Lutheran Illustrations
Law and Gospel, justification by faith, sacramental theology.
Key question: “How does this distinguish Law from Gospel?”
14930 illustrations found
The Example of Understanding - Contemporary Example
In a quiet town, there lived a woman named Claire. For years, Claire struggled with a deep longing for purpose. Much like Hannah in the Old Testament, who poured her heart out to God in her anguish, Claire found herself...
The Example of Understanding - Story
Hannah's story is one of deep yearning and profound transformation. Year after year, she made her way to the temple, burdened with the weight of her unfulfilled desire for a child. Each visit, she poured out her heart to God,...
Living Out Joy - Teaching Material
As Paul writes in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” he invites us into a transformative understanding of strength that comes not from our own efforts, but from our relationship with Christ. This declaration...
The Power of Kindness - Contemporary Example
There’s a story I heard recently about a woman named Maria, a devoted volunteer at a local food pantry. Every Saturday, she would arrive early, setting up tables and sorting canned goods with a smile. For years, Maria quietly dedicated...
The Example of Grace - Story
Sophia sat in her garden, the rich soil beneath her fingers reminding her of the life she was trying to cultivate. After years of neglect, it was now a patchwork of wildflowers and weeds, each competing for the sun. She...
The Example of Mercy - Story
Anna sat on the worn steps of her front porch, the evening sun casting a golden glow over her small town. She had always been the one to lend a hand — baking casseroles for neighbors in need, watching their...
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.”...
The Meaning of Grace - Reflection
Trusting in the Lord with all our heart, as Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, is not merely a call to blind faith, but an invitation to experience the richness of grace that God offers in every moment of our lives. In...
Applying Forgiveness - Teaching Material
Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, is "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This assurance is crucial when we consider the act of forgiveness within our communities. Imagine a family gathered around a dinner...
When Heaven Seems Silent: Wrestling with Unanswered Prayer - Contemporary Example
The content addresses the experience of unanswered prayer, highlighting that such moments are not failures but rather invitations to deepen trust in God. It draws on biblical examples, including David's lament and Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, to illustrate that God's responses may differ from our expectations, encouraging believers to persist in prayer and seek a deeper relationship with Him.
Putting Into Practice: Justice - Illustration
Imagine for a moment a community garden, flourishing not just because of the sunlight and rain, but because of the hands and hearts invested in it. Each seed sown represents a person’s act of justice and love—a neighbor who shares...
The Day of Judgment: Justice and Mercy United - Contemporary Example
The final judgment serves as a profound reminder of both the seriousness of human choices and the comforting assurance of God's justice and mercy. While believers are vindicated through Christ's righteousness, the doctrine emphasizes the importance of compassionate action as evidence of genuine faith. Ultimately, it highlights the balance between God's love and the necessity of justice in the face of sin.
Law and Gospel: God's Two Words - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the distinction between Law and Gospel in Lutheran theology, highlighting the Law's role in revealing sin and the Gospel's power in providing salvation through faith. It underscores the continuous need for both elements in the Christian life, guiding believers in their sanctification while offering comfort through God's grace.
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: Colossians 3:12-17
We read Colossians 3:12-17 through the Lutheran Lens by emphasizing the distinction between Law and Gospel. The passage begins with imperatives that function as the Third Use of the Law, guiding the baptized in their new life in Christ. This is not a demand for our justification but a reflection of
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 5:1-5
In 1 Peter 5:1-5, we read this as both Law and Gospel. The exhortation to elders is Law, revealing our inability to shepherd perfectly, while the call to humility reflects the Gospel, pointing to Christ's humble service and sacrificial love. We see the theology of the cross vividly here, as God call
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Acts 10:34-35
In Acts 10:34-35, we read this passage as a clear illustration of the universality of the Gospel, emphasizing that God's grace in Christ is extended to all people, not limited by ethnic or cultural boundaries. This text shows us the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, breaking down the barriers betwe
Spiritual Insight: Understanding - Biblical Insight
As we gather in this sacred space, let’s take a moment to reflect on the promise contained in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 4:18-19
We read Luke 4:18-19 as a proclamation of the Gospel, centered on Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise. This passage is Christological, announcing that Christ himself is the one anointed to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to set at liberty those who are opp
Law and Gospel: God's Two Words - Story
The content emphasizes the distinction between Law and Gospel, highlighting the Law's role in revealing sin and the Gospel's power in providing salvation through faith in Christ. It underscores the ongoing need for both elements in the Christian life, fostering dependence on God's grace while guiding sanctification.
Creation Care: Our First Commission - Story
The sermon emphasizes the biblical mandate for responsible stewardship of creation, highlighting that environmental care is a spiritual responsibility rather than a political issue. It connects the care for the earth with the call to love one's neighbor, particularly in addressing the impacts of environmental degradation on vulnerable populations.
Real-World Wisdom - Illustration
Picture a young woman named Sarah who recently found herself at a crossroads in life. She had just finished her studies and was weighing her options: should she pursue a high-paying corporate job or follow her passion for social work,...
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Contemporary Example
Imagine for a moment a young woman named Sarah who has recently moved to a new city for work. She feels isolated and alone, longing for connection and fellowship. One evening, after a long day at the office, she stumbles...
The Example of Goodness - Biblical Analogy
In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived an elderly carpenter named Jacob. This man was known for his exceptional craftsmanship, but even more so for his generous spirit. Each Saturday, Jacob opened his workshop doors, inviting children from...