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
Scriptural Insight: Sustainability & Creation Care - Reflection
This theological reflection emphasizes the importance of Sustainability and Creation Care as integral aspects of faith in the modern world. It encourages believers to engage deeply with biblical teachings, particularly Galatians 3:28, to inform their actions and attitudes towards environmental stewardship with integrity and compassion.
Walter Brueggemann on Anxiety and Empire - Progressive (Matthew 6:25-27)
"Empire produces anxiety—scarcity mentality, competitive striving, fear of not having enough. Jesus counters: 'Do not worry.' This is resistance to the anxiety economy. Trust in God's abundance subver
Walter Brueggemann on Courage for Justice - Progressive (Joshua 1:9)
"Courage is needed not for conquest but for justice. The call to 'be strong' is not military machismo but prophetic nerve—courage to speak truth, to stand with the vulnerable, to challenge systems. Go
Jim Wallis on Justice as Requirement - Progressive (Micah 6:8)
"'Do justice'—not just avoid injustice, but actively DO justice. This is not optional: it's what God REQUIRES. Love kindness—chesed, covenant love for the vulnerable. Walk humbly—power laid down. This
Jim Wallis on Wisdom for Justice - Progressive (James 1:5)
"We need wisdom for the complex work of justice—not simple answers but discerning wisdom. God gives generously to those seeking to know how to act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. Pray for wisdom that
Jim Wallis on Public Faith - Progressive (Matthew 5:14-16)
"Light exposes darkness—injustice, oppression, lies. The church as city on a hill is meant to model an alternative: a community of justice, equality, peace. Our good works are social witness: feeding
Walter Brueggemann on God with Exiles - Progressive (Isaiah 43:2)
"Isaiah speaks to exiles—displaced, threatened, overwhelmed. The waters are empire's chaos; the fire is persecution's heat. God promises presence to the marginalized, the refugee, the displaced. When
Walter Brueggemann on Non-Conformity to Empire - Progressive (Romans 12:1-2)
"'Do not be conformed to this world'—this is resistance to empire, to consumerism, to the values of domination. The renewed mind sees through propaganda and imagines alternatives. Transformation is po
Walter Brueggemann on Subversive Transcendence - Progressive (Isaiah 55:8-9)
"God's thoughts subvert human assumptions—especially assumptions of the powerful. Our 'common sense' often serves empire; God's ways overturn it. His thoughts judge our nationalism, our economics, our
Walter Brueggemann on Light Against Empire - Progressive (Psalm 27:1)
"The LORD is light—exposing empire's lies, revealing injustice hidden in darkness. Salvation—not from sin alone but from oppressive systems. Stronghold—refuge when powers threaten. Those who work for
Walter Brueggemann on Justice Fulfilled - Progressive (Revelation 21:4)
"Every tear wiped—tears of injustice, oppression, exploitation. No more death from poverty, from violence, from neglect. This vision indicts present arrangements and energizes present resistance. The
Scriptural Insight: Economic Inequality & Generosity - Reflection
This theological reflection explores the intersection of Economic Inequality and Generosity through the lens of Jeremiah 29:11, urging individuals of faith to engage with these issues thoughtfully. It emphasizes the importance of examining personal attitudes and actions while living out faith with integrity and compassion in a complex world.
Barbara Brown Taylor on Courageous Love - Progressive (2 Timothy 1:7)
"Power, love, and sound mind—these counter the fear that systems use to control. Empire thrives on fear; God's Spirit gives courage to resist. Love is political when it defies hate. Sound mind questio
Jim Wallis on Faith That Hopes for Justice - Progressive (Hebrews 11:1)
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for—and what we hope for shapes our faith. We hope for justice, for equity, for the beloved community. Faith is not escape from the world but confidence that Go
Making Suffering Real - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of addressing suffering both personally and within the community, guided by the principles found in Galatians 3:28. It encourages individuals to engage in reflection, prayer, and resource sharing to foster community transformation and support those in need.
Practical Sustainability & Creation Care - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of integrating faith with practical actions for Sustainability and Creation Care. It encourages personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful commitment to foster a deeper understanding and responsibility towards environmental stewardship in light of biblical teachings.
Practical Steps for Humiliation - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of addressing humiliation through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to consider their approach to humiliation and to take practical steps that foster both personal and communal growth in faith.
Practical Sustainability & Creation Care - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of integrating faith with practical actions in sustainability and creation care. It encourages personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action to foster a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship as an expression of faith.
Real-World Lying - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue of lying through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to consider their approach to lying and to engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to both personal and communal transformation.
Practical Social Justice & Christianity - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of integrating social justice into Christian practice through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to take small, faithful steps that can lead to significant positive impacts in their communities.
Biblical Truth About Humiliation - Commentary
This biblical commentary explores the theme of Humiliation and its relevance in contemporary society, emphasizing the importance of living out one's faith with integrity and compassion. It highlights how the wisdom of Scripture, particularly John 3:16, provides guidance for navigating the complexities of modern life.
God's View on Trinity - Commentary
The commentary explores the relevance of the Trinity in contemporary society, emphasizing the wisdom of Ephesians 2:8-9. It encourages believers to engage deeply with their faith, promoting integrity and compassion as they navigate modern challenges.
Practical Creation - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of engaging with Creation through personal reflection, community action, and prayer. It encourages individuals to consider their role in environmental stewardship and to foster meaningful conversations about faith and Creation, highlighting the potential for community transformation through small acts of faithfulness.
What Scripture Says About Enemy Love - Commentary
The commentary explores the concept of Enemy Love within the framework of progressive Christianity, emphasizing the importance of love, justice, and inclusion as central themes in Scripture. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions, promoting a faith that actively seeks to transform communities and foster a more just society.