The claim is often made that as long as you have Jesus then doctrine is not all that important. But the Word of God says, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God” (2 John 9). Sounds like doctrine is important! “Charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:3). Sounds like a…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 154)
It seems to be a growing trend (or maybe I’m just noticing it more). There will be some kind of event at the church building on Saturday–like a seminar, lectureship, singing, service project, funeral, wedding, etc. The event may last for a few hours that Saturday. And here’s the part I want you to consider–there will be some members of the church…
Cruising along at 45 miles per hour one busy Saturday morning, the driver of a white sedan suddenly slammed on his brakes. The car behind him smashed into his rear bumper, causing a chain reaction accident of four vehicles. The day was ruined for a lot of people. When the responding officer questioned the driver about the sudden braking, here was the…
In Galatians 6:5, Paul states that “each one shall bear his own load.” The word “load” was often used to reference something like a backpack that a soldier would be carrying in battle. It is his personal responsibility. It might be a “load,” but he is personally obligated to handle it, and truthfully, he can handle it. We all have those kinds…
One of the most dangerous doctrines taught in denominationalism today is what John Calvin called, “Perseverance of the Saints.” This doctrine asserts that once a person enters into a saved state with God there is nothing that saved person (i.e., Christian) can do to fall from that state of grace. He cannot so sin as to be lost in hell eternally. Once…
We only read the word “birthday” on two occasions in the Bible, yet there is an eerie similarity between them. The first was Pharaoh’s birthday in Genesis 40, when he made a great feast and the baker was beheaded as a part of the celebration (40:19-22). The second was Herod’s birthday in Mark 6, when he made a great feast and John…
Paul frequently told members of the body of Christ (i.e., his fellow Christians or “church friends”) that he thanked God for them. To three congregations of brethren and two friends in particular, he said, “I thank my God” for you in my prayers (Rom. 1:8; 1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:3; Phile. 4). To three other congregations of brethren, he…
In an attempt to “prove” that baptism is not essential to someone’s salvation, it is often argued that baptism is itself a “work,” and since salvation is “not of works,” then salvation is not tied to one’s baptism. The question that must be asked and answered is, “What does the Bible say?” The Bible teaches that salvation is not tied to works…