Wesleyan/Methodist Illustrations
Entire sanctification, social holiness, prevenient grace.
Key question: “How does this text call us toward holiness and compassion?”
14918 illustrations found
Real-World Nonviolent Resistance
In our modern world, Nonviolent Resistance 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 10:34-35 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Nonviolent Resistance. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the compl...
When Science and Faith Meets Real Life
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 Leviticus 19:34 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Science and Faith. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexitie...
A Modern Story of Mental Health & Spirituality
Mental health struggles are often hidden in our churches, yet they affect nearly everyone. Like the woman who touched Jesus' hem in the crowd, many suffer in silence, afraid to speak up about their anxiety, depression, or trauma. Consider Marcus, a worship leader who shared his battle with depression from the pulpit. His vulnerability opened doors for others to seek help and support. The church became a place of healing, not just spiritual, but emotional and psychological as well. This modern ...
Finding Economic Justice and the Kingdom in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, Economic Justice and the Kingdom 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 Galatians 3:28 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Economic Justice and the Kingdom. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and ...
Modern Examples of Grace
Grace isn't just a theological concept—it's a life-changing reality. Take the story of David, a former addict who had burned every bridge in his life. After years of destructive behavior, he found himself alone and broken. But when he finally reached out for help, he discovered a community of believers who didn't judge his past but embraced his potential for change. This modern story of grace illustrates how James 1:27 becomes real in our lives. Grace isn't earned; it's received. It's not about...
Real-World We are Imago Dei
The concept of Imago Dei - that all people are created in the image of God - is foundational to progressive Christian understanding of human dignity. Take the story of Marcus, a transgender man who found acceptance in a progressive congregation after being rejected by his family's church. The pastor welcomed him by saying, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made, exactly as God intended you to be." This modern story of inclusion demonstrates how Colossians 3:15 calls us to see the divine image ...
A Contemporary Clobbering the Clobber Texts Story
In our modern world, Clobbering the Clobber Texts 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 John 13:12-17 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Clobbering the Clobber Texts. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and respondin...
When Environmental Stewardship Meets Real Life
Climate change presents one of the greatest moral challenges of our time, and progressive Christians are called to respond with both urgency and hope. Take the story of the Green Church movement, where congregations are installing solar panels, reducing waste, and advocating for environmental justice in their communities. One church in California transformed their building into a net-zero energy facility and used the savings to fund environmental justice programs in their neighborhood. This mod...
Real-World Interfaith Dialogue
In our modern world, Interfaith Dialogue 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 Micah 6:8 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Interfaith Dialogue. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the complexities ...
Finding Gun Violence and Christian Response in Everyday Moments
In a nation plagued by gun violence, Christians are called to respond with both compassion and action. Consider the story of Pastor Maria, who organized her congregation to support families affected by a school shooting in their community. Instead of offering only thoughts and prayers, they provided practical support, advocated for gun safety legislation, and worked to address the root causes of violence in their neighborhood. This contemporary example of Christian response to gun violence illu...
When Mental Health & Spirituality Meets Faith
Mental health struggles are often hidden in our churches, yet they affect nearly everyone. Like the woman who touched Jesus' hem in the crowd, many suffer in silence, afraid to speak up about their anxiety, depression, or trauma. Consider Marcus, a worship leader who shared his battle with depression from the pulpit. His vulnerability opened doors for others to seek help and support. The church became a place of healing, not just spiritual, but emotional and psychological as well. This modern ...
When Nonviolent Resistance Meets Real Life
In our modern world, Nonviolent Resistance 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 Galatians 3:28 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Nonviolent Resistance. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and responding to the comp...
The Mental Health & Spirituality Challenge
Mental health struggles are often hidden in our churches, yet they affect nearly everyone. Like the woman who touched Jesus' hem in the crowd, many suffer in silence, afraid to speak up about their anxiety, depression, or trauma. Consider Marcus, a worship leader who shared his battle with depression from the pulpit. His vulnerability opened doors for others to seek help and support. The church became a place of healing, not just spiritual, but emotional and psychological as well. This modern ...
The Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership Challenge
In our modern world, Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership 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 Micah 6:8 speaks to the contemporary issues surrounding Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership. The timeless truths found in Scripture provide a foundation for understanding and res...
Lessons from We are Imago Dei
The concept of Imago Dei - that all people are created in the image of God - is foundational to progressive Christian understanding of human dignity. Take the story of Marcus, a transgender man who found acceptance in a progressive congregation after being rejected by his family's church. The pastor welcomed him by saying, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made, exactly as God intended you to be." This modern story of inclusion demonstrates how Matthew 25:31-46 calls us to see the divine image...
The Social Media & Faith Challenge
In our digital age, social media has become the modern marketplace where ideas are exchanged. Like the merchants in the temple courts, we often find ourselves caught up in the noise of endless scrolling and comparison. But what if we approached our social media presence with the same intentionality as our faith? Consider Sarah, a young professional who decided to use her Instagram not just for selfies, but to share daily moments of gratitude. Each post became a small testimony of God's goodnes...
A Modern Story of We are Imago Dei
The concept of Imago Dei - that all people are created in the image of God - is foundational to progressive Christian understanding of human dignity. Take the story of Marcus, a transgender man who found acceptance in a progressive congregation after being rejected by his family's church. The pastor welcomed him by saying, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made, exactly as God intended you to be." This modern story of inclusion demonstrates how Isaiah 1:17 calls us to see the divine image in e...
Contemplating Climate Change and Hope
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Climate Change and Hope in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Ephesians 2:14. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Climate Change and Hope. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of justice...
Prayerful Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Reconciliation and Forgiveness in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Hebrews 13:2. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Reconciliation and Forgiveness. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdo...
Daily Nonviolent Resistance
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Nonviolent Resistance in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Romans 8:19-22. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Nonviolent Resistance. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into your kingdom of justice and...
When Climate Change & Stewardship Meets Faith
The climate crisis is perhaps the greatest moral challenge of our generation. Like the parable of the talents, we have been entrusted with a precious gift - our planet - and we will be held accountable for how we steward it. Meet David, a church youth leader who organized a "Green Sunday" where his congregation committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They installed solar panels on the church roof, started a community garden, and challenged each other to carpool to services. What began as ...
Spiritual Insight: Economic Justice and the Kingdom
Dear God of Love and Justice, As I reflect on Economic Justice and the Kingdom in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in Deuteronomy 10:19. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes of love and respond with the compassion and justice you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Economic Justice and the Kingdom. May my actions reflect your character of love and work for the transformation of our world into yo...
Quiet Time: Global Pandemic & Community
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Global Pandemic & Community in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 1 John 4:19. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Global Pandemic & Community. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider how God might...
Evening Prayer: Social Justice & Christianity
Dear Heavenly Father, As I reflect on Social Justice & Christianity in my life today, I am reminded of your wisdom found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Help me to see this area of my life through your eyes and respond with the love and grace you have shown me. Guide me to be a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing wherever I encounter Social Justice & Christianity. May my actions reflect your character and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Take a moment today to consider ...