There is a certain “satisfaction” (shall we call it?) when one of our enemies falls into hard times or experiences some calamity in life. There is a sense in which we may think, “They had it coming! Serves them right!” But we need to be ever-so cautious. Read these words from Proverbs 24:17-18. “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 137)
When Jesus was only 12 years old, his parents inadvertently left Him behind in Jerusalem as they began their journey home following Passover (Luke 2:41-44). Upon returning to the city, they found Him in the temple, “sitting” with the teachers, “listening to them,” “asking them questions” and giving His own “understanding and answers” (2:46-47). When His mother came to Him, young Jesus…
Friend, I want to share with you one more thing that I have found. Like all the ones leading up to this, it is thrilling and life-altering, so I hope that you will consider this carefully! I have found eternal life! Like everything else I’ve shared with you, I earnestly want this for you! First, I found that there is life after…
The book of Acts is full of instruction! It instructs us in the establishment and the expansion of the early church. It instructs us in the divine pattern of conversion to Jesus Christ. It instructs us in the tried and proven method of reaching the lost. Reaching the lost in the first century was personal. Peter and John looked the members of…
In various religious settings (outside the church) where a prayer is offered, I am hearing more and more prayers closed with these words, “In Your name, Amen.” Is that appropriate? Our prayers are to be primarily directed to the “Father” (Matt. 6:9). Is it ever appropriate to address Jesus in prayer? Various passages indicate that such is authorized (John 14:14; Acts 7:59-60;…
Friend, I am so thankful that you are reading this! I wanted to share with you that I found something especially intriguing—the church. Some may wonder, “What could be so ‘intriguing’ about ‘church’?” After all, it’s not that hard to find a church—they’re all over town! But, it is not “a” church that I have found! I want to show you that…
A couple dozen times in Scripture one will find the expression, “the small and the great.” “The small and the great” alike have responsibility of service in God’s kingdom (1 Chron. 25:8; 26:13). “The small and the great” alike need to hear the words of God’s covenant (2 Kgs. 23:2). “The small and the great” alike will be punished for their rebellious…
Let’s face it. We all have a level of expectations to which we hold others, and when folks don’t meet those (unexpressed, unknown) expectations, we tend to be disappointed, exasperated and even offended. Consider some examples. How often have church members been upset that no other members call to check on them or send them cards in the mail? How often have…