The church in first-century Philadelphia received a wonderfully favorable letter from Jesus (in Revelation 3:7-13). While Jesus’ affirmation, “I know your works,” in the other letters was not necessarily a “good thing,” what Jesus observed and knew regarding these brethren was delightfully commendable. Jesus had, therefore, opened a door of opportunity to them that no one could shut, for He had great…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 220)
God’s creation is absolutely perfect and a marvel to behold (or even contemplate). In the Creation week, God created all things full-grown and mature, with the ability to “bring forth” even more, each one “according to its kind” (Gen. 1:11-12). The grass would bring forth grass “according to its kind,” the herb would bring forth herbs “according to its kind,” the fruit…
There is a difference between using the Bible to “prove” a point yourself and using the Bible to be a-“prove”-d (approved) by God. It is possible to take Bible verses and “prove” whatever a person might want to “prove.” One person takes Bible verses to “prove” baptism is essential for salvation; another person takes Bible verses to “prove” baptism is not essential…
“Change” is a word that sparks a variety of reactions in the church — it no matter what, some are fearful of it, some are eager for it, some want it just for thesake of “change,” some are reserved and yet willing to evaluate, etc., etc. The word “church” (from the Greek ekklesia) means “the called out ones” — “a holy nation”…
Have you ever had someone tell you that God had called them to do this or that? They might say something like, “I just felt God calling me to…” How should a Bible student evaluate and respond to such a claim? The idea of God calling people is definitely a Scripturally-based expression. “You were called into the fellowship of His Son” (1…
How would you finish this sentence, “God is…”? As food for thought, consider how the Bible finishes this sentence. (The two words are used together almost 200 times in Scripture.) “God is with you in all you do” (Gen. 21:22). “God is giving you” (Ex. 20:12). “God is a merciful God” (Deut. 4:31). “God is a jealous God” (Deut. 6:15). “God is…
While only mentioned sparingly in Scripture, Apollos was a key figure in the early church. When first introduced in Acts 18, he was “an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures” (18:24). Not only that, “this man had been instructed in the way of the Lord” (18:25). Notice that he was “mighty” (dunatos: able, competent, powerful) in the Scriptures, and he had…
Those silly Egyptians! What were they thinking? Riding their chariots into the dry depth of the Red Sea. What would make them “attempt” such a feat? Well, the Israelites had crossed successfully, so “the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea” (14:23). The writer of Hebrews summarized the event in these words, “By faith they passed through…