Author: Stan Cox

God formed man as the pinnacle of His creative work. He put him in the beautiful garden in Eden, and rested. “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31).

The wise man of Ecclesiastes gave an insightful description of the creation of man, and the problem of sin that followed his making. “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). In the phrase “sought out,” there is an indication of man’s will. When he created man, God gave him free will. Free will is what separates man from the animals, and makes it accurate to describe him as being made in God’s image (cf. Genesis 1:27).

Continue reading “The Fall of Man” →

Seek the Lord! That is the cry of faith. It is the need for every man and woman who lives upon the earth. This sobering sentiment is expressed clearly by the prophet Isaiah in his instructions to Judah.

Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9).

The most sobering aspect of these words is the realization that our success in seeking the Lord is contingent upon our knowing His thoughts. We can’t find Him is we don’t know where He is. We can’t know where He is unless He tells us. The most amazing thing is that He has, and yet people persist in following their own directions rather than His.

Consider the contrast of the text. In the same way that “the heavens are higher than the earth” so are God’s ways than our own. In other words, it is impossible for us to please God by our own devices. If you want to please God, you must seek Him. If in seeking you find Him, it will be because you followed His directions!

Invitation delivered by: Jonathan Hinds

Jonathan uses Romans 11:22 to introduce the thought that we should consider all aspects of God’s nature. To emphasize either His goodness or His severity to the dtriment of the opposite is to develop an incorrect view of Him.

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The text uses Paul’s epistle to Philemon to show how brotherly love can work wonders even during difficult times of potential conflict and trouble.

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Too many are quick to embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior, but have no real understanding of what it means to embrace Jesus Christ as their Lord. This lesson seeks to explain the importance of such an action.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The 10th chapter of 2 Corinthians is examined to make the point that our sufficiency is not in ourselves, but in the Lord. Therefore, “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (vs. 17)

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The sermon examines from a Biblical perspective the 5 most commonly stated regrets voiced by individuals who are on their deathbed.

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The text of 1 Kings 2:1-4 is examined, clause by clause. King David’s charge to his young son Solomon, as he neared his death, is one that has applicable principles for us today.

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Powerpoint Slides

We live in a postmodern age, one that has rejected the idea of absolute and verifiable truth. In the minds of many, the only intolerable contention is that we may know truth. Is this right? Is it possible to know (be certain) that we are right? The answer is most certainly yes!

To be clear, we are not maintaining that we have obtained perfect and complete knowledge of God’s word. The process of maturity is an ongoing one. However, an answer to this question will give us confidence as we seek to defend the truth against the various errors we confront. If we are given the charge to “contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), it logically follows that said faith is verifiable and knowable.

Continue reading “Can We KNOW We Are Right?” →

This text contains an admonition from the apostle to the young evangelist to be faithful to the word of God. While this is certainly an important aspect of the preacher’s work, it is equally applicable to every Christian.

The first phrase “the pattern of sound words” indicates what many refuse to accept, that God’s word contains a pattern or blueprint that Christians are to follow. “Pattern theology” is ridiculed today, but is certainly advocated by Paul in this text. As Adam Clarke wrote in his commentary, “No man was left to invent a religion for his own use, and after his own mind. God alone knows that with which God can be pleased.”

The second phrase “that good thing which was committed to you” indicates the effectual nature of God’s word. It is “profitable” and able to “complete” the man of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Timothy was to be a good steward. He was to “hold fast” to that which was “committed to” him. We have the same obligation.

The last several weeks have been pretty hectic in our congregation. May is the month for graduations, and we have had our share with graduations from high school, college, law school, etc. both members, and family members of those who are members at West Side.

In this same period some have been grieving the loss of loved ones, and others are feeling the ravages of disease and sickness. Weddings, funerals, moves, trips, pregnancies, the list is long and the effect is a bit unsettling. Even good times can be a bit disruptive or at least distracting.

Two things to remember:

1. The importance of empathy among the brethren. Among other admonitions to the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another” (Romans 12:15-16a).
2. The importance of keeping our priorities in the right place. As we live day by day we can become distracted with the common events of a busy life. Let us remember why we are here! “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1).

It is important to note that these words, penned by Moses, ultimately have their origin with the Holy Spirit. This is the account of the beginning of the universe, given by the Creator Himself. Men may claim that physical evidences trump the Genesis account, but this is mere perception. If the evidence seems to contradict this historical narrative, then the interpretation of the data is in error. There are many scientists who can and do successfully put data derived from astronomy, geology, physics, etc., within the construct of the supernatural creative acts described in the Genesis account. “…Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

Continue reading “The Creation of Man” →

Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson

Josh expresses the importance of having and showing a correct attitude in the Christian life. We are to rejoice, even amid tribulation. The point is made that such an attitude is a matter of choice or will.

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Preacher: Bob Ward

Old Testament examples are used to indicate the danger then and now of rebelling against the authority of God.

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Sermon by Armando Vera

The sermon is a scriptural examination of the basis of the Christian’s Hope. It is not in self, but in God!

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