Author: Stan Cox

Even godly men like John the Baptist, Paul, and even the Lord Himself had bad reputations in the eyes of the world. Christians will too. The crucial thing is to be blameles in God’s sight!

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Acts 8:9-35 contains the narrative describing the conversion of Simon the Sorceror. This conversion followed the pattern established with all conversions in the New Testament. However, the unique circumstances of his conversion teach us some other important lessons.

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The wise man of Ecclesiastes had it right in despairing of a contemplated life without God’s presence. “‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher; ‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity’” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Life only has meaning if God is in the picture. Otherwise, it is without any lasting value or purpose. Men everywhere live out their short existence on earth without hope beyond the grave. Such an existence is truly vain. “One generation passes away, and another generation comes; but the earth abides forever” (1:4).

Many of the problems we have with sorrow and despair come from this flawed perspective on life. Above all other things, we must recognize our purpose on earth is to serve God. If we do, we can with that realization have a happy and productive life, and after, a sure hope of eternal bliss. As the wise man concluded in his contemplation of life, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).

Continue reading “The Path to Joy” →

We live in a promiscuous society. According to a 2008 survey reported by the Guttmacher Institute, 90% of single women between the ages of 20 and 44 are sexually experienced. 70% identified themselves as currently sexually active. Among teenagers for the past 15 years, the percentage of teenagers (15-19) who have had sex has remained fairly constant (44% of girls, 49% of boys, Resource Center for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention).

It should not be surprising that some churches are changing their teaching regarding premarital sex. One example of this is a recently published book by Bromleigh McCleneghan, a married mother of three, and “associate pastor for ministry with families” at the Union Church of Hinsdale in Illinois. The title of her book is, “Good Christian Sex”, with the subtitle, “Why Chastity Isn’t the Only Option—And Other Things the Bible Says About Sex.”

Continue reading “The Bible View of Sexuality” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Paul, in Romans 15:2 admonishes each of us to please our neighbor. However, the context indicates that pleasure to be by way of edification, exhortation and even needed admonition.

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In Acts 10 we have the record of Peter’s sermon in Cornelius’ house. In verse 38 Peter related how, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

A major point of Peter’s statement was the power given to Jesus. This power to perform such miracles identifies Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

However, you might also note that He went about doing good. Jesus is not only our Master, He is a righteous Master! In this, He serves as our example. We are to do good, because we are to strive to be like Him! “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master…” (Matthew 10:24-25).

Jesus went about doing good! Are you?

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The incarnate Creator of the universe has spoken to you, are you listening?

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

• He said that divorce was sinful, are you listening? (cf. Matthew 19:9).
• He said that evil thoughts, sex outside of marriage, theft and lying are all sinful too, are you listening? (cf. Matthew 15:19).
• He said to be a good influence, are you listening? (cf. Matthew 5:16).
• He said to love your enemies, are you listening? (cf. Matthew 5:44).

He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), are you listening?

He said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48).

Are you listening?!

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The repentance of the Magicians in Ephesus teach us that true repentance is open, thorough and conclusive.

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Jesus intended for his listeners to be discerning and disciplined in their hearing. The lesson emphasizes how essential it is for us to be good listeners.

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Relationships are hard. Lots of women are looking for love. Hopefully, Christian women are searching for a man who is worthy of a possible lifetime commitment.

While some care about whether a man is athletic, good looking, funny or educated, hopefully a Christian woman is more interested in finding a man who will represent, (as closely as possible), the ideal for a potential future husband and father.

Continue reading “Video Transcript: 6 Traits of a “Dateworthy” Man” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 Paul equates an embracing of religious error with seduction and infidelity to God. We are to be chaste. That means not only morally, but doctrinally.

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In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

The “message of the cross.” What is that message? It is the unique message of redemption for mankind. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Victory in death is a message the world certainly does not understand. It is a “stumbling block” and “foolishness” to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Regardless, it is true! “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).

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In Hebrews 11:4 the writer notes, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.”

A simple question, answered in the text: Why did God accept Abel’s sacrifice, but did not respect the one offered by Cain? There is no inherent significance in the fact that Abel’s sacrifice was an animal sacrifice, where Cain’s was a vegetable sacrifice, as both types have pleased God (cf. Leviticus 22:7; 23:10-11). The simple answer? Abel’s sacrifice was offered “by faith.” This means that Abel’s sacrifice followed the instructions given by God, where Cain’s did not.

God does not arbitrarily decide which sacrifices He will “respect” (Genesis 4:3-5). “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Service of any type can be successfully offered to God only if it is service that He has authorized.

The next time someone tells you that “I know God is pleased with my service/worship/sacrifice”, consider Abel. And then ask him for the scripture that proves his service/worship/sacrifice is authorized by God.

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The apostle Paul asserts the greatness of God’s Scheme of Redemption, accomplished in Jesus Christ. However, some who have embraced Him as Lord, inexplicably turn away. This apostasy is a most terrible thing.

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