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 9th, 2012
Sermon 7 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The third chapter of Lamentations is used to express the truth that despite the trials of life, there is hope if we wait on the Lord, and bear our yoke before Him.
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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!
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By Stan Cox, on February 27th, 2011
Men have commonly struggled with the existence of suffering in the world, and with the specific example of Job, whose suffering resulted from a conversation between God and Satan. In this lesson, Stan considers the problem of suffering from a scriptural perspective.
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By Stan Cox, on May 15th, 2010
The greatest affliction of life is never to be afflicted.
- Unknown
Affliction is not pleasant. When we are the recipients of tribulation in this life we feel pain, sorrow and stress. We all would rather it not be our lot, “Let this cup pass from me…” (cf. Matthew 26:39). I recently came across a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald that poignantly describes our perception of severe affliction:
In a real dark night of the soul
it is always three o’ clock in the morning, day after day.
And yet, such affliction is beneficial to the child of God. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
The apostle does not call such affliction light to minimize the pain and suffering we experience. It is light in the sense that it is temporal and fleeting. In contrast, our faithfulness through trial proves us “worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer” (2 Thessalonians 5:1). It is our lot in life to suffer. It happens to us all. The question is, will we have sufficient patience under such duress to prove us worthy of eternity?
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.
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By Stan Cox, on April 16th, 2009
 I recently came across a poem titled, “God is Mighty Kind”, written by Carl Flynn. The poem states that although we suffer in this life, God is merciful, and grants us bountiful blessings. Note the following verse:
“For every dark and stormy day
A week of days are fair;
However chill the clouds and gray
‘Tis always bright somewhere.
This is something to remember. Especially when we become burdened from time to time with the cares and trials of our lives. No matter how bad it may be at any one time, we all have been wonderfully blessed by our God in heaven. Remember the promise, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Stan
By Stan Cox, on April 16th, 2009
Preachers sometimes compare notes about the congregations where they preach. I have noticed a term that several have used, (and I have used myself), to describe some Christians. The term is “high maintenance.”
 Some cars are referred to as “high maintenance.” I came across a quote from a man who drove a Fiat. He said it stands for, Fix It All the Time. But, in his mind it was worth the headache to be able to drive a high performance machine. Of course, there are some jalopies that are high maintenance as well. Another word for these cars is “junk”, and they are hardly worth the effort to keep them running.
Some ladies are referred to as “high maintenance,” referring to the amount of attention they demand. They expect constant gifts and attention, and if they don’t get what they want their feelings are hurt or they lose interest. Used in this way, the term is certainly not a compliment. Nor is it normally a complement when a preacher refers to a Christian as “high maintenance.” However, it is not always a negative thing either.
Continue reading » High Maintenance
By Stan Cox, on February 15th, 2009
During time of War, and other tribulations, there are spiritual dangers that face both the individual Christian as well as congregations. The Christian should be aware of these dangers, as well as his responsibility to live a faithful life before God in spite of such trials.
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By Stan Cox, on June 3rd, 2007
Christ’s prayer to His father recorded in Matthew 26 reveals a man with pain and sorrow, burdened but willing to suffer the death of the cross for the redemption of mankind.
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By Stan Cox, on May 18th, 2007
AOTS Number 35
Every time that life knocks us down – with trials, tribulations and temptations – we must get back up if we expect to be successful in life.
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By Stan Cox, on May 12th, 2007
“Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed’” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
Consider the implications of Moses’ words to Joshua. He would take over the rule of the people of God, to lead them into the promised land. There would be many battles, many hardships, and (as it turned out due to the unfaithfulness of the people) many setbacks in his time as the leader of Israel. The words, spoken in front of all the people, were designed not only to bolster Joshua’s courage, but to present him to Israel as God’s chosen leader over them. The path taken would not be easy, but the victory of Israel was assured due to God’s presence. “He is the one who goes before you.”
Continue reading » Be Strong and of Good Courage
By Stan Cox, on February 16th, 2007
Podcast Number 40
The first chapter of James has practical wisdom for man. The writer indicates that it is profitable to suffer through trial and tribulation. This is so, though it is not enjoyable. Why? Such tribulation develops patience in the believer.
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By Stan Cox, on October 15th, 2006
We have a responsibility to be mature, productive Christians, in benefitting and edifying our brethren But, spiritual immaturity, worldly distractions, being overcome by sin, and neglecting the Word of God all serve to weaken our spiritual resolve.
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By Stan Cox, on October 14th, 2006
Podcast Number 22
Trials and tribulations in life test your faith. However, if you overcome the trial, you become stronger, and prove yourself worthy of the crown of life. (James 1:12).
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