The Basics of Baptism
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Baptism, Acts, Romans
As the title implies, this PowerPoint lesson outlines the fundamental requirements of scriptural, and therefore New Testament, baptism. Please remember to select the "Presentation" mode of PowerPoint after downloading for better viewing.
Reasons NOT to be Baptized
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Baptism, Matthew, Luke, John, Acts
This is a companion lesson to "The Basics of Baptism" and followed it at our next service here at Southside. The intent of this lesson is to identify and explain legitimate reasons why one ought not to be baptized. Obviously, the condition of the candidate's heart, as well as their understanding of baptism are critical factors which might indicate they are not yet ready for baptism into Christ.
The Church is Not for Everyone
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Fidelity, Growth, "Distinct" Church, Acts, Romans
The gospel is for everyone- the church is made up of those who love, accept, and obey the gospel. But not everyone feels or acts this about and to the gospel. This PowerPoint lesson uses the analogy of modern baseball marketing to help make these points clear.
Spiritual but not Religious 2- Local Church Membership
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Acts
This is obviously the second half of the previous lesson, "Spiritual but not Religious." This Powerpoint lesson seeks to answer two important questions relative to the subject: 1) Does the New Testament teach the necessity of "local church membership"? and, 2) Why does God want us to be participants in local church memberships?
“Right” but not “Radiant”
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Fidelity, Acts, Ephesians, Revelation
The church at Ephesus stands unique among all of those mentioned in the New Testament. No other church can be followed through the text quite so completely. We see its beginning (Acts 18 -19), its growth and development (Ephesians), and its atrophy, warning, and prescription (Rev.2). There is simply not other church which can be so openly laid bare for examination in the Scriptures. As such, there are many lessons to be learned- we will only scratch the surface in this study. Specifically, we will attempt to understand exactly what was the "first love" which the Ephesians had left. (Some 25+ years ago, I heard Bro. Larry Bilbo describe the church at Ephesus as "Right, but not radiant"- that apt description has stuck with me from that day till this.)
Proper Motivations
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Church, Commitment, Acts, 2 Corinthians, Hebrews
This lesson is really the conclusion of several recent sermons and articles on Unity, Self-Reliance, Grace, Liberty (Law, License, and Love with Attendance and Modesty as examples), and Giving. As a few of these mentioned improper motivations, or ways we attempt to improperly motivate one another to do the right things, I thought it best to finish-up these thoughts with a lesson outlining what should be our proper motivations for Giving, Attendance, and Modesty.
“The” Church and “This” Church
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Acts, Hebrews
Although the lesson is specific to the members of the Southside congregation regarding their attitude and involvement in "this" (and thus their) church, it could be easily adapted to fit any congregation. The basic premise is that "The" Church (in the Universal sense) belongs to Christ, but "This" Church belongs to the members, Elders, and Deacons here as stewards of the Lord. The obvious implication is that every member is thus responsibile for its success or failure.
“Just Do the Right Thing!”
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Commitment, Acts
Two of the most successful marketing phrases/slogans ever had just three words each, and shared the first word. Can we adopt a similarly brief biblical mantra from the New Testament which can also help to inspire us to live godly lives? I think perhaps we can....