Author: Stan Cox
The Patternists: Followers of Us
In Paul’s introductory comments to the congregation in Thessalonica, he was extremely complimentary of their faith. He wrote of his thankfulness as he remembered, “without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
He also expressed how that faith and obedience was instilled in them. He wrote of them having received the “word”, and in so doing they became “followers of us and of the Lord” (1:6).
Sermon: Three Crosses
A discussion of the Crucifixion narrative in Luke 23. There are three crosses worthy of discussion: A Cross of Rebellion, A Cross of Repentance, and A Cross of Redemption.
Sermon: “Be Hospitable”
A discussion of the Christians responsibility to be hospitable. This command of God is defined, and the practice is examined by an appeal to the scriptures.
Sermon: God Be Merciful to Us and Bless Us
Psalm 67 is a song of praise to God for His blessings, mercy, sovereignty and fairness. All nations should praise Him, and when we do, He bestows His blessings upon us.
Sermon: The Elementary Principles of Christ
This lesson is a discussion of the elementary doctrines the Hebrew writer lists in Hebrews 6:1-3, with an admonition to progress in our spiritual maturity. Those who do not progress, tend to regress, and are in danger of apostasy.
Sermon: The Coming of the Lord
The apostle Paul sought to comfort the Thessalonians by explaining what would happen to the righteous dead when the Lord comes again. His words show first, the comfort that comes with our hope; and second, the need to be steadfast in our walk as Christians, that we might be prepared for that day. (1 Thessalonians 4 & 5).
Sermon: Establish and Encourage
The actions of Christians throughout the world, who show themselves examples of purity, faithfulness and zeal, serve to encourage and establish their brethren.
Sermon: Why Do We Praise God?
We praise God because He the Sovereign Creator of all things. And, he deigns to show his mercy and love for us His creation. In short, we praise Him because He is worthy of our adoration!
Sermon: 9 Tools to Handle Challenges
It helps to have a spiritual “toolbox” with all of the tools needed to effectively handle the challenges of life. Fortunately, God has supplied us with those tools.
The Patternists: The Chastisement of the Lord
Hosea prophesied during a very dark period in Israel’s history. To show to Hosea and the people how far they had fallen from Him, He had the prophet take a harlot as a wife. The reason? “For the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the Lord” (Hosea 1:2).
Hosea married the harlot Gomer, and she conceived and bore him children. The name of each child was given by God, as a means of emphasizing the broken relationship between God and His people. Hosea’s first son was named Jezreel, “for in a little while I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel” (1:4). His first daughter was named Lo-Ruhamah, “for I will no longer have mercy on Israel, but I will utterly take them away” (1:6). Hosea’s second son was named Lo-Ammi, “for you are not My people, and I will not be your God” (1:9).
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Do Not Worry
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will drink; nor about your body, what will you put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25).
The world looks at money as the means of escaping the cares of the world. The rich can better handle the difficulties of life, or so it is believed.
In reality, the rich have their own baggage. Anecdotally, you read and hear of the unhappiness and discontent of the rich, powerful and famous every day.
It is not money that brings happiness. Rather, it is a trust in God. When our focus is on serving God, and the hope He has given us, our perspective changes. And, perspective is the key.
The Christian says, “I know that God will take care of me. He is sufficiently powerful and He loves me. I may not be rich, but if I serve Him I will have what I need.” He goes through his life laying up treasures in heaven. That is the focus of his heart (cf. Matthew 6:19-21).
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these (needful things) will be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34).
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Sermon: Raising the Widow’s Son
A discussion of Jesus’ miracle in Luke 7:11-17, where he raised from the dead the son of the widow of Nain. Lessons about compassion, and the Lordship of Jesus are applied.
Sermon: Congregational Autonomy
A discussion and defining of the scriptural concept of congregational autonomy, coupled with an examination of historical abuses.
Sermon: Lessons from Peter
Speaker: Brantley Gallman
Lessons learned from the life of the apostle Peter, with applications to our own lives.
