Mainline Protestant Illustrations
Social justice, ecumenism, historical-critical scholarship.
Key question: “How does this text address contemporary social issues?”
14785 illustrations found
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....
Biblical Truth: Joy - Application
The Apostle Paul’s declaration in Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—is drenched in both joy and sacred mystery. This verse isn’t merely a motivational mantra; it’s a profound statement about transformation through divine empowerment. The...
A Story of Justice - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Clara, known for her unwavering faith and her deep sense of justice. One winter, she learned that a single mother named Maria, struggling to make ends meet, was about to be...
When Humility - Story
There was a time in my life when I was convinced I had everything figured out. My career was on the rise, my plans were laid out like a well-marked path, and I felt a sense of control that I...
Daily Reflection: Joy - Prayer
As we gather in the warmth of this sacred space, let us pause to reflect on the joy that flows from a life anchored in Christ. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (*John 14:6*). This...
A Story of Patience - Contemporary Example
There’s a young woman named Sarah in our community who embodies the essence of patience and faith. For years, she dreamed of becoming a nurse, driven by a desire to serve others and bring healing. However, life threw her a...
Intercessory Prayer: Arminian (Wesleyan) Lens Model for Community
Gracious God, as we gather in the warmth of this sanctuary, we come before You with hearts wide open, trusting in Your promise found in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are reminded to “trust in You with all our hearts.” We...
Morning Meditation: Kindness - Biblical Insight
As the sun rises each morning, casting a golden glow over the dew-kissed grass, I’m reminded of the gentle yet profound act of kindness. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit—a...
Faith and Justice - Church Context
Isaiah 40:31 invites us into a profound promise: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.” This scripture paints a vivid picture of...
Quiet Time: Salvation - Prayer
Imagine a quiet morning, the sun just peeking over the horizon, casting golden rays across a dew-kissed meadow. A soft breeze rustles the leaves, stirring the air with whispers of possibility. It’s in these sacred moments of solitude that God...
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...
Biblical Truth: Redemption - Application
Romans 8:28 tells us, “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.” This profound promise is not merely a platitude; it is an...
Practical Love - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young mother, Sarah, who juggles her job, her children’s needs, and the responsibilities of caring for her aging father. Each day, she rises before dawn, fueled not just by coffee but by an unwavering sense of purpose that...
Lessons from Redemption - Story
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the quiet streets of a small town, a young woman named Clara found herself on the brink of despair. She was a single mother, grappling...
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 Power of Gentleness - Contemporary Example
The other day, I watched a local artist working on a mural in our community park. With each stroke of her brush, she transformed a blank wall into a vibrant tapestry of colors and scenes depicting unity and hope. I...
The Doctrine of Courage - Teaching Material
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the steadfastness to trust in God's promises even when uncertainty surrounds us. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and...
Quiet Time: Humility - Prayer
In the quiet corners of our lives, when we strip away the distractions and the busyness, we often encounter the heart of prayer—humility. It’s the moment when we realize that our strength is not self-sufficient but is rooted in something...
Genesis 29:1-14 - Wesleyan/Methodist Perspective
In the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, Genesis 29:1-14 illustrates God's prevenient grace at work in the lives of individuals. Jacob's journey and encounters reveal God's desire to initiate a relationship with humanity, showing that grace precedes our actions and choices. The passage also invites us to reflect on the process of sanctification, as Jacob's experiences in this chapter lead him toward personal transformation and deeper relational commitments.
Thinking About Compassion - Commentary
Consider for a moment the deep well of compassion that flows from God’s heart into our lives. Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse is often quoted in moments of personal challenge,...
Theology of Courage - Reflection
As we delve into Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter the Great Commission, where Jesus, just before His ascension, beckons us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations." This call echoes through centuries, urging us not merely into action but...
When Perseverance - Biblical Analogy
It was a chilly spring morning when I found myself wandering through a local botanical garden. As I walked, I noticed a gardener fiercely focused on a row of young seedlings. They were fragile, barely breaking through the soil, and...
A Story of Faith - Contemporary Example
There’s a small community garden in our town, tended by a group of volunteers from different backgrounds. One spring, they decided to grow a variety of vegetables, but the soil was rocky and hard. Many doubted that anything could flourish...
Theological Perspective: Self-control - Commentary
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, where Paul assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him,” we uncover a profound connection to the theme of self-control. This self-control is not merely a...