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: 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...
Real-World Wisdom - Illustration
Consider the story of a young woman named Sarah, who found herself at a career crossroads. She had poured her heart into a job she loved, serving her community through a local nonprofit. But after years of hard work, the...
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
The Power of Gentleness - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there lived an elderly man named Mr. Thompson, known as the neighborhood’s gentle giant. He had a way of making everyone feel heard and valued. Every morning, he would sit on his porch, sipping tea and...
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...
Putting Into Practice: Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we are reminded that faithfulness is both a destination and a journey. Faithfulness isn’t merely about adherence to rules; it is about...
Theological Perspective: Self-control - Church Context
As we delve into Joshua 1:9, where the Lord commands, "Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go," we find a profound connection to...
A Story of Hope - Quote
There’s a story about a young woman named Maya who found herself lost in the depths of a forest during a hiking trip. The sun had begun to set, and panic set in as shadows grew longer and the trees...
Love That Endures Oppression - Black Church (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." The Black Church has borne much: slavery, Jim Crow, lynching, discrimination. Yet it kept loving—loving God, loving
Amanda Berry Smith: Evangelist to the World - Black Church (Matthew 28:18-20)
Amanda Berry Smith was born into slavery, became a washerwoman, and then—against every social expectation—became an international evangelist. She preached in India, Africa, and across America. White c
Joy Unspeakable - Black Church (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Black Church knows joy that defies circumstances—what one hymn calls "joy unspeakable and full of glory." How could enslaved people sing? How could sharecroppers shout? The joy of Galatians 5:22 i
Harriet Tubman's Thirteen Missions - Black Church (Philippians 4:13)
Harriet Tubman escaped slavery, then returned to the South THIRTEEN TIMES to rescue others—at least 70 people. Slavecatchers offered a $40,000 reward for her capture. She was small, had seizures from
The Spirituals Born from Suffering - Black Church (Romans 8:28)
The spirituals—"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Go Down Moses," "Wade in the Water"—were born in unspeakable suffering. Enslaved people with no political power, no legal rights, created music that has out
Hope in American Babylon - Black Church (Jeremiah 29:11)
African Americans have lived as exiles in their own country—brought here in chains, denied citizenship, fought for every right. Yet Black churches preached Jeremiah 29:11 with conviction: God has plan
Finding Science and Faith in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, Science and Faith presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Acts 2:44-45 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Science and Faith. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities o...
Finding Leading Toward Peace in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, Leading Toward Peace presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these waters with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Consider how Romans 8:19-22 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Leading Toward Peace. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the comple...