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
The Example of Mercy - Story
Maria sat alone in her small, cluttered kitchen, the weight of her mistakes hanging heavily in the air like the scent of burnt toast. Just last week, she had lost her job due to a rash decision, a moment of...
Faith and Righteousness - Teaching Material
God's command to Joshua in Joshua 1:9—“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”—is a powerful reminder of the foundation of our faith and...
Practical Kindness - Contemporary Example
Imagine a woman named Sarah who works as a nurse in a bustling city hospital. Each day, she encounters patients at their most vulnerable, experiencing pain, fear, and uncertainty. One day, a young mother comes in, distraught, her child undergoing...
Theology of Wisdom - Reflection
When we read Jeremiah 29:11, we encounter a profound declaration of hope: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a...
Lessons from Kindness - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Sarah who owned a little flower shop. Each day, she welcomed everyone with a warm smile, but what truly set her apart was her kindness. One afternoon, a young woman named...
Scriptural Insight: Wisdom - Application
When the Apostle Paul declares in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” he isn’t merely offering a motivational slogan. Instead, he’s inviting us into a profound understanding of faith that transcends our human limitations....
Lessons from Self-control - Story
In the heart of ancient Israel, when the Israelites faced oppression from their enemies, a remarkable woman named Deborah arose as a leader. Picture the weight she carried; she was not only a prophetess but also a judge, guiding her...
Spiritual Insight: Joy - Prayer
Imagine a child waking up on a bright, sunlit morning, the sounds of laughter and joy bubbling up from the backyard. It's a day for adventure, a day filled with possibilities. This is the joy of the Lord—the kind that...
When Compassion - Story
Sarah had always been the kind of person who found joy in helping others. She volunteered at the local shelter, organized community clean-ups, and made a habit of checking in on elderly neighbors. But when her husband lost his job,...
Biblical Truth: Kindness - Commentary
God’s heart for us is beautifully encapsulated in 2 Timothy 1:7, where we read, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” This passage serves as a profound reminder of...
Evening Prayer: Patience - Biblical Insight
As we gather this evening, I invite you to envision a young eagle soaring high above the earth. With wings spread wide, it glides effortlessly, riding the warm currents of air. But before it takes flight, there’s a season of...
Lessons from Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
Sarah, a single mother in our community, faced a mountain of challenges every day. With two children to care for and bills piling up, her life often felt like a relentless storm. Yet, in the midst of her struggles, she...
Theology of Compassion - Commentary
When the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind," he is inviting us into a profound understanding of the...
Real-World Justice - Teaching Material
When Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20 to "make disciples of all nations," He wasn’t simply calling us to share a message; He was inviting us into a transformative mission that embodies justice and love in our communities. This great...
Reflecting on Righteousness - Church Context
Psalm 23 paints a beautiful picture of God’s goodness and guidance, encapsulating the essence of righteousness that flows from His love. When David declares, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," he expresses a profound trust in God's...
The Doctrine of Compassion - Commentary
As we delve into Joshua 1:9, we hear a powerful command from the Lord, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse...
The Assurance Challenge
In our modern world, the quest for Assurance can often feel like sailing a fragile boat through stormy seas. We face relentless waves of uncertainty—whether it’s job instability, health crises, or the weight of personal loss. Just as the biblical...
Understanding Mercy - Reflection
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus’ command to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” is not just a call to evangelize; it’s an invitation into the very heart of *hesed*, the Hebrew word for loving-kindness and mercy....
Via Media: The Anglican Middle Way - Story
The Anglican tradition offers a balanced approach to faith, integrating Scripture, reason, and tradition while maintaining unity in essential beliefs. Through liturgical worship and the sacramental worldview, believers find God's presence in both sacred and ordinary life, encouraging spiritual growth and community engagement. This comprehensive perspective allows for diversity in theology while upholding the core tenets of the faith.
Practical Hope - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young mother named Sarah who has been trying to conceive for years. Each month brings a wave of hope, followed by disappointment, as she faces the reality of her infertility. Yet, through this season of waiting, she turns...
Lessons from Mercy - Story
At the heart of a small town, there once lived a woman named Clara. She was known for her kindness, but life had not been easy for her. After a devastating loss, Clara withdrew into herself, weighed down by grief...
Lessons from Faith - Story
Maria had always dreamed of being a painter. The colors danced in her mind, vibrant and alive. But each time she stood before a blank canvas, doubt swept over her like a fog. “Who am I to create something beautiful?”...
Genesis 46:1-7 - Anglican/Episcopal Perspective
In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, Genesis 46:1-7 is understood as a pivotal moment of divine promise and providential guidance. God's reassurance to Jacob during his journey to Egypt highlights the theme of faith amidst uncertainty, reflecting the belief in a God who accompanies His people through life's transitions.
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...