Loading...
Loading...
Scripture, Tradition, and Reason — the "three-legged stool" — seeking the via media.
Key question: “How do we faithfully interpret this text using the wisdom of Scripture, Church tradition, and God-given Reason?”
24,630 sermon illustrations through the Anglican lens
"Note the balance: power (dynamis), love (agape), and self-discipline (sophronismos). The Spirit's gifts are not wild but wise; not weak but powerful; not cold but loving. This balanced trilogy equips for every challenge. The Spirit makes us effective and winsome." — John Stott.
"Inner renewal is new creation breaking in NOW. While the old body decays, resurrection life grows within. The unseen is more real than the seen; the eternal is present in the temporal. We live in overlap: dying and rising, wasting...
"Faith is not wishful thinking but present participation in future reality. The 'substance' is the first installment of what will fully come. Faith tastes the coming kingdom; it is evidence because it actually possesses what it hopes for, in part." — N.T.
"Isaiah recalls Exodus—Red Sea parted, pillar of fire led. God who brought Israel through will bring the exiles through. And ultimately, God who raised Jesus through death brings us through every flood. This is new exodus hope: resurrection through every trial." — N.T.
"Abundant life is resurrection life now—new creation breaking in. Jesus brings not escape from creation but its renewal. Life to the full includes body and spirit, individual and social, present and future. The Good Shepherd leads us into the life...
"Romans 8:28 is not a promise that everything will be comfortable, but that everything serves a purpose. And that purpose is defined by the calling: to be conformed to Christ. God wastes nothing in the lives of those who love Him." — John Stott.
"Grace saves us INTO something: the new creation already begun in Christ. We are saved by grace through faith—not for private salvation but for participation in God's renewal of all things. Grace rescues and recruits; we become agents of the kingdom." — N.T.
"God's thoughts surprise us—a crucified Messiah, resurrection from the dead, the renewal of all things. His ways transcend our categories. We expected a warrior; He sent a servant. We expected judgment; He offered grace. God's higher thoughts overturn our expectations." — N.T.
"We are not given grace for tomorrow's troubles today. Worry borrows suffering from the future; trust lives in the present. The birds don't worry about tomorrow's food; today's is enough. 'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof'—and sufficient is the grace." — C.S.
"Read Philippians 4:13 in context: Paul is talking about being content in any circumstance—having plenty or going hungry. The 'all things' aren't personal achievements but challenging circumstances. Christ gives strength to endure whatever comes, not power to get whatever we want." — N.T.
"'Lean not on your own understanding' does not mean abandon reason but submit it. Proverbs values wisdom highly—and then says trust God above it. Use your mind fully, but hold conclusions humbly. Divine guidance and human wisdom partner." — John Stott.
"Abiding in Christ is neither passive quietism nor frantic activism—it is living union. The branch doesn't strive to produce fruit, nor does it pretend fruit doesn't matter. It simply stays connected and fruit comes. This is the balanced Christian life:...