Author: Stan Cox

In this lesson the Seed principle is discussed. When the word of God is planted in purity, what results is a Christian. As such, division and the denominational concept is unacceptable to God.

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This lesson is a discussion of free will, and how it impacts our call to obey the Lord.

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Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Jeremiah points out in his talk that God’s gift of His Son, sent to earth to die on the cross for the sins of man, constitutes the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

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In Genesis 12, God made 3 promises to Abraham. He promised that Abraham would have descendents who would become a great nation; He promised that He would give that people a land to call their own; Finally, He promised that through Abraham’s seed all nations of the earth would be blessed. This lesson examines those promises.

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Most people experience sorrow as a result or consequence of sin. Is that sorrow godly sorrow, leading to repentance, or worldly sorrow leading to death? The lesson examines the difference between the two.

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Invitation delivered by: Darren Johnson

Darren gives a concise history of the man who penned the poem that was put to music, and is now known by the title, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” His life was an example of Jesus’ call to obey the two great commandments, Love God and Love your neighbor.

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In this sermon by Bob Ward, Bob discusses the defeatist attitude which can harmfully effect the Christian’s life and profession of faith.

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Invitation delivered by: Ron Doss

In this talk, Ron discusses what the scriptures reveal about Satan’s attempts to destroy the faith of Christians. Whether deception, persecution or temptation, we must be on guard against his devices.

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At the first of just about every year, I take the time to encourage everyone to read their Bibles. I think it is important to establish a daily habit of Bible reading, and there are many schedules and techniques that can be used to facilitate that desire. But, the task can be intimidating, especially to those who have not been Christians for very long, or for those who are not “readers” among us.

Continue reading “Daily Bible Reading” →

Paul’s initial greeting to the brethren in Thessalonica is straightforward and concise. On behalf of himself Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, he greeted them and acknowledged their relationship in God and Christ. He bestowed upon them his customary greeting, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (cf. Ro. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 2:1; Gal. 1:3; etc.).

It is also typical for Paul to proclaim his daily prayers for his brethren (as he does here), though he varies in the reasons for such prayers. This gives us some indication of the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. He gave thanks to God for their industry (based on their love of God), faithfulness (shown in their obedience) and patience (which had its motivation in their hope in Christ). For this Paul was thankful, and did not cease in his petitions to God for them. We too ought to pray without ceasing for our brethren, giving thanks to God.

Paul called them “beloved brethren” because they had been elected “by God” (cf. Ephesians 1:3-10). God had chosen them for salvation because of their obedient faith in response to the gospel.

How important is a love for truth? This is a legitimate question as we live in a culture that champions the concept of relativism. In the view of many, ultimate or actual truth is not attainable, at least not in spiritual matters. So, personal and subjective feelings (sincerity) have replaced the search for objective truth, as the standard of acceptability to God.

However, though men do not believe an adherence to truth to be of any great importance, a simple consideration of scripture shows that God does. Consider the following:

1. Love for God is paramount. Consider Jesus’ words, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).
2. But, Jesus defined love in a very specific way. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
3. His commandments (truth) is found in scripture. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

To rightly claim a love for God, we must keep His commandments. Since He has revealed His will for man in the Holy Scriptures, it is there we will find truth. What is truth? Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” How important is a love for truth? Very! It is required! Do you have an encompassing love for the truth of God?

Many New Testament verses clearly teach the value that Jesus Christ put on the church He purchased with His own blood. As we learn of that importance, the question remains – How much do we value that church?

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The 50th Psalm reveals God to be a righteous judge. One that will reward the righteous, and punish the wicked. We have no right to question God and His righteousness, but man commonly does, not realizing that God is not like us!

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Paul acknowledged the declared love of the Colossians, revealed by Epaphras to him (vs. 8). This motivated him to return that love by praying daily for them. In our text he reveals what he prayed for, on their behalf:

1. That they would know God’s will, and have the wisdom and discernment to apply it correctly. Note that knowledge of God’s word is dependent upon our own efforts. We are to be diligent in applying ourselves to study (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15). But, wisdom may be granted to us in answer to our prayers (cf. James 1:5-6).
2. That they might fully please God in their Christian walk. You may note that Paul refers to fruitfulness as a key to pleasing God. Branches that do not bear fruit are purged (cf. John 15:2).
3. That they might be strengthened with God’s power, to enable them to steadfastness and longsuffering. While the believer’s life is sometimes hard, we can do “all things through Christ, who strengthens [us]” (Philippians 4:13).

Finally, he gave thanks to God for them. It is God who grants us the right of fellowship, and we thank Him for our privilege.

A recent thought I heard goes as follows:

Your shadow falls upon others. Often that shadow falls in places beyond your control or awareness. While is it true that you can’t control where the shadow falls, you can control the one who casts the shadow. You can control yourself.

Each of us has influence. We control whether we influence others for good, or for evil. The Bible is full of scriptures that teach the importance of being a good example.

Continue reading “The Christian’s Influence” →