Lutheran Illustrations
Law and Gospel, justification by faith, sacramental theology.
Key question: “How does this distinguish Law from Gospel?”
14930 illustrations found
Martin Luther on Gospel Love vs. Law Fear - Lutheran (1 John 4:18)
"The law creates fear—fear of punishment, fear of failure. The gospel creates love—security in grace, rest in Christ. Perfect love is the gospel's gift: knowing our sins are forgiven, knowing we are a
Martin Luther on God's Protective Presence - Lutheran (Deuteronomy 31:8)
"God goes before to fight our battles; He stays with to comfort our fears. This is grace upon grace! When the devil accuses, God defends. When danger threatens, God protects. Never leave, never forsak
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Hidden Providence - Lutheran (Romans 8:28)
"I believe that God can and will bring good out of evil, even out of the greatest evil. For that purpose He needs human beings who make the best use of everything. I believe that God will give us all
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Peace Amid Trial - Lutheran (Philippians 4:6-7)
"Paul wrote from prison; I write from prison. Peace that passes understanding comes not when circumstances improve but when Christ is near. 'The Lord is at hand'—this is everything. In Christ, even ch
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Care in Community - Lutheran (1 Peter 5:7)
"God's care often comes through the brother, the sister. In Christian community, we bear one another's burdens and so fulfill Christ's law. Casting cares on God includes receiving care from His body.
Martin Luther on Letting God Be God - Lutheran (Psalm 46:10)
"'Be still'—let God be God! Our striving says we must do what only God can do. Our anxiety says God cannot be trusted. Stillness is faith's posture: God works while we rest. 'A mighty fortress is our
Martin Luther on Grace Alone - Lutheran (Psalm 51:10)
"'Create'—this is grace language. We cannot clean our own hearts; we can only receive what God creates. David the king becomes David the beggar: 'Have mercy on me.' The clean heart is gift, not achiev
Martin Luther on Gospel Abundance - Lutheran (Ephesians 3:20-21)
"The gospel exceeds! We ask for forgiveness; God gives righteousness. We imagine acceptance; He gives sonship. We hope for mercy; He gives inheritance. Immeasurably more—this is grace upon grace. God'
Martin Luther on Christ Living in the Believer - Lutheran (Galatians 2:20)
"Christ is so closely united with me that He lives in me. The life I now live is not mine but His. I still have my sinful flesh, but Christ's life overcomes it. This is the 'happy exchange': He takes
Martin Luther on Simul Justus et Peccator - Lutheran (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"We are new creations—yet we remain sinners. Simul justus et peccator: simultaneously justified and sinner. The old has passed in God's verdict; the new has come in Christ's righteousness. But we live
Martin Luther on Temptation and the Word - Lutheran (1 Corinthians 10:13)
"When the devil tempts, I flee to Christ. The way of escape is often the Word itself—Scripture spoken against temptation. 'It is written!' God is faithful; He has given us the armor of His Word. Tempt
Martin Luther on Christ as God Revealed - Lutheran (John 14:6)
"No one knows the Father except through the Son. If you want to see God, look at Christ. He IS the way to God—no other path works. He IS the truth about God—all else is speculation. He IS the life fro
Martin Luther on Grace vs. Works - Lutheran (Ephesians 2:8-9)
"Here is the thunderbolt against all works-righteousness! 'Not of works, lest anyone should boast.' The law demands; grace gives. The law kills; grace makes alive. We are beggars before God, receiving
Putting Into Practice: Gossip - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of addressing gossip through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to take small, faithful steps that can lead to significant community transformation, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal growth and communal well-being.
Martin Luther on Wisdom Without Reproach - Lutheran (James 1:5)
"God gives without reproach—He does not shame the ignorant for being ignorant! This is grace: the wise God stoops to give wisdom to fools. When I am confused, I do not pretend wisdom; I ask. God recei
Scriptural Insight: Culture - Reflection
This reflection emphasizes the importance of biblical wisdom in navigating the complexities of contemporary culture. It encourages individuals to examine their attitudes and actions, urging them to live out their faith with integrity and compassion in a rapidly changing world.
Scriptural Insight: Culture - Commentary
This biblical commentary highlights the relevance of 2 Corinthians 5:17 in addressing the complexities of modern culture. It encourages believers to engage with their faith authentically and compassionately, providing a framework for navigating contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in biblical truth.
Scriptural Insight: Culture - Application
The content emphasizes the relevance of biblical wisdom, particularly from 2 Corinthians 5:17, in addressing the complexities of modern culture. It encourages individuals to engage with their faith in a meaningful way, fostering integrity and compassion as they navigate contemporary challenges.
Putting Into Practice: The Bible is Not a Sex Manual - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of engaging with the topic of sexuality as presented in the Bible, encouraging personal reflection and community action. It highlights the need for prayerful consideration and systemic change to address injustices related to this subject, ultimately aiming for community transformation and the advancement of God's kingdom of justice and peace.
Practical Steps for Mental Health and Spirituality - Teaching Material
The content emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health with spirituality through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to take practical steps towards addressing mental health issues within their communities while advocating for justice and systemic change. Ultimately, it highlights that small acts of faithfulness can lead to significant community transformation.
The Sustainability & Creation Care Perspective - Reflection
This theological reflection emphasizes the importance of Sustainability and Creation Care within a faith context, drawing on Romans 12:2 for guidance. It encourages believers to thoughtfully engage with these issues, fostering integrity and compassion as they navigate the complexities of modern life.
What Scripture Says About Work-Life Balance & Faith - Commentary
This biblical commentary explores the intersection of Work-Life Balance and Faith through the lens of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, emphasizing the importance of integrity and compassion in navigating modern challenges. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions, inviting them to live out their faith authentically in a complex world.
God's View on Global Pandemic & Community - Reflection
This theological reflection emphasizes the relevance of Romans 12:2 in addressing the challenges posed by the Global Pandemic and its impact on community life. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions, promoting a faith that is lived out with integrity and compassion in a rapidly changing world.
God's View on Glory - Application
The content explores the concept of Glory through the lens of Romans 8:28, emphasizing its relevance in today's complex world. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions, promoting a faith that is lived out with integrity and compassion amidst modern challenges.