Mainline Protestant Illustrations
Social justice, ecumenism, historical-critical scholarship.
Key question: “How does this text address contemporary social issues?”
14785 illustrations found
When Humility - Story
Once, in a small town, there lived a beloved elderly man named Mr. Thompson. He was known for his gentle spirit and unwavering faith, often seen tending to his garden, nurturing each plant as if it were a cherished friend....
Living Faith: Arminian (Wesleyan) Lens Principles for Daily Life
Imagine a single seed, buried in the rich soil of a garden. It lies there, unseen, undergoing a transformation that only God can orchestrate. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who...
Real-World Self-control - Illustration
Imagine waking up one morning, sunlight spilling into your room, casting warmth across the floor. As you stretch and breathe in the new day, you remember the words of Jesus from John 14:6, where He lovingly declares, “I am the...
The Power of Love - Contemporary Example
Last summer, I met a young woman named Sarah at a local community garden. She was tending to her patch of vibrant tomatoes, her hands deep in the rich, dark soil. As we talked, she shared her story of struggle...
Putting Into Practice: Faith - Illustration
As we reflect on the profound promise found in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," we discover a rich tapestry of faith that beckons us to lean into our trials with hope and trust....
Real-World Self-control - Contemporary Example
Consider the moment when you’re standing in line at your favorite coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee swirling around you. You’ve had a long day, and perhaps your patience is wearing thin. You overhear a conversation, a friend...
The Power of Perseverance - Quote
This truth has been expressed by many throughout history. The story of Anna illustrates how perseverance transforms lives through love. Supporting quote: "[Relevant quote that supports this principle
Putting Into Practice: Faith - Teaching Material
When the Apostle Paul declares in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he isn’t merely throwing out a motivational catchphrase. He speaks from a profound place of experience, having faced persecution, imprisonment, and deep...
The Church's Response to Mental Health: Healing Body and Soul - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes that mental health struggles are not spiritual failures and highlights the church's role in providing holistic healing. It advocates for community support and professional care, illustrating how faith and therapy can coexist in the journey toward mental wellness.
Iron Sharpens Iron: The Ministry of Christian Friendship - Story
The content emphasizes the importance of deep, transformative friendships among Christians that go beyond mere social interaction. It highlights the role of accountability and encouragement in spiritual growth, illustrating how true friends challenge each other to become more like Christ while providing strength in times of trial.
Preparing Room in the Inn of Our Hearts - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration reflects on the misunderstood innkeeper of Bethlehem, emphasizing the need to create space in our lives for Jesus amidst our busy schedules. It challenges listeners to consider what they might need to clear out to welcome God's presence, highlighting that even humble beginnings can lead to profound gifts.
A Story of Justice - Biblical Analogy
On a chilly autumn afternoon, a young woman named Clara walked along a leaf-strewn path, her heart heavy with a question that had lingered for years: "What is my purpose?" Having faced injustice in her life—a family torn apart by...
Iron Sharpens Iron: The Ministry of Christian Friendship - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of deep, transformative friendships in the Christian faith, highlighting the role of accountability and challenging conversations in spiritual growth. It illustrates how true friends contribute to each other's sanctification and provide strength in times of trial, reinforcing the biblical principle that we are called to encourage and build one another up.
The Church's Response to Mental Health: Healing Body and Soul - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes that mental health struggles are not spiritual failures and advocates for the church to be a place of healing rather than judgment. It highlights the importance of community support, professional care, and spiritual resources in addressing mental health, while encouraging open conversations to end stigma.
Putting Into Practice: Gentleness - Contemporary Example
Jeremiah 29:11 offers us a profound reminder of God's intentions for our lives: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and...
Applying Goodness - Illustration
As we reflect on the profound promise in Jeremiah 29:11, where God assures us, "For I know the plans I have for you," we find a beautiful truth about our purpose and the goodness intertwined within it. This isn’t just...
A Story of Perseverance - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a man named Samuel who had dedicated his life to running a community garden. For years, he cultivated this space, believing it would nourish not just bodies but spirits as well. Each spring, he...
Lessons from Kindness - Contemporary Example
Mary Johnson had lived in the same neighborhood for decades. She was known for her warm smile and the freshly baked cookies she shared with everyone, but her kindness was put to the ultimate test one fateful night. Tragically, her...
Theological Perspective: Righteousness - Commentary
Righteousness, as articulated in Hebrews 11:1, beckons us to embrace a profound understanding of faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This scripture invites us into a transformative journey where our...
The Example of Self-control - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Clara who ran a beloved bakery. Everyone knew her for her warm smile and the way she poured her heart into every loaf of bread and pastry. But what made Clara...
Theological Perspective: Self-control - Church Context
Self-control is a profound expression of faith, especially when viewed through the lens of community within the church. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” This promise invites us...
A Story of Gentleness - Story
There’s a story about a young man named David who lived in a small town and often struggled with his faith. Raised in the church, he had always believed but found himself wrestling with doubts—much like Thomas, who needed to...
A Story of Forgiveness - Story
Lila sat on the park bench, her fingers trembling as she clutched an old photograph. It was a picture of her and her brother, Jacob, at their childhood home, their faces beaming with laughter. But that joy had turned into...
The Doctrine of Joy - Church Context
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, we encounter the profound truth that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." This verse encapsulates the essence of our journey as a community grounded...