“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.
Accountability to God: When does it start?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Commitment, Growth, Obedience, Salvation, Numbers, Nehemiah, Acts
At what point a person becomes accountable to God is a difficult question to determine. It is difficult primarily because the Bible does not give a specific age in years at which it occurs. So, we're left with deducing answers from what the Bible does say. While our desire for a certain age at which accountability begins is futile, there are principles and considerations which can help.
The Bronze Serpent (and the Great Physician)
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Faith, Obedience, Repentance, Trust, Numbers, Luke, John, Romans, 2 Thessalonians, James, 1 John
1Corinthians 10:11 makes it abundantly clear that New Testament Christians are supposed to learn important lessons from Old Testament examples. In fact, one of the examples given in the preceding verses is that of Israel being punished with "serpents" by God for their "trying" of Him, v.9. The original account is found in Numbers 21:4-9. The story contains a wealth of lessons and applications for us today. Jesus also utilized the narrative to teach Nicodemus what true, obedient faith is supposed to be in John 3:14-16; (see also v.36). This lesson attempts to take all of this in, as well as providing some historical and geographical background also.
Animals, God, and You
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Commitment, Growth, Exodus, Numbers, 1 Samuel, Jonah
Hebrews 1:1 says, "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and many ways,". Have you ever thought about the "many ways" through which God spoke to people "long ago"? He even occasionally used animals to get His point across....
Spiritual Leprosy
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Repentance, Salvation, Leviticus, Numbers, 2 Chronicles, Matthew
The lesson makes some intriguing comparisons between the physical disease of leprosy and the spiritual disease of sin. Effects on society, churches, and individuals are considered, and solutions gleaned from Matthew 8:1-4.
Spiritual Optimism vs. Pessimism
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Trust, Exodus, Numbers, Matthew, James
Our optimism or pessimism is pervasive. It affects every facet of our lives. Perhaps no aspect of us is more affected than our spirituality- our relationship to God and one another in Christ. This lesson examines both how and why of pissimism and optimism through biblical examples and principles.
Spiritual “Tunnel Vision”
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Faith, Obedience, Salvation, Numbers, John, Romans, James
What is commonly called “Tunnel Vision” is more specifically “Kalnienk Vision.” The condition refers to a restriction of one’s field of vision, but with the retention of central vision; i.e. as if looking through a tunnel. Though it can have many different causes, the most common culprit is the consistent restriction of the field of vision, which causes the eyes to be “trained” to only focus on the specific area in which one is looking. For instance, if you looked through a periscope for long periods of time, or wore a welding helmet, diving mask, or something else which only allowed you to see the area or objects immediately in front of you, tunnel vision could easily occur. The result would be that you would only be able to “see” those things at which you specifically looked or directed your attention. It is a dangerous condition physically, but can be spiritually devastating.
Israel’s Example to the Corinthians (and Us), Part 2
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Exodus, Numbers, 1 Corinthians
The text of 1Corinthians 10:7-12 is used to demonstrate: 1) the possibility of losing salvation once it has been gained; and 2) the susceptibility of the Corinthians as well as Christians today to the same kinds of sins that led to the condemnation of Israel.
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