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 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
Liberation and the God of the Oppressed - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustrates the Black Church's role in advocating for both spiritual and social liberation, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the historical struggles of African Americans. It emphasizes the Gospel's message of hope and resistance against systemic injustice, highlighting the importance of solidarity with the marginalized and the promise of ultimate vindication for the oppressed.
Lessons from Gentleness - Story
There once was a mother, Sarah, who had a young son named David. David was a lively child, full of energy and curiosity, often finding himself in trouble as he explored the world around him. One day, he climbed too...
Genesis 21:22-34 - Black Church Perspective
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 21:22-34 is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness amidst conflict and the importance of covenant relationships. This passage highlights how God intervenes in human affairs, bringing reconciliation and peace, which mirrors the struggle for justice and liberation within the Black community.
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
Lessons from Gentleness - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived a woman named Ruth, who ran a modest flower shop. Ruth had a gentle spirit, always greeting customers with a warm smile and a kind word. But life had not been easy for her....
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
Evening Prayer: Faithfulness - Prayer
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the sky, there’s a quiet invitation for us to pause and reflect. In this sacred evening moment, we find ourselves in the embrace of Philippians 4:13: “I...
When Courage - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I met a young woman named Sarah at a community center where I volunteer. She had just signed up for a program to help young adults develop job skills. Sarah was the first in her family...
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
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
Spiritual Insight: Redemption - Biblical Insight
As we gather this morning, let's reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make...
Thinking About Peace - Church Context
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) invites us into a space of divine tranquility, a call to pause amidst our frantic lives. In our church context, we often rush through programs, meetings, and events, seeking growth...
Thinking About Goodness - Teaching Material
Proverbs 3:5-6 invites us into a profound trust, urging us not to rely solely on our own understanding but to acknowledge God in all our ways. This call to trust is not a dismissal of our intellect but an invitation...
Evening Prayer: Compassion - Prayer
As the sun sets and the world begins to quiet, it’s a perfect time for evening prayer—a sacred space to reflect on our day and the compassionate call Christ has placed on our hearts. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 6:1-15
We read this passage as a demonstration of Jesus' liberating power and a testament to God's provision for the oppressed. The miracle of feeding the 5,000 is not just about physical bread but about God's ability to meet the needs of marginalized communities. In this story, Jesus sees the hunger of th
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 2:1-11
We read this passage as a sign of God's abundant grace and transformative power that breaks into the mundane realities of life. In John 2:1-11, Jesus turns water into wine, embodying the liberating God who transforms scarcity into abundance. This miracle whispers of God's deliverance, a theme resona
The Power of Peace - Story
There was a small village nestled in a valley, surrounded by towering mountains. Each year, the villagers would gather for a festival that celebrated the harvest. The highlight of this festival was a contest held at the edge of the...
Practical Faith - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Jeremiah 29:11, a verse many hold dear, we discover God’s heart for us: “For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope...
The Power of Peace - Contemporary Example
There was a young woman named Maria who lived in a bustling city. She was passionate about her career and deeply devoted to her faith, but one day, she received devastating news: her mother had been diagnosed with a terminal...
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;...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 4:1-4
We read John 4:1-4 as a testament to Jesus' intentional crossing of societal boundaries, embodying liberation and reconciliation. Jesus' journey through Samaria, a region despised by the Jews, signifies God's movement toward breaking down entrenched barriers of race, ethnicity, and social division.
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 10:1-15
We read this passage as a bold cry for deliverance, echoing the cries of our ancestors who sought God's intervention in the face of systemic evil and personal affliction. The psalmist's lament about God's apparent distance and the triumph of the wicked resonates deeply with the Black Church experien
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...