Tri-Annual Singing!
October 17, 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
Sermon: The Importance of Christ’s Church
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?
Sermon: “You thought that I was altogether like you”
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!
Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:9-12
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:
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
The Christian’s Influence
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.
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.
