There are some Christians who have discovered something that some others are yet to figure out. Their enlightenment has led them to believe (and admit), “I feel closer to God when I am away from the church. I have found my own way to really focus on me and God, and I found that the church was just dragging me down and…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 187)
In the last chapter of the book of Romans, Paul sends greetings to the brethren. This was a common practice in Paul’s letters, and it was common in personal messages of that day. But Romans 16 is unique in this way–Paul had never been to Rome, but he greets 27 brethren by name. Then, he mentions eight people by name who were…
A preacher moved with his family into a new home and decided to go door-knocking in the neighborhood, to introduce himself and possibly make some positive contacts for future studies. At one door, a lady very abruptly flung the door open and blurted, “I’m not interested!” The preacher calmly replied, “But, ma’am…I haven’t even introduced himself. I’m just a preacher for a…
It is a favorite proof text of those who deny the Scriptural teaching of the essentiality of baptism for salvation. In First Corinthians 1:17, Paul affirmed, “For Christ did not send me to baptize…” Some think this proves that baptism is not essential. The problem is that the passage actually proves more than they want it to prove. First, consider how Paul…
A favorite hymn begins by asking this question, “What can wash away my sins?” What a tremendous question! There is nothing that could be more critical! Every accountable creature desperately needs the answer to that question! So, what does wash away my sin? Feeling guilt for my actions will not wash away my sin. Doing a host of good deeds will not…
Do you know that guy who nearly ran into you this morning while texting and driving? Do you know what he has in common with the lady who is teaching your children at school? Do you know what she has in common with the guy who took your money at lunch today? Do you know what he has in common with the…
Christian friends are an especially wonderful blessing. Having been redeemed by the blood of Christ and “joined together” in His one body (Eph. 2:16-22), our brothers and sisters in Christ should be our closest friends on this earth. Still, all friendships require work and diligent effort on our part to keep them strong and healthy. And, who would be a better teacher…
The book of Proverbs teaches us that “a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1), and “an angry man stirs up strife” (29:22), and “a hot-tempered man stirs up strife” (15:18), “an arrogant man stirs up strife” (28:25) and “hatred stirs up strife” (10:12). It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it, that “any fool can start a quarrel” (20:3). Question: Are you “any fool”? Some…