There are three words that are, seemingly, almost painful for many of us to utter–“I don’t know.” To voice these words makes us vulnerable, perhaps brings ridicule from others, sometimes causes disappointment in others, and usually makes us feel great embarrassment. But, when we state these words in openness and honesty, there are benefits that can follow. Saying “I don’t know” can…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 119)
Stress. The very word itself, just saying it, is distressing! It closely resembles “stretched,” which is what some stress feels like. It rhymes with “press,” which is what other stress feels like. Life often has a way of gripping us with tension, worry, anxiety and troubles of all sorts. When stress has you stressed, may I encourage you to take a moment…
There are dozens of neckties in my closet, and many of them have a special meaning for one reason or another. But every time I wear the yellow one with blue Paris landmarks, it brings some special thoughts to mind. My little sister gave me that tie in 1998, when she returned from her senior class trip to Europe. What do you…
It may be that we sometimes look at sin and think that it cannot be that big of a deal, especially if no one else knows about it or if no one else is harmed by it. We could not be more wrong! Consider the story of Joseph in Egypt with Potiphar’s wife. Notice the contrast (and therefore, the emphasis) that Joseph…
Teenagers are sometimes faced with challenging circumstances. When friends hang out, there are often different rules at each friend’s houses. Some parents have strict rules. Some parents are more lax and maybe have very few limits at all. So, where should they hang out? And, if there are no rules, then should “anything go” at those houses? The reality is that teenagers…
When Paul wrote his first epistle to the young evangelist Timothy, he charged him with various responsibilities toward the elders of the church (5:17-25). Note this one in particular: “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses” (5:19). Apparently it would have been common in the first century for someone to come “to the preacher” with…
There are organizations today whose sole purpose for existence is to fact-check what various sources say and post, to check the veracity of their claims and to share their findings with others. Have you ever tried that with various teachings of various churches? The Bible says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Does your church teach that?…
On certain days when you walk past the baby nursery at the church, you can know if there were some babies at church on Sunday. Not because of any kind of noise or because of a cluttered room. But because there is a special aroma that fills the air, emitting from the diaper pail. Some might say, “That smells horrible!” Or, you…