Reformed/Presbyterian Illustrations
Sovereignty of God, covenant theology, systematic doctrine.
Key question: “How does this reveal God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness?”
14730 illustrations found
Harriet: God Calls Liberators From the Margins - Progressive (Exodus 3)
Harriet Tubman heard God's voice guiding her through swamps and forests to freedom—and back again, repeatedly, to free others. Like Moses, she was called from the margins to confront empire. Progressi
Lessons from Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership
In our modern world, Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Leviticus 19:34 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding a...
Selma: Courage to Cross the Bridge - Progressive (Joshua 1:9)
Crossing Edmund Pettus Bridge required courage—state troopers waited, violence was certain. Yet they walked. Progressive theology reads Joshua 1:9 as call to justice-seeking courage. God's presence em
A Contemporary Pentecost Story
In our modern world, Pentecost presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom and grace. Consider how Hebrews 12:1-2 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Pentecost. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current situation. This modern example reminds us that God's...
A Contemporary Gun Violence and Christian Response Story
In a nation plagued by gun violence, Christians are called to respond with both compassion and action. Consider the story of Pastor Maria, who organized her congregation to support families affected by a school shooting in their community. Instead of offering only thoughts and prayers, they provided practical support, advocated for gun safety legislation, and worked to address the root causes of violence in their neighborhood. This contemporary example of Christian response to gun violence illu...
When Creation Meets Real Life
In our modern world, Creation presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom and grace. Consider how Galatians 2:20 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Creation. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current situation. This modern example reminds us that God's w...
The We Have What We Need to Practice Love Challenge
In our modern world, We Have What We Need to Practice Love presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Romans 12:18 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding We Have What We Need to Practice Love. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understand...
Hidden Figures: God's Plans Include the Marginalized - Progressive (Jeremiah 29:11)
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were brilliant mathematicians marginalized by race and gender. Yet their gifts were essential to NASA's success. God's plans included them—even whe
Lessons from Environmental Stewardship
Climate change presents one of the greatest moral challenges of our time, and progressive Christians are called to respond with both urgency and hope. Take the story of the Green Church movement, where congregations are installing solar panels, reducing waste, and advocating for environmental justice in their communities. One church in California transformed their building into a net-zero energy facility and used the savings to fund environmental justice programs in their neighborhood. This mod...
Real-World Preaching
In our modern world, Preaching presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom and grace. Consider how 1 Peter 2:9 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Preaching. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current situation. This modern example reminds us that God's wo...
A Modern Story of Climate Change & Stewardship
The climate crisis is perhaps the greatest moral challenge of our generation. Like the parable of the talents, we have been entrusted with a precious gift - our planet - and we will be held accountable for how we steward it. Meet David, a church youth leader who organized a "Green Sunday" where his congregation committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They installed solar panels on the church roof, started a community garden, and challenged each other to carpool to services. What began as ...
The Justification Challenge
In our modern world, Justification presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom and grace. Consider how Psalm 23:1-6 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Justification. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current situation. This modern example reminds us that...
A Contemporary Leading Toward Peace Story
In our modern world, Leading Toward Peace presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Genesis 1:26-28 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Leading Toward Peace. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the compl...
Real-World The Peculiar Politics of Christ
In our modern world, The Peculiar Politics of Christ presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Deuteronomy 10:19 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding The Peculiar Politics of Christ. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and...
Daily Idolatry
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Idolatry in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Idolatry. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with I...
Spiritual Insight: Technology and Human Connection
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Technology and Human Connection in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Revelation 11:18. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Technology and Human Connection. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your ...
Contemplating Assurance
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Assurance in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Matthew 6:25-34. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Assurance. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with A...
Modern Examples of Inclusive Language for God
In our modern world, Inclusive Language for God presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Luke 10:25-37 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Inclusive Language for God. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to...
Quiet Time: Gratitude
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Gratitude in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Acts 2:42-47. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Gratitude. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might be calling you to engage with Grat...
Morning Meditation: Inclusive Language for God
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Inclusive Language for God in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Romans 16:1-2. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Inclusive Language for God. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of ju...
Real-World Lent
In our modern world, Lent presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom and grace. Consider how Colossians 3:23 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Lent. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities of our current situation. This modern example reminds us that God's word rem...
Spiritual Insight: Healthcare & Healing Ministry
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Healthcare & Healing Ministry in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Jeremiah 29:11. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Healthcare & Healing Ministry. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how Go...
Finding The Peculiar Politics of Christ in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, The Peculiar Politics of Christ presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Luke 4:18-19 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding The Peculiar Politics of Christ. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and resp...
A Modern Story of Climate Change & Stewardship
The climate crisis is perhaps the greatest moral challenge of our generation. Like the parable of the talents, we have been entrusted with a precious gift - our planet - and we will be held accountable for how we steward it. Meet David, a church youth leader who organized a "Green Sunday" where his congregation committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They installed solar panels on the church roof, started a community garden, and challenged each other to carpool to services. What began as ...