Author: Stan Cox

The second principle we affirm is that approved examples give us authority to act. Whenever we find Christians in the New Testament engaging in behavior that is approved by God, we can copy that behavior. We are on safe ground, guaranteed to please Him.

This is both logical and scriptural. It is true because Christians today live today under the same covenant as those of the first century (cf. Hebrews 1:1-4; 8:10-13). It is true because God does not show partiality (cf. Acts 10:34). It is true because we are called to emulate other Christians (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1).

The Holy Spirit intends for us to learn from all examples. Paul wrote of Israel’s disobedience, and said, “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them” (1 Corinthians 10:6-7a). However, for us to be safe in doing or teaching anything, the examples we follow must be approved by God.

A demonstration: In Acts 20, Paul was in Troas. Verse 7 states, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” Since the disciples met on Sunday to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we can do the same with God’s approval.

This principle is seldom denied. The problem is not the belief that we are wrong to emulate Christians in the first century, but that we are free to depart from that pattern they create by their actions and teaching. This will be discussed in a later article.

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A textual examination of a number of verses where the phrase “one another” is found. The lesson emphasizes our need to love our brethren in Christ, with an explanation of ways this love is to be demonstrated.

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List of verses in DOCX format

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Stan examines 1 Thessalonians 1:4, and discusses what it means to be “elected” by God. The text itself, (see verse 9) shows that in order to be elected by God, it was necessary that they had turned to God from idols. This is an indication of the necessity of repentance.

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In the next few, short articles I will write, I intend to discuss the ways we can ascertain God’s pattern for us today. Each article will be a concise affirmation of a particular aspect of that pattern, so more detailed discussion will have to wait for the comments, later articles by me, or the writings of other men.

The first principle is a simple one, easily understood. We can know what God requires of us, and the limits He places upon our behavior, by the explicit commands He reveals to us. As one wag said, “They are the 10 commandments, not the 10 suggestions!”

Put concisely, it is required that any group obeys the explicit instructions God gives particularly to it. In calling for Israel’s obedience, Jehovah said, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy” (Leviticus 10:3).

All men today are amenable to the commands of Jesus Christ. All authority has been given to Him (cf. Matthew 28:18). Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). He further directed His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would inspire them, and direct them into “all truth” (John 16:12-14). So, what the New Testament writers command, are the commands of Jesus Himself. (cf. 2 Peter 1:19-21).

It is amazing how many claim that Jesus is their Lord, and yet refuse to do what He tells them to do. The concept of Lordship requires of us complete submission. If Jesus said do it, we must obey. If Jesus said don’t do it, we must refrain. When He comes again, He will come in righteousness to punish the disobedient (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

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Jesus promised to establish his Kingdom in Mark 9:1. Many religious people todaly still look for him to keep that promise. However, he already has. Scriptures are examined to establish at what point the Kingdom came into existence.

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While the world can offer a momentary happiness, true and lasting joy comes only to one who has the hope of eternal life. It is dependent upon a relationship with Jesus Christ.

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I received an email a few days ago, from the Bible Questions website (biblequestions.org). They frequently send out examples of the questions and answers that are archived on the site. The question in this email was, “Why is profanity so common?”

I liked the answer given. First, it was noted that the frequency of public profanity has skyrocketed. One stat given was an 800% increase in frequency over earlier periods. Now, the survey date was not given, and the time frames were not clear, but it is obvious that profanity is heard more and more often in public. It is not only uttered by men, but also now by women and children.

Continue reading “In the News: A Profane Nation” →

FAQ’s. The acronym is well known with the advent of the internet. Frequently asked questions. Here are some simple answers to frequently asked questions about the church of Christ. Feel free to share with others:

Continue reading “FAQ Sheet: Church of Christ” →

When the angel promised Zacharias and Elizabeth they would have a child, God’s messenger promised that the boy would grow to be a great man.

The angel said that John would be a austere man, and an inspired preacher. His efforts, it was said, would “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” (16).

John’s ministry would be one of preparation, the prophesied forerunner of the Christ. It would be his purpose to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (vs. 17).

The prophet Malachi spoke of him, “Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me” (3:1) His ministry would portend the advent of the Messiah, “Behold, He is coming,’ says the Lord of hosts’” (3:1).

Jesus himself referred to John and his ministry in Matthew 11. Of John he said, “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet” … “And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come” (vss. 9,14).

God is faithful, and all these glad tidings to the childless couple came true in every detail, to His glory.

In my reading this week, I came across the account of James’ martyrdom at the hands of King Herod (cf. Acts 12:1-2). I was struck with the concise, matter-of-fact description of that tragedy, recorded by the Holy Spirit through Luke’s pen. “Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.”

As an apostle, James was one of the most important men of the first century. And yet, little is known of his life, character, and even his death. In our day, such an influential man would be profiled, biographied, eulogized and even idolized. His death would be portrayed as a tragedy of immense proportions. There is a lesson here for us. While men are focused on this life, the Holy Spirit is concerned with the life to come.

In His ministry, Jesus promised his disciples, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39). While time may have obscured the influence and accomplishments of James while he lived on this earth, his faithfulness to His Lord secured for him a far greater and more lasting heritage. Because of his faith, he secured a mansion, (cf. John 14:1-3).

We too should live our lives for the eternal goal of a home with God in heaven. Living in such a way may not secure for us any lasting notoriety, but that is no great loss. What it will do is attract the attention of our Lord. May He say to us all, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).

Do you believe in an Almighty God who created the universe? Not all men do, but for those who believe in God, there is a consequence to their faith. God exists, so what’s next? The Psalmist said, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14).

That God who is responsible for our existence deserves praise and obedience, if He so requires it. It is disrespectful of us to acknowledge His existence, and not willingly submit to His will. Consider the punishment of Aaron’s sons who were guilty of disobeying God (cf. Leviticus 10). God killed them because of their disobedience. When Moses explained to Aaron why Nadab and Abihu were destroyed, he quoted God as saying, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (vs. 3). Aaron understood, and accepted the punishment as just.

The lesson for us? God expects us to carefully follow His instructions. He deserves praise and obedience, and He does indeed require it! In our time, He has granted all authority to His Son Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 28:18). As God Himself said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). Those who refuse to listen to the Son, and obey His words are foolish indeed (cf. Matthew 7:26-27).

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The Apostle Paul in dire conditions or in times of abundance, depended upon Jesus Christ, his Savior, for comfort and fulfillment. This is evident from a textual study of Philippians 4, and gives us a wonderful lesson as application.

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When the Messiah was born, wise men from the East came seeking the baby Jesus. Today, wise men still seek Him as their Lord and Savior.

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Early in His ministry, Jesus came across four men, who He made the first of His apostles. They were two sets of brothers, Simon and Andrew, and James and John.

Several well known details are enumerated here. One, that James and John were sons of Zebedee. Two, that all four of the men were fishermen by trade. Jesus later gave Simon the name Peter (cf. Mark 3:16).

While Matthew, Luke and especially John have things to say about the call of these men, we want to especially note the phrase used by Jesus as recorded in Mark, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (vs. 17). These words clearly establish the importance of the work they were to begin. While they were engaged in secular work, their occupation was an honorable and important one. Fishing was important in Galilee — a source of commerce and sustenance for the people. But, the idea of fishing for men — cleverly indicating the work of witnessing and preaching the Christ of God — is compelling. There is no greater use of our time and effort than that of fishing for men. When we catch them, (convert them), we have given them the most valuable gift imaginable — Salvation!

In the last issue of The Christian Chronicle, which claims to be an “International newspaper for Churches of Christ” I found information about the following:

The social gospel is alive and well. The churches that began back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, to embrace the idea that the church’s purpose and work includes secular entertainment and social engineering have continued to conceive and implement ever more outlandish and silly ideas. It has reached the point where they never even ask the question “is it authorized?” They no longer consider the admonition of the apostle Paul, given in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to god the Father through Him.” We must be ever vigilant in our efforts to submit to God’s will.