Author: Stan Cox

Fourth in an ongoing series on authority. This lesson explains what hermeneutics is (the methodological system of interpreting the Bible), and explains that our methodology is not arbitrary or contrived, but is a simple consequence of what the Bible claims to be.

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Sermon by Kris Braddock: Kris examines the confused and sorrowful reactions of Jesus’ disciples in the time between his death and resurrection. The lesson is resolved with the realization of hope in Jesus’ victory over death. A great final lesson for our meeting.

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Sermon by Kris Braddock: This lesson is a good overview of the issues that divided brethren in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Human Institutions, the Social Gospel, the Sponsoring church arrangement and the concept of Unlimited Benevolence are all shown to be a violation of the Bible pattern, thus unauthorized.

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Spring is in full bloom, and with the increase in temperatures, we see a corresponding decrease in the amount of skin covered by those who seek comfort in the sun and the approving gaze of others.

What? You say that your skimpy dress is not an attempt to gain approval (most often from the opposite gender?) Well, I was born in April, but I was not born this last April!

Continue reading “Modest Dress: A Man’s Perspective” →

The apostle Paul was thankful to God for the Colossians. He prayed on their behalf out of a sense of appreciation for their faith, and the expressions of their love for other Christians. He had heard of this faith and love from their brother Epaphras, who declared it while visiting with him (vs. 7-8).

It is interesting that Paul’s expression of thanks came in the form of supplication to God. By expressing his thanks to God, he prayed God’s blessings on their behalf. This is a wonderful practice, and should be emulated by all Christians.

Paul also described their motivation for such faith and love — the hope of heaven! This hope was made known to them in the preaching of the gospel, and it was this hope that led them to bear fruit for Christ.

John wrote that God showed His love for us by sending “His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” He continued, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). Christ’s death and resurrection secures for us the hope of heaven. In return, we are obligated to faith, and love for one another.

A recent article at the Fox News website reports that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has voted to ratify a proposal that will eradicate the requirement of unmarried clergy to remain celibate. (To read the article, click here).

There is a lot wrong with that sentence, including the idea that a church can vote to make any doctrinal change, the concept of a clergy/laity distinction, and the idea that it is acceptable for a professed Christian to engage in the act of fornication.

Continue reading “In the News: Submitting to the Lordship of Jesus” →

Sermon by Kris Braddock: In this lesson, Kris establishes the importance of knowing and submitting to the will of God as a pattern and authority in our lives. The pattern established in the New Testament regarding the Lord’s church is cited as an example in the lesson.

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Sermon by Kris Braddock – A thorough look at the way the phrase, “calling on the name of the Lord” is used in scripture. Showing that the phrase indicates the necessity of adhering to God’s will rather than a mere incantation.

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Sermon by Kris Braddock – Third of three sermons discussing in detail the basis for fellowship in unity. In this lesson Kris establishes that the call for unity based on doctrinal uniformity does not demand perfection. Our Lord makes provision for growth and maturity.

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Sermon by Kris Braddock – Second of three sermons discussing in detail the basis for fellowship in unity. In this lesson Kris shows that those with a good heart, and a willingness to study together, can come to unity in matters of faith.

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Sermon by Kris Braddock – First of three sermons discussing in detail the basis for fellowship in unity. This lesson establishes the fundamental truths upon which the series is based.

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Kris Braddock’s first sermon in our Spring gospel meeting is a comparison of the Christian’s world view and that of a secular society, as it impacts the environment. The Bible shows man to be the pinnacle of God’s creation, given the responsibility of stewardship in the world. In contrast, society today paints man as simply an animal, and often refuses to accept the preeminence of man over the earth.

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We affirm that positive authority for a religious doctrine or practice can not be derived from silence (what the scripture does NOT say). Is this affirmation true? This sermon determines to answer that question.

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A careful consideration of Philippians 3 reveals the necessity of surrendering ourselves to Christ, and then diligence in a life of obedience to the Master, pressing on in the hope of the resurrection and eternal life.

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Faithful Christians who contend for truth, and claim authority for religious practices are often unfairly called Pharisees, or referred to with derision as legalists and patternists. This sermon describes the sins of the Pharisees, and defends the concept of obedience to God’s authority.

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