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Home›Traditions›Missional-Theological

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Missional-Theological Illustrations

Interpreting the Bible through the framework of God's mission to restore His kingdom and bless all nations.

Key question: “How does this passage reveal God's mission to redeem and restore all of creation?”

23,337 sermon illustrations through the Missional-Theological lens

LensLines™

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 — Universal (edgy)

If Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 irritates you, it may be because God is touching the idol you protect.

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10UniversalScripture ReadingWorship

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Short18 words

LensLines™

Lamentations 1:1-6 — Universal (classic)

In Lamentations 1:1-6, the text presses one question: will we trust God’s Word and live it?

Lamentations 1:1-6UniversalSufferingMourning

Short16 words

Twister: Anchored in the Storm (Matthew 7:24-27)

In Twister, storm chasers learn that the tornadoes destroy everything poorly anchored. Mobile homes explode; rooted farmhouses sometimes survive. At the climax, Jo and Bill strap themselves to pipes driven deep into the earth—and the F5 passes over them.

Matthew 7:24-27Universalfoundationstorm

False Balances in Life's Providences and Spiritual Worth

Some possess remarkable skill in dwelling exclusively upon dark things: black aspects, wintry phases, deprivations, bereavements, losses.

Proverbs 20:23Universalspiritual perception vs material obsessiondivine providence

Joseph S. Exell

The Daily Procession of Hours and Their Sacred Gifts

One Victorian writer imagined hours passing like solemn virgins in silent procession, their faces veiled, carrying caskets filled with treasures: brilliant diadems, ripe fruits, faded flowers.

Hebrews 4:7Universalthe value of daily momentsmissed opportunities for kindness

Joseph S. Exell

The Stranger-Guest Knocking at the Door of the Heart

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.—The Guest of the heart. I. THE STRANGER-GUEST WANTING TO COME IN. When a stranger comes to your door, it matters greatly whether he be mean or great. Who is this Visitor? He...

Revelation 1:20Universaldivine invitationhuman choice

Joseph S. Exell

The Near Neighbor's Greater Worth Than the Distant Brother

Exell's 1887 commentary illuminates this paradox of proximity: practical presence surpasses emotional kinship when assistance is required.

Proverbs 26:10Universalpractical love over distant sentimentthe power of present community

Joseph S. Exell

Secret Faults: Sin's Subtle Disguise in the Sanctified Life

Cleanse Thou me from secret faults." — Psalm 19:12 Sin possesses a remarkable tenacity and cunning.

Psalms 19:12Universalself-deception and hidden sinspiritual subtlety of temptation

Joseph S. Exell

Satan's Filling of the Heart: Deception and Human Responsibility

First, *Satan* (Hebrew: adversary, opponent) is not mere allegory but a real spiritual being, the prince of darkness and accuser of mankind (Job 1:7; Revelation 12:9).

Acts 3:3Universalspiritual warfaremoral responsibility

Joseph S. Exell

A Sound Heart: The Life of the Flesh and Spirit

Exell observes that science itself demonstrates this principle: the passions of grief, disappointment, anger, jealousy, and revenge derange the bodily system in proportion to their strength, while pleasurable emotions rooted in moral virtue give buoyancy and vigor to the body.

Proverbs 13:30Universalmind-body connectionmoral roots of physical disease

Joseph S. Exell

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin: Justice Perverted by Mob Mood

Everything depends upon the prevailing sentiment of the hour.

Mark 5:55Universalpersecution of the righteouscorruption of legal systems

Joseph S. Exell

The Prudent Man Deals with Knowledge; The Fool Displays His Folly

THE WISE MAN "He dealeth with knowledge." This declaration implies two critical truths.

Proverbs 13:16Universalthe contrast between wisdom and follyknowledge as divine foundation

Joseph S. Exell

Decency and Order in Divine Worship

Propriety demands three conditions: first, that things be done in their proper time; second, that they be kept to their proper use; third, that they be put in their proper place.

1 Corinthians 14:40Universalorder and reverencerestraint versus enthusiasm

Joseph S. Exell

Christian Liberty: Freedom in Service to Others

Joseph Exell's Victorian exposition clarifies what spiritual liberty truly means.

Galatians 4:13Universalliberty in Christparadox of freedom

Joseph S. Exell

Appreciation as the Elevating Force in Human Nature

You cannot bring forth the best in someone if you do not believe the best exists within him.

Matthew 9:11Universaldignity of the despisedtransformative love

Joseph S. Exell

Pleasure-Seeking as the Root of Poverty

Exell's commentary on Proverbs 20:17, the love of pleasure stands as "the secret of the failure of nine-tenths of our unsuccessful young men." The wise man identifies pleasure—particularly when pursued as *hedone* (self-gratification)—as fundamentally opposed to material and spiritual prosperity.

Proverbs 20:17Universalconsequences of self-indulgencecharacter formation through choices

Joseph S. Exell

Charity Rejoices in Truth, Not in the Falsehood of Iniquity

Iniquity expresses unevenness or inequality—a want of rectitude or moral principle.

1 Corinthians 13:6Universalthe opposition between love and wickednesscharity's alignment with divine truth

Joseph S. Exell

John's Desert Ministry: Why the Crowds Sought the Baptist

The Pharisees came, bound by scrupulous external observance and self-satisfied pride.

Mark 1:6Universalauthenticity versus hypocrisythe power of spiritual integrity

Joseph S. Exell

Paul's Return to Jerusalem: Transformed by Grace

He returned from spiritual captivity as Ezra had returned from bodily captivity, and to his renewed mind all things appeared new.

Galatians 1:18Universaltransformation through gracereconciliation of former adversaries

Joseph S. Exell

Love More Effective Than Logic in Winning Hearts

Love proves far more effective than logic in attaining the best ends.

1 Corinthians 16:11UniversalLove's transformative powerHeart-centered persuasion

Joseph S. Exell

The Slothful Man's Lion: Courage Against Worldly Compromise

The coward's shame lies not in what he speaks, but in what he leaves unsaid—his refusal to act.

Proverbs 26:13Universalspiritual courage vs. worldly compromiseinternal struggle with passions

Joseph S. Exell

Walking with the Wise: The Power of Chosen Company

The *peripateo* (walking) denotes chosen motion—not forced proximity, but intentional association.

Proverbs 13:20Universalspiritual formation through associationthe power of example

Joseph S. Exell

LensLines™

Exodus 34:29-35 — Universal (classic)

Exodus 34:29-35 shows the gospel pattern—God initiates grace, then forms a people who obey in love.

Exodus 34:29-35UniversalDivine GloryMoses' Radiance

Short16 words

LensLines™

Ezekiel 37 — Universal (edgy)

Ezekiel 37: In context, it doesn’t flatter us—calls us to live the text’s core truth with integrity.

Ezekiel 37UniversalResurrection HopeSpirit

Short17 words