James reminds his readers, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (Jas. 1:17). Knowing that truth, Paul asked, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor. 4:7). Everything that you have has been given to you by God. Unfortunately, there are many of these gifts that we leave unutilized or underutilized. At the top of that list may be…our brain.…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule (Page 95)
“As long as I’m worshiping God, do I need to be all that concerned about the exact mechanics or details of how I do it? He is pleased, as long as my heart and intent are set on Him, right?” God sent the prophet Amos to the northern kingdom of Israel about 30 years before they fell to Assyria. He warned about the impending…
It hardly seems like it has been 20 years. But, time marches on, and it seems to go faster and faster. Twenty years ago this week, my baby sister, who was the Maid of Honor in our wedding, was killed in a car accident. I’ve come to realize a number of things over the last 20 years (or at least to be…
Imagine that you got to be in the presence of Moses about 1,500 years after he died. Imagine just hearing this lawgiver speak and how enthralled you would be. Imagine that you got to be in the presence of Elijah about 850 years after he died. Imagine just hearing this prophet speak and how gripped you would be on his every word. Then, imagine that God…
It seems that a generation (or maybe two or three generations) of children (who are now legally adult age) have been raised to eschew any kind of personal responsibility in their lives. (I’m not saying all in these generations are that way, but there is certainly a large number.) Many in these generations expect others to take care of them, expect others to accept…
Not all churches of Christ have Bible classes on Sundays and Wednesdays. Of course, there is not a verse that requires to have such classes and it does not violate any New Testament commands or principles, so it is not sinful if a church has them or if a church does not have them. This is one of those areas of judgment…
Technology is fun. When it works, it’s great! You love it, and you don’t even think about “how” or “why” it works. You just appreciate it! BUT, when technology doesn’t work, it’s NOT great and you DON’T love it! And you have to try to figure out “how” and “why” it isn’t working! Sometimes stuff works; sometimes it doesn’t. That reality alone can be frustrating! But, that’s one thing…
We’ve all been there. Some more recently than others. Some more severe than others. We wonder—“Why me?” Why now?” How can I get through this?” Many answers could be offered, but let me focus on three. ONE: Rejoice! “What? No way!” Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16 and James 1:2-4. (Go ahead. Read. I’ll wait.) Find three positive things over which to rejoice right now. They are there! Or stretch yourself to ten. There are at least that many. Give…