Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
David Coffin
What happens when one’s past life narrative or goals in life have drastically shifted or collapsed? How do they rebuild hope? For Israel, they lost their land, monarchy, and national identity. In the days of the New Testament,they could easily be identified as living in the “fourth world” country. That is, existing in substandard conditions in one’s own native land?
Modern examples might include a retired couple finding out their savings, retirement accounts and employer benefits fall short of the retirement dreams they had anticipated. They will not be in commercials for luxury boat cruises, senior communities with multiple recreation options, nor be able to dine at eloquent restaurant venues? Instead, it is frugal living in close quarters.
Modern examples might include a retired couple finding out their savings, retirement accounts and employer benefits fall short of the retirement dreams they had anticipated. They will not be in commercials for luxury boat cruises, senior communities with multiple recreation options, nor be able to dine at eloquent restaurant venues? Instead, it is frugal living in close quarters.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 31:27-34
John Calvin makes very clear why a new covenant is needed according to this text. He observes:
… the fault was not to be sought in the law that there was need of a new covenant, for the law was abundantly sufficient, but that fault was in the levity and the unfaithfulness of the people. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.X/2, p.130)
In this new reality of the New Covenant, all the destructive things of the past don’t matter anymore. They do not exist in the eyes of God. It is as modern theologian Karl Barth observed; Sins of the past are non-being (do not exist) (Church Dogmatics, Vo.IV/1, p.408). Since the law has been put on the hearts of faithful (v.34), good works will be spontaneous, need not be...
John Calvin makes very clear why a new covenant is needed according to this text. He observes:
… the fault was not to be sought in the law that there was need of a new covenant, for the law was abundantly sufficient, but that fault was in the levity and the unfaithfulness of the people. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.X/2, p.130)
In this new reality of the New Covenant, all the destructive things of the past don’t matter anymore. They do not exist in the eyes of God. It is as modern theologian Karl Barth observed; Sins of the past are non-being (do not exist) (Church Dogmatics, Vo.IV/1, p.408). Since the law has been put on the hearts of faithful (v.34), good works will be spontaneous, need not be...
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
