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 February 26th, 2012
In 1 Timothy 4, the apostle Paul identifies and describes for Timothy false teachers who would soon trouble God’s people. He instructs Timothy to instruct the brethren regarding these false doctrines, that they might be protected by the truth of God’s word. In doing so, Paul tells Timothy that he would be a good minister of Jesus Christ.
Audio
By Stan Cox, on January 6th, 2012
When defending my faith to a skeptic, I have been asked on a few occasions, “But, what if you are wrong?” It is a question that arises from my acknowledgment that I accept the claims of scripture by faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Setting aside the evidence that supports my faith, let us consider for a moment the question asked.
Paul actually addressed just this question, in acknowledging the ramifications of the contention that there is no resurrection of the dead. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, he wrote, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (vs. 16-19).
Continue reading » “But, What If You Are Wrong?”
By Stan Cox, on January 1st, 2012
Speaker: Dennis Scroggins
Dennis discusses objections made concerning the marking of error, defense of truth, and the nature of autonomy in this lesson.
Audio
By Stan Cox, on November 27th, 2011
By looking at the conversions contained in the 8th chapter of the book of Acts, it is possible to correct several commonly held false doctrines.
Audio
By Stan Cox, on September 5th, 2010
The April 8, 1966 issue of Time Magazine had in big red letters on its cover the question, Is God Dead? The cover story sought to answer the question, 44 years ago, had belief in God become irrelevant in our modern society? The form of the question echoed the contention of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who in his book, The Gay Science (1882) said that God is dead in the hearts of modern men — killed by rationalism and science.
In the Time Magazine article, the author stated, “Even within Christianity, now confidently renewing itself in spirit as well as form, a small band of radical theologians has seriously argued that the churches must accept the fact of God’s death, and get along without him.” So, 130 years have passed since Nietzsche’s proclamation that “God is Dead”, and 44 years since Time reported that some religious people agree.
Continue reading » Worse Than A Fool
By Stan Cox, on August 22nd, 2010
In reading a debate from 1928 on the subject of Premillennialism, I came across the following from the pen of H. Leo Bole. This is found in his first negative of the proposition, “The Scriptures teach that Israel (fleshly descendant of Abraham through Jacob) shall be nationally restored.”
“… An important rule for the correct understanding of God’s word is this — namely, the Scripture must be its own interpreter. This rule requires that when there is a question concerning the meaning of any Scripture, that the true sense must be searched out and ascertained from other Scriptures that speak more clearly on that point. All Bible scholars recognize two classes of Scriptures–plain and simple Scriptures, and obscure or difficult Scriptures. The obscure and difficult Scriptures must be interpreted by the plain and simple Scriptures.”
(http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/rboll/up/UP01N.HTM)
For example, Revelation 20:1-10 should be interpreted with Mark 9:1 in mind. If that is done, the erroneous view that Jesus has yet to establish an earthly 1000 year kingdom will not be seriously considered. This example could be multiplied with the various false doctrines that have troubled religious people throughout the history of the Lord’s church.
By Stan Cox, on August 1st, 2010
The eighth lesson in a continuing series titled “Simple Answers to Troubling Questions.
The sermon asks the question, Can the General Theory of Evolution be true? The sermon contends that evolutionary theory does not adequately explain the origin of the universe, the evident design present in the universe, and the existence of morality.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on June 29th, 2010
I recently came across the following quote from an unknown source:
The Bohemian reformer John Hus was a man who believed the Scriptures to be the infallible and supreme authority in all matters. He died at the stake for that belief in Constance, Germany, on his forty-second birthday. As he refused a final plea to renounce his faith, Hus’s last words were, “What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood.”
Hus’ attempts to reform Catholicism predated those of Martin Luther by 100 years. Though he never came close to an understanding of truth, the quote above shows that he had a proper attitude toward its defense. This willingness to die for the faith is laudable, and should be emulated by Christians today. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
That’s not to say we will have to die for our faith. We are fortunate in our day to receive the protection of the state as we practice our faith. However, too often Christians in our time lack the virtue to stand for God’s word, without compromise, no matter the cost. This is what God requires, and each of us must count that cost as we live for Christ.
By Stan Cox, on August 30th, 2009
Paul, as a preacher, should be emulated by Christians. He preached plainly the whole counsel of God, despite persecution and a lack of support. And he did it all with joy and zeal.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on May 15th, 2009
The lesson points out that one important purpose in preaching the gospel is to warn the sinner of his sin, that he may repent. Those who are unwilling to serve as watchmen in Israel will be held accountable.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on April 29th, 2009
The sermon is a treatment of an email correspondence the speaker had with a Christian who holds to the “Positive Gospel” concept of preaching. What is the proper tone to be used in the preaching of the gospel of our Lord?
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on February 6th, 2009
These are 13 actual questions asked by a Baptist church preacher. His name is David Martin, and he is referred to as the “Pastor” of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, in Bartlett, TN.
The questions appeared in an article written by Martin, entitled, “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher CANNOT Clearly Answer.” To view the article click here. (Note: This link only gets you to their home page. You will have to look for the article. The site uses frames, and does not allow for a direct link to the article).
While it is doubtful we could answer these questions to his satisfaction, these questions are similar to those commonly asked of us by those in the denominations.
We should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15).
An examination of these questions will challenge us to study; and will doubtless increase our faith. The design of the series is to elicit discussion and encourage home study.
Right click on each item to save it to your hard drive. Resources include Word Documents, PDF Files, and Audio files in the mp3 format.
(Note: We had some problems with our recording system during the series, and missed several lessons, so not all the audio is available. We apologize for this).
Suggestions for Study (Word)
Suggestions for Study (PDF) Continue reading » Class Series – 13 Questions
By Stan Cox, on November 9th, 2008
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psa. 139:14).
In the June 29, 2001 issue of the Daily Texan (The University of Texas’ daily student newspaper), staff writer Devin Griffiths reported on an Austin based company, Cycorp, which is a leading force in the development of AI, (artificial intelligence). Simply put, AI is the capacity of a computer to reason and learn on its own, without any outside help. Readers may be familiar with the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, which had as a lead character a thinking, feeling, lying, and ultimately killing computer named HAL.
Continue reading » AI – Evidence of Design
By Stan Cox, on November 6th, 2008
Guest Speaker Dennis Scroggins goes to 2 Chronicles 18, to establish through the story of Jehoshaphat and Ahab, the danger of compromising with evil.
Lesson 9 of 9 in Gospel Meeting Series
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on November 2nd, 2008
It is extremely important that brethren everywhere contend for the truth and refute error. When such is done, because so many are tolerant of error and antagonistic toward the truth, there will be conflict. Some will say “Who set you up as brotherhood watchdogs, or arbiters of truth, or modern day prophets.” We have heard such, and the whining we hear when the false teacher is exposed is indicative of the whiner’s arrogance. Concerning the intellectual arrogance that can beset Christians, Paul warned, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us; a sphere which especially includes you” (2 Corinthians 10:12-13). Paul also wrote, “…Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:1-2).
Continue reading » Defending the Truth
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