Pentecostal/Charismatic Illustrations
Spirit baptism, spiritual gifts, experiential faith.
Key question: “How does the Holy Spirit empower believers through this text?”
14789 illustrations found
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 Meaning of Goodness - Application
Goodness is more than a mere quality; it is a transformative force that shapes the very fabric of our lives and ministry. In Hebrews 11:1, we read that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things...
Theology of Forgiveness - Commentary
As we delve into the essence of forgiveness, let’s anchor ourselves in the promise found in Isaiah 40:31, which assures us that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Here, the prophet paints a vivid picture of...
A Story of Love - Quote
There was a young woman named Rachel, living in a small town filled with dreams yet overshadowed by despair. Rachel had grown up in a broken home, grappling with feelings of abandonment and unworthiness. Yet, deep within her, a flicker...
The Power of Mercy - Biblical Analogy
A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting a local shelter, where I met a young mother named Maria. Her life had been turned upside down—she had recently escaped an abusive relationship and found refuge with her two...
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 Faith - Contemporary Example
There’s a little boy named Eli, whose family faced a significant financial struggle. His father, once a successful carpenter, had lost his job, and the weight of uncertainty hung heavy in their home. One evening, as Eli watched his mother...
Evening Prayer: Joy - Story
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, I can't help but think of the joy that fills our hearts when we embrace the profound truth found in John 3:16. For God...
Theology of Grace - Reflection
John 3:16 is often quoted, yet its profound depth can leave us in awe of God’s relentless grace. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...” In this proclamation, we see the heartbeat of...
Practical Compassion - Illustration
Imagine for a moment a young woman named Sarah, who recently moved to a new city, feeling the weight of loneliness pressing down on her heart. She walks to her church one Sunday, her spirit heavy with uncertainty and fear....
The Meaning of Goodness - Reflection
Goodness is not merely a moral standard; it is a divine attribute that invites transformation and purpose into our lives. In Hebrews 11:1 we read, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”...
The Power of Faithfulness - Story
There was a small church in a tight-knit community that had seen better days. Once vibrant, it now struggled with dwindling numbers and a sense of hopelessness. Among the faithful was an elderly woman named Ruth. Every Sunday, she arrived...
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.
Genesis 47:13-26 - Lutheran Perspective
In this passage, we see the interplay of Law and Gospel as Joseph, acting under God's providence, exercises authority over the people during a time of famine. The Law is evident in the harsh reality of the famine and the taxes imposed, while the Gospel shines through in God's provision for His people, ultimately leading them to a place of dependency on Him. This duality reflects the Lutheran understanding of humanity as simul justus et peccator—simultaneously justified and sinful—wherein we recognize our need for God's grace even amidst the struggles of life.
Faith and Redemption - Teaching Material
As we gather today, we are reminded of the profound commission Jesus entrusted to us in Matthew 28:19-20. This passage, often referred to as the Great Commission, beckons us into a divine adventure of faith and redemption. “Go therefore and...
Genesis 37:1-11 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, the story of Joseph illustrates God's providential care even amid human sin and suffering. The tension between Joseph’s favored status among his brothers and their jealousy serves as a reminder of our own simultaneous existence as both righteous and sinful, pointing to the need for grace in our relationships and lives.
Theological Perspective: Justice - Commentary
Be still, and know that I am God. In Psalm 46:10, we are invited into a divine pause—a moment where we can deeply understand the justice of God amidst our crises. The world around us often feels chaotic, as if...
Genesis 44:1-13 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 44:1-13 illustrates the complexities of human sinfulness and the grace of God. The narrative reveals the tension between judgment and mercy, where Joseph's brothers are confronted with their past sins yet ultimately face a situation that leads them to repentance and reconciliation. This passage underscores the reality of being simultaneously justified and a sinner (simul justus et peccator), emphasizing God's grace in the midst of our failures.
Biblical Truth: Gentleness - Commentary
Gentleness is a divine quality that invites us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, as Proverbs 3:5-6 beautifully instructs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your...
Genesis 45:1-15 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 45:1-15 is seen as a profound illustration of God's grace and mercy in the face of human sin. Joseph's revealing of his identity to his brothers embodies the reconciling nature of God, who forgives and restores relationships despite our failings, echoing the core tenet of simul justus et peccator—simultaneously justified and sinful.
Genesis 39:7-23 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 39:7-23 illustrates the duality of human experience as both justified and sinful (simul justus et peccator). Joseph's integrity amidst temptation and false accusation reflects God's faithfulness and providence, reminding us that even in suffering and injustice, we can rely on God's sustaining grace.
Genesis 2:4-7 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 2:4-7 highlights God's sovereign act of creation, emphasizing that humanity is formed from the dust and given life by God's breath. This passage encapsulates the dual nature of humanity as both created beings and sinful creatures, illustrating the doctrine of simul justus et peccator, where we are simultaneously justified in Christ while still grappling with our sinful nature.
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...
The Meaning of Peace - Commentary
When Paul writes in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he invites us into a profound understanding of peace—a sacred mystery rooted in the heart of our faith. The Greek word for strength here,...