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 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,...
Amazing Grace: The Via Media in Ethical Action - Anglican (Micah 6:8)
Picture a young William Wilberforce, a man of fervent faith and unyielding resolve, stepping into the cold, imposing halls of the British Parliament in the late 18th century. The air is thick with the scent of polished wood and ink,...
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...
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 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...
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...
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.
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...
A Modern Story of Pentecost - Story
As we gather today to reflect on Pentecost, I want to share a story that resonates deeply with the challenges and opportunities we face in our modern world. Picture a small community in a struggling town, where hope seems to...
Putting Into Practice: Courage - Illustration
Imagine a moment in your life when fear gripped your heart. Perhaps it was a health scare, the loss of a job, or a difficult conversation you needed to have. Each of us has faced challenges that call for courage,...
When Peace - Contemporary Example
There’s a beautiful little bakery in my neighborhood that serves the most incredible pastries. The owner, Maria, has a unique way of crafting each dessert with love and care, and every morning, as the sun begins to rise, the warm...
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...
Practical Salvation - Illustration
Imagine standing at a crossroads, where two paths diverge before you. One path is well-trodden, familiar, and comfortable, yet it often leads to the same old patterns of thinking and living. The other path, though less traveled and daunting, is...
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...
Chariots of Fire: Trust Through Balanced Discernment - Anglican (Proverbs 3:5-6)
In the heart of Scotland, amidst the rolling hills and the crisp, wind-swept air of the 1920s, there lived an extraordinary man named Eric Liddell. Known as the "Flying Scotsman," Eric was not just an athlete; he was a fervent...
A Contemporary Hospitality Story - Story
In today’s fast-paced world, the call to hospitality can often feel overwhelming, yet it’s a call steeped in the heart of our faith. Imagine for a moment a small café nestled in a bustling city—a place where the aroma of...
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.
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 Mercy - Biblical Analogy
In a small town, there lived a gardener named Ruth who had a passion for nurturing her plants. Every spring, she would toil in her garden, preparing the soil, planting seeds, and watering them daily. Yet, one year, an unexpected...
Chariots of Fire: Ordered Times - Anglican (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
As we reflect on the life of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner turned missionary, we can see the profound truth in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “For everything, there is a season.” Picture Liddell, his feet pounding the track under the bright sun...
A Modern Story of Work-Life Balance & Faith
Imagine a young mother named Sarah, juggling her job as a marketing manager while raising two energetic children. Each morning she rises before dawn, the soft light of the early sun streaming through the kitchen window. She brews a pot...