There is a really cool Greek word used in Hebrews 11:26 (the only place it is used in the Greek New Testament). The word itself is not that cool, but the way that it is used is pretty fascinating. Regarding the “big-picture” nature of Moses’ faith, it says that “he was looking to the reward.” The Greek word for “he was looking”…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 248)
Just as we have numerical terms to indicate how often something occurred (i.e., once, twice, etc.), so there is in Greek. Paul said he was stoned “once” (2 Cor. 11:25); the high priest went into the Most Holy Place “once” every year (Heb. 9:7); it is appointed for man “once” to die (Heb. 9:27). But this Greek word for “once” (hapax) also…
The New Testament places a unique emphasis on singing as a part of corporate worship. As examined in a previous article, our singing is directed “to the Lord” for His praise and glorification. In fact, both Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 (two key New Testament verses regarding singing) end with those three words, “to the Lord.” These two key verses underscore another…
Psalm 71 is abundantly wealthy in its description of what God has done and continues to do for man and in its clear explanation of our proper response. The psalmist begins by saying, “In You, O Lord, I put my trust.” How deeply had the psalmist (and should we) put trust in the Lord? Notice these vivid and fervent phrases used throughout…
God’s people had strayed from Him so far that He brought the Babylonian nation against them to punish them and take them captive. God sent Jeremiah to tell the Jews why they had fallen and to warn them against letting it happen again. One of their biggest downfalls were those men who were supposed to be teaching them God’s truth. Instead, look…
We are commanded in Scripture to “encourage one another” (1 Thess. 5:11). Usually, I suppose, when we think of encouraging each other, we probably contemplate the right words that need to be said at the right time. However, sometimes encouragement comes without a word being spoken. Non-verbal encouragement (at least for me) can include: a little smile, eye contact, a genuine hug,…
So plentiful are the Bible verses that emphasize singing and praising God that the reasons for such praise cannot be fully listed here. But, start with these reasons that God has given us to love singing. I ought to love singing to God because “He is my God” (Ex. 15:2). He “is my strength” (Ex. 15:2). He has “been my defense and…
There are loads of examples of folks in the Bible who did not handle their trials, tribulations and persecutions very well. Yet, on the other hand, there are myriads of examples of those who handled difficulties in a most excellent way. Consider what Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it…