovereign over all aspects of life. This trust is not based on our understanding but is rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His redemptive purposes, culminating in Christ. We see this passage as an exhortation to live und
Scriptural Insight: Goodness - Commentary
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (*John 3:16*) This passage captures the essence of divine goodness. Here, we see a love so...
Applying Compassion - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Jesus' profound declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (*John 14:6*), we are reminded of the extraordinary compassion embedded within His promise. This passage reveals that the path to true wholeness and healing...
Understanding Patience - Commentary
Patience is one of the most exquisite virtues we can cultivate in our Christian journey, and it is beautifully illustrated in the profound truth of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” Here,...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Acts 2:42-47
We read Acts 2:42-47 as a vivid picture of the early church living out the reality of the New Covenant in Christ. This passage shows the transformative power of sovereign grace, as the Holy Spirit gathers and sanctifies a people devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, a
Biblical Truth: Forgiveness - Commentary
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This powerful directive invites us into a sacred space of surrender, where our struggles and burdens can be laid down in the presence of our Creator. Often, we wrestle with...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 8:19-22
We read Romans 8:19-22 through the lens of God's sovereign plan of redemption, seeing creation's longing for redemption as intertwined with the hope of the covenant community. This passage speaks to the cosmic scope of God’s redemptive work in Christ, emphasizing that the groaning of creation will c
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 23:1-6
We read Psalm 23:1-6 as a profound testimony to God's covenantal faithfulness and sovereign care for His people. The Lord as our Shepherd is a vivid picture of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep, fulfilling the covenant of grace. The imagery of green pastures and still w
Biblical Truth: Joy - Reflection
There is a profound joy that flows from the deep understanding of God's grace, beautifully articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not...
When Patience - Contemporary Example
There’s a small community garden near my home where neighbors gather to tend to their plants, share advice, and cultivate friendships. Last spring, a newcomer named Maria joined us. She was eager but inexperienced, throwing herself into her work with...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ephesians 2:8-9 (Saved by Grace Through Faith)
We read Ephesians 2:8-9 as a vibrant declaration of God's sovereign grace in the economy of salvation. This passage underscores the monergistic nature of salvation — it is by grace alone, through faith alone, that we are saved, and this faith itself is a gift from God. Our understanding of this text
Living Out Righteousness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commissions us to go and make disciples, we are reminded of the beautiful intertwining of righteousness and forgiveness in our Christian calling. Imagine a community where every person extends grace, not merely...
Lessons from Love - Contemporary Example
There’s a story that comes from a small community where a woman named Maria ran a local bakery. Each morning, long before the sun peeked over the horizon, Maria would pour her heart into kneading the dough, crafting each loaf...
Genesis 4:9-16 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 4:9-16 illustrates the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of human history, particularly in the judgment and mercy exhibited towards Cain. This passage highlights the consequences of sin but also emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness, showing that even in punishment, there is an opportunity for divine grace and protection.
The Example of Gentleness - Story
There was a small, weathered church nestled in a quiet village, where the walls bore the marks of time and the pews creaked with history. Among the congregation was a woman named Maria, who had endured many hardships—loss, loneliness, and...
Quiet Time: Goodness - Biblical Insight
As we embrace the quietness of our hearts, let us turn to the words of Jesus in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This profound declaration invites us to reflect on the incredible goodness of...