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
From the Preacher’s Pen: Attitude and Attendance
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God” (Psalm 92:12-13).
I recently read an article by Keith Barclay, in Think on These Things (Volume 44, Number 2). He suggested that faithfulness to God demands much more than is contemplated in the phrase “going to church.” That phrase could simply indicate someone who shows up to a weekly assembly. The verses above indicate a person who truly understands “the significance of God’s steadfast love, faithfulness and work.”
I can’t improve on his thoughts, so carefully consider his application of Psalm 92.
“As a result they [the righteous] firmly plant themselves (the tree metaphors of the text) in God’s house. It is where they reside, not someplace they visit. They relish their place there because there is no other place they would rather be. Morning and evening they praise their God and give Him thanks. As you look into this Psalm does it reflect similarly your attitude toward God and His house today—the church? Are you planted there and do you flourish?”
A long time ago I heard a wise preacher say, “Missing one worship service or class may not condemn your soul, but the attitude that leads to that absence most assuredly could!” Those words have stuck with me for over 30 years, and I remembered them again while reading brother Barclay’s words. What is your attitude toward God?
.
In the News: A Day of Infamy
“Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:24).
June 26, 2013 was a day of infamy for the United States of America. On that day, on both the state (Texas), and the federal level, events transpired that will further degrade our moral standing before the Almighty God of heaven.
Sermon: The Outward Man VS The Inward Man
The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4, explains how, though the outward man is perishing, the inward man is renewed each day.
Sermon: The Ark of the Covenant
The lesson gives a concise history and description of the ark of the covenant. Examining Israel’s dealing with the ark, several applications come to mind:
- God’s instructions are to be followed
- What happens when the glory of God departs
- The concept of Sanctification
- The consequences of disobedience
Invitation: Why God’s Armor is Needed
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Using Ephesians 6:12, Stan explains why the armor of God is needed.
Invitation: The Character of the New Man
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin gives a paraphrase of Colossians 3, as Paul describes the character of the new man of Christ.
Sermon: Saving Your Life by Losing It
Luke 9 is the text considered in this lesson. Self denial is the subject, as indicated in verse 24 of the text. The importance and benefits of self control and denial are considered.
Invitation: We Shall Stand Before the Throne
Invitation delivered by: Ben Schmidt
Ben read from Matthew 25, Mark 9 and Revelation 20 to show the difference between everlasting destruction, and everlasting reward. He made the point that our obedience, or lack thereof will determine whether our names are written in the book of life, as he called for needed repentance and obedience to the gospel.
In the News: “We Don’t Condone Heroics”
I read this past week of a student in Calgary who was punished with in-school suspension for coming to the aid of a classmate who was being threatened with a knife.
According to the article, Briar MacLean stepped between a bully and his victim, pushed the knife brandishing boy away, and shortly after the aggressor was subdued. Briar was thanked by the victim, and went about his school day until being called into the office where he was required to remain until the end of the day, and was questioned by school officials and police. His locker was also searched.
Sermon: Are You A Mature Christian?
Hebrews 5:2-ff helps to shape a discussion about Christian Maturity. What are some of the characteristics you will have if you can say that you are a mature Christian?
Sermon: There Is Only One God
The text of 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 is examined. Paul prohibits idolatry. He states that when we offer up worship to idols, we provoke the Almighty God.
Idolatry is alive and well today, in various forms.
Invitation: You Must Repent!
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The lesson establishes that all who are in sin (whether an alien sinner, or one who has become a Christian) must repent! Paul’s writing in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 explains what repentance truly is.
Sermon: The Best Way to Live Your Life
The wise man of the book of Ecclesiastes describes the despair of a life lived without God, the best way to be content while living upon the earth, and his final conclusion concerning the best way to live your life, for God (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13).
Sermon: Three Responses to the Gospel
The lesson is a textual sermon on Acts 17, showing the different responses shown to Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.
Sermon: On What Are You Building Your Life?
Jeremiah Cox asks “On what are you building your life?” He then shows through the scriptures the proper foundation for a life that is acceptable to God.
