Author: Stan Cox

The sermon first establishes that all of God’s promises are sure. Then, discusses the following promises of God:

1. To supply every need we have.
2. That His grace is sufficient for us.
3. That His children will not be overtaken in temptation.
4. Victory over death.
5. That all things work together for good to those who love Him.
6. Those who believe and are baptized will be saved.
7. Eternal Life.

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“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 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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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Joshua instructed the people to rely upon God’s guidance as they entered the promised land for the first time, for “You have not passed this way before.” The same admonition is relevant to our lives as we contemplate such varied things as our salvation, marriage, raising kids, and even the eventuality of death.

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Invitation delivered by: Joshua Cox

It is true that no one is perfect. We all sin (cf. Romans 3:23). But, the fact that we aren’t perfect does not give us the right to not strive for perfection. Passages such as 1 John 3:6 show us as Christians that we must strive for perfection.

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In 1 Timothy 4, the apostle Paul identifies and describes for Timothy false teachers who would soon trouble God’s people. He instructs Timothy to instruct the brethren regarding these false doctrines, that they might be protected by the truth of God’s word. In doing so, Paul tells Timothy that he would be a good minister of Jesus Christ.

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When Aaron and Moses approached Pharaoh with God’s demand that he let the Israelites leave Egypt (Exodus 5:1-2), Pharaoh’s question was “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him.” This sermon answers the question. God is the Almighty, the Giver of Blessings, The One who requires obedience, the Just and Merciful, and the One to whom we must give account.

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Typically, the apostle Paul begins his epistle with praise to God. He proclaims God to be the font of all spiritual blessings, and affirms these blessings are accomplished in the person of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ life, death and resurrection the favor of God is complete.

What is interesting in this text is Paul’s reference to foreordination and predestination. This means that God’s scheme of redemption was a fait accompli before the universe was ever created.

When we talk about predestination, we must understand such predestination is not individual in nature. The affirmation that God chose us individually would negate the concept of free will and personal responsibility. It would make passages such as Mark 16:16 — (“He that believes and is baptized will be saved, he that believes not will be condemned”) — nonsensical.

God predestined that those who were among the sanctified —those who were among those adopted as sons — would be accepted. He gives us the choice as to whether we wish to be in that group or not. God is no respecter of persons.

(Note: P.A. and Tippy Foster are charter members of the West Side congregation. P.A. serves as on of the elders of our congregation. They are two wonderful and godly individuals).

Last Tuesday Debbie and I had the distinct privilege of attending a reception honoring P.A. and Tippy Foster among a group of about 80 World War II veterans. In that group was a survivor of the Bataan death march, who remained a prisoner of war for three and one half years. There were also several who had stormed the beach at Normandy on D-Day. Tippy had the distinction of being the only lady among those honored. P.A. and Tippy both served in the Navy during the war.

Several of the men told of their experiences during the war. Some of these stories were humorous, but in all of them there was the recognition of just how horrific war is, and how great were the sacrifices of both those who survived the conflict, and those who lost their lives in service to their country and humanity.

Continue reading “In the News: Honoring Sacrifice” →

(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in March 2012 in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

Many religious people say that God doesn’t care what your doctrine is, as long as you believe in Christ. But, the apostle John wrote, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).

Many religious people say they are glad that there are so many different churches where men may go and worship as they please. But, Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21).

Many religious people protest that objective truth is unknowable. However, Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Further, the apostle Paul promised concerning the revelation he had received from the Holy Spirit, “when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4).

Many religious people are simply unwilling to work at knowing God’s will, and limiting themselves to His directions for them in their lives. The brethren at West Side know how important it is to study God’s word, and to use it as the blueprint they follow in their daily lives. Would you like to know and understand God’s will for you? Come visit the West Side church of Christ.
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(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in February 2012 in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

Over the past 100 years or so, many churches in America have changed their emphasis from saving souls to effecting change in secular society. The soup kitchen replaced the pulpit as the primary focus of the church, and the preaching of the gospel, God’s “power to save” (cf. Rom. 1:16), is no longer the central activity of professed Christians.

This “Social Gospel” has recently devolved from the effecting of social change to simply socializing! Churches today emphasize the “fun” to be had through entertainment and recreational activities offered as an appeal to the community. Catchwords such as “casual”, “contemporary”, and “dynamic” have replaced words such as “reverence”, “devotion” and “sacrifice.”

Dear friend, the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (cf. Phil. 4:7), is not to be found in recreation and entertainment. The Lord’s church is to be involved in the evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-16), and the edification of its members (Eph. 4:11-16).

Most people are mainly interested in the social things, and choose their church accordingly. However, if you are interested in a sacrificial life of devotion to the Master, and wish to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” we can help. Come visit the West Side church and see for yourself.
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