Non-denominational Illustrations
Biblical simplicity, contemporary relevance, practical application.
Key question: “What is the plain meaning and practical application of this text?”
14828 illustrations found
Spiritual Insight: Faithfulness - Story
Imagine a gardener tending to a small sapling, nurturing it with water, sunlight, and love, even when the winds howl and the skies threaten storms. This gardener knows that growth takes time; they are unwavering in their faithfulness, believing wholeheartedly...
Evening Prayer: Patience - Story
As the sun begins to set, casting warm hues of orange and purple across the sky, I am reminded of a time when I stood on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Below me, the waves crashed rhythmically against the rocks,...
Daily Reflection: Goodness - Story
Imagine for a moment a small child standing at the edge of a bustling playground, the laughter of other kids swirling around them like a joyful breeze. With wide eyes, they take in the swings soaring high and the slide...
Morning Meditation: Peace - Biblical Insight
Imagine waking up early, the world outside still cloaked in the soft embrace of dawn. As you pour your first cup of coffee, you can almost feel the stillness wrapping around you, a gentle reminder of the peace that floods...
Genesis 17:1-27 - Anglican/Episcopal Perspective
In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, Genesis 17:1-27 is seen as a pivotal moment in the covenant relationship between God and humanity, where God’s faithfulness and grace are highlighted through the establishment of circumcision as a sign of the covenant. This passage emphasizes God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, which reflects God's unchanging nature and invites us into a deeper understanding of our own covenantal relationship with God through baptism.
The Power of Gentleness - Story
When I think about the transformative power of gentleness, I remember a woman named Clara from our community. Clara was a single mother, juggling two jobs while raising her two young children. Life had not been easy for her; she...
Lessons from Faith - Contemporary Example
There’s a small garden at the edge of my neighbor’s yard that captures my attention every spring. At first glance, it seems unremarkable—just a patch of soil with random seedlings poking through. Yet, if you watch closely, you notice something...
Lessons from Mercy - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I met a woman named Sarah at a community outreach event. She stood quietly in the corner, her eyes reflecting both sorrow and strength. I learned that she had recently lost her husband unexpectedly. In the...
The Example of Mercy - Biblical Analogy
In a small town, there was a woman named Clara who ran a bakery. Clara had a talent for creating the most delicious pastries, but her life had been a tapestry of heartache. Years ago, she had made a grave...
Understanding Salvation - Commentary
Jeremiah 29:11 resonates deeply with us when we ponder the nature of salvation and God’s incredible character. The verse declares, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm...
When Humility - Story
She stood at the edge of the garden, hands covered in rich, dark soil, breathing deeply as she surveyed her work. Just a few months ago, Anna had been overwhelmed by the chaos of her life—an unfulfilling job, strained relationships,...
A Story of Justice - Contemporary Example
In a bustling city, there stood a small community center, a place of refuge for those who felt lost. Among its regulars was Maria, a single mother who had fallen into despair after losing her job. Each day, she stood...
Reflecting on Courage - Church Context
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, which assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him," we see a powerful invitation to embrace courage—especially within our church community. This promise isn’t simply a...
Thinking About Love - Church Context
When we reflect on the profound message of John 3:16, we encounter a truth that transcends mere words: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” This verse encapsulates the essence of love—a love...
Anglican Lens Perspective: Sermon Illustration
Just a few months ago, I encountered a woman named Sarah at a community gathering. She had recently lost her job, a position she had dedicated years to, and she was feeling adrift, bereft of purpose. As we talked, her...
A Story of Grace - Contemporary Example
There’s a remarkable woman named Maria, who not long ago found herself at the crossroads of despair and hope. Having lost her job during the pandemic, Maria felt as though the ground beneath her was crumbling away. Nights were spent...
When Compassion - Contemporary Example
Last spring, I had the privilege of witnessing a beautiful moment of compassion that transformed a community. In our neighborhood, a single mother named Lisa was facing immense challenges. She had recently lost her job and was struggling to make...
The Example of Gentleness - Story
Maria had always been a whirlwind. With a heart full of passion, she dove headfirst into every project, every relationship, often leaving behind a trail of chaos and unmet expectations. But one rainy evening, while volunteering at a local shelter,...
Practical Forgiveness - Illustration
Imagine a mother standing in her kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. Her children, full of excitement, dash in with sticky fingers, ready to feast. Amidst the joy, one child accidentally knocks over a vase,...
Morning Meditation: Peace - Story
Imagine waking up early, the sun just beginning to stretch its golden fingers across the horizon. The world is draped in a soft blanket of quiet, and for a moment, everything feels untouched. In that stillness, there’s an invitation to...
Practical Kindness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, where Paul reassures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him,” we find a profound truth about purpose and the transformative power of kindness. Picture a woman...
When Love - Contemporary Example
Last summer, I witnessed a beautiful act of love that reshaped my understanding of community. A dear friend of mine, Sarah, decided to organize a weekly dinner for people in our neighborhood—those who felt lonely or disconnected. Each week, she...
Lessons from Kindness - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I received a message from a young woman named Lily. She shared that she had recently moved to a new city for a job opportunity. Excited yet terrified, she felt isolated and unsure about her place...
Understanding Mercy - Commentary
Imagine for a moment a potter at work, shaping a lump of clay on the wheel. With each gentle press of his hands, the clay is transformed from something formless into a vessel of beauty and purpose. This imagery resonates...