Lutheran Illustrations
Law and Gospel, justification by faith, sacramental theology.
Key question: “How does this distinguish Law from Gospel?”
14930 illustrations found
Practical Understanding - Teaching Material
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This profound truth found in John 3:16 invites us into a deep relationship with our Creator—a...
The Doctrine of Wisdom - Commentary
As we ponder Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded that our salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our own efforts. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing; it...
Practical Understanding - Illustration
When we reflect on John 3:16, we see the heart of our faith: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." This is the ultimate expression of *agape*—selfless, sacrificial love. It’s easy to understand...
The Example of Grace - Story
There’s a story I love about a young artist named Sarah, who poured her heart into her craft. She spent days creating a beautiful painting that she felt represented the very essence of grace—a vibrant landscape bathed in golden sunlight,...
Genesis 15:1-21 - Anabaptist Perspective
In Genesis 15:1-21, the Anabaptist tradition emphasizes God’s covenantal promise as a reflection of His faithfulness in establishing community. This passage illustrates not only God's commitment to Abram but also the call for believers to embody trust and obedience, mirroring the peace witness and communal aspects of Anabaptist theology.
Creation Care: Our First Commission - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the biblical mandate for environmental stewardship, rooted in the concept of responsible care for creation as outlined in Genesis. It highlights the moral implications of environmental degradation, particularly its impact on the vulnerable, and calls for a transformative approach to how we interact with the earth as caretakers rather than owners.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Galatians 3:19-29
We read Galatians 3:19-29 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's role as a pedagogue leading us to Christ. The Law reveals our sin and absolute inability to fulfill God's demands, thus driving us to the Gospel, where we find our justification by faith alone. The passage culminates
Genesis 31:1-21 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 31:1-21 highlights the importance of communal integrity and the call to follow God’s leading in difficult circumstances. The passage reflects on the tension between loyalty to family and the pursuit of justice, underscoring God's providence in guiding His people toward a path of peace and reconciliation.
Quiet Time: Faith - Prayer
As we gather in this sacred space, let's consider the profound connection between faith and prayer. Imagine a young child, her tiny hands folded, eyes closed tightly, whispering a simple prayer to God. In that moment, she isn't burdened by...
Genesis 30:1-24 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 30:1-24 emphasizes the importance of community and relational dynamics within families and broader groups. The narrative illustrates the complexities of human desire and rivalry, but it also highlights God's providence in weaving together the stories of individuals to create a community that reflects His grace and purpose.
Genesis 30:25-43 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 30:25-43 can be interpreted as a reflection of God's providence and the value of community and stewardship in our lives. The passage illustrates the complexity of human relationships, highlighting the importance of trust and cooperation in the community of faith, rather than the pursuit of individual gain.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
We read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 through the Lutheran Lens as a profound illustration of the Law and Gospel distinction. The text convicts us under the Law by highlighting that even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts are nothing if not accompanied by love. This reveals our human inability to fulfill
Genesis 28:1-9 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 28:1-9 is understood as God's promise of guidance and blessing to a chosen community. The emphasis is on the communal aspect of God's covenant, highlighting the importance of living in a way that reflects God's peace and justice in a fractured world.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ruth 1:1-5
We read Ruth 1:1-5 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's revelation of human frailty and suffering in the face of famine and death. This passage highlights the consequences of living in a fallen world, where the Law exposes our inability to secure our own future. However, we also
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:28-3:3
We read 1 John 2:28-3:3 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing the call to abide in Christ (2:28) as both a command (Law) that exposes our inability and a promise (Gospel) that assures us of our identity in Christ. The passage highlights our baptismal identity as God's children (3:1), which is a
Scripture Study: Lutheran Lens Interpretation Methods
As we gather around the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we find a profound exploration of love that transcends mere emotion and beckons us into a divine reality. This passage is often celebrated in weddings, but its implications...
Real-World Hope - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Isaiah 40:31, we are reminded that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles.” This promise is not just a theological statement; it’s a lifeline for our...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ruth 2:1-23
In the Lutheran Lens tradition, we read Ruth 2:1-23 as an embodiment of God's providence and grace, highlighting the themes of vocation and divine mercy. Through Boaz's actions, we see the Law at work in its civil use, as he exercises justice and kindness in his vocation. Yet, the passage is also ri
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Revelation 3:14-22
We read this passage as a profound interplay of Law and Gospel. The words to the church in Laodicea expose the deep-seated sin of spiritual complacency (Law) — their lukewarm faith is neither hot nor cold, rendering them ineffective and distasteful. This is the Law doing its terrifying work, reveali
Putting Into Practice: Kindness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9, which reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works, we find a profound call to live out this grace in our daily interactions. The kindness we extend...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
We read this passage as the Apostle Paul's proclamation of the Gospel in its purity. It begins with a reminder of the Gospel Paul preached, which is the foundation of our faith, and transitions into a powerful testimony of Christ's resurrection. This is Gospel in its purest form—Christ died for our
Genesis 3:20-24 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 3:20-24 serves as a reminder of humanity's fallenness and the profound need for community and redemption. The passage emphasizes the relational aspect of sin and its consequences, highlighting that our choices affect not just ourselves but also our relationships with God and one another. This scriptural account calls for a commitment to peace and reconciliation as we navigate the brokenness of our world.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:1-6
In 1 John 2:1-6, we read this passage as a vivid exposition of the interplay between Law and Gospel. The text underscores our call to walk as Christ walked, which the Law reveals as an impossible task for the old Adam, exposing our sin and the bondage of our will. Yet, it also delivers the Gospel pr
When Kindness - Story
There was a time in my life when I felt adrift, like a small boat lost at sea, surrounded by the vastness of uncertainty. It was during this tumultuous season that I encountered an unexpected lighthouse—a simple act of kindness...