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: Psalm 4:1-8
We read Psalm 4:1-8 as a cry for deliverance and a proclamation of God's faithfulness in the midst of trial. This passage resonates with our historical experience of crying out to God from places of oppression, knowing that God hears us. We see in this text the assurance that the God who heard Israe
Genesis 41:37-57 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 41:37-57 is seen as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and providence, particularly in the midst of suffering and oppression. Joseph's rise to prominence amid adversity serves as a reminder that God can elevate those who are faithful, using their trials to prepare them for greater purposes within the community.
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 8:1-9
We read Psalm 8 as a celebration of God's majestic creation and the dignity bestowed upon humanity. This passage affirms that all people, including those historically dehumanized, are crowned with glory and honor. Our reading emphasizes that the God who created the heavens and the earth also hears t
The Example of Perseverance - Contemporary Example
There’s a story I often think about that beautifully illustrates perseverance and transformation. A dear friend of mine, Karen, faced a season in her life that I can only describe as a relentless storm. Diagnosed with a chronic illness, she...
Genesis 46:28-34 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, this passage emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people and His commitment to their collective identity. The movement of Jacob and his family to Egypt reflects a divine providence that transcends personal struggles, pointing to a communal journey towards liberation and fulfillment of God's promises.
When Perseverance - Story
A few years ago, I met a woman named Clara in my community. Clara was a single mother of three, juggling multiple jobs just to put food on the table. Despite her struggles, she radiated a quiet strength, a determination...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 53:1-6
We read Psalm 53 as a powerful reminder of the folly of denying God's presence and justice in the world. This Psalm speaks to the reality of systemic sin and the brokenness of a world that often operates as if God does not see or care. But we declare that God is indeed present, hearing the cries of
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 43:1-5
We read Psalm 43 as a cry for justice and vindication in the face of oppression and deceit. This passage speaks to us as a community who knows the pain of being wrongfully accused and marginalized. The psalmist's plea for deliverance is our plea — for a God who will bring truth and light into our st
Genesis 4:17-26 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 4:17-26 is often viewed through the lens of community and the consequences of sin. It emphasizes the importance of kinship and collective identity, illustrating how Cain's actions led to a fractured community and the necessity of reconciliation and restoration. This passage also highlights God's continual presence in human affairs, providing hope for redemption despite humanity's failures.
Genesis 44:14-34 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 44:14-34 is interpreted through the lens of liberation and redemption. The passage highlights themes of repentance, community solidarity, and the transformative power of grace, as Joseph's brothers confront their past and seek reconciliation. This narrative resonates with the struggle for justice and freedom, reflecting the journey of African American communities toward healing and wholeness.
Biblical Truth: Grace - Reflection
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This profound statement is not merely a directional signpost; it's an invitation into a transformative relationship. In a world filled with uncertainty and confusion, we yearn...
Genesis 26:1-6 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 26:1-6 is interpreted as a testament to God's faithfulness and provision in the face of adversity. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's call and the reward that follows, positioning believers as active participants in a liberating journey where divine promise meets community resilience.
Genesis 4:9-16 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 4:9-16 highlights the theme of communal responsibility and the call to accountability within the community. The passage reveals God's justice in the face of Cain's sin, underlining the belief that we are our brother's keeper, which resonates deeply with the communal values of the African American experience.
When Sustainability & Creation Care Meets Faith
In a small town nestled among sprawling hills and vibrant fields, there lived a farmer named Samuel. For years, he had tilled the land, pouring his sweat and hopes into every furrow. But as climate change began to take its...
When Redemption - Story
There was a woman named Clara who lived in a small town, known for her radiant smile and unwavering faith. Yet, beneath her cheerful exterior lay a heart burdened by loss and disappointment. She had faced deep challenges—her husband’s unexpected...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 11:1-7
We read Psalm 11 as an affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness and justice in the face of oppression. The text begins with a declaration of trust in the Lord, even when the foundations of society seem to crumble — a reality our community knows all too well. In this passage, the Lord's oversight
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 2:4-10
We read 1 Peter 2:4-10 as an affirmation of our identity as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. This passage speaks directly to our historical experience of marginalization and dehumanization, affirming that God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. It reminds u
Genesis 3:8-13 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 3:8-13 serves as a profound narrative about the human condition and the dynamics of sin, shame, and community. It highlights the relational aspect of humanity’s fall and God’s persistent call to restoration, emphasizing that despite our shortcomings, God seeks us out in our brokenness. This passage illustrates God's grace amidst disobedience, reminding the community of their inherent worth and the hope for redemption.
When Understanding - Contemporary Example
In a quaint little town, there lived a woman named Clara, known for her radiant joy. Despite facing life's challenges—loss, illness, and uncertainty—Clara seemed to embody the promise found in Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;...
Genesis 6:1-8 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 6:1-8 emphasizes God's deep sorrow over human sinfulness and the need for divine intervention. It highlights the tension between God's judgment and mercy, reminding the community that even in the face of judgment, there is always an opportunity for redemption and hope.
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 3:1-8
We read Psalm 3 as a cry for deliverance from oppression, a sacred lament that resonates deeply with our historical and ongoing struggles. This psalm reflects the experience of being surrounded by enemies and yet finding refuge in the Lord, much like our ancestors who found strength in God amidst th
Faith and Peace - Commentary
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). This verse resonates deeply, inviting us into a sacred pause amidst life’s relentless chaos. Imagine a weary traveler navigating a turbulent storm. The winds howl, the waves crash, and every...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
We read this passage as a powerful revelation of Jesus who meets His disciples in their ordinary struggles and transforms their reality. This is a story of divine provision and communal restoration. The disciples, weary from fruitless labor, experience the liberating presence of Jesus who fills thei
When Wisdom - Biblical Analogy
Imagine a master carpenter in a small town, known for creating the most breathtaking furniture. His hands, weathered from years of work, tell stories of dedication and artistry. One day, a young apprentice approached him, eager to learn but brimming...