Author: Stan Cox

In Hebrews 6:9-12, the writer calls us to fervency. We must be fervent in spirit, love and prayer, among other things. We need to be on fire for the Lord!

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The American Standard version uses an interesting and appropriate word to translate the Greek term kenodoxos in Galatians 5:26. It is a term that is rarely used in our day, vainglorious.

“Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.”

The King James translation is similar though it translates the word with a phrase “desirous of vain glory.” More modern translations such as the ESV, NKJV and NIV use the term “conceited.” While the word conceited is certainly an accurate translation, it is not nearly as evocative as the more antiquated vainglorious.

Continue reading “Vainglorious” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Psalm 61:1-4 reveals in poetic terms the protection afforded us by the Almighty.

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“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight” (Proverbs 11:1).

Dishonesty and theft are unacceptable to Jehovah. In the same context, the wise man wrote, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (11:3). It is telling that honesty in a person is indicative of personal integrity, and that dishonesty indicates perversity and unfaithfulness.

The characteristics of honesty and integrity would go a long way to fixing the moral problems of our day. While all will claim that personal integrity is very important, our culture is rife with liars, thieves and politicians (sorry, couldn’t resist).

God demands honesty from His children. Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12).

Little is known about the man Epaphras. He was a Christian in Colosse describe by Paul as “a faithful minister of Christ” (Colossians 1:7). He also is mentioned in chapter 4, and Philemon 23. Colossians 4:12-13 states:

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis” (4:12-13).

The terms “servant”, “minister”, “bondservant”, and “fellow prisoner” are used to describe the man. Also, words such as “dear”, “faithful”, “laboring”, “fervently”, and “great zeal” indicate his desire to serve the Lord.

Finally, the phrases “on your behalf” and “for you”, “one of you”, indicate that his labors in the Lord were personally beneficial to his brethren.

One of the most important benefits of serving Jesus is the blessings such labor brings to our brethren and others. May we all be so giving, humble, and concerned about the welfare of all men. This is a true indication of a diligent servant of Jesus Christ.

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This past week I was handed a small card being used by a local Baptist church in door knocking. The title above was used.

The card points out “The Bible says:”, and makes four legitimate points, citing the relevant scripture

1. “You must understand you are a sinner” (Rom. 3:23).
2. “You must understand there is a penalty for sin” (Rom. 6:23).
3. “We must believe that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the death to give you eternal life” (John 3:16).
4. “You can have eternal life and go to Heaven when you die” (Rom. 6:23, 10:13).

Continue reading “The Patternists: Are you 100% sure you will go to heaven when you die?” →

In 1631, an edition of the KJV was published with an error in Exodus 20:14, reading, “Thou shalt commit adultery.” This edition is known as the “Wicked Bible.” In our time, the “Wicked Bible” has returned as men disregard what the Bible actually says.

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The lesson first identifies properly what “pleasant words” are, and then shows the beneficial nature of such speech in the lives of God’s children.

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Invitation delivered by: Brantley Gallman

What do the scriptures reveal concerning who you should trust with regard to spiritual matters. (God, our brethren, ourselves).

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Speaker: Bob Ward.

Bob discusses the Bible imperative to unity. It’s importance, and how it can be obtained.

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Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

In Matthew 10:16-26 Jesus taught his disciples of impending persecution. However, he admonished them to remain faithful to God, rather than fear the reprisals of men. A lesson we should learn as well.

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Paul warned his protege Timothy of perilous times and evil men in 2 Timothy 3. The characteristics of these men are listed in verses 2-4, but the frightening aspect of that description is the conclusion in verse 5, “having a form of godliness…”

The religious rebel seldom is overt in his ungodliness, which is precisely why so many tend to tolerate and even support him. In verses 8 and 9 of the text, Paul states that such men, “resist the truth”, and are “disapproved concerning the faith.”

Both terms, truth and faith, here refer to God’s revelation to man. There are many religious people who profess godliness, but resist the pattern established by God. Paul assures, “they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all” (9).

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Though there is a present trend toward more “casual” weddings, it has long been the practice of the betrothed to dress up on their special day. A groom may not have ever seen a cummerbund before, but on his wedding day he straps one on, asking friends and family if the pleats go up or down.

The bride typically wears white, a long dress with lots of lace, and a long flowing train. The veil, hair and jewelry combine to make for a special and beautiful bride, and a wonderful celebration.

These things are not unique to the west or to the present. Consider the special nature of such an occasion, and the wonderful metaphor it supplies for the salvation of mankind. Isaiah wrote:

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a brid adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

What a glorious picture of the sublime salvation we enjoy as God’s children!

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God’s conversation with Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3, reveals important lessons about God’s presence, and the importance of a sanctified life in response to His redemptive plan.

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There is a lot of speculation and misinformation concerning the resurrection.
The lesson establishes seven facts about the resurrection from scriptures such as John 5 & 1 Corinthians 15.

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