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
Thinking About Humility - Teaching Material
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus proclaims, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," we encounter a profound invitation to humility in our journey of faith. This verse encapsulates the essence of our foundational beliefs—Jesus doesn't...
The Example of Kindness - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there was a woman named Clara who ran a little bakery. With flour-dusted hands and a warm smile, she had a knack for brightening anyone's day with her sweet treats. But just as the seasons shifted...
Practical Kindness - Contemporary Example
Imagine a small community coffee shop, a gathering place where the hum of conversation fills the air and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee invites connection. One morning, a young mother walks in, juggling her toddler and a heavy diaper...
When Crisis & Hope Meets Faith
In our modern world, the intersection of Crisis and Hope presents a landscape both daunting and rich with possibility for people of faith. Picture a ship caught in a furious storm, waves crashing against the hull as the captain struggles...
A Story of Justice - Story
There’s a remarkable story from a small town that always reminds me of God’s call to justice and forgiveness. A young man named Eli had a troubled past. Years ago, in a moment of rage, he made a terrible choice...
Reflecting on Courage - Teaching Material
Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is not merely a comforting statement; it’s a profound declaration that invites us...
The Master Gardener's Pruning - Story
The illustration of the master gardener pruning a rosebush serves as a metaphor for God's work in our lives, where He removes what seems good to prepare us for greater fruitfulness. This process, while painful, is ultimately for our benefit, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of His purpose. Trusting in God's wisdom during these times of pruning can bring hope and peace.
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...
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...
Reflecting on Love - Commentary
When we turn to John 3:16, we encounter a verse that is not merely a statement but a profound declaration of God's heart toward humanity: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” This...
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...
When Redemption - Story
There’s a small town not far from here where a beautiful old church stands, its stained glass windows casting colorful patterns on the floor. One Sunday, a man named David, burdened by his past mistakes, stepped through those doors, seeking...
Understanding Grace - Reflection
Paul's assertion in Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him" invites us into the profound mystery of grace at work in our lives. It’s a promise that transcends the immediate struggles...
Applying Mercy - Contemporary Example
Imagine walking into a local café one morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wrapping around you like a warm embrace. As you sit down, you notice a young woman at a nearby table, her eyes heavy with despair. She’s...
The Power of Compassion - Story
When Andrew was a boy, he would often sit on the steps of his grandmother’s porch, his small hands wrapped around a tattered book of stories. His grandmother, a woman of profound faith and compassion, would share tales of heroes...
Faith and Righteousness - Church Context
As we gather today, I want us to lean into the powerful words found in Joshua 1:9, where God commands, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the...
When Patience - Contemporary Example
A young woman named Sarah dreamed of becoming a nurse. She spent her days studying, juggling part-time jobs, and volunteering at local hospitals. But when she applied to nursing school, the rejection letter crushed her spirit. It felt like the...
Via Media: The Anglican Middle Way - Contemporary Example
The content highlights the Anglican tradition as a balanced approach between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, tradition, and reason in worship and faith. It illustrates how Anglican spirituality embraces the incarnation and a sacramental worldview, allowing for diverse theological perspectives while maintaining unity in core beliefs.
The Example of Kindness - Story
Last summer, I volunteered at a community garden, a patch of green nestled between two busy streets. Each Saturday, we gathered to plant seeds, water the earth, and nurture the fragile sprouts that promised a harvest. One day, as I...
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Illustration
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions us to go and make disciples, a powerful reminder that our faith isn’t meant to be contained within the walls of our church but lived out in the vibrant tapestry of our daily lives. Each...
Understanding Salvation - Reflection
As we reflect on Jeremiah 29:11, we encounter a promise that is deeply rooted in God’s character—a character that is faithful and loving, one that desires to see us flourish. The verse tells us, “For I know the plans I...
When Patience - Story
There was a small, bustling town nestled between rolling hills, where a young woman named Sarah lived. Sarah had always dreamed of being an artist, pouring her heart and soul onto canvas. Yet, despite her passion, she often felt discouraged....
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...
Reflecting on Kindness - Church Context
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter the heart of our mission as a community of believers—a charge to go and make disciples. Yet, nestled within this directive is an invitation to embody kindness, the very essence of Christ’s...