Author: Stan Cox
Christ is a Stumbling Stone!
This what the apostle Paul claims, when he wrote to the Romans about the failures of the Jews, “Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” (Romans 9:32-33).
Paul here referred to Psalm 118:22-24, a clear reference to the Messiah of Israel, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:22-24).
And so we see Paul’s point. The Jews, did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God. This was predicted by the psalmist, so it was no surprise. Yes, Jesus is the Savior, He is the King, He is a wonderful Teacher, He was God on the earth, He is our eternal Intercessor.
This is the means of salvation the Jew AND ALSO for the Gentile. Faith in Christ is what makes Jesus positive to you, rather than you being one who stumbles “at that stumbling stone.” Paul stated the “fragrance of Christ” was an aroma of death to those who reject, but a precious “aroma to life” for those who are being saved, (2 Cor. 2:15-16a). What is He to you?
Women Leaving the Church
I just finished reading an article on my phone from USA TODAY titled, “Americans are become less religious. None more than this group.” The emphasis of the article was the departure of many from Christianity (especially younger people), and the fact that for the first time in American history, more women are leaving their faith than men.
Two statistics from the survey: Those who nominally identify as Christians in America are 63%, down from 90% in the early 1990’s. Second, “Among generation Z, however, the pattern has flipped (regarding men and women leaving their childhood faith): 54% of those who’d left the church are female. Meanwhile, nearly four in 10 Gen Z women identify as religious unaffiliated, compared to a third of Gen Z males. Continue reading “Women Leaving the Church”
Sermon: Why Become a Christian?
We are to become Christians because of the nature and consequence of sin; because of who Christ is; because of the certainty of death and judgment; and because of the benefits to our lives, both here and in eternity!
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Sermon: The Return of the Remnant (Ezra)
A discussion of the book of Ezra, giving an overview, and examining several points of importance suggested by the book.
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Sermon: Effective Sacrifice (Romans 12:3-21)
Our lesson discusses the text of Romans 12. where Paul begs the Romans to be effective, living sacrifices. Verses 3-21 details this can be accomplished.
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Sermon: Our Calling (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)
A discussion of “choosing” and “predestination” using 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 as the primary text, with references to Ephesians 1.
- No Video was recorded for this sermon.
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A Good Marriage
Marriages can look very different. This is because each union is between unique personalities. You have heard that opposites attract. That is true for some. Others are comforted by common proclivities or interests. Some are loud, some are quiet. Some are voluble, some are taciturn. Some may exhibit great passion, where the emotions of others resemble a placid body of water.
These differences have little to do with the success or failure of any marriage. Likewise, it does not determine the effectiveness of parenting. None of this is “one size fits all,” and those who so claim need to be carefully examined before any advice is accepted and implemented. Continue reading “A Good Marriage”
Mining the Scriptures: Philippians 1:27-30
Paul appreciated the Philippians greatly. Here in this text is the caveat he expressed. His great appreciation was contingent “only” with their continued “conduct” being “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
There needed to be unity, standing fast “in one spirit, with one mind.” There needed to be effort, “striving together” for the gospel. There needed to be courage in the face of their opponents, here probably referring to non-Christian Gentiles, as Philippi was a Roman city.
Consider of what these things were proof. First that the Christian’s lack of fear showed their understanding that God was with them. It would indicate to the pagans surrounding them that perdition (ruin) followed those who opposed God, but that salvation from the one true God would be granted to the brethren in Philippi. Great conviction creates doubt in the mind of the enemy!
Yes, we will suffer, but in the end is glory! (cf. Matthew 10:28).
An Epistle of Christ
In 2 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul discussed his reputation toward the Corinthians. They knew him well, having received letters and strong teaching from him in the past. So, he did not need to introduce himself to them in an attempt by reputation to make his letters more influential to their faith. First, he stated in verse one to have no need to “commend” himself to them. They knew his authority and the truthfulness of his words to them. Continue reading “An Epistle of Christ”
Kindness Rewarded
In Ruth 2, Boaz came upon Ruth, and found out who she was. He encouraged her to stay nearby, promising protection, food and drink. He was a good man, and his mercy toward Ruth was commendable.
But Ruth, a stranger to the country, had a hard time understanding why he would be so kind to her, so she asked, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (2:10).
Listen to the answer Boaz gave, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge” (2:11-12 ).
Ruth’s kindness was rewarded by Boaz with kindness returned. This does not always happen, but rest assured that good and decent people respond well to kindness on our part! And, more importantly, remember that if your kindness is not well received by men, it is nevertheless seen and accepted by God!
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…” (Luke 6:35).
God’s Pleasure in Our Prayers
Paul wrote a test in 1 Timothy 2 that is no doubt familiar to many:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ).
The passage establishes several truths. First, we are to pray for others. These prayers are divided up into supplications (asking God to fill a need), intercessions (petitions made on behalf of), and giving of thanks (thanking God for the express blessings that come from any particular individual). Continue reading “God’s Pleasure in Our Prayers”
Mining the Scriptures: Ephesians 2:1-3
Paul here expresses the cause of spiritual death, “trespasses and sins” (1). This is to note our past position, before “you He made alive” (1).
That past position is one what all have experienced, as indicated by Romans 3:23. It is described as a walk here. But, not a walk of righteousness, rather one that is characterized by a following of the devil.
Devil worship is not the point. When we live our lives without obeying God’s will, by default we are in the camp of the enemy. It is for this reason that defenses such as, “They do more good than bad”, or “They are generally a good person” hold no credence to God.
Paul put it clearly in Romans 10. The righteousness invented by men do not properly substitute for the righteousness of God. Living for self is being a child of wrath, just like everyone else.
Instead, as Christians, we are to live according to His will!
Praise and a Plea – Not Flattery
Paul’s letter to Philemon is an interesting example of proper diplomacy in accomplishing a desired response in another. There is not doubt that Paul was trying to get Philemon to respond to his plea for Onesimus positively, some may say using flattery and other forms of manipulation. This, I think is unwarranted.
The Bible concept of flattery is praise that is insincere for false. For example, “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet” (Proverbs 29:5). This means he is attempting to trap, or cause another to stumble.
This was neither Paul’s method nor motivation. First, Paul was sincere. Philemon was truly a good man worthy of praise. Sincere praise is an encouragement the recipient, and there are many examples of such in the Bible. Think, for example, of “Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)” ( Acts 4:36).
It is also true that Paul’s request of Philemon to receive back his escaped slave Onesimus with love and understanding was also a righteous request, one that Paul had no doubt Philemon would honor (21). Onesimus had been converted by Paul (10), and was willingly returning to his master Philemon. He was now a brother in Christ, and it was appropriate to treat him as Philemon would any other Christian.
It is good to praise others. It is also acceptable to make righteous requests, especially when you are interceding for someone else. What Paul did was defensible and a good example for us to follow!
Sermon: Weeping and Laughing (Luke 6:21,25)
A discussion of the text of Luke 6:20-26, esp. 21b and 25b, as Weeping and Laughing are discussed. This lesson shows the wisdom of living a sober life in anticipation of the joy of heaven.
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Sermon: Love for the Brethren
An examination of passages that both call for us to love one another, describe what that love is, and how it is to be demonstrated to our brethren.
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