Author: Stan Cox

Baylor University, (a university associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas), is the largest Baptist University in the world. The university football team competes in the Big 12 conference, and finished last season with the 13th ranked team in the nation.

On Thursday, a scandal broke, when reporters uncovered institutional efforts to squelch the investigation of sexual assault claims made against players on the football team. Art Briles, the head coach of the football team, was allegedly aware of the cover-up, and was summarily dismissed from his position.

Continue reading “Baptists Fire Football Coach!” →

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).

Paul’s instructions to Timothy are applicable to us as well. Consider the following:

• “hold fast” – the phrase, when applied literally, references something one has in his hands. It carries the idea of clinging to or adhering to something. In this case, the pattern of sound words.
• “the pattern” – a sketch, outline or pattern. Heard from Paul. A exposition by Paul to Timothy of sound words.
• “sound words” – the word “sound” refers to being in good health. As Thayer notes, it is used metaphorically of words that contain no error (contaminants).
• “in faith and love” – faith in Jesus Christ brings fidelity to His teaching. Love is the motivation of those who practically apply that teaching in their relationships to God and others.

Simply put, those who believe in Christ are to take the pattern (scripture) and cling to it. They are to keep it, and apply it to their lives and relationships, refusing to allow any contaminates to change or alter it.

Perhaps this passage will be helpful the next time someone tells you that doctrine does not matter.

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“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).

In our conversations with others (both Christians, and those we seek to influence), Paul gives good instructions. First, our speech is to be infused with grace. This is Christ reflected in us. It is not so much that every conversation must be about religious things. Rather, our faith and righteousness must always be evident in what we say.

Second, it is to be seasoned with salt. This indicates that our conversations should be palatable, sprinkled with wisdom, spiritual insight, graciousness and kindness. When others talk with us, we want them to be attracted to the faith we promote, not be put off of it as one who rejects the blandness of unseasoned food.

Always remember, our purpose in interacting with others is to both save ourselves, and them! (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16)..

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, the apostle Paul refers to a better place which would follow his life on earth. His hope is the same hope enjoyed by all Christians!

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Men tend to handle the reality of their own sin in less than beneficial ways. Instead of hiding it, explaining it away or denying sin, we must confess that sin, and repent!

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Paul’s exhortations to the evangelist Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 & 5 serve both to explain aspects of the evangelist’s work, and to supply every Christian with applicable principles of truth.

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Language is a problematic thing for Christians. They find themselves, time and again, caught in sin because of their tongue. Truly James knew of what he wrote when he penned the following: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Gossip, slander, idle words, profanity, taking the Lord’s name in vain — all of these corrupt fruits of the tongue cause brethren to sin. It is important we remember that “no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). If we keep a tight rein on our tongues, we can control them. But, we can never assume that we are beyond the danger of sinning with our speech.

One problem area of speech is that of exclamations. It is a natural thing when one is surprised, excited, angry or hurt to exclaim. Exclamations are the words and short phrases that we blurt out without forethought. And that is the problem, we engage our mouths without engaging our minds.

Continue reading “The Problem with Euphemisms” →

“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

This verse reveals two very important things:

First, man’s wisdom does not lead to a knowledge of God. It is not surprising that our secular society denies and ridicules the belief that an almighty and merciful God exists.

Second, God determined to reveal Himself and His will for man. He did this through written scripture (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The truths revealed in that written word are the way God saves man. Paul wrote, “we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

Any who guide you in a way of man’s devising, lead you to destruction. The way to life is revealed solely by God Himself. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

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In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul wrote, “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

There are many ways we can “give place to the devil.” Mentioned in the text are lying, stealing, all types of evil speaking, bitterness, clamor and malice. In verse 26 the problem Paul addresses is anger.

We all get angry. But, we must control it when it comes, and rid ourselves of it as soon as possible. Otherwise, Satan will use it to cause us to sin. Do not give place to the Devil!

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 the apostle eloquently describes the hope of the Christian in the resurrection.

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In Exodus 4, God showed Moses that the rod in his hand could be used to prove to the people that He had chosen Moses to lead them out of Egyptian bondage.

We also have things in our hand, which if used well, can accomplish God’s purposes for us in our lives.

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In 1 John 3, the apostle describes the vital importance of love in the Christian’s relationship both to his God and his brethren.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul notes that temptations are common to all men. We must resist temptation, and if we do we have the assurance that God will help us.

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The good confession Paul refers to in 1 Timothy 6:6-11 is that Jesus is the King of the Jews, the Annointed, the Son of the living God. This is why it is so important to live for Him.

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When a man and woman say “I Do”, and agree to the marriage covenant, the vows they make to one another are also made to God. The obligations are serious, and to break the vows is treacherous.

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