Mainline Protestant Illustrations
Social justice, ecumenism, historical-critical scholarship.
Key question: “How does this text address contemporary social issues?”
14785 illustrations found
A Story of Gentleness - Story
A story related to this content The example of Thomas shows that gentleness is not about self-effort but about relationship.
Genesis 47:1-12 - Wesleyan/Methodist Perspective
In the Wesleyan tradition, Genesis 47:1-12 illustrates God's providence and the role of human agency in the unfolding of divine plans. It highlights the concept of prevenient grace, as Joseph’s actions demonstrate God's prior work in the hearts of both the Egyptians and his family, preparing them for reconciliation and sustenance during famine.
A Story of Gentleness - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this content The example of Thomas shows that gentleness is not about self-effort but about relationship.
Genesis 38:1-30 - Wesleyan/Methodist Perspective
In the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, Genesis 38 reveals the workings of prevenient grace as God's presence and guidance in the lives of flawed individuals. Tamar's determination to seek justice and restoration showcases the potential for sanctification, demonstrating that God's grace can transform even the most complicated and morally ambiguous situations into opportunities for redemption.
Genesis 30:1-24 - Wesleyan/Methodist Perspective
In the Wesleyan tradition, Genesis 30:1-24 illustrates the workings of prevenient grace in the lives of Jacob's family, showing how God orchestrates circumstances for the fulfillment of His purposes, even amidst human strife and competition. This passage also emphasizes the importance of sanctification, where God's grace operates in transforming individuals and relationships, ultimately leading to the covenant promise being fulfilled through the complexities of human experience.
Cooperating With God's Plans - Wesleyan (Jeremiah 29:11)
God had plans for the exiles, but notice: He called them to participate. Build houses. Plant gardens. Marry. Pray. Seek peace. The future wasn't passively received but actively pursued in cooperation
Wesley's Holy Experiments - Wesleyan (Romans 12:1-2)
John Wesley was a radical experimenter in holiness. He tried rising at 4 AM, fasting twice weekly, giving away most of his income—all testing how completely he could offer his body. "Present your bodi
Applying Justice - Illustration
An illustration of this application The challenge of justice is to love while maintaining faith in challenges.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear - Wesleyan (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Wesley taught entire sanctification—a heart so filled with love that other motives are displaced. "Love is not jealous... not boastful... not proud." These negatives describe what love pushes out. Whe
Putting Into Practice: Gentleness - Teaching Material
Teaching material for this application The real-world implications of gentleness call us to love that demonstrates love.
The Potter Who Uses Broken Pieces - Wesleyan (Romans 8:28)
A Japanese art form called kintsugi repairs broken pottery with gold, making the cracks visible and beautiful. The philosophy: breakage and repair are part of the object's history, not something to hi
Applying Justice - Teaching Material
Teaching material for this application The challenge of justice is to love while maintaining faith in challenges.
Real-World Self-control - Illustration
An illustration of this application The practical application of self-control in daily life requires us to follow with gratitude.
Real-World Justice - Illustration
An illustration of this application The real-world implications of justice call us to serve that demonstrates Christ.
Real-World Self-control - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application The practical application of self-control in daily life requires us to follow with gratitude.
The Gift That Must Be Opened - Wesleyan (John 3:16)
A wealthy man left his entire estate to his estranged nephew. The lawyers delivered the documents; everything was legally his. But the nephew never opened the envelope. He assumed it was another rejec
Applying Justice - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application The challenge of justice is to love while maintaining faith in challenges.
Real-World Justice - Teaching Material
Teaching material for this application The real-world implications of justice call us to serve that demonstrates Christ.
John Wesley's 250,000 Miles - Wesleyan (Philippians 4:13)
John Wesley traveled an estimated 250,000 miles on horseback, preached over 40,000 sermons, and worked until his death at 87. At 86, he complained in his journal that he couldn't preach more than twic
Putting Into Practice: Gentleness - Illustration
An illustration of this application The real-world implications of gentleness call us to love that demonstrates love.
Real-World Self-control - Teaching Material
Teaching material for this application The practical application of self-control in daily life requires us to follow with gratitude.
Growing in Grace - Wesleyan (Galatians 5:22-23)
Wesley taught that the Spirit's fruit grows through cooperative effort: we use the means of grace—prayer, Scripture, communion, fellowship—and the Spirit produces growth. It's not automatic but neithe
Putting Into Practice: Gentleness - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application The real-world implications of gentleness call us to love that demonstrates love.
Real-World Justice - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application The real-world implications of justice call us to serve that demonstrates Christ.