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: Companionship in Chirst
Companionship in Christ means:
- Shared work and shared success
- Help for the one who stumbles
- Preventive support, leading to success
- Strength against spiritual danger
Sermon: “Let us go on to perfection”
The text of Hebrews 5:12 – 6:3 teaches us that we should mature in Christ. This should happen by reason of time (5:12); by reason of use (5:13-14); and because it is God’s will for us (6:3).
“Your sin will find you out”
Numbers 32 records the petition the children of Reuben and Gad made to Moses and the leaders of the congregation of Israel. They desired to settle on the east side of the Jordan River rather than with the rest of the Israelites in Canaan. Moses agreed to allow this, so long as the two tribes guaranteed they would fight with the rest of Israel until “until every one of the children of Israel has received his inheritance” (vs. 18). Having given his approval, Moses warned the people should they go back on their word:
“But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out” (vs. 23).
There are many different examples, in both the Old and New Testaments, of people trying to hide their sin. While it is possible for the sinner to hide his sin from men, it is not possible to hide his sin from the Almighty.
Mining the Scriptures: 3 John 13-14
As John closes his epistle, he notes that there is much more he could write to Gaius, but it was his preference to share those things “face to face.” This no doubt was in part a result of his relationship with his beloved friend, but there are also advantages to a “face to face” conversation.
We can learn much from this expressed desire. In our time we communicate not only through written letters, but also through truncated social media posts, email, telephone and video calls. None of these methods of communication are as effective as “face to face.”
Human beings communicate through body language and inflection almost as readily as through the words themselves. Whenever possible, be it exhortation or admonition, such sentiments are best expressed “face to face.”
As John closed his letter he expressed the hope that he would have that “face to face” meeting with his friend. He prayed God’s peace upon Gaius, a welcome respite considering the conflict he was experiencing with the contentious Diotrophes. What a wonderful comfort to know the concern that faithful brethren have for one another. Such expressions of love are always beneficial and appreciated.
Invitation: The Exalted Jesus
Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson
Jesus taught as one having authority (cf. Matthew 7). He is our Lord, the exalted one, and deserves our reverence and obedience.
Sermon: Resurrection Facts
Seven Facts about the resurrection, as revealed in scripture, are discussed:
- It is certain
- It includes all
- It reveals two groups of people
- It declares two final destinies
- It will take place at the last day
- It is assured by Christ’s resurrection
- It will bring forth a spiritual body
Sermon: Teach Me, O Lord
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)
Mining the Scriptures: 2 John 9-11
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!
In the News: Is the Bible Hate Speech?
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.”
Invitation: The Good Doctrine
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
The talk is an exposition of 1 Timothy 4:1-11, with an appeal to faithfulness in doctrine.
Sermon: The Resurrection of Lazarus
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.
Sermon: Remember the Death of Christ
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.
Invitation: Teach a Man to Fish
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.
Sermon: The Cost of our Discipleship
Jonathan Hinds uses the text of Luke 14:25-ff to introduce a lesson on the subject, The Cost of our Discipleship.
Sermon: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
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.
