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: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
We read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 as a profound exposition of the nature of love, rooted in the covenantal faithfulness of God. This passage is not merely a moral exhortation but a reflection of the character of Christ, who perfectly embodies this love. In the redemptive-historical context, these verses
The Doctrine of Faith - Commentary
The passage from Matthew 28:19-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, compels us to step beyond the walls of our comfort and embrace the call of discipleship: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." Here, Jesus entrusts us...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 21:15-19
In John 21:15-19, we read this passage as a profound moment of covenant renewal and restoration within the redemptive history. Christ’s thrice-repeated question to Peter echoes Peter’s threefold denial, pointing us to the necessity of grace in restoring believers who fall. This passage is a testamen
Lessons from Patience - Contemporary Example
There’s a woman named Maria in our community, a quiet soul with a heart full of love for others. For years, she volunteered at the local shelter, serving meals to those in need. But recently, she found herself in the...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 6:25-34
We read Matthew 6:25-34 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign care for His covenant people, highlighting the futility of anxiety in light of God's providential rule. In this passage, Jesus calls us to trust in the Father's gracious provision, which is grounded in His eternal covenant of grace
A Story of Goodness - Contemporary Example
There was a young woman named Maria who lived in a small town, grappling with uncertainty about her future. She had always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but after her father lost his job, her family faced severe financial struggles....
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 6-8
We read Genesis 6-8 as a profound demonstration of God's sovereign grace and covenantal faithfulness in the midst of human depravity. This passage reveals the unfolding of the covenant of grace, where God, in His sovereign mercy, chooses Noah and his family to be the recipients of His saving grace.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 12:1-2
In Romans 12:1-2, we read this passage as a call to live out the implications of the covenant of grace in our lives. Paul urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, an act rooted in the redemptive work of Christ, who is the fulfillment of all Old Testament sacrifices. This is not a call t
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Hebrews 11:1-3
We read Hebrews 11:1-3 as a profound declaration of faith's role within the overarching narrative of God's covenantal dealings with His people. This passage is a testament to the assurance and conviction we receive through faith, anchored in God's sovereign plan of redemption. Faith, as understood h
The Power of Faith - Story
There’s a story from a small village nestled in the mountains where a young woman named Maria faced an overwhelming challenge. Born into a family of farmers, she had always dreamed of becoming a teacher. But as the eldest daughter,...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
We read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 through the lens of God's covenantal love, as revealed in Christ. This passage is not merely a list of moral virtues but reflects the character of Christ, who embodies perfect love. In the redemptive-historical context, these verses culminate in the love displayed in the
Living Out Courage - Illustration
Imagine a young mother named Maria, who, despite facing overwhelming challenges—financial difficulties, a demanding job, and the responsibilities of raising two small children—decides to host a community dinner in her home. As she prepares the meal, her heart is not...
All Authority Already Given - Reformed (Matthew 28:18-20)
When a new president takes office, the transfer of power happens at a specific moment. Before inauguration, they have no authority; after, they have all of it. Jesus' statement is even more sweeping:
The King Who Became a Servant - Reformed (John 3:16)
In medieval Europe, there's a legend of a king who fell in love with a peasant girl. He could have commanded her to marry him—she couldn't refuse a king. But he wanted her love, not her compliance. So
Joseph's Long View - Reformed (Romans 8:28)
Joseph spent years in a pit, in slavery, in prison—each time because of others' evil choices. His brothers' jealousy, Potiphar's wife's lies, the cupbearer's forgetfulness. Yet at the end, he could sa
William Wilberforce's 46-Year Battle - Reformed (Philippians 4:13)
William Wilberforce fought to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire for 46 years. He was mocked, threatened, and defeated repeatedly. His health was terrible; he was often bedridden. Yet he pe
Waiting on the Lord: The Strength of Patience - Story
This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of waiting on God's timing, highlighting that such waiting is an active trust in His goodness. It encourages believers to see waiting as a process of spiritual growth and character development, intertwining their will with God's purpose.
Waiting on the Lord: The Strength of Patience - Prayer
This devotional emphasizes the importance of waiting on God's timing, highlighting that such waiting is not passive but an active trust in His goodness. It encourages believers to see waiting as an opportunity for spiritual growth and character development, reminding them that God's timing is perfect and serves a greater purpose.
Waiting on the Lord: The Strength of Patience - Biblical Insight
This devotional reflects on the importance of waiting on God's timing, emphasizing that such waiting is an active process that strengthens our faith and character. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing, recognizing that delays can be opportunities for spiritual growth and preparation.
Our Work Belongs to God: The Architect Illustration
Illustration using architecture to show how work takes raw materials and forms them into things that enable human flourishing, culture, and community.
The Leading Toward Peace Challenge
In our modern world, Leading Toward Peace presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Leviticus 19:34 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Leading Toward Peace. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the compl...
A Modern Story of Technology and Human Connection
In our modern world, Technology and Human Connection presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Matthew 22:37-39 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Technology and Human Connection. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and ...
Finding Nonviolent Resistance in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, Nonviolent Resistance presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Philippians 2:5-8 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Nonviolent Resistance. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the c...
The Technology and Human Connection Challenge
In our modern world, Technology and Human Connection presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Hebrews 13:2 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Technology and Human Connection. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and resp...