Author: Stan Cox

The 25th Psalm introduces the lesson. Three major points are made:

• Show me your ways (Jesus did!)
• Teach me your paths (Jesus does)
• Lead me in your truth (Jesus does)

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Our text is one that is highly controversial in our time, as it clearly shows that some who claim to be Christians are not worthy of fellowship and are to be rejected by the righteous. Such intolerance is not acceptable to many, but is required of us by God.

What differentiates between those who have God (are in fellowship with Him) and those who do not have God? Whether or not they abide in the doctrine of Christ. The term here could be literally rendered the “Messiah’s teaching.” (Very similar to the “apostle’s doctrine” in Acts 2:42). It includes the various doctrines concerning the person and work of Christ, but is not limited to those. Rather, it includes all that Christ taught. Both the teaching which He personally delivered to His disciples, and that promised by Him and delivered by the Holy Spirit (cf. John 16:13).

The Christian is not to associate with those who do not abide (stay, or remain) in the Messiah’s teaching. Unlike association with the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13), to associate with false teachers among us is tantamount to fellowship. John says when we eat with them we share (jointly participate) in their evil deeds. No matter our desire for peace, this we must never do!

A while back a Canadian man was convicted of a hate crime. He was arrested for passing out flyers in two towns in Ontario, objecting to the recommendation made by a local school board that homosexuality be included in the school curriculum. He specifically referred to the inappropriateness of teaching school age children about sodomy, and cited 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Continue reading “In the News: Is the Bible Hate Speech?” →

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The talk is an exposition of 1 Timothy 4:1-11, with an appeal to faithfulness in doctrine.

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The Lesson is an exposition of John 11 and 12. Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead, as a work of the Lord is examined, with applications.

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The sermon is an admonition to remember the Death of Christ as the sacrifice for our sins, and as the only means of obtaining said remission of sins. The Lord’s Supper is identified as one God ordained part of our worship that draws our minds to that event.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

It is important to have faith that is based upon the word of God. You must have your own conviction. Your faith must be your own, rather than based upon feelings or personal views.

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Jonathan Hinds uses the text of Luke 14:25-ff to introduce a lesson on the subject, The Cost of our Discipleship.

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Josh Cox discusses attitudes toward the Bible, expressed by those who are not Christians; the inspiration and sufficiency of the scriptures as God’s word; and the proper attitude that Christians should have toward the Bible.

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A look at the New Testament reveals that even early in the history of the Lord’s church, some congregations were not as strong as the Lord desired. While Paul’s epistle to the church in Philippi indicated that congregation to be strong and faithful, his first letter to the Corinthians revealed a congregation inundated with spiritual problems, division and worldliness. A quick reading of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches of Asia (in Revelation 2 and 3) shows criticism and a call to repent for all of them, save Smyrna (2:8-11) and Philadelphia (3:7-13).  Note the Lord’s praise for the church in Philadelphia. “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (10-11).

Continue reading “What Constitutes a STRONG Church” →

I find myself irritated from time to time by famous people who claim to be Christians, but show themselves to be fickle in their “faith” when their convictions are tested by circumstance or criticism. Two examples of this recently came to my attention.

The first was a quote from Josh Hamilton, who was the center fielder for the Texas Rangers last season. In an important game last year, late in the season, Hamilton made an egregious and costly error. When his manager asked him what happened, he responded by uttering a profanity. Now, it is obvious that Hamilton has problems. His drug abuse, tattoo covered body, and continued struggles with addiction are well documented. But, he claims to have given his heart to the Lord, and that God leads him in the decisions he makes in his life. His behavior in light of his claims give cause for the world to ridicule the very concept of Christian faith.

Continue reading “In the News: The World’s Hatred” →

Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera

Sin and temptation is everywhere in our society. In the face of all this temptation, it is important for all of us to be courageous in standing against sin. James 4:1-10.

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This lesson describes the gospel. Its focus, which is Jesus Christ; the fact that it is God’s sword to the converting of man; its purpose which is to save; and it power to do so.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

God shows His great wisdom and care for us in His command for us to worship Him in song.

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The text of Exodus 21 is used as a beginning point to explain the rationale behind being pro-life (the abortion issue), and at the same time supporting capital punishment (the death penalty). Both positions are scriptural, and based upon the principle that life is sacred.

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