Author: Stan Cox

In Jude’s epistle, he wrote of God’s interaction with Israel. “But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe” (5). He also noted the rebellion of some angels, “the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day” (6).

A “cause and effect” relationship is evident in these words. God’s pleasure and acceptance (the effect) are predicated upon the obedience of His created beings (the cause). Conversely, the rejection of His subjects (the effect) comes about because of their rebellion (the cause).

Put simply, our actions have consequences. Good actions (as defined by Him) result in good consequences. Disobedience brings ruin.

“But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die” (Ezekiel 18:21).

“But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die” (Ezekiel 18:24).

Something to think about…

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1 Kings 18 records a conversation between Ahab, the evil king of Israel, and the prophet Elijah. Elijah was a thorn in Ahab’s side. Elijah told Ahab that a drought would afflict the land beacuse of his sin, and it came to pass. The drought was God’s way of chastising Ahab and the nation for their sins. But, Ahab blamed Elijah for the drought, and sought his life.

Elijah ran for his life, and evaded the king for the three years of the drought. God then instructed Elijah to go to Ahab. When they met, Ahab said, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” (1 Kings 18:17). Elijah’s response is instructive, “And he answered, ‘I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals'” (vs. 18).

Too often religious people criticize those who stand for truth as being divisive. To contend for a standard, and fidelity to God’s commands brings charges of “judging”, “intolerance” and “sectarianism.” In fact, standing with truth is not the problem. The problem is, as Elijah so eloquently said, with forsaking “the commandments of the Lord.”

Fortunately, Elijah stood tall against the king. His victory over the prophets of Baal led the people of Israel to proclaim, “The Lord, He is God” The Lord, He is God!” (vs. 39).

In the same way, we must stand for truth in the face of those who would lead God’s people astray. Hear and heed the words of Jude, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

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Lesson 5 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.

Those who advocate salvation by Faith alone claim passages such as Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8 and Titus 3:5 speak of salvation, and baptism is not to be found. However, an examination of the contexts show clearly that Baptism is indeed implicit in these passages that deal with man’s redemption.

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Lesson 4 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.

An exegetical study of 2 Corinthians 4, emphasizing the importance of keeping our focus on spiritual, eternal matters – so that we do not become discouraged.

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Lesson 3 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.

The lesson is an exegesis of Romans 7 & 8, with applications. The child of God is no longer to practice sin. Our bodies are to be used for righteousness, not sin leading to death.

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Lesson 2 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.

God does not accept idleness in His people. Each of us has the ability and opportunity to do work for the Lord.

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Lesson 1 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.

Using the Old Testament to establish and illustrate God’s Holiness, the lesson makes an important application: As our God is Holy, we also must be holy in every aspect of our life as His children.

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In John 12, the apostle recorded Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before the Passover. This entry into the city set in motion the events which would lead to His death, recorded in chapter 19. While the population of the city was eventually guilty of His blood, having been goaded by the corrupt Jewish leaders, on this occasion they received Him as royalty. “The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” (12:12-13).

Continue reading ““But When Jesus Was Glorified”” →

When God created man, he made him to be a social being. Throughout history, men have typically gathered together in communities. In fact, the institution of marriage was established by God as He determined “It is not good that man should be alone.” So, God said, “I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:28).

Continue reading “The Importance of Assembling” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Psalm 38, the Psalmist describes his great sorrow in sinning against his God.

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Sermon by Brantley Gallman

As Christians we have reason to be happy!

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The name “Wonderful” is used in Isaiah 9:6 with reference to the promised Messiah. This term accurately describes Jesus Christ.

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