Lutheran Illustrations
Law and Gospel, justification by faith, sacramental theology.
Key question: “How does this distinguish Law from Gospel?”
14930 illustrations found
Genesis 46:28-34 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 46:28-34 highlights the significance of community and the importance of belonging. Jacob's reunion with Joseph symbolizes not only familial bonds but also the larger community of faith that God calls us into, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ.
Genesis 27:1-40 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 27:1-40 is viewed through the lens of community and the consequences of deceit. The narrative illustrates the tensions within families and the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships. Furthermore, it reveals God's sovereignty, working through flawed characters, emphasizing that God's purposes can unfold even amidst human failings.
Genesis 47:27-31 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 47:27-31 serves as a reminder of the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ. It illustrates the value of living as a faithful community that embodies the kingdom of God, particularly in the ways we care for one another and uphold the principles of peace and justice.
The Power of Faith - Story
Lydia was a woman of great determination. Each morning, she rose before dawn, her hands calloused from years of labor in her small dress shop. As she meticulously crafted each garment, she often replayed the demands of her life in...
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
Genesis 34:1-31 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 34:1-31 serves as a reminder of the importance of community integrity and the consequences of violence and retribution. The passage illustrates the moral failings and the need for accountability within the community, emphasizing Jesus' call to peace and reconciliation over vengeance.
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
Biblical Truth: Forgiveness - Commentary
Forgiveness is a profound act rooted in the very nature of God, and it finds its theological significance beautifully captured in Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This verse...
Genesis 14:1-24 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 14:1-24 can be seen as a powerful narrative illustrating God's providence and the importance of community. Abraham's response to conflict—his willingness to rescue Lot and engage with the kings—reflects the call to be peacemakers and to act in love, prioritizing relationships over power struggles.
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
Genesis 2:8-14 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 2:8-14 emphasizes the goodness of creation and the importance of community in God's design. The creation of the garden represents a space of harmony where humanity is called to care for the earth and each other, reflecting God's peace and justice in their relationships.
The Doctrine of Wisdom - Church Context
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that it is by grace we have been saved, through faith; and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God. This profound truth invites us into a deeper understanding...
Genesis 24:1-67 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 24 reveals God's providential guidance in the lives of His people, emphasizing the importance of community discernment and faithful obedience. The passage illustrates how relational choices, like marriage, should reflect our commitments to peace, love, and discipleship within the community of faith.
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...
Genesis 49:1-27 - Anabaptist Perspective
In Genesis 49:1-27, the Anabaptist tradition emphasizes the communal implications of Jacob's blessings, particularly how they reflect God's covenantal promises and the call to live in peace and justice. This passage acts as a reminder that God's purposes extend beyond individual destiny to the collective identity and responsibility of His people, urging us to embody a lifestyle of discipleship that reflects God's character in community.
Quiet Time: Understanding - Story
Imagine for a moment the scene in a cozy living room, where the warm glow of a lamp softly illuminates a well-loved chair. This is a space filled with the gentle sounds of a crackling fire and the comforting aroma...
Faith and Compassion - Church Context
Imagine a weary traveler, burdened by the weight of his pack, navigating a rocky path. Each step is heavy, each moment fraught with uncertainty. Then, he encounters a fellow pilgrim who pauses, looks him in the eye, and offers a...
Quiet Time: Compassion - Story
Imagine a mother watching her child take their first steps. The moment is filled with uncertainty; every wobble and fall brings a rush of instinctive compassion and an urge to protect. Yet, she holds back, allowing her child to rise...
Putting Into Practice: Kindness - Illustration
Imagine a chilly morning at your local coffee shop, where the air is thick with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A mother rushes in, juggling a toddler in one arm and her phone in the other, clearly frazzled....
Genesis 43:15-34 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 43:15-34 highlights the themes of reconciliation and community, emphasizing how familial relationships can reflect God's grace. The passage invites us to consider the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of living in peace with one another, reflecting the heart of discipleship in Christ.
Understanding Righteousness - Commentary
Righteousness is often portrayed as an abstract concept, but in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul paints it in vibrant, relational colors. He tells us that love is patient, love is kind, and love does not insist on its own way. This...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
We read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 through the lens of the theology of the cross. Here, Paul boasts of his weaknesses, and we see a clear picture of how God's power is perfected in human frailty. This passage is a profound proclamation of the Gospel — that our strength and righteousness are found not in
The Power of Redemption - Story
There was a woman named Sarah who lived in a small town, known for her bright smile and warm heart. Yet, beneath that cheerful exterior lay a past filled with regret and heartache. Years earlier, she had made choices that...