Pentecostal/Charismatic Illustrations
Spirit baptism, spiritual gifts, experiential faith.
Key question: “How does the Holy Spirit empower believers through this text?”
14789 illustrations found
Thinking About Love - Commentary
As we delve into the profound truth of 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”—we encounter a divine invitation to understand love as a...
Theological Perspective: Hope - Church Context
Imagine a weary traveler, lost on a winding path through a dense forest. The sun is setting, shadows lengthening, and hope begins to wane as doubt creeps in. Then, suddenly, a soft glow breaks through the trees—a warm, inviting light....
Faith and Redemption - Church Context
As we contemplate the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we are confronted with the profound truth of redemption woven into the very fabric of our church life. Jesus calls us to "make disciples of all nations," a divine mandate that...
The Doctrine of Joy - Teaching Material
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This powerful promise resonates deeply, especially when...
Applying Redemption - Teaching Material
Trusting in the Lord with all our hearts, as Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, is a profound call to surrender and faith. Picture this: a father stands at the edge of a swimming pool, urging his child to jump. The child hesitates,...
Practical Patience - Teaching Material
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s beautiful promise: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is...
The Doctrine of Joy - Commentary
In Jeremiah 29:11, we find a profound promise from God: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This...
The Example of Forgiveness - Story
In a small town, there was a woman named Clara who had spent years nursing a deep-seated grudge against her estranged brother, Tom. Their relationship had soured after a family dispute that left wounds far deeper than the arguments themselves....
The Example of Joy - Contemporary Example
Just last summer, I had the privilege of visiting a community center in our city where a remarkable man named Thomas, a retired school teacher, leads a group of young adults. Each week, they gather in a small room filled...
Reflecting on Wisdom - Church Context
As we delve into Psalm 23, we encounter a profound declaration of God’s intimate guidance in our lives. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Here, the imagery of the shepherd evokes a deep sense of care and...
When Life Meets Real Life
In our modern world, life often feels like a turbulent sea, filled with both daunting waves and the promise of a distant shore. As people of faith, we find ourselves navigating these waters, much like the biblical figures who faced...
When Forgiveness - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I met a woman named Clara at a community event. She shared her story with me, a story of deep hurt and remarkable healing. Years ago, Clara had been betrayed by someone she trusted, a close...
The Example of Righteousness - Story
Rebecca was a woman who seemed to embody righteousness in her everyday life. She worked at a small coffee shop in town, a warm little place where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the laughter of customers. She...
Genesis 49:1-27 - Lutheran Perspective
In Genesis 49:1-27, we see Jacob's blessings upon his sons as a reflection of God's sovereignty and grace. While the blessings reveal the character and future of each tribe, they also remind us of the human condition—our simultaneous justification and sinfulness (simul justus et peccator). This passage underscores the reality that God's purposes prevail even through flawed individuals.
Real-World Righteousness - Illustration
As we reflect on 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind," we find profound truth about our daily walk in righteousness. Picture a...
The Example of Grace - Story
At the edge of a small town, there stood an old, gnarled oak tree. Its branches stretched wide, offering shade and comfort to weary travelers. Many would come to sit beneath it, finding solace as they shared stories of their...
Reflecting on Wisdom - Commentary
Psalm 23 opens with a profound declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This simple yet profound statement invites us into a deep relationship of trust and surrender, reflecting God’s unwavering wisdom and guidance. Imagine for a...
The Meaning of Wisdom - Application
Faith is more than a mere belief; it’s the bedrock upon which our understanding of wisdom stands. Hebrews 11:1 declares, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse invites us into...
The Meaning of Goodness - Commentary
Faith is the bedrock upon which our understanding of goodness is built. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse is a profound invitation to step into...
Spiritual Insight: Joy - Story
Imagine a small, sunlit room where a child sits at a table, surrounded by crayons and a blank sheet of paper. With each stroke, the child is not just drawing—they are pouring out joy. That unfiltered delight, that radiant expression,...
Putting Into Practice: Redemption - Teaching Material
Trusting in God is not merely about believing in His existence; it’s about actively engaging our faith in the everyday decisions we face. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your...
When Mercy - Story
On a chilly autumn evening, I found myself in a small hospital room, the smell of antiseptic heavy in the air. A dear friend, Martha, lay in her bed, battling a relentless illness that had robbed her of vitality. Despite...
Lessons from Hope - Story
A few months ago, I sat with a dear friend named Maria, who had just received the devastating news that her job would be eliminated. As we talked over cups of steaming tea, her eyes were filled with both fear...
The Power of Goodness - Story
There once was a small community in a valley, often cloaked in shadows, where the townspeople struggled to find hope. Among them was an elderly woman named Clara, who had a profound belief in the goodness of God. Every day,...