Author: Stan Cox

At the end of his epistle to the Colossians, Paul makes reference to several of his fellow workers. One of these, Epaphras, is described as as “a bondservant of Jesus Christ” who is “always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12).

In this verse there are several things that point to the need to respect the authority of Scripture:

First, Epaphras is described as a bondservant. The greek word here translated (doulos) is defined by Thayer, “a slave; metaphorically, one who gives himself up to another’s will.” Those who refuse to limit themselves to what is authorized in scripture can’t rightly be called bondservants.

Second, Epaphras’ prayer was for their perfection and completeness (both words that indicate an “all in” mentality) toward “all the will of God.” Again, those today who seek to minimize any aspect of God’s will miss the point of these words.

Don’t believe anyone who tells you that God is pleased when you do things your own way. God wants you to be His bondservant, fully invested in doing His will.

To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!

The United Church of Canada has been in the news of late, as the institution is trying to figure out what to do with one of its pastors. Gretta Vosper was ordained by that church in 1993. She has been, for a number of years, an avowed atheist! She has declared that it is time for the Christian church to give up on “the idolatry of a theistic god.” While some in the denomination wish for her to remain a pastor, others are not so sure. I wonder if anyone ever thought to consult the Bible to find out what God thinks?

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good” (Psalm 14:1).

Continue reading “Have You Ever Asked, “What Does God Think?”” →

As with Israel, God chose his Children. As such, there is no reason for vain pride.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

The apostle Paul commended the Thessalonians for their receptive attitude towards God’s word. He wrote in his first letter to them, “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (2:13).

The Thessalonians recognized the authority of the apostle, and that the words he delivered to them were inspired of God. As such, they respected and obeyed it.

There is a difference between the words of men and the words of God. It is a difference that is ignored by the large majority of religious people today. Put simply, if God said it, we must heed and obey! Respect for God requires that we regard all scripture as authoritative and binding!

To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!

This past week I came across an article that was being shared on Facebook. It was a nice, “feel good” article. The article was reporting on a recent visit to the metroplex by movie star Kevin Costner. It seems that he had rented a car and was traveling west, when he had a flat on his rental car near Weatherford. He was grateful that several complete strangers stopped to help him change the tire. He noted that such friendliness is rare, and not to be found in Los Angeles.

Problem is, the story was a hoax, as many such posts are on the internet. Some such false reports are very destructive, as lies are told, retold and spread, often to bolster a particular political position or point of view. Too often, Christians participate (often unintentionally) in spreading such lies.

Continue reading “Think Before You Share!” →

In Jeremiah 51, Jehovah proclaimed the ultimate destruction of the kingdom of Babylon. Though it was yet to happen, that judgment of God was sure. “‘Therefore behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘That I will bring judgment on her carved images,
And throughout all her land the wounded shall groan. Though Babylon were to mount up to heaven, and though she were to fortify the height of her strength, yet from Me plunderers would come to her,’ says the Lord” (vs 52-53).

It does not matter how powerful the nation may be, how large the army, how explosive the arsenal, God’s will is done. In every age and in every place, when men trust in their own might to stand against the righteous God of heaven, they are doomed to destruction. Paul said, “And He [God] has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings” (Acts 17:26).

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). God judged Babylon because she was an idolatrous and evil kingdom. “Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her. And they shall be weary” (Jeremiah 51:64). This is an important lesson that our own nation needs to hear and learn to avoid the same fate.

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The Psalmist, in Psalm 37:30-38, notes that ultimately God will save the righteous. Wait on the Lord.

Audio

The sermon is a discussion of the responses received to a Facebook video we created, called “The Christian Faith is Under Attack.” There were several comments critical of religion that were made in reponse to the video. The sermon explains the proper response to such objections to religion.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

The text of 1 Corinthians 13:13 is a famous one. However, Paul’s explanation of his intercessions for the Colossians (Colossians 1:3-7) gives interesting insight on how faith, hope and love work together for the Christian.

Audio

“So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually” (Hosea 12:6).

It is hard to be patient. This is especially so when you perceive injustice. While you are striving to be good and righteous, the ungodly prosper. The Psalmist knew this, and counseled:

Continue reading “Wait On Your God” →

Bible believers have long defended the text of Scripture against the attacks of skeptics. For a long while this defense, specifically regarding the text of the Old Testament, was made more difficult by relatively recent manuscript evidence that formed the basis of the Hebrew text.

Continue reading “Reading a Lump of Coal” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Galatians 4:4-7, Paul describes the change that comes once we are redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. We become heirs of God!

Audio

The national elections are less than two months away. While it is not my place as a preacher to tell anyone who to vote for, it is my place to defend the Christian faith against attack. In fact, all Christians have that same imperative!

Remember the words of Jude. He wrote to his brethren, “…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).

Continue reading “Video Transcript: The Christian Faith is Under Attack!” →