Loading...
Search, filter, and discover the perfect illustration for your sermon
Free to browse · Sign up free to unlock most illustrations · Premium ($9.95/mo) for the full library of 50,000+ illustrations
Exell (1887) identifies flattery's essential character: it assumes all forms and colors, a universal countenance indifferent to truth.
The present is intimately related to the future, and the future will faithfully reflect the character.
Iniquity expresses unevenness or inequality—a want of rectitude or moral principle.
The ruined city in Solomon's metaphor depicts precisely this condition.
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.
The *peripateo* (walking) denotes chosen motion—not forced proximity, but intentional association.
Their *sedulity*—their persistent, uninterrupted devotion—admitted no indifference in their religious offices.
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.
Consider two grave consequences: First, pride subjects a man to the imputation of folly.
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.
In Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16, grace is not abstract; it breaks chains and confronts unjust power.
Isaiah 42:1-9 Philemon 1-21, God meets us through word and sacrament with steady, sustaining mercy—today, not someday.
Matthew 4:12-23 32:1-3a, 6-15 frames history under God’s plan—promises unfold and Christ will return as King.
Psalm 46 5:1-7 declares God’s preferential option for the oppressed—salvation as concrete liberation—today, not someday.
Jeremiah 17:5-10 challenges spiritual passivity—grace is not an excuse to stay unchanged—today, not someday.
Romans 8:14-17 comforts us with Christ: not a concept, but a Savior who draws near.
Jeremiah 2:4-13 invites a living faith—God still speaks comfort and courage—today, not someday.
Romans 8:6-11 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 refuses a private discipleship; obedience must be visible—today, not someday.
Psalm 65 refuses shallow life; holiness is deep healing—today, not someday.
Acts 11:1-18 exposes performative religion—devotion without charity is spiritual theater—today, not someday.
Joel 2:23-32 confronts comfortable religion—God sides with the exploited, not the exploiters—today, not someday.
If Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 annoys you, check your heart; conviction is often mercy in disguise.
In Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, the kingdom is practiced: enemy-love, simplicity, and truth-telling in public—today, not someday.
Psalm 19 reminds us: you don’t have to be impressive to be sent—just faithful and available.