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The Barber on 47th Street - Illustration on Sermon | IllustrateTheWord

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Stories & Illustrations

The Barber on 47th Street

Source: ChurchWiseAI244 wordsAI-crafted by ChurchWiseAI

For twenty-three years, James Macon has opened the doors of his shop on 47th Street in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood at seven in the morning. He...

This is stories & illustrations, drawing on Matthew 5:13-20.

For twenty-three years, James Macon has opened the doors of his shop on 47th Street in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood at seven in the morning. He has watched three liquor stores open across the block and two churches close. He has swept broken glass off his sidewalk more times than he can count. Other businesses left. James stayed. His shop smells like Barbicide and coffee.…

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Scripture References

Matthew 5:13-20

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More Illustrations for Matthew 5:13-20

4 more illustrations anchored to this passage

Matthew 5:13-20 — Lutheran (pastoral)

Matthew 5:13-20 137 comforts the accused conscience: the verdict in Christ is mercy, not condemnation—today, not someday.

Matthew 5:13-20Lutheran

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Salt and Light

Righteousness

Short17 words

Matthew 5:13-20 — Lutheran (classic)

Matthew 5:13-20 2:6-15 shows that freedom is received by faith, not achieved by effort—today, not someday.

Matthew 5:13-20LutheranSalt and LightRighteousness

Matthew 5:13-20 — Lutheran (edgy)

Matthew 5:13-20 Lamentations 1:1-6 annoys your ego, it’s because the gospel won’t let you be your own savior.

Matthew 5:13-20LutheranSalt and LightRighteousness

Matthew 5:13-20 — Progressive/Social Justice (classic)

Matthew 5:13-20 Luke 14:25-33, love becomes public: the kingdom confronts systems that crush the vulnerable—today, not someday.

Matthew 5:13-20Progressive/Social JusticeSalt and LightRighteousness