Author: Stan Cox

Lesson 5 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

In 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 the apostle Paul indicated that as children of God, though we are hard pressed on every side and in every way, we can persevere and gain victory with the help of our Lord. Our focus is not on the present, but on our future home with God.

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In the previous chapter, Peter had indicated that we are to purify our hearts through obeying the truth, revealed in God’s will for man. In our text, he continues the thought, calling for the Christian to remove evil from his character, (malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking), and to replace it with God’s word. The Christian’s desire to know God’s word is to match the desire of a baby for his mother’s milk.

The word of God is here described by Peter as “pure” (NKJV). The KJV renders it “sincere.” God’s word is not harmful as long as it remains unsullied by the impurities men supply. Even in passages such as these the importance of doctrinal purity is evident. Be wary of those who seek to minimize the importance of such purity.

The pure word of God, when ingested, results in growth. By ingested we mean studied and applied. By growth we mean Christian maturity. Babes in Christ become full grown when they, “by reason of use [of God’s word], have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). This desire for God’s word is a byproduct of His extended Grace. In fact, the totality of our life and faith is motivated by His gift to us (cf. Titus 2:11-12).

Invitation delivered by: Jonathan Hinds

Jonathan uses the parable of the marriage feast in Matthew 22 to indicate the proper response to the invitation of God.

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Paul, in chapters 21-26 of the book of Acts, had several opportunities to defend his actions when accused of heinous crimes. It is evident that Paul was persecuted because he was a Christian.

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Lesson 4 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

The Apostle Paul reveals the evidence for, and consequences of the Lord’s resurrection from the dead.

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Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson

Josh emphasizes that our preaching must be centered in the words of God rather than the opinions and philosophies of men.

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It is obvious that our country has undergone substantial and fundamental changes in the 236 years since our forefathers declared independence from English rule. A country founded upon the promise of religious freedom has become decidedly secular. Traditional moral standards have been replaced by a situational ethic, and what was once scorned is now championed. While there is obvious concern about our present economic and debt problems, few are interested in discussing moral issues.

Continue reading “In the News: Blasphemy and Idolatry” →

As we consider all of the acts of conversion recorded in the book of Acts, there are different circumstances, but the same steps required for conversion. Philip’s interaction with the Ethiopian Eunuch supplies us the opportunity to see the part that a preacher plays in the conversion of men.

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Lesson 3 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

Romans 8:31-39 gives us great comfort as we realize that in Christ we are “more than conquerors.”

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Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

Kyle reads the text of Hebrews 9 as a means of offering the invitation.

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A contrast is here made by James between the poor Christian and the rich Christian.

Paul instructs the poor man to glory in his exaltation. In this there is the recognition that God is pleased when we have reason to rejoice and enjoy our lives. The life of the destitute is hard, with little relief. It is good and proper for him to enjoy any morsel of happiness or honor that he will receive. (A good lesson for us is to seek out the poor — in circumstance or spirit — and honor them. It will be a great encouragement to them).

In contrast, the rich man is to glory in his humiliation. In this there is the recognition that honor on earth is of no value with regard to the eternal standing of any man. The life of the rich man is full of accolades and ease. While the praise may be well earned, for a man to trust in such flattery, or believe there to be lasting value in riches, is dangerous and foolish. (A good lesson for us is to remember that any praise we receive for our earthly standing or secular accomplishments has little value. We must not place our trust in uncertain riches).

Let us all pursue an eternal reward, rather than riches that fade!

An expository lesson covering the text of Romans 15:1-6. God calls us to unity, to be of one mind, and one mouth as we receive one another.

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Lesson 2 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

Psalm 19:1-6 reveals that nature itself testifies to God’s existence and His glory. The man with an open and unbiased heart recognizes and accepts that testimony.

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For years the divorce rate in America has been at the 50% mark. While the rate is lower among members of the Lord’s church, it is still common to see marriages fail. There are a number of reasons why it happens. In the case of each failed marriage there is sin. The husband, or wife, or both, are living in a rebellious state before God. Such unfaithfulness leads to the dissolution of the marriage bond. The problem may be marital infidelity, pride, selfishness or dishonesty, but sin is present.

The simplest answer when seeking a cure for marital discord is to live faithfully before God. If a husband and wife are living righteously, their marriage will be successful and happy. However, it is necessary to explain what is righteous living in regard to domestic responsibilities. Above and beyond putting God first in our lives, here are a few “needs” that should be considered to ensure a strong and lasting marriage.

Continue reading “Keys to a Successful and Happy Marriage” →

The book of Hebrews contains a series of contrasts designed to establish the supremacy of Jesus Christ, and His covenant with mankind. The first of these contrasts consists of a comparison between Christ and angels.

1. Verse 4 indicates that Jesus is superior to the angels because His Father granted an inheritance to Him as a Son.
2. Jesus is superior to the angels because He is, in fact, God’s only begotten Son (5)
3. Jesus is seen to be superior in that God declares we are to worship Him, where angels are not to be worshipped. Rather they serve as ministering servants (6-7). Jesus is, in fact, God, reigning on His throne in righteousness (8-9).
4. Jesus is superior because He is the Creator of the universe. While the universe is temporal, and will one day cease to exist, its Creator is eternal and incorruptible. (10-12).

The angels are ministering spirits, appointed by God to serve us. In contrast God has exalted the Christ, and appointing for Him a place at His right hand, reigning in Heaven. He is not a servant, He is our Lord! (13-14).