Mainline Protestant Illustrations
Social justice, ecumenism, historical-critical scholarship.
Key question: “How does this text address contemporary social issues?”
14785 illustrations found
John Wesley on Prevenient Grace - Wesleyan (Ephesians 2:8-9)
"Grace goes before us, awakening us to our need. Grace enables the faith by which we receive salvation. Grace sustains us after we believe. All is grace—but grace that invites response. We contribute
E. Stanley Jones on Active Running - Wesleyan (Hebrews 12:1-2)
"We run the race—active, intentional, cooperative. Grace empowers; we run. Jesus is the model and goal; we follow. Laying aside weights requires discipline; endurance requires practice. The race is no
John Wesley on Priesthood of All Believers - Wesleyan (1 Peter 2:9)
"Every believer is a priest—not clergy alone but all. This holy nation includes all who respond to grace. Royal priesthood means access to God for all, intercession by all, ministry from all. The Spir
John Wesley on Holy Affections - Wesleyan (Psalm 37:4)
"Delight is cultivated—we choose to fix our hearts on God; we practice His presence until joy overflows. This is cooperative grace: God offers Himself as our delight; we respond by delighting. Holy af
E. Stanley Jones on Active Waiting - Wesleyan (Isaiah 40:31)
"Waiting on God is not inactivity but receptivity. We open ourselves to divine strength; we position ourselves for renewal. God gives the power; we must receive it. The promise is conditional: THOSE W
E. Stanley Jones on Courage Received and Practiced - Wesleyan (Joshua 1:9)
"God commands courage and grace supplies it. But courage must be exercised—each act of faith strengthens faith. We cooperate with grace by stepping forward despite fear. Courage grows as we practice t
E. Stanley Jones on Cooperation with Providence - Wesleyan (Romans 8:28)
"God doesn't promise to exempt us from trouble; He promises to work within the trouble. And note: it says those who LOVE God. Our loving cooperation with God is part of how things work together. We ar
John Wesley on New Creation and Entire Sanctification - Wesleyan (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"In regeneration we become new creations—but the old nature still contends. The promise points toward entire sanctification: the old truly passing, the new fully coming. New creation begins at convers
E. Stanley Jones on Cooperative Journey - Wesleyan (Deuteronomy 31:8)
"God goes before—but Joshua must follow. God is with—but Joshua must walk. This is cooperative grace: divine initiative meets human response. God prepares the way; we travel it. God provides presence;
The Interfaith Dialogue Perspective - Application
The content emphasizes the importance of Interfaith Dialogue within the framework of progressive Christianity, highlighting themes of love, justice, and inclusion as central to the biblical narrative. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions, advocating for a compassionate and transformative approach to faith in a diverse world.
E. Stanley Jones on Practiced Confidence - Wesleyan (Psalm 27:1)
"'Whom shall I fear?' is a question to answer daily. The Lord IS your light—practice seeing by it. He IS your salvation—practice trusting it. He IS your stronghold—practice running to it. Confidence g
John Wesley on Universal Gift - Wesleyan (Romans 6:23)
"The wages are universal—all have sinned; death comes to all. But the gift is universal too—offered to all, available to all. God's grace extends to every person; eternal life is held out to everyone.
The Education & Wisdom Perspective - Reflection
This theological reflection emphasizes the relevance of biblical wisdom, particularly from Romans 12:2, in addressing the complexities of Education and Wisdom in contemporary society. It encourages believers to engage with their faith thoughtfully and compassionately, fostering integrity in their actions and attitudes.
John Wesley on Growing in Experience - Wesleyan (Psalm 34:8)
"Taste and see—and keep tasting! Initial experience deepens into rich knowledge. The more we taste, the more we want; the more we see, the more there is to see. Sanctification is tasting ever more dee
Scriptural Insight: Online Church & Community - Reflection
This reflection explores the challenges and opportunities presented by Online Church & Community, emphasizing the relevance of Galatians 3:28 in today's context. It encourages individuals to engage with their faith authentically and compassionately as they navigate the complexities of modern life.
Scriptural Insight: Online Church & Community - Commentary
This commentary explores the relevance of Galatians 3:28 in the context of Online Church and Community, highlighting the need for integrity and compassion in navigating modern faith challenges. It encourages believers to reflect on their attitudes and actions as they engage with their faith in a digital world.
Scriptural Insight: Sexuality - Application
The content emphasizes the importance of biblical wisdom in addressing the complexities of sexuality in contemporary society. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions, promoting a faith that is lived out with integrity and compassion amidst modern challenges.
Scriptural Insight: Goodness - Reflection
This reflection explores the concept of Goodness as presented in Colossians 1:15-20, emphasizing its relevance in today's complex world. It encourages individuals to engage with their faith actively, promoting integrity and compassion as essential responses to contemporary challenges.
Matthew 28:19-20: A Pentecostal Theological Reflection
This theological reflection on Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes the call to discipleship and mission within the Pentecostal tradition, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It encourages believers to engage deeply with God's Word and to embody the gifts of the Spirit in their daily lives, fostering a deeper communion with God and a commitment to living out their faith.
On This Day: The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan begins with an air assault and covert... (2001)
On October 7, 2001: The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan begins with an air assault and covert operations on the ground, starting the longest war in American history. This historical event can serve as a
On This Day: The first session of the Council of Chalcedon begins. (451)
On October 8, 451: The first session of the Council of Chalcedon begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation and human discovery. Consider using it
On This Day: Sikh nationalists declare the independence of Khalistan from India; it is not... (1987)
On October 7, 1987: Sikh nationalists declare the independence of Khalistan from India; it is not internationally recognized. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about t
On This Day: Willem II becomes King of the Netherlands. (1840)
On October 7, 1840: Willem II becomes King of the Netherlands. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it when preachin
On This Day: Franco-Prussian War: Léon Gambetta escapes the siege of Paris in a hot-air... (1870)
On October 7, 1870: Franco-Prussian War: Léon Gambetta escapes the siege of Paris in a hot-air balloon. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through t