Let's Go Back to the Bible

Posts by David Sproule (Page 154)

How’s that “love” working for you?

Would you say that Christians in general are showing a lot of love these days? Well, to “each other,” would you say Christians are showing a lot of love? Remember that Jesus said, “… as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). But, what about to those who are not part of the “one another”? What about…

God’s Eight Measures of Heavenly Wisdom—Are You Wise?

Would you say that you’re “wise”?  Do you realize that being “wise” is not the same as being “smart”?  Some of the smartest people in the world are not very “wise.” James teaches us much about wisdom.  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (1:5).  True “wisdom” is given by God “from above” (1:17).  Later in the book,…

What’s your “custom”?

If someone were to write about you and state that something was your “custom,” what would they mention? “Every morning, his custom is to…” “When she gets to work, her custom is to…” What do other people know to be “customary” for you?  Is it something you’d like for them to write to the world about? Like Jesus before him (cf. Luke…

God doesn’t use gift cards!

The emergence of gift cards into the market place has altered gift giving for many people. In some ways, gift cards have taken the thought and effort out of gift buying. No extra time or energy is required to wrap or ship. Just stick it in an envelope. It’s almost effortless. Receiving gift cards has likewise altered the gift experience. Now, with…

Tips for Church Visitors

One of the hardest things to do is to visit a church, especially if you have never been there.  Questions flood the mind: “What will this church be like?  Will they be friendly to me?  What is their worship going to be like?  Are they going to make me feel uncomfortable?  What does this church even believe or teach about certain things? …

Thank God for brothers in Christ

When Paul was trying to join the disciples in Jerusalem but was not being accepted, thank God for brothers in Christ like Barnabas, who stood in the gap and brought brethren together (Acts 9:26-27). When Paul was thrown in prison for preaching the gospel, thank God for brothers in Christ like Epaphroditus, who came and ministered to Paul’s needs (Phil. 2:25-30). When…

Peacemakers–a rare breed

Making peace is easy…when most everyone is peaceful, or when the circumstances are mostly peaceful, or when the situation is already headed for peace. But, when making peace isn’t so  automatic or easy or expected, that’s when the true peacemakers step up. Are you a true peacemaker? Do you promote unity and pursue harmony with brethren even when…it is not popular, or…

Five Groups of Members Who Need Your Attention

In the first preserved letter that Paul wrote (chronologically), the inspired apostle gave some very explicit instructions to Christians regarding their responsibilities to one another.  He emphasized that members of the Lord’s church are “taught by God to love one another,” and even to “increase more and more” in their unconditional, unselfish elevation of the needs of others above their own (1…