Author: Stan Cox

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

Josh uses teaching in Luke 12 and Mark 10 to point out that a focus on worldly possessions, or the means of obtaining said possessions, is a vain pursuit. Instead, it is proper to focus primarily on our service to God.

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More and more often you hear of Christian young ladies participating in cheerleading activities. Is there anything objectionable about cheerleading? Well, yes and no. There is nothing objectionable in leading cheers at football games and other school events. However, too often cheerleading includes two things that a Christian girl should have no part in: 1) Immodest dress; and, 2) Lascivious choreography.

Continue reading “In the News: Cheerleaders and Modesty” →

John 4:16-24

Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well was astounding in both circumstance and content.

The Jews hated the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual. The conflict had its origin in the divided kingdom, and the animosity only grew through the centuries until the time of our Lord. It is important to note that the Samaritans were the remnants of the northern Jews who had been taken into Assyrian captivity, and had intermarried with other races upon their return to Samaria. The mingling of races, combined with the Samaritans acceptance of pagan gods led to a mongrel race and religion.

Continue reading “True Worship” →

Can you imagine the audacity of a man who would seek to exalt himself against an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ? That is exactly what Diotrephes did, as he sought preeminence in a local congregation, and refused to accept John and his companions.

This note, which explains the tactics of Diotrephes, serves as an object lesson to Christians today. The man lied maliciously about John. Further, he compelled others to do his bidding, and put them out of the church if they were unwilling to go along with his agenda.

The lesson, concisely put in a quotation most commonly attributed to Edmund Burke, is that “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” God’s word tells us what to do with men such as Diotrephes (cf. Tit. 3:10).

In contrast, John calls upon his readers to imitate good rather than evil. Where Diotrephes is shown to be an example of evil, John puts forth Demetrius as an example of good. He had a good reputation, one that was valid because he was obedient to truth. For this, he received the commendation of the great apostle.

A simple lesson establishing the fact of Hell as a place of eternal torment, and the danger of risking the wrath of God through disobedience to His will.

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In verse 7 John continues his contention that the child of God must “walk according to His commandments” (vs. 6). He notes that false teachers would come, denying the humanity of Jesus, and in so doing lead some to forfeit their faith and standing with God.

He refers to these as deceivers and “an antichrist.” The term antichrist (antichristos) simply refers to one who opposes the Christ, and should not here be construed as referring to any one person, past or future. All those who deny the deity or the humanity of the Christ make themselves opponents of Him. Thus, they are antichrists.

John calls for awareness of this false doctrine, and warns his readers lest they be influenced by the teaching. Why? Because, if such is embraced, they might “lose those things we worked for” (vs 8).

Embracing false doctrine can cause one to lose his soul. Concerning such individuals, Peter wrote that they twist the scriptures “to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16).

We must be diligent, “that we may receive a full reward” (vs. 8).

Today we have reached the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade center in New York , and the Pentagon.

No doubt you (as do I) remember where you were and what you were doing when you got the news of the attacks. All of America watched the television, thrilled to the bravery of our firefighters and police, and mourned the loss of American lives. Voices were raised as one in condemning the cowardly attacks against our nation, and in the call for retribution against our enemy.

An important lesson seemed to be learned by our nation, as so many turned to God in the midst of the crisis. A call to righteousness was heard, and prayers were offered in the realization that our greatest help comes from the Almighty.

Unfortunately, the focus on God was short lived. As time passed, most lost the ardor and virtue that was so prevalent among Americans in the weeks following the attacks. Partisan politics returned as the parties sought to capitalize from the event. An easily distracted populace returned to its pattern of conspicuous consumption and pursuit of worldly pleasures.

As we contemplate the attacks a decade later, may we realize the importance of turning to God as our help and stay. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Invitation delivered by: Ron Doss

Romans 6:15-17 is the text used to point out that Christians should not continue to sin. Rather, we are molded by the gospel of Christ to become far different. A new creature, transformed by God.

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The lesson takes the text of 2 Peter 1:5-11 to establish the importance of diligence to the maturation of the Christian. Such maturation ensures fruit bearing, and an acceptance by God leading to eternal life. A lack of diligence is shortsighted and destructive.

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The Lesson uses the text of Acts 13 and 14 (esp. 14:8-22, in Paul’s ministry in Lystra) to show how the preaching of the gospel will sometimes result in the salvation of men’s souls, and at the same time will sometimes lead to tribulation and trial. The moral? Preach the word, despite opposition!

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The Apostle John reveals here his purpose in writing his epistle. It serves as an admonition to his readers, “so that you may not sin” (vs. 1).

This is the purpose of God’s revealed will. It serves as the source for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, and thoroughly equips the man of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). If one desires to avoid sin, he must immerse himself in the reading and meditation of God’s word. He then is equipped for the righteous life he craves.

That does not mean that he will live without sin, as John revealed just a few verses previous (1:8,10). When man sins, it is not a reflection upon any inadequacy in the Word — only the failure of man to properly apply it and obey it.

Facing the reality of sin, we are grateful for the payment made for our transgressions. Jesus Christ is the propitiation (atonement, expiation) for sin. Through His blood the price was paid, allowing reconciliation with God. His act of atonement was not for a few, but for “the whole world” (vs. 2). Anyone who desires may be redeemed by God.

On September 3, 1989 a 27 year old preacher from Odessa, TX preached his first sermon for the West Side congregation in Fort Worth, TX. He had a beautiful young wife, a 4 year old son, and a little girl just two months shy of her 3rd birthday.

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of that first sermon. In the intervening years there have been two more children, a lot of laughter and tears, the appearance of not a few grey hairs… and hopefully the seasoning and maturity of a preacher.

As we begin our 23rd year together, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my love for each of you. I appreciate the confidence you have shown in me, and the stand for truth you have taken through the years. During conflict and tribulation you have consistently shown a willingness to do what is right. You have never chafed at the preaching of God’s word, nor objected to the declaration of the “whole counsel of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). You have been kind to my wife and children, and allowed me to raise them in a stable environment that too few preachers enjoy.

In short, this congregation is in many ways exemplary. That is not to say that we have not had our share of troubles, nor that there is not much improvement that can be made—but in a day where too many have heaped to “themselves teachers, having itching ears” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3) you are to be commended for your love for truth.

I thank God every day for you, my brethren. I pray I will have many more years and opportunities to share with you my understanding of the treasures of God’s will.

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin uses the song to illustrate the importance of sharing the Word of God with others. Who knows how much fruit will be born in the planting of a single seed?

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The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) teaches us four lessons. 1) The danger of ingratitude; 2) The Necessity of Repentance; 3) The Mercy and Compassion of God; and 4) The Importance of Rejoicing in the salvation of sinners.

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The importance of the gospel in the salvation of man’s souls can not be overstated. The gospel of our Lord is Persuasive, Pervasive (as it impacts all aspects of our lives), Demonstrative (in the lives of faithful Christians), Declarative and Redemptive.

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