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 Power of Gentleness - Story
A few years ago, I met a woman named Ruth at a community center where I volunteered. Ruth was known for her fiery spirit. Yet, behind that fierce exterior lay a heart burdened by her past. She had been deeply...
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 Grace - Story
In a small town, there lived a man named Tom. For years, he wrestled with addiction, feeling trapped in a cycle of shame and despair. Friends and family stood by him, but nothing seemed to break the chains of his...
Modern Examples of Corruption
In our modern world, the specter of corruption looms large, often seeming insurmountable. Picture this: a young woman named Maya, brimming with dreams and aspirations, lands her first job at a local nonprofit aimed at helping underprivileged youth. She steps...
The Mission: Shepherd Into Mission Territory - Missional (Psalm 23)
Picture this: Father Gabriel, a missionary with the heart of a lion, steps into the thick, humid air of the Amazon rainforest. His journey isn’t marked by the familiar comforts of home, but by an unwavering belief that the Good...
Daily Reflection: Justice - Prayer
As we pause to reflect on Psalm 23, let us embrace the profound truth that "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Imagine a shepherd, not merely leading but intimately knowing each sheep—its fears, its needs, its quirks....
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 Mission: Mission Built on Gospel Rock - Missional (Matthew 7:24-27)
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, there stood a mission established by Jesuit priests in the 18th century, an audacious beacon of hope amidst a landscape rich in both beauty and danger. The mission was known as San Carlos,...
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...
A Story of Salvation - Biblical Analogy
A young woman named Sarah found herself lost in a thick forest during a hiking trip. The sun began to set, casting long shadows, and panic began to grip her heart. She remembered her father’s words about always following the...
Lessons from Doubt
In the heart of our bustling lives, doubt often feels like a storm cloud threatening to overshadow our faith. But what if we viewed doubt not merely as an obstacle, but as a divine invitation to deeper understanding? In Luke...
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...
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: 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...
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...
The Mission: Casting Mission Anxiety on God - Missional (1 Peter 5:7)
In the film *The Mission*, we meet Father Gabriel, a man of profound faith and deep compassion, who finds himself amidst the vibrant yet turbulent jungles of Paraguay. With the lush greenery towering around him, the air thick with the...
The Mission: Mission Prayer in Action - Missional (Matthew 6:9-13)
Imagine a bustling village deep within the Amazon rainforest, where the vibrant sounds of life fill the air. The laughter of children echoes as they splash in the river, while the aroma of wood smoke and traditional cooking wafts from...
When Mercy - Contemporary Example
A few years back, I met a woman named Maria at a local food pantry. She came in, weary and worn, with her two young children holding tightly to her skirts. Life had thrown her countless challenges—loss of a job,...
When Humility - Contemporary Example
Sarah, a young woman in our community, had always been the type to put others first. One day, she decided to start a small neighborhood group, a simple gathering for prayer and encouragement. It was a modest beginning—just a handful...
When Humility - Story
On the outskirts of a small town lived an elderly woman named Ruth, known for her unwavering faith and humble service. Each Sunday, despite her frail body, she would walk to the church with a basket of freshly baked bread,...
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...
Spiritual Insight: Humility - Biblical Insight
When we think of humility, we often picture someone quietly waiting in the shadows, but true humility shines brightly in the everyday acts of service that elevate others. Consider the story of a small-town bakery owner, Mrs. Thompson, who every...
Finding Angels in Everyday Moments
In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves struggling to recognize the sacred moments that surround us—those divine whispers that guide our hearts and decisions. Just as the prodigal son wandered far from home in Luke 15:11-32, searching for fulfillment...