Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: “How does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?”
14907 illustrations found
R.C. Sproul on Spirit-Given Courage - Reformed (2 Timothy 1:7)
"The Spirit God gives—note: GIVES, not earns—is Spirit of power, love, and self-control. This is grace: we do not generate courage but receive it. The Spirit's power is God's power; the Spirit's love
John Calvin on Reflecting Christ's Light - Reformed (Matthew 5:14-16)
"We are light only because Christ is THE Light. We shine with borrowed brightness, reflected glory. The purpose: that they may glorify YOUR FATHER—soli Deo Gloria. We are not the source but the lampst
R.C. Sproul on Sovereign Victory - Reformed (John 16:33)
"'I have overcome'—past tense. The victory is accomplished, not merely anticipated. In Christ, the world is already conquered; trouble is real but penultimate. God's sovereignty ensures the outcome. O
John Piper on Mercies Motivating Sacrifice - Reformed (Romans 12:1-2)
"'By the mercies of God'—our sacrifice is response to grace, not effort to earn it. Because of God's mercies (Romans 1-11), therefore present yourselves (Romans 12). The indicative grounds the imperat
John Piper on Jesus as Author and Perfecter - Reformed (Hebrews 12:1-2)
"Jesus is both author and perfecter of our faith—He begins it and He completes it. We persevere not because of our strength but because of His faithfulness. The race is run by looking to Him; eyes fix
R.C. Sproul on Sovereign Security - Reformed (Psalm 27:1)
"MY light, MY salvation, MY stronghold—this is covenant language. The sovereign God binds Himself to His people. Our security rests not in circumstances but in His character. If God is for us, who can
R.C. Sproul on Perfect Love from the Father - Reformed (1 John 4:18)
"Perfect love is GOD'S love—complete, unchanging, covenant-sealed. Our love is imperfect; His is perfect. As we grasp the depths of electing, redeeming, keeping love, fear of punishment disappears. Th
Applying Kindness - Teaching Material
The content emphasizes the importance of kindness as a practical application of faith, encouraging personal reflection and community engagement. It highlights the transformative power of small acts of kindness and the need for prayerful consideration in how to respond to this calling.
R.C. Sproul on Sovereign Plans - Reformed (Jeremiah 29:11)
"'I know the plans I have for you'—GOD knows. Not you. Not your circumstances. Not your enemies. God's sovereign knowledge encompasses past, present, and future. Our hope rests not in understanding th
John Calvin on Total Renewal - Reformed (Psalm 51:10)
"The heart is utterly corrupted; nothing less than creation will do. David asks God to do what only God can do: make new. This is not repair but recreation, not modification but transformation. Our de
Biblical Wisdom for Diversity & Inclusion - Commentary
This commentary explores the relevance of Galatians 3:28 in addressing the challenges of Diversity and Inclusion in today's society. It emphasizes the need for individuals of faith to reflect on their attitudes and actions, encouraging a compassionate and integrity-driven approach to living out their beliefs.
God's View on Irony - Application
The content explores how the biblical text of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provides wisdom for addressing the complexities of Irony in contemporary society. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions, promoting a faith lived with integrity and compassion amidst modern challenges.
Practical Gluttony - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of addressing gluttony through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to consider their role in combating gluttony both personally and within their communities, highlighting the potential for transformation through small acts of faithfulness.
Living Out Political Division & Unity - Teaching Material
The content emphasizes the importance of addressing political division through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action, inspired by Galatians 3:28. It encourages individuals to take small, faithful steps towards unity, highlighting the potential for positive impact in their communities.
Putting Into Practice: Questioning Traditional Doctrines - Teaching Material
The content emphasizes the importance of questioning traditional doctrines through personal reflection and community engagement, inspired by Amos 5:24. It encourages individuals to take actionable steps, such as prayer and resource sharing, to promote justice and transformation within their communities, highlighting the broader impact of these efforts on God's kingdom.
Putting Into Practice: Questioning Traditional Doctrines - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of questioning traditional doctrines through personal reflection and community engagement. It encourages individuals to take actionable steps, such as prayer and resource sharing, to promote justice and transformation within their communities. Ultimately, it highlights that addressing these doctrines can lead to broader systemic change and contribute to God's kingdom of justice and peace.
Putting Into Practice: Unity - Teaching Material
The application points emphasize the importance of unity within the community, encouraging personal reflection and active engagement. By committing to prayer and supporting resources that promote unity, individuals can contribute to both personal and communal transformation.
Putting Into Practice: Unity - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of unity within both personal and community contexts, encouraging individuals to reflect on their approach to unity as guided by Philippians 4:13. It suggests practical steps for engagement, prayer, and resource sharing to foster transformation and support within the community.
Putting Into Practice: Prayer - Teaching Material
This content emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means of personal and community transformation. It encourages individuals to reflect on their prayer life, engage with their community, and take actionable steps to support prayer initiatives. Ultimately, it highlights how small acts of faithfulness can lead to significant impacts in both personal and communal contexts.
Putting Into Practice: Questioning Traditional Doctrines - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of questioning traditional doctrines through personal reflection and community engagement. It encourages individuals to take actionable steps, such as prayer and resource sharing, to foster justice and transformation within their communities. Ultimately, it highlights that addressing these doctrines can lead to broader systemic change and contribute to God's kingdom of justice and peace.
A Lutheran Prayer Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
This prayer reflects on the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, emphasizing the importance of love and the principles of Lutheran theology, particularly justification by faith. It expresses gratitude for divine wisdom, confesses human shortcomings in embodying love, and seeks guidance for living out these truths in relationships and community.
On This Day: Franco-Prussian War: Léon Gambetta escapes the siege of Paris in a hot-air... (1870)
On October 7, 1870: Franco-Prussian War: Léon Gambetta escapes the siege of Paris in a hot-air balloon. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through t
On This Day: Mother Teresa establishes the Missionaries of Charity. (1950)
On October 7, 1950: Mother Teresa establishes the Missionaries of Charity. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about showing Christ-like compassion to others. Consider u
On This Day: Willem II becomes King of the Netherlands. (1840)
On October 7, 1840: Willem II becomes King of the Netherlands. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it when preachin