Scott Long – GROW magazine

01 Jan

Of Kisses and Betrayals and Swords and Ears

BEYOND THE BASICS | Scott Long | Marietta, Pennsylvania

As Jesus neared the end of his earthly life, He looked forward to celebrating the last Passover meal with His apostles.

“When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, ‘With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.'” (Luke 22:14-15)

During that short time in the upper room, Jesus taught His disciples, prayed for them, washed their feet, and instituted the Lord’s supper, among other acts. Read More →

03 Jan

Pondering Philippians : Congregational Profile

CHURCH ARTICLE | Scott Long | Marietta, Pennsylvania

The Circumstances

Robbed of his freedom for teaching the gospel, Paul sits in chains. It is not the first time (and it might not be the last*). Yet, as a true bondservant of God, rather than bemoan his circumstances, Paul rejoices in the twin blessings of access to teaching the “Praetoreum guard” and increased preaching by the brethren, though some “preach Christ even from envy and strife.” Even in his chains, Paul has cause to remember his beloved Macedonian brethren and pray for them. Read More →

07 Jul

The Necessity of Good Works for the Child of God

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Scott Long | Marietta, Pennsylvania

Like many other biblical subjects, the topic of good works generates much confusion and debate. What exactly is a “work?” What makes a work “good?” Why are good works so important for Christians? And how might “good works” generate controversy?

The simplest definition of a “work” is something one does. According to such a definition, virtually everything we do is a “work.” This fact leads us to what Paul tells us in Colossians 3:17, “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” The conclusion is that everything we do is a work, and these works must be done according to the authority of Jesus. Read More →

02 Apr

Beyond a Mere Reading of the Bible

BEYOND THE BASICS | Scott Long | Marietta, Pennsylvania

Some Christians are content with a habitual, yet casual reading of the word of God. They believe that since they are not aiming to become preachers, that reading is all that is necessary. how many times have we heard someone say, “I have read the Bible seven times from cover to cover” as if to convey some deeper level of understanding? To which I say, “So what?” Paul chastised Christians for such an attitude, “I fed you with milk and not with solid food, for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able“ (1 Corinthians 3:2). They had not moved beyond the basics. But what about the Christian who wants to be a true follower of the Lord? Is reading enough for him? In no way. Reading a biology textbook does not make someone a doctor. In the same way, simply reading the Bible will not make a person become a faithful disciple. Let’s spend some time talking about why Christians must move beyond reading of the Bible into deeper studies of God’s word. Read More →

03 Apr

Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE – Galatians 3:6-18
Scott Long | Marietta, Pennsylvania

We see it all the time; one who, after he has come to understand the truth, loses confidence in what he knows. He listens to teachers of error and begins to doubt. Maybe, he says, I was too hasty.

The Galatians were such people. Paul reminds them in Galatians 3:1, “Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified,” yet, he marveled because they were turning away from that truth and toward “a different (or another kind) gospel, which is not another (gospel at all),” (Galatians 1:6). Read More →