Lutheran Illustrations
Law and Gospel, justification by faith, sacramental theology.
Key question: “How does this distinguish Law from Gospel?”
14930 illustrations found
Theology of Redemption - Application
As we meditate on John 14:6, where Jesus proclaims, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” we encounter the profound reality of redemption that can transform our daily lives. This verse encapsulates not just a doctrinal statement...
A Story of Love - Contemporary Example
In a quiet neighborhood, there lived a woman named Sarah who ran a small community bakery. Every day, she would open her doors early, filling the air with the sweet aroma of fresh bread and pastries. But Sarah's bakery was...
Understanding Salvation - Commentary
When we reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we are drawn into a profound understanding of salvation through the lens of *agape*, or selfless love. Paul paints a picture of love that is patient, kind, and enduring—qualities that echo the very...
The Example of Perseverance - Contemporary Example
There’s a story that has frequently come to mind as I ponder the beauty of perseverance through trials. A dear friend of mine, Rachel, faced the unthinkable when her husband was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer....
Genesis 2:4-7 - Anabaptist Perspective
In Genesis 2:4-7, Anabaptist theology emphasizes God's intimate involvement in creation, particularly in the formation of humanity from the earth. This passage reflects the belief in the sacredness of creation and the necessity of living in harmony with God's creation, which aligns with the Anabaptist commitment to peace and stewardship.
Genesis 1:9-13 - Anabaptist Perspective
Anabaptists view Genesis 1:9-13 as a testament to God's creative power and intentionality, emphasizing the goodness of creation and the responsibility of humanity to steward it. This passage invites believers to reflect on how the created order reflects God's peace and harmony, calling the community to live in ways that uphold these values.
Living Out Patience - Contemporary Example
Imagine a potter at work, shaping a lump of clay into a beautiful vessel. With steady hands, the potter applies pressure and invites the clay to yield to the design in their mind. There’s a rhythm to this process—an ebb...
The Power of Joy - Contemporary Example
There’s a small café in my neighborhood, a cozy spot where the scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. I often see a man named Samuel, a retired teacher, sitting by the window. Despite his age, he carries a...
Living Out Forgiveness - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on John 3:16, we are reminded of God’s profound love for each of us—a love that calls us not only to receive grace but to share it abundantly in our relationships. This is the essence of forgiveness:...
The Power of Gentleness - Biblical Analogy
A gentle farmer walked through his fields, where rows of crops stood tall and vibrant. Day after day, he tended to them, nurturing the soil and ensuring they received just the right amount of water and sunlight. One morning, as...
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
Theological Perspective: Perseverance - Teaching Material
Consider the image of a weary traveler, trudging along a winding path through a dense forest. Each step grows heavier, and the air thickens with uncertainty. Yet, nestled within this scene is a profound truth we find in Isaiah 40:31,...
When Humility - Contemporary Example
It was a chilly autumn morning when Sarah found herself standing outside the hospital, clutching a crumpled piece of paper that held her father's diagnosis. Cancer. Those words echoed in her mind, drowning out the world around her. She felt...
When Gentleness - Contemporary Example
Last summer, I had the privilege of visiting a local community garden. As I wandered through the rows of vibrant, flourishing plants, I noticed a young volunteer named Clara, no older than ten, tending to a fragile seedling with such...
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
Faith and Salvation - Church Context
When we turn to Romans 8:28, we find a treasure trove of comfort and assurance: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”...
A Story of Love - Contemporary Example
There’s a story I love about a young woman named Sarah, who faced a pivotal moment in her life. After college, she applied for her dream job, a position that promised to be a springboard for her career. Days turned...
Quiet Time: Understanding - Prayer
Picture, if you will, a child standing at the edge of a vast forest, the towering trees whispering secrets in the wind. The child clutches a small, tattered map in one hand, glancing nervously at the darkening sky. It’s a...
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
A Story of Salvation - Story
There was a young woman named Sarah who had always felt lost, wandering through life without a clear direction. She attended church occasionally but felt disconnected, like a leaf drifting in the wind. One Sunday, during a service, a simple...
The Power of Gentleness - Story
In a quiet corner of my neighborhood, there’s a small park where a majestic oak tree stands, its branches stretching wide like arms inviting us to come and rest. One autumn day, I sat on a bench beneath its shade,...
A Story of Righteousness - Contemporary Example
There’s a dear friend of mine, Sarah, who once found herself at a crossroads. A gifted artist, she had spent years pouring her heart into her paintings, only to see them dismissed by galleries as “not commercial enough.” Discouraged and...
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...
When Forgiveness - Contemporary Example
During a summer retreat, I met a woman named Clara. She was in her late fifties, a grandmother of three, and had a gentle smile that radiated warmth. But beneath that smile, Clara carried a heart weighed down by years...