Pentecostal/Charismatic Illustrations
Spirit baptism, spiritual gifts, experiential faith.
Key question: “How does the Holy Spirit empower believers through this text?”
14789 illustrations found
Practical Perseverance - Teaching Material
In Psalm 23, David paints a vivid picture of God as our Shepherd, guiding us through the valleys of life. He promises that even when we walk through the darkest valley, we need not fear, for He is with us,...
Genesis 33:12-20 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 33:12-20 invites us to reflect on the profound tension between our sinful nature and the grace of God. Jacob, despite his past wrongdoings, experiences reconciliation with Esau, illustrating that God's grace can mend broken relationships and transform lives, even when we are simultaneously justified and sinful (simul justus et peccator). This passage reminds us that, while we are still in need of God's mercy, He is active in our lives, seeking reconciliation with us and through us.
Finding Self-Deception in Everyday Moments
In our fast-paced world, self-deception can wrap around us like a fog, obscuring the clarity of our faith. Picture the scene: a young man named David, an up-and-coming artist, sits in his cramped studio, surrounded by unfinished canvases. Day after...
Genesis 35:16-29 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 35:16-29 highlights the human experience of suffering, loss, and the reality of death, all while affirming God's ongoing presence and faithfulness. This passage illustrates the tension of being both justified and sinful (simul justus et peccator), where God's covenant promises endure despite human failings and mortality.
Genesis 3:8-13 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 3:8-13 serves as a foundational text illustrating the human condition of sin and separation from God. It highlights the reality of sin's entrance into the world and the instinctual human tendency to hide from God, revealing our dual nature as both justified and sinful (simul justus et peccator). This passage underscores the need for God's grace, which is revealed fully in Christ.
Genesis 5:1-32 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 5 serves as a reminder of humanity’s mortality and the reality of sin. The genealogy emphasizes that death is a consequence of sin, yet it also foreshadows the hope of redemption that will be fully revealed in Christ, who conquers death. This passage encourages us to see the tension of being simultaneously just and sinner (simul justus et peccator) as we navigate our earthly existence.
The Mission: Jesus as Way to the Father - Missional (John 14:1-6)
In the heart of the South American jungle, where the vibrant hues of the canopy dance with the golden light of dawn, a group of Jesuit missionaries found themselves standing among the Guaraní people. They were not armed with a...
Understanding Understanding - Application
As we delve into John 3:16, we encounter the profound truth of God’s love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” This verse is not merely a theological statement; it pulsates with the...
The Doctrine of Perseverance - Commentary
Perseverance, my friends, is not merely a passive waiting; it’s an active engagement in the depths of our faith. As we reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we see that love—*agape* love, which is central to our perseverance—bears all things, believes...
Genesis 19:12-29 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 19:12-29 serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment against sin and the mercy extended to the faithful. The narrative illustrates the duality of God's justice and grace, showcasing His willingness to save the righteous while also fulfilling His judgment upon the wicked, reflecting the Law/Gospel distinction.
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...
Daily Reflection: Faith - Biblical Insight
Imagine a small seed buried deep in the earth, surrounded by darkness and cold. It lies there, seemingly lifeless, yet within it is the promise of a towering oak, the potential for life that will one day provide shade and...
Practical Redemption - Illustration
As we reflect on Psalm 46:10—“Be still, and know that I am God”—we find a profound invitation to experience God’s redemptive power in our lives, especially during times of crisis. Picture for a moment a potter at work. With steady...
Genesis 26:12-25 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 26:12-25 illustrates the dual realities of a fallen world where God's promises prevail despite human sinfulness. The blessings bestowed upon Isaac amidst opposition highlight the grace of God, emphasizing that while we are simultaneously justified and sinful (simul justus et peccator), God's providential care continues to sustain His people.
Applying Wisdom - Contemporary Example
As we gather today, let’s reflect on the profound words of Jesus in John 14:6, where He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In this declaration, we find the blueprint for true wisdom. It’s not merely...
Quiet Time: Mercy - Prayer
There’s a story about a young mother who found herself in the quiet of dawn, her house still wrapped in slumber. In that sacred moment, with the sun just beginning to poke through the curtains, she sat at her kitchen...
Evening Prayer: Patience - Biblical Insight
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue on the world, we are reminded of the beauty of waiting. In Hebrews 11:1, we find, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about...
Genesis 33:1-11 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 33:1-11 reveals the profound dynamics of reconciliation and forgiveness, embodied in the encounter between Jacob and Esau. It illustrates the simultaneous reality of humanity's sinfulness and God's grace, as Jacob, though a sinner, is received with grace by his brother, reflecting the ultimate reconciliation through Christ.
Quiet Time: Gentleness - Prayer
As we gather in the gentle embrace of God’s presence, let us pause and reflect on the profound truth woven into Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and...
Genesis 18:16-33 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 18:16-33 illustrates the interplay of God's justice and mercy. Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom exemplifies the believer's role in prayer, revealing that while humanity is deeply flawed (simul justus et peccator), God's nature is fundamentally merciful, inviting us to approach Him with confidence even in our sinfulness.
Genesis 1:6-8 - Lutheran Perspective
In Lutheran theology, Genesis 1:6-8 is understood as a demonstration of God's sovereign power in creation, dividing the waters above from the waters below. This act highlights the distinction between Creator and creation, emphasizing that God's authority is the basis for order in the universe. The passage invites believers to recognize both the majesty of God and their own frailty as simul justus et peccator, simultaneously justified and sinner, as they navigate the realities of life under creation's order.
Genesis 1:9-13 - Lutheran Perspective
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 1:9-13 reveals God's sovereign act of creation, underscoring the goodness of His creation and the intentionality behind it. This passage highlights the distinction between God as Creator and humanity as His creation, pointing to our dependence on Him for both physical sustenance and spiritual life, thus setting the stage for the Gospel's message of grace amidst our sinful condition.
The Doctrine of Perseverance - Teaching Material
Perseverance is the backbone of our faith journey, intricately woven into the fabric of God’s love for us. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul paints a vivid picture of love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures...
Theological Perspective: Hope - Teaching Material
As we delve into Ephesians 2:8-9, we find a profound truth that weaves together the themes of hope, mercy, and blessing: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of...