Author: Stan Cox

There is nothing more important in life than living for Jesus. The phrase, “playing for keeps” is often used to indicate that someone is serious about what they are doing. We as Christians should be serious about our obedience to God, as the Devil certainly is playing for keeps.

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An Associated Press report on June 20, 2012 noted a particular resolution passed almost unanimously by the Southern Baptist convention, held last week in New Orleans.

A day after electing their first black president in a historic move that strives to erase its legacy of racism, Southern Baptists passed a resolution opposing the idea that same-sex marriage is a civil rights issue.

Continue reading “In the News: Southern Baptists Vote…” →

The lesson is an examination of 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul affirms the resurrection of Christ, and in so doing, the resurrection of all men at the judgment.

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The actions of Peter and John (recorded in Acts 4) indicated to the Jewish leaders that they had been with Jesus. The lesson explains the characteristics of those who walk with the Lord, and asks the important question, “Can people see that you walk with Him?”

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Powerpoint Slides

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?