Author: Stan Cox
Sermon: Can You Get Away With It?
A lesson discussing the oft asked question, “Is there anyway to get away with sin?”
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John 56: Thomas – Seeing & Believing
A discussion of Jesus’ encounter with Thomas following His resurrection, ending with Thomas’s declaration, “My Lord and my God!”
Who Are Your Friends?
In 2 Chronicles 20:31-37 we have a short chronicle of the reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah. There are a few interesting tidbits we can glean from the account. First, while there are things that Jehoshaphat failed to do “the high places were not taken away” (33), in all Jehoshaphat did “what was right in the sight of the Lord” (32). This was a continuation of the good that his father Asa accomplished in his 45 years reigning on the throne (16:13), and greatly contrasted with the idolatrous conditions in Israel, under kings Baasha, Ahab (related to Jehoshaphat by marriage), and Ahaziah, who all “acted very wickedly” (20:35).
Despite all of the good that Jehoshaphat did in his reign, he was punished by God because of the company he kept late in life. We are told that he allied himself with wicked king Ahaziah of Israel, “to make ships to go to Tarshish” (20:36). This economic choice to ally with the wicked king brought a prophecy against him. “But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.’ Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish” (20:37). Continue reading “Who Are Your Friends?”
Mining the Scripture: Revelation 1:9-11
It is believed that all of the apostles other than John were martyred for Christ. They were given a great responsibility in the early church, and great authority, delegated to them by the Lord. But this made them obvious targets of persecution. While John kept his life, he was exiled to the small island of Patmos “for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (1:9), off the western coast of Asia Minor. This is where he wrote the book of Revelation, which is dated either prior to the destruction of Jerusalem (69 AD) or late in the first century during the reign of Domitian (96 AD). If the latter date is accepted, this makes John a very old man at the time of writing.
The book, as indicated by the text, is a record of visions he received while “in the Spirit.” The “Lord’s Day” in the text probably refers to the first day of the week, when Christian worship is offered (cf. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
He was instructed by the Lord (described in verses 12-20), to write and share with the Asian churches the things he saw and heard.
Spiritual Gifts and Their Purpose for Christians
The apostle Paul gave some important directions to the Corinthians regarding the distribution and use of spiritual gifts in the first century church. He began in 1 Corinthians 12 by writing, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” In addition, he made the point that there are “different ministries (5), and that there are “diversities of activities”, but, “it is the same God who works all in all” (6).
So, what is the purpose of noting this? If God gives diverse gifts, they are all of value to Him. We should not depreciate them. That is true as well of any ministry or activity that we are privileged to participate in. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each for the profit of all” (7). Continue reading “Spiritual Gifts and Their Purpose for Christians”
Sermon: A Practical Discussion of Modesty
A lesson contrasting societal views of what is modest with what God has to say in His word.
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Sermon: Conversations of the Resurrected Lord
A discussion of the first conversations Jesus’ held after his resurrection, with Mary Magdalene, and then His disciples.
What Grace Teaches Us!
The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, explaining that God’s grace has something to teach us. Let us read the text, and then make some points:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
First, we need to understand how grace teaches. It is simple, the gift of grace is great. It is great in its benefits. God’s gift of His Son as our Redeemer affords us a hope of eternal life! It is great in its sacrifice. God’s giving of His Son was a great sacrifice in that Jesus was the only begotten of the Father, and God loved His Son. It is great in what it reveals to us about God. He loves us! He gave us everything we need to deal with our sin. He wants every living soul to go to heaven, and so has gifted us with grace, so that we can obtain what we ourselves could not possibly receive on our own merit. So, the gift of grace impresses the thoughtful because of its significance, sacrifice and its absolute necessity for our redemption. Continue reading “What Grace Teaches Us!”
Paul Acted Just Like A Father
You know how it is, the child always wanting something, asking to do something, asking to go somewhere with someone, and the father saying no. It frustrates both the child and the parent, but when done for the right reasons, it is very helpful. The child may not know why a request may be unreasonable, dangerous or unwise, but often the father does. Because he loves his child, he wants to protect his child, saving him from unwise choices and negative consequences. This is how the apostle Paul felt toward the Corinthians. Paul rebuked them sharply in his first recorded letter, but his motivation was love. Continue reading “Paul Acted Just Like A Father”
Already Full
Paul has an interesting thing to write about the Christian’s blessings, both because of Christ Himself, and the diligent ministry of His servants. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:
“You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” (8-10).
We are so blessed because of our relationship with Christ. All spiritual blessings emanate from Him! So, the hope of heaven and eternal bliss, as well as our opportunity to worship, communicate with Him and learn His will, all enrich us, strengthen us, and help us to find value and purpose in our lives.
Too, we rejoice that others, His servants, are willing to sacrifice so much for our welfare. This is love. This is what Paul and the other apostles were always willing to do. They were willing to die, be made a spectacle, called a fool, and be weak and dishonored, if only their brethren benefited. May others follow their example. As Paul wrote, he wished that the Corinthians would reign, “that we might reign with you!” (8). We all benefit!
A Zealous People
An important lesson and admonition discussing the requirement of God for us to show true zeal in our Christian life, and stating especially the response of God if we as a congregation are apathetic in our service.
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The Pain of Admonition
Paul the apostle experienced great pain when it was necessary to admonish, as we all should. And yet, he always did what was right for his brethren, no matter the personal discomfort that came to him individually.
Sermon: Some Identifying Marks of the Lord’s Church
Correct concepts of the makeup, authority and purpose of the Lord’s church, contrasted with erroneous views that a prevalent in our society today.
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Sermon: Love in Marriage
Josh Cox preaches an important lesson describing and defining the imperative of love in the marriage relationship.
Psychology and the Bible
Early on during my stint in a state college, I briefly considered majoring in Psychology. I took two courses before changing my mind. The first was introductory. It explained various views (that were very contradictory to scripture) but was enjoyable. The second was a course in Adolescent Psychology, taught by a very arrogant (and idiotic) professor. The man had a very superior air, and dogmatic views on child raising, and used his young son to make his points. Trouble is, in his own description, his young son was completely out of control, to a great extent because of how he was raised! My view of the matter was held by many of the students. By the end of the class I switched my major to control engineering, though that did not last long either.
In my years as a preacher, I have found that there is good that Psychology and Psychiatry can do. While the two are “soft sciences”, they are needed and have helped some who have chemical imbalances, phobias or other abnormal mental issues. Most of the time I can help individuals who suffer guilt from sin, or who demonstrate a definite need for comfort or encouragement from God’s word. But, there have been times when I have had to acknowledge that mental conditions might require skills and help that I as a preacher am not qualified to offer. Continue reading “Psychology and the Bible”
