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HomeIllustrations

50,739 Illustrations

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Top Rated Newest Oldest|All Sources Biblical Illustrator Spurgeon Maclaren

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Sermon Illustration

A Story of Self-control - Story

Under the weight of life's pressures, it’s easy to feel like we’re losing control. Consider Sarah, a single mother of two, who found herself at a crossroads. Just a week after losing her job, an unexpected illness swept through her...

Matthew 28:19-20Anglican

261 words

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Application Point

Applying Justice - Illustration

Imagine a small community garden, tended by neighbors who had once barely exchanged greetings. Each person brings their own seeds, planting them in hope, but also in vulnerability, knowing that the results are uncertain. As the garden grows, so does...

Romans 8:28Missional

245 words

Sermon Illustration

The Example of Grace - Story

A few months ago, I met a woman named Linda at a local community center. Linda is a single mother of three, juggling work and her children’s needs while trying to carve out a future for her family. One evening,...

Proverbs 3:5-6Anglican

278 words

Application Point

Real-World Forgiveness - Contemporary Example

Imagine standing on a hillside, the sun casting its golden rays over a valley filled with sheep grazing peacefully. This is the imagery of Psalm 23, where David, a shepherd, describes the Lord as his ultimate guide and provider. In...

Psalm 23:1-6Traditional

313 words

Historical

The Blind Idol and the Wandering Heart

She petitioned the idol to protect her husband, then at sea in a storm.

Leviticus 15:4Universalfalse gods versus the living Godthe futility of man-made religion

Joseph S. Exell

204 words

Commentary

Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 3:1-8

We read Psalm 3:1-8 as a vivid illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel, with David's lament revealing the crushing pressure of the Law in his dire circumstances. David's cry for deliverance reflects our own condition under the Law, besieged by sin and unable to save ourselves. Yet, the Go

Psalm 3:1-8LutheranLaw and Gospelsimul justus et peccator

pastor

337 words

Sermon Illustration

A Story of Gentleness - Contemporary Example

Last summer, I had the joy of watching my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, care for her garden. She had a way with flowers that seemed almost magical. One day, I noticed her gently pruning a struggling rosebush that had been wilting...

John 3:16Traditional

244 words

Historical

God's Ordinances Keep Heaven and Earth Steadfast

Consider the steadfastness of nature itself, dependent utterly upon God's ordinances *mishpatim*—His decrees and established laws.

Psalms 119:90Universaldivine faithfulnesscreation's obedience

Charles H. Spurgeon

204 words

Sermon Illustration

Lessons from Global Pandemic & Community

As we traverse the uncharted waters of a global pandemic, we find ourselves echoing the struggles of biblical figures who faced their own trials with faith and fortitude. Picture this: the Apostle Paul, sitting in a dimly lit prison cell,...

1 Thessalonians 5:11Progressive/Social Justice

284 words

Historical

God's Hand Hidden in the Wandering of Lost Asses

The narrative refuses naturalistic explanation; it is supernatural or nothing.

1 Samuel 9:15-27Universaldivine guidance through ordinary eventsGod's sovereignty hidden in circumstance

Alexander Maclaren

245 words

Commentary

Traditional Lens Commentary: 2 Timothy 1:6-14

We read this passage as a powerful exhortation to remain steadfast in the faith and to persevere in the calling we have received in Christ Jesus. Paul, under divine inspiration, charges Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God and to not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. This passage unde

2 Timothy 1:6-14TraditionalJustification by faithSubstitutionary atonement

pastor

371 words

Sermon Illustration

The Example of Peace - Contemporary Example

There’s a story I once heard about a man named David, who lived in a small town. David had a reputation for being gruff and unyielding, a distant figure even among friends. His heart had grown hard after a betrayal—one...

Ephesians 2:8-9Roman Catholic

275 words

Historical

Children Built by the Lord Become Their Parents' Joy

He prayed: "Lord, let thy blessing so accompany my endeavours in their breedings, that all my sons may be Benaiahs, the Lord's building, and then they will all be Abners, their father's light; and that all my daughters may be...

Psalms 128:6Universalparental blessingspiritual formation

Charles H. Spurgeon

204 words

Devotional

Contemplating God - Story

Dear Heavenly Father, As I pause to reflect on the profound truth of Galatians 3:28, I am struck by the radical inclusivity of Your kingdom. In a world that often divides us by race, gender, and status, You remind us...

Galatians 3:28Anabaptist

263 words

Sermon Illustration

The Reconciliation and Forgiveness Challenge - Quote

In the quiet town of Newtown, a story unfolded that mirrored our own struggles with reconciliation and forgiveness. There was a woman named Sarah, known for her warm smile and generous spirit. But one day, a bitter feud erupted between...

Matthew 22:37-39Lutheran

299 words

Theological Reflection

Reflecting on Faithfulness - Commentary

As we reflect on the fruit of the Spirit, particularly faithfulness, we find ourselves drawn into the very heart of God’s promises. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul speaks of faithfulness, a quality that goes beyond mere belief. It is a steadfastness,...

Galatians 5:22-23Reformed

255 words

Sermon Illustration

The Political Division & Unity Challenge - Story

In our current landscape, where political division often feels as sharp as a knife, we find ourselves grappling with our call as people of faith to respond with wisdom and grace. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, yet Scripture offers us...

Proverbs 3:5-6Pentecostal

353 words

Sermon Illustration

The Example of Understanding - Story

A few years ago, I visited a small town in the South where the community gathered every Saturday for a local farmer’s market. One particular Saturday, I met a woman named Miss Clara. Now, Miss Clara was known for her...

Ephesians 2:8-9Christocentric

250 words

Sermon Illustration

When Gentleness - Contemporary Example

There’s a small café I often visit, a quaint little place tucked away on a bustling street corner. It’s run by a woman named Clara, who has a reputation for her kindness. One day, I watched as a young man,...

Matthew 28:19-20Progressive/Social Justice

262 words

Prayer

Intercessory Prayer: Arminian (Wesleyan) Lens Model for Community

Gracious God, as we gather in the warmth of this sanctuary, we come before You with hearts wide open, trusting in Your promise found in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are reminded to “trust in You with all our hearts.” We...

Proverbs 3:5-6Arminian/Wesleyan

245 words

Application Point

Practical Steps for Humiliation - Illustration

Imagine standing on a crowded street corner, watching people rush by, each carrying their own burdens of shame, guilt, and the heavy weight of unmet expectations. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and...

Proverbs 3:5-6Progressive/Social Justice

342 words

Movie Analogy

Les Misérables: Joy That Grows Through Trials - Wesleyan (James 1:2-4)

In the heart of Paris, amidst the swirling chaos of revolution and despair, stood the figure of Jean Valjean—a man molded by suffering yet transformed by grace. Picture him, a weary soul emerging from the darkness of prison, his spirit...

James 1:2-4Arminian/Wesleyangrowing joysanctification

adults

284 words

Sermon Illustration

The Power of Self-control - Story

There was once a young woman named Leah who lived in a small, tight-knit community. Leah was vibrant and full of life, but she often felt overwhelmed by her emotions. Like many of us, she wrestled with anger and impatience...

Galatians 5:22-23Anabaptist

285 words

Sermon Illustration

When Love - Story

There was a woman in our community, Sister Mary, who lived a life punctuated by struggle and heartache. For years, she battled the shadows of addiction, believing that love was something she could never truly grasp. She often shared how...

Ephesians 2:8-9Christocentric

246 words