Panoply of Sanctification
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Commitment, Growth, 1 Corinthians, 2 Timothy
What do "panoply" and "sanctification" mean, and why are they important? These questions are answered, and some duties of sanctification are given from 1Cor.16:13-14 in this outline (adapted from a lesson by Bro. Pat Farrish).
The “Foolish” Power of Preaching
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Fidelity, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy
Preachers are somewhat like mother-in-laws in that both are often the butt of jokes. Such just seems to “go with the job” in both cases. Any preacher who doesn’t understand and accept this, or who has a thin skin, won’t last very long. For instance, did you hear the one about the embarrassed wife who tried to explain to the minister why her husband walked out during the sermon? “It wasn’t that he didn’t agree with what you were saying,” she said sheepishly, “He just sleep walks.” Fortunately, most preachers have a pretty good sense of humor and thus take the kidding well.
A Simple Plan
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Salvation, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians
The Apostle Paul feared the church in Corinth would be “led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” He feared that, “as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness” (2Corinthians 11:3), their minds would also be corrupted into apostasy. He had previously said of and to them, “but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” (1Corinthians 6:11) But now he is concerned that they might be “led astray” from simple and pure devotion to Christ.
“Fellowship” Builders and Breakers
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Church Discipline, Matthew, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Thessalonians, Philemon
"Fellowship" (joint participation with God and with those who are God's) can be effective, or ineffective, Philemon 4-6. This Word file outline attempts to extract from this passage fundamental "building blocks" of fellowship; and conversely, to point out from other New Testament passages, attitudes and activities which "break" fellowship.
Back to Basics
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Faith, Repentance, 1 Corinthians
Please Note: This article ran in our local newspaper and church bulletin prior to our Gospel Meeting, September 25-28, 2011 with Bro. Mike McLemore of Hunstville, Alabama. Therefore it was originally intended to advertise that special series of lessons by the same title. Perhaps the rest of the article will still be useful for you- hence its inclusion here on the website.
The Basics of Faithful Living
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Commitment, Romans, 1 Corinthians
Though not necessarily in this order, we have recently covered "The Basics" of The Power of God's Word, Repentance, Confession, and Baptism. While these are vitally important to becoming a Christian, and some of them are essential to maintaining a continued relationship with God, it seemed that we should also spend a few minutes on "The Basics of Faithful Living"- or, staying in fellowship with the Almighty. Such is the purpose of this lesson.
A New Year
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Commitment, 1 Corinthians
The beginning of a New Year provides opportunities for both reflection and evaluation of the past year, as well as plans and resolutions for the coming one. This PowerPoint lesson draws New Year's resolution possibilities from the text of 1Cor.15:58.
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.
Spiritual but not Religious
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Romans, 1 Corinthians
I've heard a statement with increasing frequency in the last few years: "I spiritual, just not religious." This PowerPoint lesson attempts to answer several related questions: What is meant by this statement? What has caused increasing numbers of people to feel this way? Does one have to participate in "religion" to be acceptable to God?
Self-Reliance: the Enemy of Faith, Hope, and Love
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Fidelity, Growth, Obedience, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews
Faith, hope, and love are the foundations of our relationship with God, and our service to Him and one another. But was is the biggest hindrance to these three pillars of Christianity? I would suggest to you that "self-reliance" is their biggest enemy. This PowerPoint lesson will at least explain why I think so.