Mainline Protestant Illustrations
Social justice, ecumenism, historical-critical scholarship.
Key question: “How does this text address contemporary social issues?”
14785 illustrations found
Spiritual Insight: Peace - Biblical Insight
The warmth of a sunbeam breaking through a cloudy sky can be a beautiful reminder of the peace that God offers us. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reassures Timothy, saying, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear,...
Finding Ascension in Everyday Moments
In our fast-paced world, the concept of Ascension may seem distant, yet it resonates deeply in the hearts of those who seek meaning amidst chaos. Picture a young mother, Sarah, juggling the demands of work, family, and her own spiritual...
Applying Goodness - Contemporary Example
Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us of God's intentions for our lives: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” This promise speaks directly to our human need for purpose and belonging. It reminds us that we are...
The Power of Patience - Quote
There was once a young girl named Lily who lived in a small town. Her favorite spot was a serene lake, bordered by tall pine trees. Every summer, she would eagerly anticipate the moment her father would take her there...
Chariots of Fire: Fruit Growing Through Sanctification - Wesleyan (Galatians 5:22-23)
On a cool, crisp morning, the sun begins to rise over the rolling hills of Scotland, casting a golden hue across the fields where young Eric Liddell prepares for yet another day of training. Picture him, breath visible in the...
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...
The Example of Redemption - Story
The sun was setting on a small town as a young boy named David sat on the steps of his porch, a baseball glove resting beside him. Just the week before, he had been chosen to pitch for his little...
When Forgiveness - Contemporary Example
There’s a remarkable story that unfolded in a small community where two lifelong friends, Sarah and Jenny, found their relationship strained after a painful misunderstanding. A rumor had taken root; one friend believed the other had betrayed her trust. The...
A Story of Gentleness - Contemporary Example
Thomas had always been the one to take charge, a natural leader in his community. He thrived on setting goals and achieving them through sheer willpower. Yet, despite his success, he often felt a nagging emptiness, as if the victories...
The Power of Grace - Story
Amidst the soft hum of a bustling coffee shop, I met Sarah, a bright college student wrestling with the weight of expectation. Between sips of her caramel macchiato, she poured out her heart. “I feel like I’m on a treadmill,...
The Meaning of Faithfulness - Commentary
When Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), He offers us a profound invitation into a relationship defined by faithfulness. This statement is not merely a claim about His identity; it is a promise...
The Doctrine of Joy - Commentary
Joy is not merely an emotion; it is a profound state of being rooted in the love and purpose of God. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who...
The Meaning of Mercy - Reflection
Mercy is the heartbeat of authentic love, as beautifully illustrated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Paul writes that love is patient and kind, never envious or boastful. But what does this mean for us in our daily lives? Imagine a mother...
Biblical Truth: Understanding - Application
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” we are invited into a profound understanding of our internal nature and the spiritual insight that comes from walking with Him....
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Morning Grace: Starting Each Day with God - Biblical Insight
The devotional emphasizes the significance of morning prayer and reflection as a means to connect with God, drawing on biblical examples to illustrate the practice. By starting each day with a brief time of Scripture reading and prayer, individuals can invite God's presence into their daily lives, transforming ordinary moments into sacred opportunities.
Morning Grace: Starting Each Day with God - Story
This devotional emphasizes the spiritual power of morning prayer and reflection, encouraging individuals to start their day in communion with God. By following Jesus' example and dedicating even a brief time to Scripture and prayer, believers can transform their ordinary days into opportunities for divine connection and guidance.
Temporary Troubles, Eternal Glory - Prayer
This devotional emphasizes the transformative power of viewing suffering through an eternal lens, as articulated by Paul in 2 Corinthians and Romans. It encourages believers to understand that present hardships are temporary and serve a greater purpose in refining faith and motivating acts of justice and compassion in the present world.