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 May 17th, 2012
A recent thought I heard goes as follows:
Your shadow falls upon others. Often that shadow falls in places beyond your control or awareness. While is it true that you can’t control where the shadow falls, you can control the one who casts the shadow. You can control yourself.
Each of us has influence. We control whether we influence others for good, or for evil. The Bible is full of scriptures that teach the importance of being a good example.
Continue reading » The Christian’s Influence
By Stan Cox, on May 6th, 2012
Sermon 1 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The sermon examines the character of the Centurion in Luke 7:1-10, as it is assessed by those who witnessed his behavior, as he humbly assessed in himself, and finally as assessed by the Savior. The applications are obvious, and clearly established by brother Foster.
Audio
Powerpoint Slides
By Stan Cox, on July 30th, 2011
 British singer Amy Winehouse died on July 23, 2011. Winehouse was a talented performer with a distinctive voice and style, who died following a history of drug abuse, at the age of 27.
Her death is one in a long line of untimely deaths of celebrities and performers. In fact, the age of 27 seems to be significant, as singers Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin all died at that age as well. All were heavy drug users, and Hendrix and Joplin died of drug overdoses. Cobain committed suicide.
Continue reading » In the News: Another Rock Star Dies
By Stan Cox, on June 8th, 2011
Many in the congregation are familiar with social networking on the computer. The most prominent example of this is Facebook, where “friends” share pictures, videos, internet links, and personal information online.
Some Facebook denizens have hundreds and hundreds of “friends”, which are in reality often merely acquaintances, schoolmates, and friends of friends. With such a large and varied “audience” reading the posts you send out, it is important to ask yourself how your Christian influence will be impacted, before posting any message, picture or other link.
Last week, I came across a beneficial quote regarding Facebook, attributed to David Lanius.
“We do need to always remember that our posts are a reflection of who and how we are. To those traveling on an honest, earnest, and genuine path of faith — diligence in purpose should always reflect His Holiness (1 Peter 1:15, Ephesians 4:29) lest we become the cause for others to sin or remain in it.”
Think about it!
By Stan Cox, on April 18th, 2010
This sermon is directed especially to young people, and indicates that as Christians we must avoid evil companions. It gives Biblical examples of those who chose foolishly (Solomon and Rehoboam), and those who chose wisely (Christ and Paul), and gives suggestions on how to choose good companions.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on December 20th, 2009
 Just about everyone knows who Tiger Woods is. He is the most famous golfer, and perhaps the most famous athlete in the world. He has also become one of the most infamous athletes due to being a serial philanderer.
Numerous women have been linked to him. Despite initial denials it was obvious that he had been unfaithful to his wife on numerous occasions with multiple mistresses. When denials proved futile, he finally admitted his infidelity, and has taken a sabbatical from golf to try to save his marriage, and regain the trust of his wife.
Continue reading » In The News: A Philandering Tiger
By Stan Cox, on October 31st, 2009
Philemon 1-7
At the beginning of Paul’s letter to Philemon, he was very complimentary of his friend and brother. He acknowledged the “love and faith” that he had toward “the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.” He also mentioned the good things in Philemon’s character, and the fact that the brethren had been “refreshed” by his character and works.
His diplomacy had a very specific and important purpose. Paul desired that Philemon be receptive to his petition on behalf of Onesimus. By his kind words and solicitous manner, Paul influenced Philemon to do the right thing in accepting Onesimus back, not only as a slave, but as a “beloved brother” (vs. 16).
A distinction must be made. Paul was not “flattering” Philemon. Flattery is deceitful and insincere. Paul was honest and genuine in his praise of a worthy brother. Also, seeking to influence people to do right is very different from attempts to manipulate. It is different both in tactics and motivation. What Paul did in his praise of Philemon was good and right, and to be emulated by all Christians.
By Stan Cox, on February 9th, 2009
Rehoboam lost his kingdom (1 Kings 12), because he listened to ungodly companions. The preacher warned his son of ungodly influences in Proverbs 1:10-19. Christian young people should be aware that “evil companions corrupt good morals.”
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on February 8th, 2009
 A photograph of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps was recently revealed, showing the talented swimmer smoking marijuana from a large pipe or “bong” at a party. The picture was taken by cell phone camera, and has led to a national furor as the seriousness of his inappropriate and illegal behavior is debated.
First it should be noted that Phelps is doing nothing different than millions of other Americans. A good portion of our society sees little wrong with smoking marijuana, and advocates often compare the practice with the use of alcohol. Such comparisons are legitimate, at least with regard to the morality of the practice. Both substances are drugs, and the use of either is indefensible for Christians (cf. Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:1-3).
Continue reading » In The News: The Michael Phelps Bong Imroglio
By Stan Cox, on December 16th, 2007
Colossians 4:5-6
The context of Colossians, chapter four, reveals Paul’s desire that Christians influence others for good. He instructed Masters to be good examples to their servants (vs. 1). He asked for prayers from the Colossians, so that he might have opportunity and courage to share the word with the lost (vs. 2-4). In verses 5 and 6 of the chapter, he instructs the Colossians to be careful in their speech, so that they might be an effective influence to those outside the body of Christ.
One who is wise and discerning in his speech will carefully weigh his words, that they might be a positive influence to those outside the body of Christ. May it never be that we, through thoughtless or foolish speech, put a stumbling block before the lost. We are to be the light of the world.
Remember, the world is watching every move we make, and listening to every word we say. We need to act accordingly.
By Stan Cox, on October 19th, 2007
Podcast Number 59
Saul of Tarsus, chief among sinners, by the grace of God became the apostle Paul. Paul was one of the most influential and important figures of the New Testament. We can learn many wonderful lessons by examining his life.
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By Stan Cox, on August 19th, 2007
Sermon by Guest Speaker Joshua Cox. Christians are to shine as lights in the world. This indicates that the Christian’s influence, shown in various aspects of his life as lived for God, should serve to give glory to God and influence others for good.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 18th, 2007
AOTS Number 67
A wonderful illustration comparing Sodium and Chlorine to Love and Truth. You need to hear this!
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By Stan Cox, on May 28th, 2007
AOTS Number 41
Your influence is like a shadow. You need to be careful of it, so that it will benefit those upon which it falls.
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By Stan Cox, on May 23rd, 2007
AOTS Number 38
As one child put it, “My best friends are usually the ones who get me in trouble.” It is so important to choose godly companions.
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