Author: Stan Cox

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 6:11 the apostle Paul expresses his love for the Corinthians despite the necessity of admonishing them. We should have a wide open heart for one another, but not for the world!

Audio

In 1 Samuel 17:29, David asked his brother “Is There Not a Cause?” He desired to be of service to Jehovah, and slayed the giant Goliath. The question can be asked today, and three “giants” that need slaying are mentioned. False Doctrine, Worldliness and Complacency.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

The sermon is an analysis of Psalm 20. The lesson examines the petitions made to God by Israel on behalf of David. Applications are made.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Christians are loved by God. Before the world was created, God chose them for salvation (cf. Ephesians 1:4) – the elect of God. This election, as noted by Paul, is accomplished through sanctification. The Holy Spirit separates us from the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are made holy through the blood of Jesus Christ, and as such obtain His glory.

This is a concise description of our redemption. We are saved by the grace of God, expressed through the sacrifice of the Savior. Saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are God’s workmanship, “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

This is why Paul, in giving thanks for the Thessalonians, admonishes them to “stand fast and hold the traditions you were taught” (vs. 15). Such is the only appropriate response to God’s grace, (cf. Titus 2:11-12).

I came across a poem of sorts on the internet the other day. It is intended to be an expression of hope for blessings to another. The woman who was overheard reciting the verse introduced it with the following words, “When we said ‘I wish you enough’ we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.” Here is the poem:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Author Unknown

A pretty sentiment. It reminds me of Paul’s words to Timothy, “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). Of course, the threshold of “just enough” can not be reached unless God is present in one’s life. And if God is there, then any amount we receive suffices! Remember Jesus’ words, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

Are Christians a persecuted people?

The answer to this question is an obvious and unequivocal, “Yes.” It is the lot of every Christian to suffer persecution of one type or another as a consequence of the profession of faith. It happens, and it is not uncommon. Fortunately, in our country we have enjoyed a long history of religious tolerance. Such tolerance is, in fact, a bedrock of our nation. We have long escaped state sponsored persecution and oppression. The persecution we have witnessed and experienced as Christians in America has been rather mild. For this reason we hesitate to even categorize it as such, fearing that we will be perceived as less than valiant.

Continue reading “In the News: Are We A Persecuted People?” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Colossians 4:16 Paul encouraged the Colossians to share the epistle he had written with the Christians in Laodicea. The words inspired by the Holy Spirit are relevant for all people, for all time.

Audio

Sermon by Bob Ward.

The sermon uses Psalm 90:10-12 to note the life of man, both in its span and its purpose.

Audio

Sermon by Bob Ward

Bob discusses and applies principles from Jesus’ interaction with Mary and Marth as recorded in Luke 10:38-41.

Audio

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Paul identifies those among them who were walking disorderly, and gives the exhortation to not grow weary in doing good.

Audio

The lesson discusses the true identity of the church, the sin of denominationalism, and answers scripturally the question asked in two ways…

1) Are those in the church the only ones saved?

or, more commonly

2) Do you think that only those who are members of the church of Christ going to heaven?

Audio (Part 1)

Audio (Part 2)

Powerpoint Slides

Spring Meeting 2014

The lesson is a review of the contention of a religious writer for the Huffington Post, who claimed that Christians should just stop saying:

1. The Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God
2. We just believe the Bible
3. Jesus is the only way to heaven
4. The rapture of Jesus is imminent
5. Homosexuality is a sin against God
6. The earth is less than 10,000 years old

Audio

Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell

Five signs are discusses that indicate you are spiritually dying…

1. You have left your first love.
2. The story of the Cross no longer moves you.
3. You don’t actively participate in the church’s work.
4. You have no interest in saving souls.
5. Worldliness is more attractive to you than spirituality.

Audio

The lesson mentions spiritual principles that will help you to gain the things you desire, so long as what you desire is that which God wants for you!

Audio

Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell

The lesson deals with common misconceptions people have about the Lord’s church due to the denominational error that is present in our day.

Audio