Here is how Paul described his state of mind in Second Corinthians chapter 7. He had had “no rest” (7:5). Sound familiar? He was “troubled on every side,” as “outside were conflicts” and “inside were fears” (7:5). Truly, Paul felt “downcast” (7:6). Have you been there before? But notice how verse 6 begins. While Paul was troubled, the next verse says, “Nevertheless God…” Think about that in your life. When…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 84)
Sometimes those who are followers do not realize that they are blind. They truly and honestly believe that those who are leading them and teaching them are solid, knowledgeable, trustworthy persons. For a variety of reasons, followers often follow without verifying what they are being told. Sometimes that’s just easier. But, when it comes to our eternal salvation, do we want to…
When Jesus promised that He would “build My church” (an immutable guarantee of the establishment of a single church within the lifetime of His disciples [Mark 9:1] that would belong to Christ), He also promised that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). There is an interesting parallel that Jesus’ promise has to the prophecy of Daniel, in which…
When Jesus knew the will of God, He took it upon Himself to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). He did not reject His need to be baptized; He submitted to it in order to obey the will of God. Immediately, “a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matt. 3:17). Later, as Jesus was contemplating “His…
It seems that there are some folks who are bent on focusing on so-called “problems” that a church has. “Well, you know, that church has leadership problems. That church has problems with gossip. That church has problems keeping their young people. That church has financial problems. That church has problems with race relations. That church has problems keeping their members happy. That…
As the prophet Habakkuk was questioning God, the Lord responded with direct and precise instructions. Following the prophet’s second interrogation, look at what the Lord told him. “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Hab. 2:2). Think about that. The Lord wanted the prophet to record the vision that he would receive from heaven, and then the…
The prophet Habakkuk cried out to the Lord in a fashion that may sound like something we might say to Him. “O Lord, HOW LONG shall I cry, and You will not hear? WHY do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble?” (Hab. 1:2-3). From the people’s perspective (that’s key), God was allowing evil to go unpunished and unchecked in Judah. “How long…
How much does the unity of the church depend on you? Some folks may think, “Not much,” but they would be mistaken. The unity of “the whole body” of Christ depends upon “every part” of that body (Eph. 4:16). United, the body of Christ can do great things for Him. Think about your human body and how, when every part is united,…