There are some very successful people in this world, who have taken their natural (or even learned and finely-tuned) abilities and used them to provide a living for their family and to advance through life. These abilities include specialized knowledge in certain fields and specialized skills in certain works (and the combination of those two things). Some people are good with their…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 251)
So, when April 15 falls on a weekend and then Monday is a legal holiday in D.C., the dreaded “Tax Day” gets bumped to April 17. Two days later. There are two (at least) very divergent views of these two additional days. From a filer’s viewpoint, it could be seen as “extra days” to get it done (good for procrastinators). From an…
When the baskets (or plates) are passed during a worship assembly, is the act of dropping something into that collection/contribution basket an action of worship? Consider this: how would we determine if congregational singing is an act of worship? if praying is an act of worship? if the preaching is an act of worship? if the Lord’s Supper is an act of…
The guarantee that each of us has in “this life” is that “this life” is not guaranteed (for any length of time). Our life could end in death at any moment (Jas. 4:14) or Jesus could return to judge us at any moment (Matt. 25:13). When that moment comes (either death or Jesus’ return), what is really going to matter? Will it…
In a book that emphasizes the importance of faith, the book of Romans makes some of the strongest arguments in Scripture for the inseparable connection between faith and obedience. The words “faith” or a form of “belief” occur more than 60 times in the book of Romans, and the words “obey” or “obedience” are found 20 times. It is especially powerful when…
In an attempt (a failed attempt) to trap Jesus, the Pharisees asked Him, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Matt. 22:17). As Jesus sometimes did, He responded to their question with a question. Showing them a Roman coin, the Lord asked, “Whose image and inscription is this?” The answer was obvious: “Caesar’s.” Jesus instructions were simple, “Render therefore…
This is not written with anyone in mind nor is it written to rebuke or embarrass anyone. I realize it can be difficult to know the best words to say in worship before the contribution, however, after years of hearing the same phrases and concepts repeated, perhaps it is time for us to consider this matter a little closer. What do we…
Ever been in a conversation when the other person thought that his/her wishes, thoughts and ideas were the only ones that mattered and you shouldn’t even waste your breath expressing yours? Or, have you ever been in a conversation when you were the one who thought that your wishes, thoughts and ideas were the only ones that mattered and everyone else should…