Author: Stan Cox
Jesus Our Shepherd
Jesus lived in a pastoral society. The images He used to illustrate points were very well known to his listeners. Fortunately for us urbanites, they are simple figures, and easily understood even by us 2000 years later. For example, John records these words of the Lord, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:1-5). Continue reading “Jesus Our Shepherd”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11
The text here consists of two main points. The first is that Paul determined to deal with the issues with the Corinthians through writing them, instead of coming personally. Most probably he thought the letter would be a more advantageous way to bring them to repentance, and joy. They were at present at odds because of their carnality, but he wanted to be joyful, and for them to be joyful so he wrote them with “much affliction and anguish of heart,… with many tears” (4).
The second point is regarding the call to withdraw from an immoral man in 1 Corinthians 5. They had done so, which had led to sorrow and repentance on his part. Now, rather than continuing the punishment, Paul encouraged the church to take him back and comfort him, as it is possible for such sorrow to eventually be destructive.
To forgive is the responsibility of the church, based upon the repentance, and was also done by Paul. His reason? “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
Not That I Have Already Attained
One simple passage that shows the error of the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, and speaks to the need for continued diligence is Philippians 3:12. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”
Of any Christian in the first century who had the right (if it existed) to state he was guaranteed a place in heaven for what had already been done, it was Paul. He was both saved by the Grace of God, and amply demonstrated his faith in the “finished work of Jesus Christ.” However, he did not conduct himself as one whose fate was guaranteed, but as one who had to “remain faithful until death” (cf. Revelation 2:10).
Notice the next two verses, (13-14), “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
We, like Paul, must live our lives with the same point of view. “Not that I have already attained”… “I do not count myself to have apprehended.” We must “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
We wouldn’t want to miss out on the crown that God has promised to the faithful! (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Sermon: Self-Sacrifice
A discussion of 1 Corinthians 9, where Paul notes his right to wages, but his unwillingness to exercise that right, as an example of self-denial, fully discussed in chapters 8-10.
Sermon: Lessons from 1 Thessalonians
In this lesson, speaker Tommy Davis surveys 1 Thessalonians, pointing out and commenting on some of the lessons Paul taught to this faithful and dedicate group.
Sermon: Emotion VS Emotionalism
There is a difference between having an emotion connection with the Lord due to your faith and relationship with Him, and being subjective in your assessment of your obedience, which is prevalent, and an example of Emotionalism.
Breakfast with Jesus
Continuing our discussion of Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel. We look at the 3rd occasion the Lord’s appeared to His disciples following His resurrection, and the evidences that prove He is our Messiah.
Jesus Christ – Done, Doing, Will Do
The lesson examines the ascension of Jesus, His present reign upon His throne, and His promise of a future return. All to benefit you and me!
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“I Am Going Fishing”
Why in John 21 did Peter say, “I am going fishing”? We don’t know for sure, but we do know he was grieved for betraying Jesus on the night of his death. And, we know when he helped to establish the kingdom he remained faithful unto death.
Sermon: Truly God is Good
Psalm 73 is used by guest speaker Jeremiah Cox to show that through our darkness and doubt, God offers us faith and hope, and shows His goodness toward us.
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Sermon: Fear’s Snare and Faith’s Haven
Guest speaker Jeremiah Cox discusses Proverbs 29:25, showing that trust in God overcomes any fear that is caused by man.
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Rebuke
A study of the word rebuke, as it is translated in the NKJV of the Bible, is interesting and beneficial, especially as it relates to the New Testament. There are three words in the Greek language that are translated rebuke in the New Testament, each with different shades of meanings. They are: epitima?, elegch?, and epipl?ss?. A look at each of the three in turn are rather enlightening.
Let’s start out with epitima?. It is defined by Thayer, “to tax with fault, rate, chide, rebuke, reprove, censure severely…to admonish or charge severely… to charge one with wrong.” Continue reading “Rebuke”
The Proper Concept of Liberty
The proper concept of liberty is one that both our society and religious culture of today needs to consider. It is supplied by Paul in his letter to the Galatians.
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
Liberty is a wonderful thing. Biblically, it indicates liberty from the bondage of sin. When we become Christians, God’s grace (given through the death of His Son) grants us full forgiveness, and salvation. The position sin held previously in our lives, as domineering master, is removed. We are born again, free in Christ, given hope, accepted of God. In our society liberty indicates freedom from tyranny — that the government exists as a servant to, and to benefit the people, rather than people being slaves to civil authorities. Continue reading “The Proper Concept of Liberty”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
The message of the cross, the gospel of Christ, is the means by which God saves man, cf. Romans 1:15-16. Here it is contrasted with the wisdom of the world. The world has always allayed against God and His will. Nevertheless, God chose to save those He could through the preaching of the gospel message. Faith in Christ is the means to salvation. Without believing the testimony of scripture, a man is doomed to salvation. “…it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (21).
It is interesting to note that even God’s foolishness is incomparable to the wisdom of man. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (25).
Unfortunately, to most, the preaching of the gospel appears as foolishness, or a stumbling block. There are few who are interested in God and His word. They are arrogant in their so-called wisdom, and instead of believing and obeying, they refuse.
Truly, the way is difficult and the gate is narrow! (cf. Matthew 7:13).
We Are Stewards!
Do you ever think of yourself as a steward of Jesus Christ? Paul writes that we are! “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
The Greek word translated steward in the text is oikonomos, and is defined as “the manager of a household or of household affairs; especially a steward, manager, superintendent” (Thayer). It is used figuratively here to indicate a servant, but one who is given authority to accomplish important tasks. In other words, stewardship indicates service to Christ where we accomplish what he has given us to do.
Wayne Fancher said in a recent sermon that even the one talent man was given a lot of responsibility. One talent is a lot of money. When we think of servitude, we tend to think of someone as low as possible on the social ladder. Not so with a steward. He was certainly bound, but with responsibility, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful”
So think of study, prayer, meditation, the practice of pure religion (cf. James 1:27), attendance, evangelism, love, etc. as duties given my God. Responsibilities for which you will be held accountable.
A sobering thought, isn’t it?
