Uniting Believers: What Will It Take?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, John, Ephesians
In last week’s article, we established that God wants His people united- and that we are not. Though we all claim to believe in the same God, the same Savior, and the same Spirit- who are all “One” by the way (John 17:11,21,23), we are divided into various denominations and sects. Given these things, how do we get back to where we’re supposed to be? How do we become again the “one body” (cf. Ephesians 4:4) God created and intended?
The Unity Problem
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Ephesians
It should be abundantly clear that the Lord intended His people to be united- “that they may all be one…”John 17:21. To that end, He gave us a platform to accomplish that unity: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were also called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6). But if He intended for us to be united, and gave us the necessary foundation to accomplish it, why are we so divided? Check the yellow pages under “Churches” for evidence of our divisiveness.
Lady’s Man, Man’s Man, My Own Man, or God’s Man?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Growth, 1 Samuel, 1 Kings
Most churches are composed of more women than men. This is due, in part, to the general tendency of women to live longer than men. But even among the younger populace of congregations, there are again usually more females than males. I’m not exactly sure why this is so, but for whatever reasons, women generally seem to be more accepting of the gospel and spiritually-minded than men. While this is certainly a commendable reflection upon the fairer sex, it surely doesn’t bode well for the male of the species! So, what can be done to improve the spiritual-mindedness of us guys? Consider three representative types of men: the Lady’s Man, the Man’s Man, and the My Own Man.
“Free” and “Easy” Salvation?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Salvation, 2 Samuel, Luke, 1 Peter
All of my life, I’ve heard people talk about salvation as being something that was free for the taking, and easy to attain. One of their favorite words seemed to be “just”- as in, “If you will just do this”, or “just believe this,” or “just feel this way in your heart.” These concepts bother me somewhat in light of what the New Testament as a whole teaches. But...
Subjective Salvation?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Salvation, Genesis, 1 John
One of the most spiritually destructive tools Satan ever devised, and developed into the thoughts and vernacular of men, was the notion that “It doesn’t really matter what you believe or practice as long as you’re honest and sincere.” I’m sorry to be so blunt, but of course it matters what you believe, and what you practice! If it doesn’t, why did God go to all the trouble of inspiring men to write the New Testament? If it doesn’t, why is the New Testament so replete with warnings to, and corrections of, Christians? If it really doesn’t, why did Jude urge us to “contend earnestly for the faith” (v.3); why did Paul warn Timothy about the perversion of truth (1Timothy1:6-7; et al); and why did Peter spend an entire chapter to help us recognize, identify, and combat false prophets (2Peter 2)?
The Importance of Words
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Faith, Genesis, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews
The English language (which we don’t speak here in America, and especially not here in Texas where either “Amurhican” or “Texican” is the native tongue) is difficult, complex, cumbersome and frustrating, and yet can be wonderfully precise if one really knows how to use it. Although I work at the task, I fear my efforts often fall woefully short.
Have You Noticed?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories:
Have you noticed that the thinner and lighter our televisions get the thicker and heavier we get? Could it be because we sit or lay on the couch with a big plate of something fattening and watching other people exercise?
Enactmenting Gruntled Pents
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Repentance, Genesis
I know that’s a strange title, but perhaps that is because it emanated from a strange mind… mine! Let me see if I can get this to make sense for you.
How About Some “Spiritual” Resolutions?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Commitment
We typically make resolutions this time of year to “do/be better” in the year ahead. These pledges are usually not too hard to come up with since the same ones we made last year are again available! So, we renew our commitments to take better care of ourselves by losing weight/bad habits, eating better, sleeping more, and exercising (at least some). We also promise to do a better job with the externals- managing our time, money, and other resources more profitably. And then too, we declare that we’re going to work on improving our relationships. In the New Year we’re going to be better parents, children, spouses, bosses, employees, and friends. This all sounds, and actually is, good- if we’re really serious about changing this time around. But the track record of the past doesn’t bode well for us. Have you thought about making (and keeping!) some spiritual resolutions instead, or at least in addition to these others?
A Father’s Love
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Salvation, Romans
From time to time, I have the opportunity to study with a young couple who want to get married, regarding what God intended and requires marriage to be (actually, it’s mandatory if I perform the wedding). In trying to underscore the importance of true love and maturity to the relationship, I’ve often utilized statements along these lines: