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
Invitation: An Invitation From Family
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin points out that when the invitation is offered, it is offered by a family to any member of that family who has a need, or to anyone future family member who desires to obey the Lord. It is an invitation offered from love.
In the News: Fun and Happiness
David Feherty is a former professional golfer who now hosts a talk show on the Golf Channel, and is known to be an entertaining and funny person. He is also an alcoholic, who used to down Irish whiskey and prescription pain killers in prodigious amounts. His addictions led to serious thoughts of suicide, and his self-destructive behavior continued for many years until he finally got it under control about six years ago.
Sermon: Mental Divorce
The sermon deals with the doctrine commonly referred to as Mental Divorce. Arguments are made regarding what the Bible teaches about marriage and the bond between a husband and wife. The doctrine is shown to be erroneous.
Sermon: Apathy to Zeal
The terms apathy and zeal are defined, and examples are given of each in scripture. God’s response is also noted, as exhortations are given for Christians to exhibit fervor for God and His work.
“Literally” – A Discussion of Definitions
I recently read an interesting short article on the use of the term “literally” that I want to share with you, then comment upon.
Two Misuses of “Literally”
“He literally knocked his head off.” No. If he had, the head would have rolled across the floor, separated from the body. “Literally,” in that case, is mistakenly used to intensify a figure of speech, but “literally” does not intensify the figure. It says “knocked his head off” is not a figure of speech but a true description of what he did.
Another misuse of “literally” has to do with word meaning. Someone says, “proskuneo ‘literally’ means ‘kiss the ground toward.’” No, proskuneo literally means “worship.” “Kiss the ground toward” is its etymology, how the word was formed. It is also an archaic meaning; as ancient Persians did literally fall on their faces and kiss the feet or hem of the robe of their deified kings. Etymology does not determine meaning; usage does. The New Testament frequently says, “They fell down and worshipped him” (Matthew 2:11; e.g.). “Fell down” is from a different original word, “worshipped” is proskuneo.
“Literally” does not intensify a figure. A word’s etymological meaning is not its “literal” meaning.
Cecil May
Preacher Talk (Vol. 27, No. 2—April 2012)
The first misuse of the term “literally” is typical in casual conversation. While irritating to those who are sensitive to the mangling of the English language, it is innocuous. However, defining biblical terms by their etymology, (or even their assigned dictionary definitions), without considering context, is extremely troubling as we seek to interpret God’s word.
Continue reading ““Literally” – A Discussion of Definitions”
Sermon: Now that the Meeting is Over, What Next?
Sermon 9 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
In this lesson, brother Foster brought the meeting to a close with an encouraging and uplifting exhortation to zeal and steadfastness in applying the preaching we hear to our daily lives.
Sermon: Priscilla and Aquila
Sermon 8 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
Paul’s companions, Priscilla and Aquila, are wonderful examples of what can be accomplished before God if husband and wife work together to serve Him.
Sermon: Lamentations of Jeremiah
Sermon 7 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The third chapter of Lamentations is used to express the truth that despite the trials of life, there is hope if we wait on the Lord, and bear our yoke before Him.
Sermon: Delilah and Jezebel
Sermon 6 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
Old Testament characters Delilah, Jezebel and Nabal are used to warn young people of the dangers of choosing a mate unwisely.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Preach the Word!
I recently came across this paragraph, written by Foy L. Smith. I believe it was written in 1963. It clearly states the attitude that gospel preachers should have toward their work. It also asserts the importance of sharing the gospel with others:
Brother, roll up your sleeves and thunder forth that message that rocked the hills and vales around the Jordan long ago — that pierced the hearts and convicted thousands on the day of Pentecost and subsequent days — that vibrated through the hills and valleys of Kentucky and Ohio in the days of the restoration, and that still thrills and influences the hearts of men when it is given its rightful place and emphasis! Preach it because you can do nothing greater. Preach it because you love it. Preach it because you are afraid not to preach it. And preach it exactly as it is written, neither fearing nor favoring men. Preach it every time you go into the pulpit like that time will be your last time. Preach it as “a dying man to dying men”
Foy L. Smith, Firm Foundation Vol. 80, Num. 5
The zeal revealed in the quote is one that is too seldom seen among God’s people. Are we apathetic? Paul said, “So as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel” (Romans 1:15). May we all emulate the great apostle!
Sermon: Salvation and the Man from Ethiopia
Sermon 5 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8) is examined, to determine what did and did not happen in the conversion. The lesson’s application contrasts what men teach and what the Bible reveals that a man must do to be saved.
Sermon: Two Cons
Sermon 4 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
Two concepts are examined, using Jeroboam as an example (1 Kings 12:25-30). The first, CONvenience. The second, CONviction. Good application is made to Christians in our time.
Sermon: Hosea’s Seven
Sermon 3 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The sermon uses the text of Hosea to look at the state of Israel during the time of the prophet, and makes seven applications. Today we can be guilty of the same sins of Hosea’s time: 1) Lack of Knowledge; 2) Pride; 3) Instability; 4) Mixing with the World; 5) Corruption; 6) Backsliding; and 7) Idolatry.
Sermon: Angels
Sermon 2 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The sermon (delivered during the Bible class on Sunday morning) reveals what God’s word teaches on the subject of angels, and contrasts what is revealed with the misconceptions and superstitions of men.
Sermon: The Tri-Fold Character
Sermon 1 of 9
Gospel Meeting May 5-10, 2012
Speaker: Chip Foster
The sermon examines the character of the Centurion in Luke 7:1-10, as it is assessed by those who witnessed his behavior, as he humbly assessed in himself, and finally as assessed by the Savior. The applications are obvious, and clearly established by brother Foster.
