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

Entrusted with the Gospel

Open Bible

“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

What a blessed privilege enjoyed by Paul and the rest of the apostles! These men were not famous or important people. They were tax collectors and fishermen. When the gospel was first sounded forth from Jerusalem, the Jews who heard the apostles speaking in tongues were shocked! “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?…. Whatever could this mean?” (Acts 2:7,12).

What it meant was that these men were chosen by God to bring the “power of God to salvation” – the gospel – to the world. Paul, as one born out of due time, joined that group of men with this important task. He took it seriously. He determined to please God, not men. He determined to rest in the power of the gospel, rather than seeking approval by flattering words (2:5). He determined to never seek glory, though it would have easy for him to abuse his position of authority (2:6). In short, he accepted the gravity and weight of his appointment, and acted in keeping with that responsibility. “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (2:8).

It is our work to continue that proclamation of the gospel of Christ. Are we exhibiting that same integrity, determination and zeal present among the apostles? If not, why not?

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Sermon: The Old and New Covenants

Speaker: Josh Cox

Josh explains the differences between the covenants, and the purpose the Old Law serves for us today.

Audio

Sermon: Working Hard Spiritually

Speaker: Tommy Davis

Just as it is hard work to get in shape physically, it takes great effort to grow and mature spiritually as well.

Sermon: The Older Son

The Older Son

Most lessons from Luke 15 deal primarily with the Prodigal son in the parable. However, this lesson discusses the failings of the older son who remained with his father.

Sermon: Dealing with Sin

Dealing with Sin

Men deal with the sin in their lives in varied ways. Some deny it, some indulge it, some excuse it, some hide it, and the righteous confess and repent of it. What do you do?

Sermon: Lies

Speaker: Justin Carrell

Justin seeks to define and explain lying, and discuss why the sin is unacceptable to God.

Sermon: Growing Spiritually

Growing Spiritually

Paralleling spiritual and physical growth, the text of 1 Peter 2 is used to explain the means of obtaining the spiritual growth we seek.

Sermon: A Christian’s Place in the World

A discussion of various passages that describe the relationship that a Christian has to the physical world. The word “world” is used numerous times, and the context indicates the proper definition. A Christian is in the world, but is not to be OF the world.

Sermon: A Plan is Needed!

A Plan Is Needed (from 2013) for pulpit

A plan is needed for the salvation of men. The lesson discusses why men are in need of salvation.

Sermon: Love One Another

Romans 13:8-ff is used to discuss our obligations to love one another.

Sermon: Racism

The text of James 2 is used to discuss the sin of Racism.

Sermon: 8 Secrets to Success

8 Secrets to Success

A discussion of the Beatitudes, from Matthew 5:1-10.

Statement of Congregational Action (December 23, 2018)

The men of the West Side congregation have determined that, in order to protect the good reputation of the congregation, it is necessary to make public the events of December 19, 2018.  If you wish to read the statement, click on the “continue reading” link below.

Continue reading “Statement of Congregational Action (December 23, 2018)”

Sermon: “Here Am I Send Me”

Speaker: Josh Cox

The importance of taking our place in service to the Lord.

Sermon: The Mystery of Christ

An exegesis of Ephesians 3.