Sound Teaching  This is the teaching site of the West Side church of Christ in Fort Worth, TX. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials were written and prepared by Stan Cox |
By Stan Cox, on July 30th, 2008
Acts 13:14-41
It has been said that the theme of Redemption runs as a scarlet thread throughout the Bible.
Paul, in his sermon to the Jews in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia, takes up that thread with the Jews’ sojourn in Egypt. Following the thread through the wilderness into Canaan, he mentions the period of the judges, and the Kings, including Saul and David. He indicated that the Christ of God would come through David’s seed, mentioned John the Baptist as the Christ’s forerunner, and proclaimed Jesus of Nazareth to be that Messiah.
He established the proof of that annointing by saying, “But God raised Him from the dead” (vs. 30). In that resurrection we have hope. As Paul said, “…by Him everyone who believes is justified…” (vs. 39).
Finally, Paul called them to repentance, the first work of preaching. He said, “Beware…” We too must beware sin, and embrace Christ.
By Stan Cox, on July 29th, 2008
Guest speaker Joshua Cox establishes from scripture that as Christians we are to live lives of contentment. The pursuit and love of money is problematic in the Christian life.
One exception to note: A Christian must not be content with regard to his knowledge of God’s word. He must press on, and strive for perfection.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 29th, 2008
In Romans 12:1-8, the apostle Paul reveals four marks of the truly devoted disciple of Christ.
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By Stan Cox, on July 20th, 2008
Acts 9:31 reveals that the early church prospered as Christians walked in the “fear of the Lord.” What does it mean to fear the Lord? What are the blessings of this walk? And how do we as Christians walk in the “fear of the Lord?”
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 20th, 2008
Guest speaker John Robertson does a fine job of expressing the importance of complete obedience to God. The title is taken from Joshua 11:15.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 19th, 2008
In Matthew 16 the inspired historian revealed a promise made by Jesus to Peter and his other disciples. The promise concerned a significant aspect of God’s plan of redemption for mankind. In verse 18 Jesus said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” The church of Christ is a divine institution, formed by Christ, and governed by principles established by Him and His ambassadors, “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).
Unfortunately men have continually shown themselves unwilling to acquiesce to Christ’s will regarding His church, and have altered the divine plan. Departures have been seen with regard to the worship of the church. Men have promoted innovations such as instruments of music to accompany the singing which is commanded in scripture, and have altered acts of worship such as the Lord’s Supper to the point where they are almost unrecognizable distortions of the divine plan. Men have distorted the work of the church as well, a common example of this is the present emphasis on the church as an agent of social change. This social emphasis is a far cry from the work of evangelism and edification indicated by Paul when he declared the church to be “the pillar and ground of the truth” (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15). Men have changed at their whim the organization of the church. There has been the activation of the “universal” church, the centralization and consolidation of authority; and the alliance of the church with human institutions, councils and societies. Among the distortions of God’s blueprint for the church, and the focus of this article, is an assault on the concept of church autonomy as revealed in scripture.
Continue reading » Church Autonomy
By Stan Cox, on July 19th, 2008
 (Below is an excerpt of a very long speech given by James Gardner, who believes that the universe was created by God. He uses the words of renown evolutionists, who admit that the universe, as it exists, is strangely attuned to producing carbon based life. Note: By no means do I agree with any of the assertions made in the excerpt. But, it serves to show the prejudiced minds of the evolutionary theorists.
Even as they talk about the infinitesimal probabilities involved in producing such a “life-friendly” universe, such evolutionists stubbornly resist the idea that God is behind it all. They study the heavens intently, but are oblivious to their testimony (cf. Psalm 19:1-ff). Truly, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). Consider the following…)
Continue reading » In The News: A “Life Friendly” Universe
By Stan Cox, on July 19th, 2008
John 20:30-31
Our text immediately follows Jesus’ conversation with Thomas. Thomas expressed his faith upon seeing the ravaged body of Jesus.
His faith was a product of the resurrection miracle. He saw the evidence: the holes made by the nails and the spear wound in the Savior’s side, and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (vs. 28).
John here states the purpose of miracles, to engender faith.
Jesus is the Anointed of God. He is the Divine, and it is through Him that salvation comes. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
The miracles prove Jesus to be who He claimed He was. We do not have a record of all that Jesus did while He lived on earth. What we do have is sufficient. And, we can be assured by the testimony of God, (cf. Hebrews 2:1-4), that belief in the Son will bring us “life in His name.”
By Stan Cox, on July 18th, 2008
 Two apples up in a tree were looking down on the world. The first apple said, “Look at all those people fighting, robbing, rioting — no one seems willing to get along with his fellow man. Someday we apples will be the only ones left. Then we’ll rule the world.”
Replied the second apple, “Which of us — the reds or the greens?”
Gene Brown
Danbury, Con., News-Times.
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:8-9).
Prejudice of any type, whether based upon race, culture, gender, age or financial standing, makes one a judge “with evil thoughts” (cf. vs. 4). It is sinful, and violates the principle of neighborly love. It is also subtle. Many show their prejudice in language and behavior, and are slow to recognize it in themselves, or quick to rationalize its presence. Brethren, this is important, do not show partiality!
By Stan Cox, on July 13th, 2008
The Apostle Paul used Sarah and Hagar to express some important truths concerning the change in law from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The application is important here. 1) Do not allow yourself to be entangled in bondage to the law; 2) Do not use the Liberty of Christ as a liscense to sin.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 13th, 2008
In Nehemiah 8, the remnant of Israel showed a respect for God and His Word, as Ezra the scribe read the law in their hearing. Such respect led to their obedience, and standing before God. Such serves as a wonderful example to us today.
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Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 6th, 2008
The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, not only affirms the fact of Christ’s resurrection, but notes that the lives of those who reject that fact are futile and dissolute.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 6th, 2008
Some Christians seem to be embarrassed about the distinct nature of the church, its work, and the preaching of the gospel of our Lord. This should not be so.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 6th, 2008
Luke 3:1-6
This text of scripture reveals both the announcement of John the Baptist’s ministry, and an explanation of the prophecies concerning him.
The date is explicitly stated—the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius.
The location is clearly given—John was in the Judean wilderness, a hostile and desolate land.
The divine nature of the calling is proclaimed—“the word of God came to John.”
The message was revealed—John preached a “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
The purpose of John’s ministry is given—to “prepare the way of the Lord.”
The coming of Elijah’s spirit once again, in preparation for the fulfillment of all things; John’s ministry signified that the most important events in man’s history were imminent. The significance of his ministry is seen in the final words of the text, “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
By Stan Cox, on July 6th, 2008
The primary question that one must ask when considering the morality of abortion is, “When does life begin?” It is the question that will determine whether one believes abortion to be merely the removal of tissue, or the murder of a child.
Though many reject it, science supplies only one answer to the question. From the time the sperm fertilizes the egg, a unique organism, with a unique DNA signature, exists. If the DNA were to be examined by an expert to determine its origin, it would not be identified as the DNA of the mother, or the father. It would not be identified as the DNA of some animal. It would be identified as unique human DNA, related as a child to the mother and the father.
Continue reading » A Philosophical Discussion of Abortion
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