Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Author: Stan Cox
Minister, West Side church of Christ since August of 1989 ........ Editor of Watchman Magazine (1999-2018 Archives available online @ http://watchmanmag.com) ........ Writer, The Patternists: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatternists
Sermon: My Will VS Thy Will
God has blessed man with free will. He compels no one to obey Him. His desire is for men to voluntarily come to Him, to worship Him, and obey Him. Men have a choice. However, while all of this is true, it must be understood that the choices men make have consequences.
In the News: What are We Doing for Christmas?
I have answered the question many times — “What is your church (congregation) going to do to celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas?” The answer never fails to surprise. “We are going to do nothing at all.” How can a group that claims allegiance to Jesus as Lord and Savior neglect to celebrate His birth on Christmas day?
The simple and concise answer as to why we do nothing special on Christmas day is because Jesus never indicated He wants us to! We are not so presumptuous to think that He desires it, unless He indicates such a desire in His will for us.
Continue reading “In the News: What are We Doing for Christmas?”
From the Preacher’s Pen: Assessment Before Resolution
Late December is a time where we commonly consider possible resolutions for the new year. I am a fan of resolutions. One of mine is to lose the rest of my excess weight, and keep it off by exercise and proper diet.
Of course there are spiritual resolutions to set, that if kept diligently, will be even more beneficial to each of us. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
There is a step to be taken prior to the setting of resolutions. That step is assessment. It takes discernment and introspection. Whether you desire to time any resolutions with the beginning of the new year or not, such assessment is needful, and should be constant. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Perhaps there is some deficiency that devotional acts of prayer, study and meditation might fill. Maybe there is a bad habit or trait that can be altered through diligent effort. It is possible that a careless neglect can be made into a point of focus in the months ahead. Surely there is something done, or left undone that can be addressed after an honest assessment of our life and faith is made.
Might I suggest that each of us set aside time this next week, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, to “examine” ourselves, and then upon that assessment resolve to improve in any appropriate facet of our life and faith? This would certainly please our heavenly Father, as we improve the expression of our devotion to Him.
Invitation: The Gospel is Veiled
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The talk discusses Paul’s statement that the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 4:3). The gospel’s power is persuasive, and will only impact those who are willing to listen. The efforts of God’s people to share the message will not go unrewarded.
Sermon: Admonitions to Young Preachers – 2
Second lesson in a series of four consisting of a survey of 1 Timothy. This lesson consists of the work that Paul charges Timothy and all evangelists to do.
Sermon: Selflessness – Love’s Foundation
The sermon identifies God’s definition of Love in its highest expression. Agape love is founded upon the principle of selflessness. It is expressed in God’s sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. It must be mirrored in our expressions of love to others.
In the News: Attacks on Faith
Watching FOX News a few nights ago, I noted Bill O’Reilly’s editorial on what he calls the “War on Christmas.” He referred to one of a myriad objections being raised by segments of our society against the “Christian” aspect of Christmas observance. The attack against such religious observances is decades old. Whether it be a nativity scene on public land, or the large cross in San Diego, built 59 years ago at the Mt. Soledad Veteran’s memorial, which a federal judge ruled on Thursday must be taken down within 90 days. Many in America interpret the words of the first amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” as precluding any religious observance in any public (governmental) circumstance. This interpretation would exclude prayer in school, a posting of the 10 commandments in a court of law, a nativity scene in a public park, or the national Christmas tree being displayed and lighted in front of the White House each year.
Invitation: Are You Crazy?
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
On several occasions the apostle Paul was accused of being crazy. In 2 Corinthians 5:13, he wrote, “For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God.” Maybe we too should be crazy for the Lord?
Sermon: Admonitions to Young Preachers 1
First lesson in a series of four consisting of a survey of 1 Timothy. This lesson consists of the character that should be present in the lives of a young evangelist.
Sermon: I Am the Vine
John 15:1-8. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” And, “without me you can do nothing.” The study concerns Jesus’s statements, and their significance.
Invitation: Our Christian Family
Invitation delivered by: Ben Schmidt
Matthew 12:46-50. One of the most precious families we have is our Christian family. Acts 4:32-37. They are of one heart and one soul, helping one another.
Sermon: Inheriting the Promises
The promises of God are wonderful and bountiful, but they are also conditional. the ultimate promise is that of heaven. May we have the patience and faith to receive it.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Winter Weather and God’s Word
Job’s friend Elihu, in describing the majesty of Almighty God, said among other things:
“From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen” (Job 37:9-10).
With the weather of the last couple of days, we are reminded of the power of our God. It is one of a myriad of ways that nature proclaims His glory. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
The same God that made the universe has revealed His will to man. Consider His words recorded by the prophet, “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).
The Almighty God who created the universe has promised us that His word will be accomplished on the earth. The only way this can be a pleasant truth is if one is in accord with that will. To oppose it is foolish. Those who do so are destined for ruin. There is, however, victory in Jesus!
Sermon: Stop Waiting in Line!
There is no waiting in line:
- To be heard by God in prayer.
- To receive spiritual blessings.
- To praise and worship God.
- To read and learn more about God.
