Author: Stan Cox

Sermon 5 of 9 by Carl Allen.

In this lesson, brother Allen demonstrates that the law of Moses is no longer authoritative, and that instead, we are called to obey the law of Christ (cf. Galatians 6:2).

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Sermon 4 of 9 by Carl Allen.

This lesson examines what the Bible teaches about Christian worship, establishing three truths intimiated in John 4:24:

1. God is the sole object of worship.
2. Worship must be according to truth.
3. Our attitude or spirit must be acceptable.

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Sermon 3 of 9 by Carl Allen.

Carl examines the scriptures that deal with baptism in water for the remission of sins to establish that you come into contact with the saving blood of Christ when you are baptized in His name.

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Sermon 2 of 9 by Carl Allen.

Nathan prophesied 1,000 years before the event (2 Samuel 7:12-13), the establishment of the church of God. Denominations are not the Lord’s churches. His church was established centuries before on Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.

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I recently came across the following quote, attributed to Abraham Lincoln:

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

Truer words could not be said. God’s way is the way of righteousness. It is fair and good. Israel questioned that in Ezekiel’s day, and God answered, “Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:29-30).

As God’s way is fair and right, those who walk in it will as a consequence be rewarded with an eternity in heaven. The apostle Paul wrote, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).

God’s way is the right way, so it is obvious that it should be our way as well. If we submit our will to His, and are obedient servants, He promises us the victory found through His Son.

Sermon 1 of 9 by Carl Allen.

The eternal purpose of God was fulfilled in Jesus Christ when He came to earth, and shed his atoning blood for all mankind. This atonement is available to all, and is accomplished by those who respond in faith to the gospel of our Lord.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Gospel meetings are important, and give opportunity to preach to brethren, and the lost. Of greater importance is all disciples equipping themselves for the work of evangelism on a personal level.

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The Bible refers to doorkeepers and gatekeepers (cf. Psalm 84:10; 1 Chronicles 9:17-27). This was a position of trust and importance, manned by humble and devoted servants. There are many good applications that can be made in the church.

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As Christians, our influence upon others matters greatly. If we have a positive influence, it may lead to the saving of our souls.

Additionally, negative influences may endanger us, it we allow them. We should always assess both our influence on others, and those who may influence us!

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The context affirms our reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. It is through His shed blood that we obtain redemption, and as stated in verse 11, an inheritance.

The text also indicates that we obtain that inheritance as those who are “predestined according to the purpose of Him…” This refers to God, and it was His plan before the creation of man to redeem (our “adoption as sons”, cf. verse 5) through Jesus Christ.

In other words, God chose before the foundation of the world those who would go to heaven. His choice was that those who believe would be redeemed (cf. Mark 16:16). Predestination here refers to the group God chose to save. It is your choice whether you wish to be a part of that group.

For those who are predestined, those who are a part of that group, salvation is surely promised by our God.

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?
The goodness of God endures continually.

Your tongue devises destruction,
Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

You love evil more than good,
Lying rather than speaking righteousness.

You love all devouring words,
You deceitful tongue.

God shall likewise destroy you forever;
He shall take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place,
And uproot you from the land of the living.

The righteous also shall see and fear,
And shall laugh at him, saying,

“Here is the man who did not make God his strength,
But trusted in the abundance of his riches,
And strengthened himself in his wickedness.”

(Psalm 52:1-7)

Here on earth the wicked may prosper, but as the Psalmist knew, ultimately God will settle all accounts. It is a righteous thing with Him to take “vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Instead, as the Psalmist we must make God our strength, and serve Him with all our might!

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Colossians 3:12-15 Paul describes the proper character of the elect. Three things are noteworthy: Love, Humility and Peace.

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The sermon describes the cause of, and the destructive nature of bitter words we might say to those we love, such as spouses and children.

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The sermon uses Psalm 127 as an introduction to an important lesson on raising children.

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A couple of months ago I preached a sermon titled Cyber-Sin. I talked about the dangers of being on the internet, and mentioned that social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are especially treacherous waters for Christians to navigate. Gossip, malicious words, worldly influences and lascivious pictures and links can all be present in those places. While typically there are steps that can be taken to avoid most of these pitfalls, many Christians are less than careful, and fall into sin.

I also preached the lesson in a recent meeting, and on both occasions received kind comments, as most recognize the need for the warnings, and that the criticism is just and accurate.

Continue reading “In Defense of Social Media” →