Orthodox Illustrations
Theosis, liturgical tradition, patristic theology.
Key question: “How does this reveal the path to union with God?”
14753 illustrations found
Genesis 46:1-7 - Pentecostal Perspective
In the Pentecostal tradition, Genesis 46:1-7 is seen as a pivotal moment of divine guidance and assurance. It emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's leading as Jacob, facing uncertainty, seeks God's direction, reminding believers that God actively orchestrates our journeys in faith, especially in times of transition.
Real-World Kindness - Illustration
Imagine a small, tight-knit community where a devastating fire has left several families without homes. Among those affected is a man named John, known for his quiet demeanor and gentle spirit. As the smoke cleared, it wasn’t just the physical...
Real-World Peace - Contemporary Example
Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This powerful promise invites...
The Example of Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a man named Thomas who had dedicated his life to serving others. He was the local shoemaker, known not just for his craft but for the warmth he brought to everyone who walked through...
Lessons from Compassion - Story
# Lessons from Compassion - Story Father Nikolaos had served the small mountain parish for thirty-one years, and he kept a particular icon in the...
Evening Prayer: Forgiveness - Story
In the quiet hush of the evening, when the world outside begins to fade, I often find myself reflecting on the weight of forgiveness. One night, I sat by my window, watching the sun dip below the horizon, and remembered...
Spiritual Insight: Perseverance - Story
As we gather today, I invite you to consider the story of a woman named Maria, a devoted member of our community. Each week, Maria arrives at the church early, not just to prepare for the service but to pray...
Living Out Hope - Illustration
As we reflect on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we are reminded of Christ’s command to go forth and make disciples, yet this call is intertwined with the profound promise of His presence: "I am with you always." This...
The Power of Righteousness - Contemporary Example
In our small town, there lived a man named Michael who had once walked a path overshadowed by despair. For years, he battled addiction, feeling trapped in a cycle of hopelessness. Yet, one fateful evening, he stumbled into a community...
Thinking About Goodness - Teaching Material
Proverbs 3:5-6 invites us to place our trust in the Lord with all our hearts and to lean not on our own understanding. This sacred wisdom isn’t just a gentle suggestion; it’s a profound invitation to experience the fullness of...
Theology of Redemption - Commentary
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This powerful promise reveals...
When Mercy - Story
When Mercy There’s a story from a small village nestled in the mountains where a wise old woman named Maria lived. Respected for her deep faith and kindness, she was often sought for guidance. One winter, a terrible storm swept...
The Power of Righteousness - Story
There was once a small village nestled in a valley, where the people lived simple lives, yet their hearts brimmed with a deep-seated joy. Every year, they celebrated a festival to honor their heritage, a gathering infused with laughter, music,...
When Perseverance - Biblical Analogy
There once lived a woman named Rachel, a name that echoes throughout scripture as a figure of deep love and perseverance. Rachel longed for a family, her heart aching with desire as she watched others around her embrace motherhood, while...
Spiritual Insight: Righteousness - Biblical Insight
Picture a shepherd leading his flock through a lush valley, the sun casting golden rays that dance upon the grass. This is the scene painted by the beloved Psalm 23, a testament to divine righteousness that envelops us in grace,...
Living Out Wisdom - Contemporary Example
Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage invites us into a...
The Example of Goodness - Story
In a small, sunlit village, there lived a man named Anton. He had once been a talented craftsman, known for his beautiful wooden carvings. Yet, over the years, misfortune and despair had warped his spirit. He lost everything—his family, his...
The Armor of God: Dressed for Spiritual Battle - Story
The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual armor as described in Ephesians 6, highlighting the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity for intentional preparation in the Christian life. It encourages believers to actively engage in prayer and rely on God's strength, reminding them that they fight from a position of victory through Christ's sacrifice.
A Story of Salvation - Contemporary Example
There was a woman named Martha who lived in a small town, carrying the weight of her past like a heavy backpack. Years of mistakes and regrets clouded her vision, leaving her in a darkness that seemed impenetrable. One chilly...
The Doctrine of Hope - Church Context
As we gather in worship, we are reminded of the profound promise found 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.” This scripture...
Lessons from Faithfulness - Story
Maria had always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Growing up in a small village, she watched her mother, a dedicated educator, pour her heart into the lives of her students. The joy that lit her mother’s face, especially when a...
When Love - Story
Sheila, a retired teacher in our parish, has always been a beacon of warmth. One chilly Sunday morning, she noticed a new family sitting alone in the back. They seemed lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces, huddled together like...
The Power of Joy - Story
A gardener once shared the story of a struggling rose bush. In the beginning of spring, it was small and frail, its leaves a pale green. Day by day, the gardener tended to it with care, watering it, pruning its...
A Story of Righteousness - Contemporary Example
There’s a young woman named Maria, a faithful member of her community, who often felt the weight of uncertainty pressing upon her. Recently graduated, she was searching for purpose amidst the chaos of life, feeling lost in the vast sea...