Wesleyan/Methodist Illustrations
Entire sanctification, social holiness, prevenient grace.
Key question: “How does this text call us toward holiness and compassion?”
14918 illustrations found
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 5:12-21
We read this passage in Romans 5:12-21 as a declaration of the liberating power of grace through Jesus Christ. Adam's sin brought death and oppression into the world, but Jesus' act of righteousness brings deliverance and freedom for all who believe. This is a story of two humanities: one under the
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 4:13-25
We read Romans 4:13-25 as a testament to the radical faith that undergirds our journey towards liberation. This passage speaks to us of Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promise, a belief that mirrors our ancestors' faith in a God who delivers from bondage. Abraham's faith is counted as righteous
The Example of Kindness - Contemporary Example
Mary, a dear friend of mine, recently faced a storm in her life that many never see coming. She had always been the one to offer a listening ear and warm embrace, a beacon of kindness in our community. Yet,...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 2:1-11
We read Romans 2:1-11 as a call to recognize the impartial justice of God, who sees beyond human pretense and judges according to truth. In our tradition, this passage speaks to the reality that God does not show favoritism — a powerful reminder for a people who have been discriminated against based
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Exodus 40:1-15
We read this passage in Exodus 40:1-15 as a powerful narrative of divine deliverance, where God instructs Moses to set up the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's abiding presence with His people. This is a reminder that God does not abandon His people but dwells among us, guiding us through our own journe
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Job 38:1-7
We read this passage as a powerful reminder that God speaks directly into the whirlwind of our lives, affirming that divine sovereignty and wisdom are not abstract concepts but intimately involved in our struggles. In Job 38:1-7, we see God addressing Job from the storm, a fitting image for a people
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Exodus 4:10-17
We read this passage as a demonstration of God's unwavering commitment to liberate the oppressed and empower those who feel inadequate. Moses' hesitation and self-doubt resonate with our own struggles, yet we see God's assurance as a promise that divine power accompanies our call to justice. In this
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Exodus 5:1-23
We read this passage in Exodus 5 as a vivid illustration of the struggle for liberation. Pharaoh's hardened heart and oppressive demands reflect the systemic injustices that our people have faced throughout history. We see in Moses and Aaron's bold confrontation with Pharaoh a divine mandate to spea
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Exodus 6:1-13
We read this passage from Exodus 6:1-13 as a powerful testament to God's commitment to deliverance and liberation. This narrative speaks directly to our lived experience, echoing the cries of our ancestors who longed for freedom from the chains of slavery. We see God as a divine liberator who hears
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:8-11
We read Psalm 46:8-11 as a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and a call to witness God's deliverance for the oppressed. This passage is a reminder that the God who made desolations on the earth is the same God who takes down systems of oppression, breaks the chains of injustice, and brings p
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Exodus 8:1-15
We read this passage as a powerful testament to God's commitment to liberating the oppressed. The plagues in Egypt are not random acts of aggression but deliberate divine interventions aimed at dismantling an oppressive system. Exodus 8:1-15 reveals God's unyielding resolve to break Pharaoh's hold o
Evening Prayer: Gentleness - Story
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden hues across the sky, I find myself reflecting on the gentleness of our Shepherd. Psalm 23 reminds us, “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Picture a quiet...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 1:16-17
We read Romans 1:16-17 as a declaration of the gospel's power to bring deliverance and liberation, not only spiritually but also socially and politically. This passage affirms that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, which includes the oppressed and marginalized. W
Evening Prayer: Gentleness - Biblical Insight
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden hues across the sky, I find myself reflecting on Psalm 23:1-6, a tender reminder of God’s gentleness and provision. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." In the quiet...
Theology of Humility - Application
The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:13, declares with fervor, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This profound statement is often appropriated as a rallying cry for personal success, yet it beckons us to a deeper understanding...
Thinking About Patience - Commentary
Patience is often viewed as a passive waiting game, but in the light of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we discover that patience is an active expression of trust—a trust that God is at work in the seemingly mundane and painful seasons...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read Romans 1:18-23 as a profound critique of idolatry that holds relevance for the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities. In this passage, we see a God who reveals divine wrath against all ungodliness, particularly against those who suppress the truth. The truth of God's justice
Spiritual Insight: Mercy - Story
Imagine a small, humble bakery nestled in the heart of a bustling town. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the streets, drawing people in from all walks of life. Among the regulars is an elderly man named Mr....
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Revelation 21:1-5
We read this passage as a profound declaration of God's promise to renew and restore the world, a vision of liberation where former things have passed away. Revelation 21:1-5 speaks to us of ultimate deliverance and the establishment of the beloved community, where God dwells among us, wiping away e
Morning Meditation: Mercy - Story
Picture a young woman named Sarah, standing at a fork in the road, torn between two paths. One way promises security but feels like a cage, while the other brims with uncertainty and adventure. Every day, she wrestles with decisions...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Hebrews 12:1-2 (Run the Race)
We read Hebrews 12:1-2 as a powerful exhortation to persevere in the struggle for liberation and justice. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, the ancestors who endured the trials of slavery and segregation, we are called to run the race of faith with endurance. This passage speaks to our colle
A Story of Hope - Story
A few years ago, I met a woman named Clara at our local food pantry. Clara was in her fifties, and life had dealt her a series of harsh blows. She had lost her job, her marriage had ended, and...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
We read 1 Timothy 6:3-10 as a powerful admonition against the idolatry of wealth and a call to godliness with contentment. This passage speaks directly to the experiences of our community, often marginalized by economic injustice. We hear in these words a warning against those who would preach a gos
Understanding Gentleness - Commentary
When we turn our hearts to Hebrews 11:1, we encounter a profound truth: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse encapsulates the essence of gentleness that reflects the character of...