Author: Stan Cox
Grace Teaches Us
Paul wrote to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us…” (Titus 3:11-12a). It is a simple principle. God has granted His great mercy to us, and we are so blessed by this extended grace. We learn from this largesse that He loves us, He is good, He is omnipotent, He is eternal. Knowing Him by His grace, we are aware of our own obligations to be who He desires for us to be. Consider the following: Continue reading “Grace Teaches Us”
Mining the Scriptures: James 2:1-4
Here we have a general command of James, which is produced by the characteristic of love. If indeed we want to heed Christ’s imperative: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), James’ admonition must be obeyed. “…Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
Although the context gives the example of material wealth (not preferring the rich man over the poor), there is nothing in the admonition which would limit it to this case. An understanding of Galatians 3:28, which affirms the value of every soul, shows that any partiality shown, whether it be wealth, gender, race or culture is in fact becoming “judges with evil thoughts.”
The gospel of Christ is for every man. All have the same value to Him, and so should have the same value to us. Those who are vulnerable, disenfranchised, poor, desolate — whatever their state — as we consider their souls, should be cherished by us.
“Indeed I have all and abound”
In the book of Philippians we see Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment. Things were dire. His continued life was dependent upon a capricious Caesar. He was under house arrest.
His brethren in Philippi rallied to his aid in sending by the hand of Epaphroditus necessities during his imprisonment. It is this to which Paul here responds, “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).
It was good and pleasing to God that the Christians in Philippi send aid to Paul. For it, he was greatly appreciative. However, the phrase “Indeed I have all and abound” is especially interesting to me.
No doubt their aid helped. Yet Paul was in prison, and still in danger of losing his life. Paul’s abundance did not depend upon physical aid, but his relationship with God. Even facing death he wrote, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24).
What about you? Can you withstand any circumstance in life if you are guaranteed heaven? May we all look to eternity!
Sermon: When Adversity Hits
A discussion of Lamentation 3:19-33 reveals 5 principles that we should remember when adversity strikes, whether a consequence of our own sins, or the vagaries of a fragile life.
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Sermon: “If You are the Christ, tell us plainly”
In John 10:22-30, Jesus was surrounded by a probable hostile group of questioners, who demanded He clearly reveal whether or not He was the Christ. Jesus’ revealed their prejudice against Him and claimed, “I and My Father are one.”
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Sermon: Adamant Stone (Ezekiel 3:7-9)
God provided Ezekiel with His will and protection. He supplied for Ezekiel a forehead that was harder than that of rebellious Israel. A forehead of adamant stone, harder than flint.
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Sermon: God Resists the Proud (1 Peter 5:1-7)
God calls us to holiness. This is a primary theme of 1 Peter. One primary way this holiness is shown is through humble submission in accord with God’s will.
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Gospel Meeting – Jesse Flowers
Jesse Flowers of Cookeville, TN preached our Fall meeting, November 2-7, 2024. Below are the videos, audio recordings and PPTX files. Enjoy!
November 2, 2024 (Saturday)
- Turning the World Upside Down
November 2, 2024 (Sunday)
9AM
- What Does Worship Mean to You?
10AM
- 52 Days (Part 1)
11AM
- 52 Days (Part 2)
November 4, 2024 (Monday)
- “Do Not Worry!”
November 5, 2024 (Tuesday)
- After Tuesday
November 6, 2024 (Wednesday)
- Why Young People Stay in the Church
November 7, 2024 (Thursday)
- Make Me A Servant
God, Why Me?
There are numerous examples in scripture of men asking God why He does what He does. They know His proclamation of righteousness. They know His power and professions of love and protection. But events happen in their lives they just don’t understand.
A couple of biblical examples will suffice to illustrate. Job was a just man who despite his righteous life lost his family, his riches and his health. After exhibiting patience and faithfulness for a long while, he eventually asked God why these things were happening to him. Continue reading “God, Why Me?”
False Prophets
The apostle John wrote, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). So, according to John it is important to vet every spirit to see whether they are of God. How is this to be done?
The answer is simple and follows of necessity. The only way to test the spirits is through an examination of their teaching, comparing it to God’s revelation! Any other method is by its nature limited and subject to error or deceit. As Paul wrote concerning the devil and those who do his bidding, “…Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Continue reading “False Prophets”
Mining the Scriptures: Hebrews 3:3-6
In the Hebrew writer’s general efforts to show the superiority of the new to the old, he here makes a central and strong argument. This would be especially stirring to the Jewish Christians, as our Lord is compared to perhaps the most significant individual in the establishment of their nation and old law — Moses.
First, Jesus was fully faithful to his Father in heaven, as Moses was faithful. But, as was written, “For this one has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses”! Why? Because of the fundamental difference between Moses and Jesus.
Moses was a man. A servant. Jesus is God the Son. Moses is described as “a house”, where Jesus is described as the Builder of the house, thus worthy of more honor.
When we contrast the Old to the New, it is not merely a consideration of the relative merits. They’re both from God, they are both Holy. But it was God’s plan to supplant, in these last days, a limited law with His supreme gift to mankind. His Son!
Greed and Contentment
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7).
You have heard of the silly stories about men who asked to be buried with their cash so that they “could take it with them.” Or the practice of kings and nobles, being buried with riches, treasure and servants to serve in the afterlife. It is absurd to think any of this has any validity with what we know of death and eternity.
However, this does not change the fact that people make it their life’s purpose to gain material riches. This often leads to strife, sorrow and foolishness. Consider what Jesus said about the rich man who trusted in his possessions, “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21). Continue reading “Greed and Contentment”
Serenity Prayer
The prayer is rather famous. It has taken various similar forms from the 1930’s, and was apparently adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1940’s. It is called the serenity prayer.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
It seems that the prayer has three very important and true sentiments. Let’s consider them in turn.
First, we need serenity – the state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled. Our serenity is tied to the loving provision of our Master. Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). We do not need to be concerned about things beyond our control, because God is in control of all! Even against the most powerful of forces, “The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand…’” (Isaiah 14:24).
Second, we need courage – strength in the face of pain, grief or hardship. There is much we can actually do with God’s help, especially spiritually. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Sometimes hard decisions have to be made – sacrifices, changes, repentance. Many are unwilling to make those decisions. An example were the rulers of the Jews who believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees were unwilling to confess him, “lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). It is always important to do what is right in the sight of the Lord God, no matter the consequence.
Finally, we need wisdom – the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. In the Bible, this wisdom comes from a knowledge of God’s word, experience, and prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Here our wisdom allows us to know when to act, and when to leave our troubles with God. As Jesus said, don’t worry, “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32). We understand that since God knows and cares, He will act to protect us and provide what we need.
It may be that the Serenity Prayer is misused or misunderstood by some. But it contains truths to embrace!
Mining the Scriptures: Titus 3:3
After Paul’s admonition to “obey”, he noted his own previous “foolish” state as a sinner. It is interesting to note his description, starting with the word “foolish” – unintelligent or unwise.
His foolishness led to disobedience – he had not complied to the will of God. He was contumacious – stubborn willful against authority. He was deceived – led away from the truth. He served his own desires and pleasures. In effect, he did what pleased himself, not what pleased God. He lived in malice – malignity, ill-will, a desire to injure; and envy – ill will, jealousy, spite. He was hateful – detestable or odious; and was actively involved in hating others.
Verses 4-7 indicate a change. This is conversion. But, prior to it Paul was like everyone else. By not serving God he was serving himself. He caused injury to the cause of Christ. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Paul was honest in assessing himself, this led him to call others to righteousness!
Inspiration
Consider carefully what the Bible says about itself: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Inspiration — The term inspiration (theopneustos)means divinely breathed. Since all scripture is divinely breathed, it is a plenary (complete) inspiration. None of this is merely the words of men. In every sense these are the words of God. (cf. 2 Peter 1:19-21).
Efficacy — A study of scripture is beneficial in every area. What do we stand for? Our Doctrine? What do we use to convince others of God and His nature? Our means of Reproof? How do we get people off the wrong path? Our Correction? How to we grow and mature Christians? What is our means of Instruction in Righteousness? It is scripture for all these. It is all we need!
Maturity — Scripture is all we need to become all God wants us to be. Perfection (artios) means fitted or completed. God’s word suits us, and is everything we need to be what God wants us to be! We are “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Rather than making the mistake of establishing our own righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), we have knowledge of the righteousness of God!
