Author: Stan Cox

Mark records the preaching of Jesus in His home town of Nazareth in Mark 6. When the Sabbath day came, Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth to teach. So, His audience was made up of individuals who knew Him and His family. They knew him as “the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon” (vs. 3).

The text indicates they were astonished at Jesus’ teaching. However, such astonishment was not a good thing. They were incredulous. They could not believe that this man before them could legitimately be speaking with the authority of God. They exclaimed, “Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!” (vs. 2).

Continue reading “The Preacher’s Authority” →

I am writing this short article while Debbie is driving on the highway between Diboll and Fort Worth. On Texas highways it is common for the speed limit to be 70-75 miles an hour. If you were to be driving in a residential area at that speed, it would be considered very reckless. If you were driving your car at 75 miles per hour, and had to weave in and around other cars going only 35-40 miles an hour, your perception of your own speed would probably scare you.

However, when everyone is going 75 or 80 miles an hour, (especially if you have been going that speed for quite a while), the perception is very different. It just doesn’t seem that fast! As a result, you have people who drive in an unsafe manner, despite the speed. They may tailgate, give insufficient space between cars when changing lanes, fail to use turn signals, etc. At 75 miles per hour!

Continue reading “The danger of false perceptions” →

The Psalmist provided some interesting insight into the motivation of wicked men in Palm 36:1-2:

“An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes, when he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.”

The wicked man does not fear God. It may be that he is in denial concerning the existence of God. It may be that as judgment will come in the final day, he erroneously thinks he is getting away with his wickedness. It may be he has a false impression concerning his own abilities, or holds to the false perception that God is impotent. Whatever the reason, the fear of God in no way constrains him.

The wicked man flatters himself. He thinks more highly of himself than he ought. It may be that others flatter him as well, building him up to a degree that he begins to believe his “press.”

But, the wicked man is a fool! The wise man of Proverbs wrote, “For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the just” (Proverbs 3:32-33).

Don’t be foolishly prideful, and rail against God. Instead, heed His will, and received the blessings that come upon the home of the just.

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Corinthians 9:3-16, the apostle notes that the preacher is worthy of support. But, Paul’s motivation was not money. As he wrote, “woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (16).

Audio

The lesson identifies four danger signs that signify the possibility one may fall from grace:

* Isolating onself from God’s people
* Listening to bad counsel
* Being corrupted by ungodly companions
* A faltering prayer life

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

This question is commonly asked, and is answered scripturally in this sermon by referencing the work of the evangelist, the deacon, and the required service (ministry) of every Christian.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

In Exodus 14, God’s people were fleeing the wrathful Egyptians, and were hemmed in by the Red Sea. They cried out in fear, saying, “…it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness” (vs. 12).

Moses responded to their cries, saying, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (vs. 13-14).

God indeed did deliver Israel from her enemies. He parted the waters, and after the Israelites had crossed the sea safely, God utterly destroyed the army of Pharaoh. “Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained” (vs. 28).

Continue reading ““Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord”” →

Sermon 9 of 9 by Carl Allen.

Brother Allen examines numerous scriptures that affirm that Jesus Christ, while on earth, was God incarnate.

Audio

Lesson 8 of 9 by Carl Allen.

In this lesson, brother Allen discusses the lust of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, as he exhorts us to develop and mature the inward man of 2 Corinthians 4:16.

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Sermon 7 of 9 by Carl Allen.

The lesson deals with 1 Corinthians 11 and 14, as well as 1 Timothy 2, as brother Allen discusses the regulations regarding a woman’s role in the church.

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Sermon 6 of 9 by Carl Allen.

This study demonstrates from the New Testament scriptures that the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 comes through Jesus Christ. All who believe in Him, both Jew and Gentile, are a part of that fulfilled promise.

Audio

Have you heard the latest controversy here in America? This year, Starbucks eschewed the traditional Christmas themed red cups they serve, revealing instead a plain “ombre red” cup on November 1. Starbucks’ vice president of design and content Jeffrey Fields said that the cups, “usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.”

Continue reading “In the News: Red Cups & the Holidays” →

This past week we had a wonderful opportunity to hear God’s word preached each evening. Those who took advantage of these opportunities were encouraged and edified. They also became tired!

The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes wrote, “The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh” (12:11-12).

We were admonished and edified, both by the preaching, and by the songs and prayers that were offered up to God. Concerning the purpose of singing, Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

So, we are thankful for opportunities like these, to grow and to encourage each other.

Acts 12 records a despotic King, Herod, determining to “harass some from the church.” He executed James, the brother of John, and we are told his actions “pleased the Jews.” Their approval spurred him on, and he siezed Peter as well, and put him in prison. (vv. 1-3).

Two lessons can be learned from this:

1) Though we are fortunate not to be the subjects of governmental persecution, that can change. Christians will always be the subject to the ungodly impulses of evil men. It is for this reason we are called to be virtuous in standing when our faith is tested.

2) Ultimately, God wins! So, it is in our best interest to serve Him. Not all who are evil will get their punishment in this life (though Herod did, as God struck him worms, and he died, vs. 23). But, rest assured that the ungodly will be punished, and those who believe will receive the reward of heaven.

As Paul wrote, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

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Internet memes are often a product of shallow thinking, which can be seen in their vapid glibness. Even if a kernel of truth can be gleaned, generally a matter is too complex to be resolved in a single sentence. (Perhaps that is why U.S. politics are so fouled up, with candidates vying for a single “moment” to connect with the electorate. Issues are irrelevant, only surface appearance and glibness matters).

I did come across one meme today, however, that deserves some scrutiny. It said:

“But, I think…

“It doesn’t matter what you think! If it doesn’t match up with the Bible, you are wrong!

“…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4).”

The sentiment is entirely valid, as it seeks to get across the point that God’s word is truth. If a man’s opinions do not jibe with God’s revelation, the man is wrong.

And, this is often the case. Typically, worldly views contradict God’s word. Even those who call themselves Christians often ally themselves with the opinions of man rather than God’s revelation.

However, in one sense it does matter what you think! In fact, the eternal state of your soul depends upon you aligning your views with those of God.

Romans 3 indicates that a man’s belief or unbelief in God and His word is irrelevant to whether it is true. It is, however, relevant to our standing with Him.

“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” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

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