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
Are You Serious About Serving God?
(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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Sermon: 7 Things the Lord Loves
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.
Sermon: Abraham – A Friend of God
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.
Invitation: That’s Irrational
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).
Sermon: The Responsibilities of Parents
Children are gifts given to us by God (cf. Psalm 127:3-5). As such, parents are obligated to care for them. They have the responsibility to provide for, teach, be an example to, and discipline their children.
In the News: Offending Islam
Over three years ago, Youcef Nadarkhani was cast into prison in Iran. His crime? Apostasy. Nadarkhani professes to be Christian, and serves as the Pastor of a Christian denomination in Iran. The authorities claim that he did not embrace his Christian faith until after he became an adult. It is a crime under Muslim law to reject Islam as an adult.
There were apparently inaccurate reports recently that Nadarkhani was executed for his “crime.” In fact, Iranian officials claim that Nadarkhani does not face the death penalty, but do not apologize for his imprisonment.
Invitation: Itching Ears
Invitation delivered by: Darren Johnson
Darren discusses Paul’s warning that in the last days, some would “heap up to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). He points out the importance of heeding God’s worth, as only truth can save us!
Sermon: Further Clothed
The sermon is an expository treatment of 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 emphasizing the nature of our hope, serving as motivation for our aim to always “be well pleasing to Him.”
Sermon: 7 Promises of God
The sermon first establishes that all of God’s promises are sure. Then, discusses the following promises of God:
- To supply every need we have.
- That His grace is sufficient for us.
- That His children will not be overtaken in temptation.
- Victory over death.
- That all things work together for good to those who love Him.
- Those who believe and are baptized will be saved.
- Eternal Life.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Atheists are April Fools!
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one” (Psalm 14:1-3).
Today, April 1, is commonly called “April Fool’s Day.” It is a day for misdirection and practical jokes. These things are just silly fun, as long as they do not get out of hand. However, some people are making fools out of themselves! Those who deny God’s existence take a stand that is intellectually absurd. First, this is so because it is impossible to determine that God does not exist, unless one is both omniscient and omnipresent. Second, and most importantly, there is abundant evidence that God does indeed exist!
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).
Don’t be a fool today, or any day! God exists!
Invitation: God’s Way is Best
Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera
Men constantly believe that their way of looking at things is best. Often it is foolish and destructive. In contrast, if we accept the wisdom of God, we will always be blessed.
Sermon: Dangers Facing the Church
This sermon was adapted from an old bedsheet sermon chart created by Steve Hudgins years ago. The sermon was preached in two parts, AM and PM. I combined the two into a single recording of about 83 minutes. The sermon discusses 9 dangers facing the church: Ignorance, Neglectfulness, Worldliness, Boastfulness, Compromise, Materialism, Indifference, Doctrinal Error and Apostasy.
Sermon: The Facts About Jesus
The fundamental facts about Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God and Savior of mankind. These facts make up what is referred to in scripture as the Gospel. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (cf. Romans 1:16).
Sermon: Who is the minister in your church?
It is an oft asked question, and an opportunity to teach. In fact, there is not clergy/laity distinction in the Lord’s church. In fact, we are all ministers (servants) in the Lord’s church.
Sermon: Walking in the Light
Walking in the light of God’s will reaps great benefits, including: Fellowship with other Christians, access to the cleansing blood of Christ, joy and exaltation and the assurance we will never stumble (cf. 1 John 1:7).
