Wesleyan/Methodist Illustrations
Entire sanctification, social holiness, prevenient grace.
Key question: “How does this text call us toward holiness and compassion?”
14918 illustrations found
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...
The Power of Humility - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Ruth, not unlike the Biblical character she was named after. Ruth worked at a local flower shop, pouring her heart into each bouquet she crafted. One day, a young man named...
Practical Faith - Contemporary Example
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans for us—plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. This promise was given to a people in exile, facing uncertainties and challenges that...
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
The Example of Kindness - Contemporary Example
There’s a small coffee shop nestled in the heart of our town, a place where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the warmth of community. The owner, an elderly woman named Grace, has a remarkable way of drawing...
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...
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...
When Salvation - Biblical Analogy
Imagine a young woman named Sarah, feeling lost in a bustling city, unsure of which path to take. She has dreams—of becoming a teacher, of serving her community, of making a difference—but the choices before her feel overwhelming. One evening,...
The Example of Righteousness - Contemporary Example
In a small town, a woman named Clara lived a life that seemed ordinary on the surface. She worked at the local bakery, serving warm bread and sweet pastries with a smile that could light up the dreariest day. But...
A Story of Humility - Contemporary Example
Sarah had always been a high achiever. In her small town, she was known for her academic brilliance, excelling in everything from sports to music. But as she entered college, the pressures mounted, and her sense of identity began to...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read this passage as a revelation of Jesus' divine identity and his commitment to liberation. The transfiguration reveals the glory of the one who stands in solidarity with the oppressed. Just as Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets, we see continuity with the
Reflecting on Patience - Commentary
As we reflect on the theme of patience, let us turn to Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse, often cited in moments of triumph, is a profound reminder that our ability to...
Lessons from Gentleness - Biblical Analogy
A few years ago, I found myself in a garden, watching a novice gardener attempt to tend to his struggling plants. With each weed he pulled, I could see his frustration grow. The thorns and brambles seemed relentless, and he...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
We read this passage as a profound encounter between Jesus and the religious authorities of his day, who sought to bind the people with legalism rather than liberate them through grace. This scripture speaks to us of Jesus' radical act of healing on the Sabbath, which we interpret as a divine assert
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 17:1-5
In John 17:1-5, we read this passage as a powerful testimony of Jesus' intimate connection with the Father and His mission to bring eternal life to all, especially the oppressed and marginalized. Jesus speaks of glorifying God through His work, which we understand as the work of liberation and deliv
A Story of Hope - Story
There was a gentle autumn evening when a young mother named Sarah found herself walking home from work, her heart heavy with worry. She had just received news that her husband, Tom, had lost his job. As she strolled past...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
We read John 9:1-12 through the lens of God's liberating action in history. This story of Jesus healing the man born blind is not just a miracle of physical sight, but a profound sign of spiritual and social liberation. We see Jesus challenging the societal norms that equate physical ailments with p
Real-World Wisdom - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, which assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him," we find a profound invitation to seek wisdom in our everyday lives. Consider the story of a...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Psalm 150:1-6
We read Psalm 150 as a profound call to praise the God of liberation who has always been on the side of the oppressed. This psalm is not just about generic praise but is a celebration of deliverance and justice. In our tradition, this passage is a reminder that our worship is both an act of resistan
A Story of Kindness - Biblical Analogy
Lydia was a woman of means, a seller of purple cloth, living in the bustling city of Philippi. But beneath her successful exterior, she felt an emptiness that wealth could not fill. One day, driven by an unquenchable longing, she...
When Patience - Contemporary Example
There’s a story I once heard about a young woman named Clara, who had a dream of becoming a published author. For years, she poured her heart into her stories, writing late into the night after long days at work....
Living Out Goodness - Illustration
Imagine a small, bustling café in your community. Every morning, a dedicated barista greets her customers with a warm smile and an authentic interest in their lives. One day, she learns that a regular patron is struggling with loneliness after...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 23:1-12
We read this passage as a clear call to humble service and a rejection of oppressive religious authority. Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their performative piety and their burdening of the people. In the Black Church Tradition, we see this as a warning against any religious system that prioritize