Author: Stan Cox

In the last issue of the Electronic Gospel , Jeff Smith wrote about the practice of most Christian denominations to celebrate religiously the birth of Jesus on December 25th. The date is actually an example of the Catholic church appropriating a pagan celebration (the winter solstice celebration of the sun god). Jeff commented:

“It probably seemed logical to keep the holiday and dedicate it to the son of God instead, but a number of assumptions are necessary to add Christmas to a sparse biblical calendar.”

I like the phrase “sparse biblical calendar.” Jeff later pointed out, “The danger, then, is in going beyond what the New Testament does say, but also in minimizing the significance of the one ritual that really is on the church’s calendar. The first day of the week, without regard to season…”

God determined that we come together on Sunday to worship him. One Sunday is no more important than another, but they all are extremely important. It is on that day we celebrate the Lord, with a memorial feast commemorating his death. We do this because it is God’s will. The only authority for the elevation of some days above others, and the observance of Christmas day as the birthday of Jesus in particular, is the tradition of man. This is simply not sufficient (cf. Matthew 7:21-23).

John 12, in the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem before his death, intimates the true nature of the Glorification of the Son of God.

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Malachi 3:13-14 reveals a time in Israel where men spoke “harsh words” against God. Such showed an inappropriate attitude of men toward God, that unfortunately is seen in our time as well.

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I recently came across an internet article listing the 5 most hated YouTube videos in internet history. This list was based upon the number of “thumbs down” designations given. Fifth on the list is the music video, “Baby”, by teen pop singer Justin Bieber. First on the list is a young lady who videotaped her opinion that the earthquake and resultant tsunami that devastated Japan was an answer to prayer, that God might convince the atheist of His existence. Interestingly, the girl later admitted that her video is a hoax, deliberately outrageous with the intent of provoking the ire of viewers.

Continue reading “The Intolerance of Toleration” →

Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Jeremiah uses the example of Paul, who was sincere even when persecuting Christians, to establish the truth that sincerity is serving God is insufficient. We must also be living in accord with His will.

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The lesson text is from 1 Corinthians 1:18-ff. A proper explanation of the concept of God’s “weakness” and “foolishness” is given, with proper applications.

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By looking at the conversions contained in the 8th chapter of the book of Acts, it is possible to correct several commonly held false doctrines.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Stan uses the text of Philippians 4:10-ff, to establish the truthfulness of the adage, it is better to give than receive. Paul was blessed by the gift given by the Philippians, but the church received the greater blessing.

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John 17 and other passages are used to establish that unity can be obtained only as disciples submit to the authority of Jesus Christ in doctrine and conduct.

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The Lesson discusses questions you should ask yourself before deciding upon any action. These will be helpful in ensuring you are doing what the Lord intends for you.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Using the example of the Philippian Jailor’s conversion, Stan points out the joy that we obtain when we are obedient to the gospel (cf. Acts 16:30-33)

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin examines a misguided claim of spiritual enlightenment, showing the fallacy of focusing on the faults of others rather than the challenges of self.

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What are the requirements of membership in the Lord’s church? Whether the church as the term refers to body of believers, or the local congregation? And, who is it that determines those requirements?

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Our text reveals the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6, which prophesied the coming of Elijah in preparation for Messiah. John’s preparatory work was finished, as signified by his imprisonment, and now Jesus of Nazareth began his ministry, “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.”

John’s imprisonment by Herod led to his death by beheading (as seen in Mark 6:14-29). John himself foretold the transition in essence when he said in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Jesus ministry and teaching prefaced his kingdom, established after his death and resurrection (cf. Acts 2). At this time, he said, “the kingdom of God is at hand.”

There is a peculiar false doctrine that contends Jesus’ teaching in such places as Matthew 5-7 was not the gospel of the kingdom, rather a simple explanation of old covenant law. This passage shows the view to be incorrect. Jesus preached His own gospel, and His words must be heeded. As the Hebrew writer stated, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” (Hebrews 2:1-2a).