Mainline Protestant Illustrations
Social justice, ecumenism, historical-critical scholarship.
Key question: “How does this text address contemporary social issues?”
10689 illustrations found
The Example of Grace - Story
A story related to this content Like a anchor holding steady, grace requires believe to see {result}.
Preparing Room in the Inn of Our Hearts - Story
A story related to this content The innkeeper in Bethlehem has become history's most misunderstood character. We picture him as heartless, turning away the holy family. But Luke simply says 'there wa...
The Example of Wisdom - Story
A story related to this content Just as a star shining in darkness, wisdom teaches us that trust leads to victory.
A Story of Courage - Story
A story related to this content In opportunities for growth, we see how courage provides strength to those who respond.
The Example of Self-control - Story
A story that demonstrates the same truth The example of Mark shows that self-control is not about perfection but about love.
The Power of Perseverance - Story
A story that demonstrates the same truth The story of Anna illustrates how perseverance transforms lives through love.
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...
The Power of Patience - Story
A story related to this content In challenges of life, we see how patience provides understanding to those who love.
The Example of Wisdom - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this content Just as a star shining in darkness, wisdom teaches us that trust leads to victory.
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
A Contemporary Social Media and Community Story
In our modern world, Social Media and Community presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their ...
Real-World Missions
In our modern world, Missions presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate thes...
A Modern Story of Economic Justice and the Kingdom
In our modern world, Economic Justice and the Kingdom presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in ...
A Modern Story of Climate Change and Hope
In our modern world, Climate Change and Hope presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their tim...
A Modern Story of Mental Health & Spirituality
Mental health struggles are often hidden in our churches, yet they affect nearly everyone. Like the woman who touched Jesus' hem in the crowd, many suffer in silence, afraid to speak up about their an...
Lessons from Women and Church Leadership
In our modern world, the question of women in church leadership continues to challenge traditional structures. Consider the story of Sarah, a young woman who felt called to ministry but was told by he...
Real-World The Bible is Not a Sex Manual
In our modern world, The Bible is Not a Sex Manual presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in the...
Finding We Have What We Need to Practice Love in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, We Have What We Need to Practice Love presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggle...