Tri-Annual Singing!
October 17, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Author: Stan Cox
Minister, West Side church of Christ since August of 1989 ........ Editor of Watchman Magazine (1999-2018 Archives available online @ http://watchmanmag.com) ........ Writer, The Patternists: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatternists
Sermon: The Reforms of Nehemiah
The three reforms that Nehemiah enacted, as recorded in Nehemiah 13, serve to instruct when applications are made for us today.
Sermon: What Do You Seek? (1:35-42)
Lesson 1 in series (John 1:35-42)
Jesus’ conversation with Andrew, and an unnamed disciple (John?) raises important spiritual considerations. 1) What Do You Seek? 2) Come and See!
Partners
The word “partner” is used to describe a special kind of relationship. You may refer to your spouse as a partner, or a friend, or a business associate.
The word “partner” is defined by Webster: “one associated with another especially in an action.”
The idea of action in a partnership indicates that those so associated are pulling in the same direction, striving for the same goal, helping one another to be successful. As such, the word has an obvious application to spiritual matters.
The apostle Paul wrote to a good friend, Philemon, about his desire that Philemon would forgive and receive another (the slave Onesimus). Paul wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me” (Philemon 17).
Paul’s “action” was the proclamation of truth in order to save souls. Onesimus had benefited from that work, and would be put to use by Paul, if allowed. Philemon could associate with him in that work of preaching by accommodating Paul’s request.
Being a partner in the quest to save souls is referred to in scripture as “fellowship.” It is a familial partnership. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).
If we are seeking righteousness, we are partners with Christ. If we are partners with Christ, we have access to the greatest of blessings! Something to think about!
Click below to…
New Sunday Service Schedule
Starting September 1, 2019, the West Side congregation has changed our times of services for Sunday mornings. The new Schedule is as follows:
9:00 – 9:50 AM
First Worship Period
10:00 – 10:45 AM
Bible Classes for All Ages
11:00 AM – NOON
Second Worship Period
This change is intended to benefit those in our congregation who live far away from the building or have special needs. Please note the change!
Sermon: Are You Still Fighting Sin?
Paul’s letter to Corinth reveals several truths about our struggles with sin. The devil will never stop probing, and his devices are many. However, there are things we can do to fight him, and faithfulness is possible!
Is It Possible?
When the question is asked, “Can the Bible be God’s inspired word?”, the simple answer is, “Yes!” As has been previously noted, the concept of inspiration presupposes the existence of God. While it is not the purview of this study to argue God’s existence, we agree with Paul’s contention, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20). As the Psalmist testified, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The contention of scripture and those who believe it is that the very existence of the universe demands the hand of a divine Designer. If an omnipotent and omniscient God exists, then nothing could preclude Him sharing His will with man through any means He chooses. This truth is axiomatic.
The Patternists: Measuring Themselves by Themselves
In 2 Corinthians 10 Paul addressed the sentiments of his opponents. It appears that some had said unkind things about the great apostle, and it is probable that some in Corinth had a negative view of the great man of God.
Paul’s appeal to be heard by them was centered in the authority he derived from Christ. He belonged to the Lord (vs. 7); the authority he exercised in edifying them came from the Lord (vs. 8); and as such he promised to come to them with weight and power in his words of admonition (vs. 9-11).
Continue reading “The Patternists: Measuring Themselves by Themselves”
The Veil is Taken Away
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14).
The image of the veil accurately expresses the significance of passing from the Old Law to the New. Moses, in giving the law to Israel, paved the way for the redemption of mankind. The Old Testament contains so many things —types, prophecies, law — that God used to prepare mankind for His plan to bring salvation through His Son.
But, that Old Law of Moses was preparatory. It was a harbinger of what was to come. And so, when one looks exclusively at the Old Law, he gets neither the entire picture, nor the full benefits of God’s redemptive plan.
Paul wrote, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16). When the gospel is preached to man, some believe it and place their trust in Jesus Christ. In Him is that which allows believers to “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).
The blessing we receive by this unveiling? “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Praise be to God for His great blessings toward us.
Click below to…
Sermon: For Conscience’ Sake
Paul expresses the type of attitude we should have toward Jews, Gentiles and God’s people, always expressing and showing concern for how our actions may impact our reputation, and the spiritual welfare of others.
Sermon: A Hard Heart
Hebrews 3 uses the Israelites in the wilderness as an object lesson about hardening our hearts against God. How does it happen, and can it happen to us? These are important questions to answer.
The Wise and the Foolish
Listening to the radio last week, the sports commentator was discussing a coach’s evaluation of one of his rookie players. He noted that the young man was very smart and teachable. He mentioned that this player seldom made the same mistake twice, and he never had to correct him more than once. Because of this aspect of his character, the coach was confident that the player would have a successful career as a professional.
The conversation brought to my mind the words of Proverbs 17:10, “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.” With each of us there is the potential for mistakes. These may come from ignorance, or perhaps because we have been taught wrongly in the past. What distinguishes the wise man from the fool is whether correction is accepted.
As the Deer
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).
What a beautiful sentiment expressed here by the Psalmist. A famished deer, longing for the water that gives relief and refreshment — is used to express the desire the man of God has for His maker.
Did you know that in the midst of a secular world, where evolutionary theory and humanistic influences are used to attack faith in the Almighty, fully 89% of Americans still believe in God. Only 11% deny His existence, and only 9% total express their denial in sure terms (2014 Pew Research Study).
It is hard to destroy faith in God’s existence, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Unfortunately, it is much easier to undermine the effects of that belief.
The Psalmist wrote, “When shall I come and appear before God?” He desired to return to the sanctuary to worship the Creator. His faith was strong, and His desire for the Almighty stirred His spirit. Think of that next time you are deciding whether you wish to come to the sanctuary yourself. Do you long to come and worship your God?
Click below to…
The Bible
“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).
The Bible is a familiar book to many. It is actually a library of 66 different books, 39 of them in what has been designated the Old Testament, 27 of them in the New Testament. There are books of history, law, poetry and prophecy, as well as gospels (volumes of “good news”) about Jesus Christ, and letters, both private, and public in nature. The Old Testament is a foundational text of the religion of Judaism. The entirety of the Bible is respected by those who call themselves Christians.
Sermon: The Judgment of Stewardship
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 give us some interesting and important insight into the importance of stewardship, and the reality that judgment comes from God, not man.
Sermon: The Establishment of False Religion
Judges chapters 17 and 18 record a man of Ephraim called Micah, who established his own religion by fashioning and idol, and hiring a Levite to be his priest. The record of Micah supplies some surprising parallels to the establishment of false religion in every age, including our own.
