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 1st, 2012
In the first verse of our text, Paul establishes a wonderful promise of God as a steadfast principle. If we suffer for the cause of Christ, we are guaranteed the consolation that comes with that relationship. In other words, the suffering is worth it because of the hope we enjoy.
Paul illustrates the principle by noting the “trouble” he had suffered in Asia. This seems to be a reference to the mob scene in Ephesus recorded in Acts 19. Paul and his companions were in mortal peril on that occasion, and it seems that Paul left the area in fear (cf. Acts 20:1).
That fear of persecution remained, as such suffering is inevitable for the faithful child of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:12). However, Paul took comfort in the trust he placed in God. God is able to raise men from the dead, and so surely would be able to deliver Paul, if it be in accord with His will. So Paul believed, “He will still deliver us” (vs. 10). As such, he coveted the prayers of the Corinthians in his behalf, that their prayers for him and his companions would effect God’s protection in their ministry.
By Stan Cox, on February 1st, 2012
Last week I engaged in an online discussion on a contentious topic that has polarized elements of our society. It is a political hot potato, but the discussion concerned the Christian’s response, based upon what the scriptures teach, so I took the time to respond.
My point here is not to argue the topic, but to note the response in the forum. My posts, though polite, were not well received. I argued from scripture. In response I was called ignorant, bigoted, prejudiced, and a few other adjectives that are not appropriate to repeat in this space.
Participants had an opportunity to “vote” on whether they found any particular post to be helpful to the discussion. The aspersions on my character and intelligence were roundly applauded, and few responded positively to what I had to say.
This is not surprising, but I believe many Christians are really not aware of just how unpopular the truth of God is in our society. We are in a distinct minority with regard to our views on morality and God, and it is very conceivable that this nation will one day no longer tolerate our free expression of God’s truths. Physical persecution is certainly possible on the horizon.
John recorded this warning from our Lord, “A servant is not above his Master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).
By Stan Cox, on October 16th, 2011
Acts 4 and 5 reveals the response of the apostles as they suffered persecution at the hand of the Jewish leaders. Rather than stop preaching at the command of the Sanhedrin, they continued to share the gospel, counting themselves fortunate to be found worthy to suffer for His name’s sake. This response should be echoed in Christians today.
Audio
By Stan Cox, on September 4th, 2011
The Lesson uses the text of Acts 13 and 14 (esp. 14:8-22, in Paul’s ministry in Lystra) to show how the preaching of the gospel will sometimes result in the salvation of men’s souls, and at the same time will sometimes lead to tribulation and trial. The moral? Preach the word, despite opposition!
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on June 8th, 2011
Paul’s second and final letter to his “son in the faith” Timothy gives evidence of the tender feelings the aging apostle had for the young man. The letter was the last Paul wrote, and was penned shortly before his death.
He noted Timothy’s tears on his behalf, and expressed his desire to see him. It is believed that Paul wrote this letter from prison, perhaps only a few months before he died.
Despite Paul’s circumstances, he expressed joy because of the genuine faith of Timothy. That faith had its genesis in the instruction Timothy received from his mother and grandmother. (This shows the wisdom of Paul’s exhortation for fathers to bring up their children in the “training and admonition of the Lord” – Eph. 6:4).
After this well deserved compliment, Paul encouraged Timothy in the use of the spiritual “gift of God” given him through Paul’s hands. Timothy was not to be timid in utilizing this gift, despite the potential of persecution amply demonstrated by Paul’s own chains.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (vs. 7).
By Stan Cox, on April 4th, 2011
This sermon is an expository study of Matthew 10:27-33 helping to establish an important truth… The Almighty God of the universe is the One we should fear, rather than men.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on March 13th, 2011
The Lord told His disciples in John 15:18-25, that they could expect the world to hate them. Why? “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (vs. 19). This hatred leads to persecution of Christians. But we are not to despair, because of the hope we have in Christ.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on November 10th, 2010
(Image: 45 year old Asia Bibi of Pakistan)
Consider the unfairness of the following scenario. You are a single member of a minority religious group, working at your job as a farmhand in a field. You are asked by your supervisor to go and fetch water for the other workers. You do as asked, but when you bring the water, your fellow workers refuse to drink it, calling the water unclean because you are the one who fetched it. A few days later you are set upon by a mob, still angry over the initial incident. The authorities are called, and they take you away for your own protection. Later, some in the mob claim that you are guilty of blasphemy against their religion. So, the authorities arrest you, and imprison you on that charge. You go to court, and though no evidence is presented to show the charge is true, you are nevertheless found guilty and sentenced to death. You are married, and have five children.
Continue reading » In the News: Death Sentence for Blasphemy
By Stan Cox, on November 21st, 2009
James 1:1-4
The epistle of James is a general epistle, in the sense that it was written to a broad group rather than a specific individual or church. It was written to the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” indicating Jewish Christians throughout the world. Though the introductory paragraph does not specify Jewish Christians, the contents of the letter show that his intended audience is believers in Christ.
James’ letter is eminently practical, and his first admonition in verses 2-4 certainly deserves this designation.
The trials of life are tests, and if we pass the tests, we benefit greatly as a result. When the text says that tribulation produces patience, it acknowledges the fact that we learn as we endure. We grow stronger, we are tempered and we mature. As such, when we come out the other side, it can be said of us that we are “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
While tribulation is not pleasant, such testing is nevertheless cause for joy. It is because of the spiritual growth we experience. And, even more so because it shows our Lord that we are worthy to join with Him in suffering and future glory.
By Stan Cox, on October 19th, 2009
The sermon is based on the text of 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. We may suffer persecution and distress in our lives as Christians, but we are partakers in the suffering of Christ, and as such we have consolation and comfort as a result of our relationship to him. Of course, ultimately that consolation has an eternal application because of our hope of heaven.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on October 19th, 2009
Even as we pattern ourselves by those who live righteously… (“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ”, 1 Corinthians 11:1), …ultimately our pattern to follow is the Lord Himself.
What did Christ do for us as our example?
- He suffered for us
- He repelled the tempter through God’s word and prayer
- He forgave sinners seeking His mercy
- He was compassionate
- He exemplified humility
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on January 24th, 2009
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
The apostle Paul suffered a great deal because of his ministry in the gospel. He was constantly in peril, and coveted the prayers of the saints for protection. His petition here is especially specific, as he requested protection from “unreasonable and wicked men.”
Why are some men wicked? Because, “not all have faith.” Those without faith are often actively antagonistic toward Christ.
Such a sobering reality is certainly cause for prayer, but not for despair. Despite the antagonism of the worldly, Paul had reason for comfort and confidence. “But the Lord is faithful.” (cf. Romans 8:31).
Not only was Paul confident in God’s faithfulness, he was confident in the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They were doing God’s will, and he believed they would continue to be faithful to Him.
This prayer was that their hearts (referencing both devotion and will) would be directed into the Love of God (indicating a love for God, seen in obedience) and the Patience of Christ (indicating a need for the same patience evinced by the Savior Himself in His life on earth). A wonderful prayer indeed!
By Stan Cox, on December 21st, 2008
The Lord’s church has many enemies, some without, and more damaging, others within. The lesson details 7 “instruments” opposing the church.
- Persecution
- The World
- Mammon
- Discord
- Division
- False Doctrine
- Lukewarmness
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 2nd, 2008
The sermon discusses various events surrounding the ministry of Paul in Ephesus, as recorded in Acts 19.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 2nd, 2008
The world hated Jesus, and put him to death. It should not surprise us that the world will hate us as His disciples. We must endure persecution as we spread the word and live righteously before Him.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
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