OUT OF THE BOX

My book is now available for purchase. You can click on this link and go to my website to order the book.  https://billylongministries.com       You can also order the e-book at Amazon.com.

This post deals with God's discipline in the life of the Christian . God disciplines us because He loves us and because we are His beloved children. It is part of His program for helping us to grow, mature, and be what He desires us to be. It is an aspect of grace, a manifestation of the love and wisdom of God in dealing with human nature, and is always for our good. It corrects (makes right) those who need to be adjusted and punishes those who refuse the correction. Discipline is a necessity because of the fall of man and the resulting weakness of   his fallen nature. It is God's means of helping His children to appropriate grace to obey in areas where they would otherwise be unable to overcome.   ("Weakness" refers to man's proclivity to sin and to his lack of capacity to restrain corrupt desires. It has broader aspects to its definition, but which are not pertinent to this study). Romans 6:19, Hebrews 4:15-16; 5: 2. Discipline is a subject that especia...

(Below is a letter I wrote to a dear friend about 20 years ago. The friend was involved in an adulterous relationship and about to leave the marriage. Names are withheld out of respect for the parties involved. I am posting this letter here because I believe there are those today who are struggling with temptation, who may be in, or about to enter a sinful relationship, and who need to read the appeal and warnings given in this letter).   ---Billy Long   A Letter Regarding Adultery Dear ____ I hav e been wan ting to communicate with yo u for some time but hav e delayed because of the awkwardne s s of the s i tuation. Laurel and I have grieved over t h e news of your leaving [spouse]. We have been thinking about you and obviously have been very concerned. We hav e wanted to talk to you but have been unsure as to your pot ential reaction to us, and have been waiting on God's timing. I am sure...