What it Takes to be A Man After God’s Own Heart
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Forgiveness, 2 Samuel, Psalms
How could King David have Lusted, Committed Adultery, Lied, and Murdered and still be a Man After God's Own Heart? Take a look and see.
Negativity Perspective
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Psalms
God asked Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?" (Gen.4:6). He likewise asked Jonah, "Do you have a good reason to be angry...?" (Jonah 4:9). To borrow and adapt these questions, let's ask ourselves, "Why are we negative about our current state of affairs? Do we have good reason to have such a negative perspective of things?" This lesson utilizes a received email, purported to have originated from a commentary by Jay Leno, as a starting point to understanding the overall selfish, spoiled, ungrateful, short-sighted, and negative beings we have become.
“Give Me the Bible”
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Faith, Obedience, Psalms
The basis for this sermon comes from two sources: obviously, the song we often sing by that same title, written by Priscilla J. Owens; and also a sermon I heard years ago by Bro. Oliver Murray. The lesson seeks to highlight both the reasons for and results of having the attitude of the psalmist manifested in Psalm 119:97-105. It also makes comparisons between the proper and improper attitudes toward the text.
Elder Expectations: What We Owe Those Whom We Select
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Commitment, Obedience, Elders, Psalms, John, Hebrews, 1 Peter
If we are faithful to God's word in seeking, selecting, and appointing men to "watch for our souls," and we certainly should be so, then we also ought to understand the responsibilities the Scriptures lay upon us toward them. This lesson has exactly that purpose.
Singing is Music in Worship
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Worship, Acts of Worship, 2 Chronicles, Psalms, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians
Most members of the church have at some point be asked, "Why doesn't the Church of Christ use music in worship?" I've sometimes said, "We do- singing is music." But of course, that's not what is meant by the question. This lesson attempts to answer the question.
The Effects of Atheism
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Atheism, Choices, Psalms, Isaiah, Romans
This lesson, though complete alone, is closely connected to and a companion of the sermon, "Does God Exist?" It treats Atheism as a "Cause" and identifies the "Effects" it has produced in our society.
Why Do Some Church Members Not Enjoy Worship?
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Church, Commitment, Psalms, Romans, Revelation
The question posed by the title was asked by a gospel preacher who was having breakfast with a few other gospel preachers. It was a very good query. This lesson is not about the responses given by those men as much as it is derived from additional contemplation of the question. If we understand why some don't enjoy participating in what should be a happy occasion (see Psalm 122:1), perhaps we can assist them to not only truly and sincerely worship, but to appreciate and relish the opportunity to do so. In the process, we may just come to a clearer view of the event itself.
Playing the Fool
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Growth, Psalms, Proverbs, Luke, Ephesians
This sermon was adapted from an excellent article by Tom Wacaster. A "fool" is generally defined as one who speaks or acts contrary to reason. In this lesson, four different types of fools are identified and briefly described from the biblical text. "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17)
Psalm 23
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Commitment, Faith, Trust, Psalms
As children "brought up in the church," we learned bible stories and memorized verses which became treasured parts of our recollections. But what I've found over the years is that these stories and passages are sometimes never really studied carefully as adults. We learned them as children, but somehow never got around to learning their more mature meanings after we grew up. While this sermon certainly is not an in-depth study of Psalm 23, perhaps it will stimulate some greater practical value of thought from this often quoted and read, but seldom studied, passage.
The Storms of Life
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Church, Family, Trust, 2 Kings, Psalms, Luke, John
Mosie Lister wrote what has become one of my favorite gospel songs, "Till the Storm Passes By." In this beautifully inspiring song, he captures both the fear of the "storms of life" that we all have and with which we must contend, as well as the trust true believers have in God to keep the safe Till the Storm Passes By. This lesson identifies several different forms in which these storms come, and the causes of them. And of course, it focuses as well on the one Solution to them.