It’s disheartening sometimes that we have allowed certain religious groups to redefine how we use Bible words. The word “saint” is one such word. In some circles, a “saint” is one who lived a highly virtuous life and has been responsible for two posthumous miracles. Others think of a “saint” as some perfect person and will exclaim at times, “Don’t look at me! I’m no…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 99)
In the verb form, to “lie” means “to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive; to create a false or misleading impression.” A lie can be “spoken” or “written.” But, in the grand scheme of things, if I tell one little lie, or mislead someone to believe an untruth, or am dishonest in my financial dealings, is that really all that…
Jesus lived a short life of 33 years. His ministry on earth lasted only three-and-a-half years. Yet, think of all that He accomplished. How did He do so much in so little time? In His dying breath, He proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus had “finished the work which [the Father had] given [Him] to do” (John 17:4). Similarly, the apostle Paul reached the end of…
Most have heard the story of the Spanish Conquistador, Hernán Cortés, who landed in Mexico in 1519 and was determined to take the land. To motivate his army to march forward and fulfill their task, the story goes that Cortés ordered the ships to be burned. The means by which they arrived was eliminated as a means by which they could leave. Retreat was not…
One of the greatest compliments paid to anyone in the Bible is found in James 2:23. As in other New Testament contexts, when the subject of faith is discussed at length, the great patriarch of faith from the Old Testament—Abraham—is called out as a man to emulate. In the context of James 2, the inspired writer was explaining the Biblical nature of…
When you think of a banquet, what comes to mind? Do you think of a great time, with great people and great food? If you were given the choice (when it comes to a nice banquet), would you rather (1) be served at a table or be the one serving? (2) eat a delicious meal or prepare and serve the meal? (3) drink an…
It is important for young people and young couples (although it is not exclusive to those who are young) to understand and appreciate the difference between (1) loving the fact that someone loves you and (2) actually being in love with someone (exclusively) to the point of wanting to put him/her and his/her needs above your own for the rest of your…
Shifting blame is as old as mankind. When God questioned Adam for his disobedience, the man blamed the woman (Gen. 3:11-12). When the Lord questioned Eve, the woman blamed the devil—“The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (3:13). In other words, “The devil made me do it.” Except, the devil didn’t make Eve do anything that she didn’t want to do. She…