Mainline Protestant Illustrations
Social justice, ecumenism, historical-critical scholarship.
Key question: “How does this text address contemporary social issues?”
14785 illustrations found
When Perseverance - Story
There was a woman named Lydia, known in her community not merely for her successful purple cloth business, but for her unwavering faith and love. She faced trials like any of us—moments when doubt crept in and perseverance felt more...
Quiet Time: Social Justice & Christianity
Dear Heavenly Father, As I sit in quiet reflection, I am drawn to the powerful words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46, where He separates the sheep from the goats—a vivid picture of judgment that reveals the heart of our faith....
Evening Prayer: Technology & Human Connection
Dear Heavenly Father, As I pause in the quiet of this evening, I find my heart drawn to the profound wisdom of Psalm 23, where you remind us that we shall not want because you are our shepherd. In a...
The Power of Perseverance - Contemporary Example
Maria was a vibrant member of our church, known for her laughter and boundless energy. But one winter, life threw her a curveball. A sudden illness left her physically weakened and emotionally exhausted. Days turned into weeks as she lay...
Understanding Kindness - Application
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” This profound truth...
Theological Perspective: Righteousness - Teaching Material
Righteousness, as we explore in Hebrews 11:1, is deeply intertwined with faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse invites us into a profound understanding of divine purpose and spiritual...
Biblical Truth: Redemption - Commentary
Romans 8:28 assures us 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 weaves together the tapestry of our lives, showing how God’s redemptive...
When Perseverance - Contemporary Example
In our neighborhood, there's a small bakery owned by a woman named Maria. Every morning, before dawn breaks, she arrives to knead the dough, her hands dusted with flour, her heart filled with hope. But this year has been particularly...
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...
Real-World Justice - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Galatians 5:22-23, we see that the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not just personal virtues; they are the very heart of our calling as Christians. When we embrace...
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.
Modern Examples of Missions - Contemporary Example
Imagine a bustling marketplace in a city teeming with life—a tapestry of cultures, languages, and stories interwoven in a dance of humanity. Here, amidst the vibrant colors and the enticing aromas, a young woman named Sarah stands with a heart...
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.
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...
When Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
There’s a small community garden just a few blocks from our church, tended by neighbors of all ages. Every spring, they gather together, shovels and seeds in hand, full of hope and laughter. One year, a young girl named Lily...
Les Misérables: Personal and Social Holiness - Wesleyan (Micah 6:8)
In Victor Hugo's *Les Misérables*, we encounter Jean Valjean, a man whose life is a powerful testament to the transformative power of grace. Picture him, a weary figure emerging from the shadows of a prison after years of despair, the...
Lessons from Idolatry
In a small town, there lived a young woman named Sarah, who seemed to have it all—friends, a promising career, and a loving family. Yet, deep inside, she was restless. She had found herself drawn to the glow of social...
The Example of Self-control - Quote
There’s a story from history that beautifully illustrates the essence of self-control and love in action. In the early 20th century, during the height of the suffragette movement, a woman named Emmeline Pankhurst stood boldly for her beliefs. She faced...
Les Misérables: Grace Sufficient for the Broken - Wesleyan (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Picture the bustling streets of 19th-century Paris, where the air is thick with the sounds of clanging metal and distant voices. Among the shadows, a man named Jean Valjean trudges along, his heart heavy with the chains of his past—chains...
When Kindness Meets Real Life
In today’s fast-paced world, the call to kindness can feel like a whisper drowned out by the clamor of our daily lives. But imagine, for a moment, a young woman named Sarah, who works at a local coffee shop. One...
When Humility - Quote
There once was a young carpenter named Eli who struggled to find purpose in his craft. Each day, he would measure and cut wood, but he felt lost, lacking direction in his life. One evening, after a long day of...
Evening Prayer: Diversity & Inclusion
Dear Heavenly Father, In this moment of reflection, I find myself drawn to the profound wisdom of Ephesians 4:29, where we are reminded to let no corrupting talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building...
Les Misérables: Armor That Must Be Put On - Wesleyan (Ephesians 6:10-18)
In Victor Hugo’s *Les Misérables*, we find Jean Valjean, a man forged in the fires of relentless adversity. Imagine him, weary yet resolute, standing in the shadow of the prison where he once lost his freedom. Every day, he awakens...