Author: Stan Cox

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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The lesson establishes that God is impartial, and discusses the ramifications of that fact as it impacts the redemption of mankind.

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Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

In a discussion of Philippians 4:12-13, Kyle points out that we must appeal to the strength of Christ both during bad times (when discouragement may set in), and during good times (when temptation may distract).

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The scriptures describe heaven (among other things) as a habitation, a homeland, an inheritance, a rest and a crown. Each of these descriptive terms reveal wonderful aspects of our eternal reward.

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The lesson is a study on influence. Our need to emulate champions of faith – and our responsibility to serve as an influence on others.

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In Colossians 3:1-2, the apostle Paul wrote, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” In light of the corruption that is present in our own society, such words are certainly needed.

The call is for Christians to comport themselves differently because of their relationship with their Savior.  We have been raised with Christ.  As Paul put it in Romans 6:4, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” While not explicitly stated in the text, our leaving the waters of baptism, dead to sin and alive to Christ, is a raising that parallels the resurrection of our Lord.  It is a new birth, a renewal, a conversion.  We should not longer be as the world, but rather “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

The call is accomplished in the mind.  We set our minds on things above.  Our focus is not on the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, but on our eternal abode and the things of God.

Why do we do this?  Back to Colossians 3:4, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” The old man (the man of sin) is dead.  Because of this, the new man is to “put to death [his] members which are on the earth” (vs. 5).  This is not optional.  It is what it means to belong to Him.

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Paul thanked God for the Philippian’s fellowship, or participation in the gospel of Christ. Whenever we “participate” in the gospel, we cause joy in heaven!

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When a discussion centers on what a man must do to be saved, it is commonly asked “What about the thief on the cross?” Does Jesus’ pardon of the thief, recorded in Luke 23, have any bearing on what He expects of us as we respond to the gospel?

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Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera

Armando used the text of 1 Corinthians 12:12-ff to establish the importance of every Christian as we seek to edify one another as members of the body of Christ.

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An overview of Reformed Theology complete with a discussion of God’s Sovereignty, source quotes from Calvinists, and a sampling of verses that refute the 5 major tenets of Calvinism, as represented in the acrostic T.U.L.I.P.

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