Author: Stan Cox

The apostle Paul truly had a great love for his brethren in Philippi. He said as much when he wrote, “I have you in my heart,” (7) and “how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ” (8). This love stemmed equally from his “deep concern for all the churches” (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:28), and from their fellowship “in the gospel from the first day until now” (5).

For Paul, the expression of love went far beyond mere platitudes. It was shown in the continual petitions he made on their behalf before God. He thanked his God “upon every remembrance of you” (3). His opportunity to pray on their behalf was described by the apostle as a joy because of their assistance, and his affection.

His commendation was deserved. Because of their ministration to him, he described the Philippians as “both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel … partakers with me of grace” (7). Not all of us are capable of such active defense of the faith as the great apostle. However, it is within the capabilities of all Christians to have fellowship in grace by helping those who do!

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments” (Psalm 119:103-106).

It is a wonderful thing to have opportunity to read, study and meditate on God’s word. Those who give themselves to such study, with the purpose of sharing the fruits of their study with others, are to be commended. In Romans 10:15, Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah in describing the preacher of the gospel. Isaiah’s words, found in Isaiah 52:7 are:

“How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

We are blessed this week to have the opportunity to hear brother Chip Foster proclaim the sweet words of Jehovah in our hearing. The gospel of our Lord is the “power of God unto salvation” (cf. Romans 1:16). Please take advantage of every lesson, and rejoice in the easy availability of His will for man. We are truly living in times of blessing, and look forward to our week together!

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Many of the passages detailing God’s scheme of redemption are familiar to us. It is important that we not allow familiarity to breed contempt. If the words of inspiration are read with care, they are profound and uplifting.

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The apostle Paul was very enthusiastic about the preaching of the gospel. He wrote to the Romans, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:15-16).

In the apostle’s estimation, there was nothing more important than preaching the gospel of Christ. There was no force that could better effect change in the lives of saint and sinner alike. Opportunities to hear God’s word are precious, and should be coveted by each one of us.

We have such an opportunity to hear the gospel preached beginning next Saturday. Brother Chip Foster loves the truth of God, and has set himself to proclaim it in our presence. Opportunities will be available each day from May 5-10 to hear that gospel described by Paul as the “power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”

You may have other things to do that week, but one thing is sure — there is nothing you can do that week that is more important than what God’s saints will be doing at the West Side building, or more beneficial to you and yours. So, how about it? Will you be there?

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

Surveys show that most consider the Bible to be Holy, but not particularly relevant to our time and society. However, the Holy Spirit affirms that it is capable of perfecting those who read it (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

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The sermon examines the conversation between Jesus and the woman of Samaria, recorded in John 4. The woman, who conceivably began the interlude with animosity toward Jesus, a Jew, eventually believed Him to be the Messiah.

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Romans 11:22 affirms that God is both good, and severe, depending upon our standing with Him. The lesson affirms the need for obedience, that we might witness God’s goodness.

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Invitation delivered by: Jerry Gallman

To grow in the favor of God, it is necessary to know God’s will for man. Growth in knowledge through study leads to growing in the favor or grace of God (cf. 2 Peter 3:18).

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President Barak Obama, on April 6, 2012, addressed the Women’s Economic Forum at the White House, appropriately praising his wife for her diligence in raising their daughters. He also had praise for his mother and grandmother. They are/were apparently industrious women who he praises as chief contributors to his character and success. In his speech he mentioned the fact that his wife was conflicted while working outside the home. Consider the following from the transcript.

Once I was in the state legislature, I was teaching, I was practicing law, I’d be traveling — and we didn’t have the luxury for her not to work. And I know when she was with the girls, she’d feel guilty that she wasn’t giving enough time to her work. And when she was at work, she was feeling guilty she wasn’t giving enough time to the girls. And like many of you, we both wished that there were a machine that could let us be in two places at once. And so she had to constantly juggle it, and carried an extraordinary burden for a long period of time.

Continue reading “In the News: “We didn’t have the luxury”” →

I recently came across an article that was discussing advice given by a “preacher” to a young Christian who was wondering if it was acceptable for Christians to go to night clubs. The preacher wrote him:

“… I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors.”

Later, the preacher ridiculed what he considered that legalistic view:

“We can’t hang out with sinners but — at most — we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus…”

In reality, the Lord ate and drank with sinners (cf. Luke 5:30) — He didn’t “party” with them. And, He had a purpose in approaching them, “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (vs. 31-32).

We are to be in the world, but we are not to be of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). And, we are certainly not to be like the world (cf. Philippians 2:14-15). The young man was not asking permission to “shine his light” he wanted to be justified in “fitting in.” That is something Jesus never sought to do! In this unfortunate example, the preacher’s words are shameful and wrong!

Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Titus 2:11-ff speaks of the grace of God, and what it teaches us with regard to obedience to Him.

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(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in (April 2012) in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, a very wise man wrote “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Such a simple truth, but one that is unfortunately seldom heeded.

Why do you go to church? It seems like for a lot of people, worship is entertainment; and a church’s purpose is to facilitate self-actualization. And that seems to be a bit backwards.

Worship should be (and if it is true worship, it is) an offering to God. The purpose of worship is to please God, not to please ourselves. In order for it to please Him, our worship must be in accord with His will. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

The purpose of the church is to do the Lord’s work in the world. It is a religious institution, dedicated to spiritual work. Members share the gospel with the lost, build one another up through worship and fellowship, and engage in benevolent activities. While entertainment and socializing seem to be the central priority of the church experience in our day and time, that is not what God intended for His people. Paul said that the church of the living God is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

Our view is not a typical way of looking at worship and service to God. Are you serious about your service to Him? Come visit the West Side church of Christ!
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Proverbs 6:16-19 identifies 7 things that are an abomination to God. It stands to reason that an approximate opposite of these things would be pleasing to God. The sermon shows that this is true, with practical applications.

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The Bible identified Abraham as a “friend of God.” The sermon discussed the attributes of Abraham that commended him to God, and makes application for God’s children today.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Among other irrational thoughts discussed, Justin points out the absurdity of the idea that a person can be a Christian while practicing sin (cf. 1 John 3:4-9).

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