Wesleyan/Methodist Illustrations
Entire sanctification, social holiness, prevenient grace.
Key question: “How does this text call us toward holiness and compassion?”
14918 illustrations found
The Example of Righteousness - Story
There was a small town where a wise old man lived at the edge of a serene lake. His reputation for wisdom drew people from far and wide, seeking guidance for their troubled hearts. One day, a young woman approached...
The Example of Kindness - Story
Mary had a small garden behind her quaint cottage, filled with blooming flowers that danced in the breeze. Each morning, as the sun filtered through the leaves, she would kneel in the soft earth, tending to her plants with love...
Theological Perspective: Self-control - Commentary
In Joshua 1:9, God commands, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse, steeped in divine reassurance, serves as an anchor during...
Thinking About Peace - Teaching Material
"Be still, and know that I am God." This profound invitation from Psalm 46:10 beckons us to pause amidst the chaos of life. It’s not merely a directive to silence our surroundings but an invitation to immerse ourselves in the...
Reflecting on Faith - Teaching Material
Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This powerful promise is...
Faith and Hope - Teaching Material
Psalm 23 begins with the tender declaration, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This profound image invites us into a relationship characterized by both hope and trust. In a world where we often feel lost and restless,...
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
Biblical Truth: Grace - Commentary
Jesus boldly proclaims in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” This profound statement reveals not only the essence of who Christ is but also the foundational truth of our faith. In a time when...
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
Real-World Wisdom - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, we find profound reassurance: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse is not merely...
Thinking About Compassion - Teaching Material
As we contemplate the profound truth found in 2 Timothy 1:7, we encounter a powerful declaration: "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." In this rich tapestry of encouragement, we see...
Thinking About Patience - Teaching Material
Patience is often seen as a passive waiting, but in the context of *agape* love, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, it becomes an active, transformative force. This passage tells us that love is patient, but to truly appreciate...
Theological Perspective: Faithfulness - Commentary
As we delve into Jeremiah 29:11, we uncover a profound promise from God that resonates deeply with our human experience: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” This declaration is not just a comforting cliché;...
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
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
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
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read this passage as a clarion call to stay vigilant in the work of liberation and justice. The ten virgins, waiting for the bridegroom, represent the faithful community anticipating God's deliverance. The wise virgins, prepared and ready, symbolize those of us who live in active hope, keeping ou
Reflecting on Patience - Church Context
As we gather today, let us reflect on the beautiful intersection of patience and hope in our church community, drawing inspiration from Philippians 4:13, where Paul declares, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” This profound declaration...
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;...
Spiritual Insight: Compassion - Prayer
Compassion is the heartbeat of the Gospel, a thread woven through the fabric of our faith. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions us to make disciples, reminding us that we are not only called to share His message but also to...
A Story of Peace - Story
In a small village nestled between rolling hills, a woman named Miriam had a cherished garden. It was a vibrant tapestry of colors, filled with flowers that she had painstakingly nurtured over the years. Each morning, she would rise before...