Author: Stan Cox

Lesson 8 of 8
Speaker: Caleb Westbrook

The parable examines the different hearts of men as they hear the gospel of Christ, by comparing them to different types of soil. Which type of soil are you?

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Lesson 7 of 8
Speaker: Kris Braddock

Five parables about the Kingdom of heaven are discussed, establishing truths about power, influence, value and judgment.

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Lesson 6 of 8
Speaker: Chip Foster

This parable teaches us that we must forgive in order to be forgiven, that forgiveness is to be offered without limitation, and that it must come from the heart.

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While in Troas during his second preaching tour, the apostle Paul had a vision in the night. In the vision, “A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). The text reveals that Paul was obedient to the vision, Luke recording him as having concluded “that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them” (10).

The journey took Paul and his companions to Philippi, where they were beaten with rods, and placed into prison (cf. 16:22-24). After traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they went to Thessalonica, where again they fell afoul of the enemies of the cross (17:5). This necessitated a departure under cover of darkness to Berea. Some from Thessalonica followed them, and stirred up the crowds against Paul yet again (17:13). Finally Paul traveled to Athens, where his message was met with mocking (17:32).

Continue reading ““Come over … and help us”” →

Setting aside the different views regarding economic policy, and questions regarding the proper response to terrorism, immigration and climate change — it is obvious to those who hold Christian values that our nation has lost its way. The wise man wrote, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Politically, for a while now our nation has adopted a two party system for governance. And, for a while now, both parties have advocated policies and practices that are characterized by greed, immorality and inhumanity. This is seen in party platforms, and more egregiously in the personal lives, practices and positions of our national leaders. Even those who give lip service to Christian values are quick to compromise those values when it suits them.

Continue reading “Our Nation is a Mess!” →

Lesson 5 of 8
Speaker: Nathan Quinn

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is actually a parable about two brothers, with two important lessons:

1) Return to God
2) Rejoice at the salvation of a lost soul

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“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

This passage is among the most abused in the entire Bible. It does not give authority for women preachers or elders, nor does it give any comfort to those who claim homosexuality is given God’s tacit approval by the words. Such views do great violence not only to the immediate context, but also the greater context of the Bible as a whole.

What the passage does is validate the worth of every soul. The Jew can not justly claim the Gentile is denied “repentance unto life” (cf. Acts 11:18). Men can’t deny that the souls of women are as precious and valuable to the Lord as their own. Slaves can’t be considered mere chattel, less than human. All men and women, no matter their social standing, culture or race are precious in the sight of God. They are given the opportunity by the Almighty to appeal to His mercy and grace for their redemption.

God is no respecter of persons. The apostle Paul affirms that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). As such, He sent His Son, “who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). There are no second class citizens in the kingdom of God. Every creature can come to Him, and “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the ineritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24).

Have you considered that every aspect of your existence here on earth is to be controlled by the Lord? That in every relationship you have – familial, fraternal, civic or business – your words and actions are to accord with the will of Jesus Christ.

The words, “for you serve the Lord Christ” require of you honesty, industry, mercy and love. Respect for authority comes directly from a respect for Christ’s authority. A flouting of any authority, be it the President, a police officer, or your employer, constitutes a flouting of the authority of your Lord.

Remember, whatever you do is to be done, not as to men, but rather “as to the Lord.” You belong to Him!

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In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

It is interesting that Peter refers to the second coming of Christ as a promise, since when He comes again it will be “the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (vs. 7). Many would consider it more a threat than a promise.

But, for the child of God, that day holds great hope. If we have “come to repentance”, that day will be a day of glory! According to His promise, Christians “look for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (vs. 13).

“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

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Lesson 4 of 8
Speaker: Amos Long

As the rich fool, too many today are seeking riches for themselves, and lacking in their commitment to God.

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Lesson 3 of 8
Speaker: Brantley Gallman

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers teaches the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, and the end of those who would seek to deny that authority.

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Lesson 2 of 8
Speaker: Josh Cox

The Parable of the talents expresses the importance of bearing fruit, and continued growth as servants of the Lord.

Applications are made regarding the responsibilities we have as members of a local congregation.

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Lesson 1 of 8.
Speaker: Stan Cox

The series begins with a discussion of the parable as a form of teaching commonly used by Jesus in His ministry. The lesson serves to introduce the week’s series.

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Peter wrote, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). He was referring to the necessity of bearing up under persecution. We are no better than our Lord. He suffered despite the fact that He was without sin (cf. vs. 22-23). So, Peter wrote, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (vs. 20).

In the text we see a reason for Jesus’ willingness to suffer for us. “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully” (vs. 19). Certainly this was the case with Jesus. He did not deserve the indignities he suffered while among men. However, He willingly endured them because of His Father’s will for Him. It was God’s plan to send Jesus to earth to die for our iniquities. Jesus could not, in good conscience, refuse to submit to His father’s will. Instead, He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). We are to emulate Him.

Continue reading “The Suffering of Jesus – Our Example” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Corinthians 10:1-5,11, the apostle Paul refers to the Israelites as an admonition to us, for God was “not well pleased” with them. From this, Paul makes three applications in verses 12-14. 1) Pride is a problem; 2) God is faithful; 3) Flee idolatry.

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