Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 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
Mining the Scriptures: Romans 1:8-12
Paul was quick to express his appreciation for the faith of God’s saints in Rome. He commended them, saying, “your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (vs. 8). How commendable, to have such faith as to be known by brethren everywhere as accepted by God!
It is because of this faith that Paul prayed for them daily, and desired to come and minister to them, by imparting some spiritual gift (vs. 11). Paul wrote this letter near the end of his third missionary journey while in Corinth. Though he desired to come to Rome, it was a while before his wishes were met (cf. 15:22).
What Paul and the Romans enjoyed, though separated, was the “mutual faith both of you and me” (vs. 12). This is the greatest reason for Christians throughout the world to be encouraged. No matter where you go, there are those of like precious faith that, by that faith, may rightly be regarded as a spiritual family. The Christian is never without encouragement and support where another Christian is to be found. Cultures, races and languages all may be different, but for all disciples of Jesus, our mutual faith remains.
Sermon: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
The lesson examines both the message of the gospel itself, as well as the responsibility that the child of God has to preach that gospel to the lost.
Sermon: Stewardship
Three principles are examined in this lesson on Stewardship: 1) All things belong to God; 2) We are to be stewards in what we have and who we are; and, 3) We will be held accountable for our stewardship.
Mining the Scriptures: Acts 1:6-8
Prior to his ascension, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” As was His common practice, our Lord responded by telling them what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear. Though the advent of the kingdom was indeed near, (and accomplished only 10 days later, as recorded in Acts 2), Jesus first informed them that it was not their place to know the time (vs. 7).
Then He told them what they needed to know, giving them a lesson on power. He told the apostles that they would receive power. The Greek word here is dunamis, and indicates power or might. What is evident when the scriptures are examined, is that this might is not military, social or political. The might supplied through the work of the Holy Spirit is bound up in inspiration! “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would enable them, through truth, to witness for Him. This the apostles did first on Pentecost, and the spiritual Kingdom of God was realized.
“But, What If You Are Wrong?”
When defending my faith to a skeptic, I have been asked on a few occasions, “But, what if you are wrong?” It is a question that arises from my acknowledgment that I accept the claims of scripture by faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Setting aside the evidence that supports my faith, let us consider for a moment the question asked.
Paul actually addressed just this question, in acknowledging the ramifications of the contention that there is no resurrection of the dead. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, he wrote, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (vs. 16-19).
In the News: Pragmatism VS Idealism
I am not particularly fond of politics, but I have been casually following the debates and campaigns of the Republican candidates for the Presidency. Many are aware that for a time Newt Gingrich had enjoyed a lead in the polls, as the Iowa Caucuses neared. However, political analysts believe that a series of attack ads by a political group that is backing Mitt Romney led to a change of sentiment by voters, and a disappointing 4th place finish for Gingrich in Iowa.
Gingrich has been very civil toward other candidates during debates and campaigning, taking the high road, and eschewing negative campaigning to this point. He has called for other candidates to do the same. However, indications are that things have changed. After his disappointing finish, Gingrich has made clear that he will begin to be more pointed in his criticism of Romney’s policies and history as governor of Massachusetts.
Invitation: Focus on the Gift, Not the Box!
Invitation delivered by: Roger Paulsel
Roger uses a humorous personal experience to illustrate an important point from Acts 17. All God gives us is for the purpose of our seeking for and finding Him (cf. vs. 27).
From the Preacher’s Pen: Illicit Pleasure Brings Diminishing Returns
I recently came across the following quote from the pen of C.S. Lewis in his book, The Screwtape Letters, (pages 41-42). They are the words of a demon tempter to his young apprentice, explaining the difference between God given pleasure, and illicit perversions of it.
“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures; all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take the pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable. An ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula.”
How true! Sexual activity within the loving confines of marriage is pure and uplifting. Fornication of all types leads to dissolution and complications. The same can be said for illicit drug use, the pursuit of money, and all sorts of activities that are not even objectionable if practiced with the moderation and priority God prescribes.
Remember, the devil seeks our ruin! (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). Sin is alluring, but it’s end is never satisfying to the soul.
Sermon: Are There to be Watchmen in Spiritual Israel Today?
Speaker: Dennis Scroggins
Dennis discusses objections made concerning the marking of error, defense of truth, and the nature of autonomy in this lesson.
Sermon: Blessings of the Blood of Christ
A word study on the terms: Reconciliation, Redemption, Justification, Propitiation and Sanctification as they relate to the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Lessons Learned from Torment
In Luke 16, our Lord revealed to his disciples the particulars of two men’s deaths: A rich man, “who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day,” but had insufficient love for God. A poor man named Lazarus who desired “to be fed crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table,” and was in good standing with God.
We know the spiritual standing of these two men, because Jesus revealed their disposition after death. The rich man, we are told, was in “torments in Hades” (vs. 23). Lazarus, in contrast, “was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” where he received comfort (vs. 22).
From the Preacher’s Pen: Flexible Bible Reading Schedules
Today, a new year begins. Thus an perfect opportunity to make some new year resolutions regarding your service for the Lord. One of the best that can be made is to be more consistent and devoted in your Bible reading schedule.
Over the years I have suggested and supplied a number of different reading plans. Reading the entire Bible in a year is a good plan. Some may want to read through the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Others may want in the next several months to read through the New Testament, or a portion of it.
I have come across a website that allows you to pick the book or books you want to read, and the time you want to take to do so. If you wish, a daily email can be sent with the reading, or links to audio on the internet, where you can listen to the passage you have chosen rather than reading it. The best part about the site is its versatility. It is easy to use, and even the most technologically timid can utilize the site. So, my suggestion would be to check it out today or tomorrow, and use it (or some other schedule) to help you to be regular and dedicated in your reading of the word of God.
The URL to the website is:
Sermon: Correcting False Views of Faith and Obedience
Paul’s epistle to the Romans is a much misunderstood book, especially as it relates to the apostle’s teaching on the subject of Justification by Faith. This sermon serves as an explanation of the first three chapters of the book as they relate to the topic.
Mining the Scriptures: John 1:14
This short verse contains one of the most sublime truths ever revealed to man, “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” As revealed in verses 1-3 of the text, the Word was (and is) God. As the prophet foretold, “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).
Of course, many deny this truth. “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 7). John’s language condemns those who deny the humanity of the Son of God, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God” (2 John 9).
He is God’s “only begotten.” His incarnation represents glad tidings of peace, and good will. His sinless life makes Him a sufficient sacrifice. His resurrection from the dead makes him the second Adam, bringing life. His ascension and glorification will culminate with the bowing of every knee, and the confession of what so many now deny. He is truly “full of grace and truth.”
In the News: Our Unstable World
The recent Baghdad bombing captivated and distressed the world’s population, as news services showed pictures of the devastation, and reported on the dead. A recent news article from the Sydney Morning Herald, dated December 24, 2012, in Australia, noted:
The attacks were the worst since a string of bombings in August that killed 74 people. But they were merely the latest in a country where stability and plurality remain a bitter illusion. The 16 bombs, 63 deaths and 185 wounded will undoubtedly be viewed through the prism of the grave political crisis that, within a week of the US withdrawal, has put an end to any hope of the country moving forward under a nationalist banner.
Additionally, the long time despot and leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, died on December 17th. There is much conjecture and concern as to what effect his passing will have on the stability of that nation. This is especially troubling since North Korea has nuclear capabilities. The fact that China, which has emerged as one of the preeminent economic and world powers is an ally of North Korea gives even greater cause for concern.
