Author: Stan Cox

I have read, heard and even opined myself on the willingness of so many to attend a football game, or other sporting event or entertainment event, and willingly suffer from weather or other discomforts for the joy of the occasion.

People routinely get up in the wee hours of the morning, or stand in long lines, or suffer through extremes of heat, cold or other weather related trials to cheer on their teams, or play their games, or listen to their music. And, if the game or concert were to go into “overtime”, they consider it a positive development.

In contrast, they may view a 9:00 am Bible study to be too early, a bit warm or slightly cool auditorium not sufficiently comfortable, and a 45 minute lesson an inappropriate imposition upon their time and attention.

The issue is not the relative entertainment value. I know well that a nip and tuck football game is far more entertaining than a long winded preacher. The issue is the extent of your desire to be with God and His people!

So, how about it? Can you say with David, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord'” (Psalm 122:1)?

The apostle Peter proclaimed at the climax of his sermon on Pentecost, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Unanimously, those who purport faith in Jesus trumpet Him as their Christ. He is the anointed of God, the Savior of mankind. They claim a “personal relationship” with Him, and give Him credit for securing the forgiveness of their sins, and their relationship with God the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6), and they believe it.

Much less common is the willingness to accept the Lordship of Jesus. The greek word translated “Lord” (kurios) denotes authority. The question Jesus asked of His listeners 2000 years ago is relevant today, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Many who claim Jesus to be the anointed of God routinely disregard His will for them in matters of worship, work, morality and relationships. In so doing, they show their claim that Jesus is their personal Savior is fraudulent.

Simply put, you can’t accept Jesus as your Christ unless you accept Him as your Lord! Do His will!

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The sermon shows that we must walk in integrity (cf. Psalm 26:11) toward ourselves, others, and ultimately, God.

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Conflict both within and without the church is unable to thwart God in His purpose. It is futile to fight against God!

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A few weeks ago I came across a website for a “Cowboy church” in the metroplex which trumpeted that they were “A church for people who don’t like church!” It is an interesting phrase. An internet search shows it to also be a popular one, being adopted by different groups who want to reach out to the lost by inappropriately accommodating their discomfort with the practice of religion.

Note this quote from VERVE, a non-denominational church in Las Vegas, NV:

“But the reality is that there are a lot of people who are looking for God and seeking a spiritual dimension to life, but just don’t want to go to church to find it.

And who can blame them? Most churches seem judgmental and holier than thou. They make you wear your Sunday best, play music from the 1800s, and are too into politics. And they seem to care more about people’s money than people.”

Continue reading “A church for people who don’t like church?” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The resurrection is the realization of the Christians hope! Because Christ was risen, we have the hope of life after death as well. (1 Corinthians 15)

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Sermon by Josh Cox.

Using Job as an introduction, this lesson explains the proper response a Christian should have to the problem of personal suffering.

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Sermon by Brantley Gallman

The text of Philippians 2:1-11 to explain what it means to have the mind of Christ.

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Many denominations have departed from any semblance of Biblical faithfulness. From Heresy to Sectarianism to Denominationalism to full blown Humanism, the process of the institutional apostsy is explained.

Those who are faithful must learn from history, and heed the warnings to remain faithful to the standard, God’s word.

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A simple lesson, using a chart for personal work (Slide #2) of the PPTX file. Explains both God’s Part, and Man’s Part in the salvation of any individual.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 John 2:18 and following, John mentions the antichrist. A proper understanding of the concept of antichrist recognizes that it correctly describes anyone who opposes the Lord.

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Sermon by Josh Cox

As a part of our worship to God, we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. As with all worship, we must sing in “spirit and in truth” (cf. John 4:24).

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Discipleship requires sacrifice on the part of the follower. This is especially true as we consider what our Lord expects from us! It is worth the effort to examine, what kind of followers are we?

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Colossians 4:2-6 we see that Paul petitioned for prayers that he might know how he ought to speak in converting the lost. If Paul needed such help from God, how much more are we in need of such wisdom!

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Paul was continually embroiled in conflict with Judaizing teachers, who he here refers to as “false brethren.” Their view of the Christian faith nullified the grace of God. They viewed Christ as continuing the covenant between Jews and God, and viewed any Gentile Christian as a proselyte.

Circumcision, as a token of the covenant between God and Israel became the point of contention, and Paul was not going to compromise the gospel to appease these evil men. He protected Titus (a Gentile) by refusing to allow him to be circumcised. Paul’s correct understanding of the covenant of grace was that both He (a Jew), and Titus (a Gentile) were spiritual Jews, whose circumcision was not of the flesh, but of the heart! (cf. Romans 2:28-29).

We have liberty in Christ. Our appeal is to God’s grace. An appeal to the Old Law brings men into the bondage of sin.