Good Counsel: Define the Problem
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Commitment, Genesis, Hebrews
If you're standing blankly at the "refigerator of life" wondering what it is you really want, read on....
God, Noah, the Flood, and Us
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Atheism, Obedience, Salvation, Genesis, 1 Peter
Take a look at a few of the tremendous lessons to be learned from the Great Deluge.
“What God Hath Joined” to Baptism
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Baptism, Obedience, Salvation, Genesis, Matthew, Mark, Acts, Romans
This is not a sermon on marriage. Instead, it is an adaptation of an old Dillard Thurman chart sermon that shows the things God has joined to baptism and emphasizes "let no man separate."
Sabbath Rest
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Church, Commitment, Genesis, Exodus, Hebrews
Are "we" obligated today to "Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy?" Were "we" ever obligated to do so? What is the Sabbath and how should it affect Christians today? Take a look at this lesson and see.
Is it Good to Be “Alone”?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Commitment, Genesis, Romans
Some people say that they'd rather be alone, or with their animals, than with other people. This probably says more about them and the people they've been around previously than it does "people" on the whole! The notion does beg the title question, "Is it good to be alone?" Obviously, scripture tells us that it was "not good" for Adam to be alone. What about beyond that? There are situations and circumstances of life that may well require us to live solitary lives (widowed, divorced, etc.). But can it be beneficial otherwise to be "alone"? It all depends on the circumstance....
“Average” Christians?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Commitment, Growth, Genesis, Numbers, Revelation
What does an "average" Christian look like? What are his typical characteristics and habits? This lesson is based on an article written several years ago by Bro. Rick Moore. He then preached for the Kiber St. Church of Christ in Angleton, TX. He now labors with the Church in Brazoria, TX, and is a good friend of mine. The lesson has two sections: (1) attempts to get a handle on what "average" Christians are; and (2) examines how God has looked at "average" men in three time periods: the Patriarchal age, the Mosaical age, and the Christian age.
Spiritual Legacy: Leaving Something of Value Behind
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Commitment, Family, Genesis, Ecclesiastes
The financial turmoil of past few weeks brings to mind a pertinent question: "What if everything of value you own and planned to leave for your spouse, children, and grandchildren, was suddenly worth $00.00? What then could you leave behind that would have lasting value?
Head and Heel: The Battle Between Good and Evil
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Salvation, Genesis, 1 Samuel, Mark, Luke
From Genesis 3:15 onward, the scriptures depict, if we look closely, skirmishes in the battle between Good and Evil. In many ways, this epic battle between God and Satan (and those allied with each) is the story of the Bible. While this lesson does not propose to highlight all, or even most, of these individual engagements, it will examine one from the Old Testament involving Saul and David, and four from the New Testament in the life of Jesus Christ.
Marriage God’s Way, Part 1: Understanding the Concept
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Commitment, Fidelity, Obedience, Marriage God's Way, Genesis, Matthew, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians
Why are divorce rates so high? Could it be that our very concept of marriage is wrong? If we fail to comprehend and acknowledge that marriage is an institution created, ordained, and regulated by God, then we are doomed to failure. This lesson goes back to the origin of marriage to discover both the origin and purpose of it.
Marriage God’s Way, Part 5: Love’s Support System
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Commitment, Marriage God's Way, Genesis, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, 1 Corinthians, 1 Peter
Is love, even biblical love, enough alone to make a marriage work? The short answer is "no." There are other factors that must be either possessed "going in" to the marriage, or very quickly developed (with regard to a few of them) for the marriage to in any way be considered successful by God's standards. Such things as Character, Maturity, Independence, Suitable Disposition, and Common Interests must all be contributors to love for the marriage to be pleasing to God and us. This lesson examines the relationship between all of these and love, as the foundation upon which successful marriages are built.