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…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 158)
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…
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…
When we pray, we sometimes (maybe most times) expect God to give us exactly what we ask for and exactly when we ask for it. It is a hard lesson to learn, sometimes, that true prayer doesn’t work that way. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane and facing a physical torture, death and separation from the Father while on the…
“I want people to like me. I want people to say nice things about me. I want to be accepted and popular. I don’t want people to say disparaging things about me.” This thought process is common to all of us. But we should be careful. Jesus said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their…
I’ve heard the expression hundreds of times, but very rarely is it ever used in a complimentary or favorable way. Most of the time, those who use this adage are intending it to be understood as a sign of derision for whatever is being practiced. “If you keep on doing what you’ve always done, then you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always…
In Acts 2, Peter told individuals in Jerusalem, “Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (2:38). But, then in Acts 8, Peter told someone else, “Repent…and pray to the Lord that…the intent of your heart may be forgiven you” (8:22). Now, which one is it? Is someone supposed to “repent and be baptized” in…
Have you ever seen something that was just so full that it could not help but overflow? Sometimes while pouring a soda, the glass can become so full that the soda overflows the side. Sometimes the same thing can happen with a bowl (or bag) of popcorn. Could the same thing happen with a person? Perhaps you’ve seen it. A person can…