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10,045 illustrations — Lessons from history, biography, and world events
This is not mere formality—it establishes three pillars of authentic church unity.
SermonWise.ai generates complete sermon outlines for any passage across 17 theological traditions.
Exell (1887) distinguished between natural rest—the common privilege of thousands—and the particular rest of the good, which flows from freedom from fear.
According to Josephus, nine temple gates were overlaid with silver and gold, but one gate of Corinthian brass "far excelled those of gold or silver." This magnificent entrance, also known as Nicanor's Gate or the Shushan Gate, featured bas-relief lily...
Yet the cross became a threshold of transformation for one man while confirming the other's damnation.
This transformation reveals three profound truths about conversion's power.
Bishop Butler clarifies this critical distinction: resentment becomes sinful only when it exceeds its proper end.
We may lawfully wish for one another extended years; this desire is no infirmity.
The body is a bad master, though it may be a good servant.
Exell, in his 1887 *Biblical Illustrator*, offers a vivid comparison: as the thirsty man needs only be directed to water—"There's the water, drink"—so the anxious soul requires but one directive: "Faith cometh by hearing." Elaborate explanations about reservoirs and river...
Isaiah embodied this truth through his children, whose names became living proclamations to Judah.
Rees preached last in North Wales, a friend said to him—one of those who are always reminding people that they are getting old—"You are whitening fast, Dr.
First, consider the *blessing* pronounced: believers are "filled with joy and peace in believing" — not by human effort, but by the God of hope Himself.
Bishop Ryle offers a piercing parallel: the bankrupt cannot finance another's recovery; the imprisoned cannot liberate a fellow prisoner; the shipwrecked sailor cannot rescue his drowning comrade.
The outward event communicates spiritual and religious truth through what he calls the 'semi-transparent' visible fact.
Yet the narrative turns without hesitation from that lonely sepulcher to the bustling camp and a new leader.
One infant—Joash—remained hidden in the Temple storerooms, guarded by his aunt and Jehoiada the high priest.
First, God secures it for the accomplishment of His elect—those predestined to receive His truth.
All three appeared equally earnest, equally resolved to return to the land of covenant and grace.
Israel had witnessed Yahweh's deliverance from Egypt—the plagues, the parted sea, manna from heaven—yet within weeks of Moses ascending to receive the Torah, the people demanded Aaron fashion a golden calf for worship.
The Lord does not merely turn away; He *releases Himself* (*aphistemi*), detaches Himself, shakes off an encumbrance without righteousness.
The Victorians, with Bible in hand, understood that Yahweh—who is "wise in counsel, benevolent in purpose, and almighty in power"—employs even the most destructive forces of nature as ministers of His will.
First, the object of love is clear: "Thy commandments"—not the psalmist's own desires or the world's counsel, but the very Word of Elohim *theos* (God).
save me, O my God!"—expresses this dependence completely.
Yet this encounter in Mark 5:21 reveals a paradox that Joseph S.