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 “Lost” Parables of Luke 15
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Choices, Luke
This trio of parable have not be 'lost" and recently discovered. They are "lost" in the sense that they all center on something, or someone, that has been lost- a sheep, a coin, and sons. It hoped that this PowerPoint lesson will adequately explain them.
“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...
Imitating Jesus to Godliness
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Growth, Luke
Although there is considerable information available in the Gospels relative to the birth of Jesus, and there is also abundant information there of His life after His baptism until the ascension, there is very little given in the sacred text regarding His life in between these first two and last three years. A notable expception is found in the story of His being in the Temple at twelve years old discussing the Law with the teachers there. The only other biblical information available from this "in-between period" is found in Luke 2:52-53. But in this passage is found a formula for becoming "godly" that we would do well to imitate.
Is God Really FIRST in Your Life?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Matthew, Luke
We all seem to think that "time" (or more properly, "the lack of time") is a major difficulty for us. It isn't. Especially in regard to spiritual matters, we don't have a "time" problem, we have a "priority" problem. This lesson will hopefully help to understand this concept, and therefore help us to be able to get our priorities back where they should be.