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
Chariots of Fire: Building on Ordered Foundation - Anglican (Matthew 7:24-27)
Imagine a young Eric Liddell, his heart racing with the anticipation of race day. The air at the Paris Olympics in 1924 is electric, charged with the dreams of countless athletes. Yet, for Eric, the race isn’t merely about speed;...
When Kindness - Biblical Analogy
There’s a story I heard about a young boy named Samuel who loved to walk to school through a small, overgrown path in his neighborhood. It was a shortcut, but every day he passed a house with a big, old...
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,...
A Contemporary Hospitality Story - Contemporary Example
In our modern world, the call to hospitality can feel as daunting as it is essential. Picture a young woman named Naomi, who moved to a new city for a fresh start. With no family nearby and the weight of...
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...
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...
When Joy - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Clara who owned a quaint little bookstore. It was her sanctuary, filled with the scent of aged paper and the warmth of countless stories. But after a series of personal trials—lost...
Understanding Mercy - Commentary
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations, promising His divine presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This passage unveils not just a command but a...
Reflecting on Patience - Commentary
Patience isn’t simply waiting; it’s an active, faith-filled stance amidst uncertainty. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse invites us to understand faith as a living,...
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...
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...
The Example of Wisdom - Contemporary Example
A few years ago, I met a woman named Sarah who was navigating through one of the toughest seasons of her life. She had recently lost her job, her marriage was on shaky ground, and she felt utterly adrift. But...
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,...
Spiritual Insight: Joy - Biblical Insight
As we journey through life, we all encounter moments that feel like valleys of despair, where shadows loom large and joy seems elusive. Yet, Psalm 23:1-6 reminds us that even in those times, our Shepherd is present, guiding us toward...
Putting Into Practice: Justice - Illustration
Imagine a small community garden in your neighborhood. On the surface, it seems like just a patch of land, but it is a living testament to justice and fellowship. Each time you visit, you see families working together, hands in...
Genesis 5:1-32 - Anglican/Episcopal Perspective
In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, Genesis 5:1-32 is seen not merely as a genealogical record but as a reflection of God’s faithfulness across generations. This passage underscores the continuity of God's covenant through human history, reminding us that even in the mundane, God's purpose and presence are woven through our lineage and experiences.
The Doctrine of Peace - Commentary
“Be still, and know that I am God.” This invitation from Psalm 46:10 stands as a divine revelation echoing through the ages. Imagine for a moment the profound comfort this offers in our chaotic lives—like a gentle whisper amidst the...
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...
Understanding Redemption - Commentary
As we delve into Galatians 5:22-23, we encounter the beautiful fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each of these virtues stands as a testament to the transformative power of redemption—God's work in...
Spiritual Insight: Forgiveness - Story
Imagine a beautiful garden, blooming with vibrant colors and rich fragrances. Each flower, each leaf, is a testament to the care and nourishment it receives. But amidst this beauty, there are also weeds—those stubborn intruders that threaten to choke out...
Lessons from Faith - Story
There was a small town nestled in the valley of two towering mountains. Each spring, the residents eagerly anticipated the flowers blooming in the fields, knowing that their vibrant colors would soon paint the landscape. But one year, an unexpected...
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...
Lessons from Faith - Contemporary Example
There’s a story of a potter named Elias who lived in a small town. Day after day, he would knead the clay with strong, loving hands, shaping it into beautiful vessels. Each piece had a purpose: a bowl for a...
Practical Salvation - Teaching Material
Romans 12:2 calls us to not conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is at the heart of our salvation—a beautiful gift of grace that empowers us to...