Author: Stan Cox

The sermon establishes what the Bible teaches regarding an aspect of the marriage, divorce and remarriage question. Most often people try to loose where God has not, but recently arguments have been made asserting there is no scriptural exception to God’s law regarding the permanency of the marriage relationship. What does the Bible teach?

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Consider the following admonition given at the beginning of the book of Haggai.

“Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Consider your ways!’” (Haggai 1:3-5)

The application of this admonition should not be found exclusively with regard to the rebuilding of God’s temple, or the obvious present day application of caring for the building and grounds where we assemble. (Although that certainly would apply).

The question is, where do your interests and attention lie. Are you living selfishly, concerned primarily with your own comfort and concerns? Or, are you (first of all) concerned about the things of God?

Look around! The brethren at West Side have obligations. Toward God, toward one another, toward the lost. There are sick people, physical needs, preaching to be done — and, yes, work to be done on the building and grounds where we assemble.

Each of us need to “Consider” our ways, to make sure God is being put first!

The sermon discusses the gospel (the foolishness of God), and expresses why, even as simple people, we can trust in our understanding of the meaning of, and the dependability of, His word. (Lesson based from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

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The text of Ephesians 6:4 serves as a foundation for the principles of effective parenting. The sermon examines the two goals stated: 1) Not to provoke your children to wrath; 2) To train them up in the Lord’s way. Practical suggestions are included.

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Three things are discussed that should not attract the attention of the faithful Christian: Sexual Immorality, Strong Drink, and Worldly Enticements in general.

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This study of the end times establishes scripturally that when Jesus returns in His second coming, He will not come back to the earth (His saints will meet Him in the air); He will not establish a physical kingdom and reign for 1000 years; and, He will not re-establish the kingdom of Israel in the promised land.

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The Hebrew writer here shows the place of preeminence given to Jesus as God’s Son. In so doing, he establishes an order with God being first, angels second and man third.

In the beginning, the Word was God (cf. John 1:1). The Word then became flesh (cf. John 1:14), and this event is referred to by Paul as an experience where the Son of God was humbled, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Paul continued in that passage, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” (vs. 9). This passage in Hebrews agrees with that assessment.

Because of Jesus’ death, the payment for sin was paid. God ordained Jesus as Savior, and the proof of this choosing is found in the resurrection (cf. Acts 2:32-36). God has exalted Him. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, ruling in the kingdom. He is above every name, both human and angelic. He is the Son of God. He has been crowned, and we are subject to Him alone.

Most are aware of the recent death of Brownwood firefighter Shannon Stone. The 30 year old died after falling from the stands at the Ballpark in Arlington on July 7, 2011. Stone was attempting to catch a ball for his 6 year old son, thrown to him by Josh Hamilton .

This was senseless tragedy, in every sense of the word. It was a horrific accident, and it seems that no real blame can be placed on any individual. The Rangers were careful to ensure the railing in left field exceeded the federal safety codes. Hamilton, in throwing the ball into the stands, did the same thing that others had done thousands of times before. Mr. Stone himself was not acting rashly, he simply slipped and fell. No one is to blame. Literally, no one.

Continue reading “Is It All God’s Plan?” →

In 1 Kings 19:10, Elijah lamented to God, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” He had in rapid order celebrated a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and experienced the terror of Jezebel’s mortal threat, as she vowed to have his head by the next day.

Elijah was a great man, but this was a moment of weakness and despair. While we do not wish to judge him harshly, his despair led to self-pity. His belief that he alone remained faithful to God was mistaken. The Lord later appeared to Elijah, and said, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (vs. 18).

This is a good lesson for us, as we sometimes may despair in our service to God. In our difficulties, it may seem that our trial is unique, and it simply is not. In a similar vein, Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). In reality, our circumstance is similar to that of other men, and especially of fellow Christians. This knowledge should give us both strength and comfort.

We are not alone, God and His people are with us. May we faithfully labor in His vineyard!

To be a partaker of Christ (from the text of Hebrews 3:14) speaks both to the blessings of the relationship as well as the obligation of steadfastness that is seen in the context. The sermon examines the Privileges and Responsibilities of such a fellowship.

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The appropriate response of Philemon to Paul’s petition on behalf of the slave Onesimus would be to receive him back, and treat him as a brother in Christ. Paul encouraged him to receive him, “that is, my own heart” (12); and “as you would me” (17).

Further, Paul’s purpose was to have Philemon act out of good will rather than necessity. This is a common theme in scripture. God does not want his children to act appropriately merely out of necessity. He wants his children to do so out of a sense of right, and willingly.

Finally, Paul appealed to the possibility of divine providence in the actions of Onesimus. Paul didn’t deny that the slave was wrong in running away, but believed that God has used that as an opportunity for the man to be taught the truth: “perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever” (15).

The relationship of Onesimus to Philemon had now changed. They were brothers in Christ. Such a relationship demands fraternal devotion and a recognition of common heritage and equality (cf. Galatians 3:28).

Ignorance, as defined scripturally, is a simple lack of knowledge. Sometimes it is understanable, often is inexcusable, and it always leaves one vulnerable to temptation and sin. This sermon shows the premium that God places upon knowlege of His will for man.

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Pride is sinful. It is destructive to the character of a Christian, and corrosive to his relationship. It is wise to be humble, and folly to be arrogant. This sermon seeks to demonstrate the destructive nature of pride.

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This passage is one of only two in the New Testament that list the qualifications for elders. The other passage is 1 Timothy 3:1-8.

The importance of elders is intimated here, as Paul tells Titus to “set in order the things that are lacking” (5). A congregation that does not have elders needs them to be in accord with God’s design. While it would be wrong to appoint men to the task who are unqualified, every congregation should develop men for this important work.

Note also the phrase, “must be” in verse 7. These are qualifications, not suggestions. As indicated, only men who are married with children who are faithful can scripturally serve. They are to be blameless, and in control both of their emotions and their desires. They are to be hospitable, and sober-minded. They must be familiar with scripture and willing to take a stand for the truth of God’s word, when it is attacked by evil men.

In every generation there are men who oppose the truth of God. In His wisdom, He has equipped the church to deal with and defeat those in opposition. Among other things, this is the elder’s work.

The following is a poem written by Tracy Gallman. Sister Gallman prepared the children’s curriculum for our recent Family Bible Study Week. The poem appeared in that material. I commend it to you!

The Path
“Walking in Sunlight”

There is a Path we are called to walk on;
By faith and not by sight.
A path where Jesus is
A Path that reveals His light.

His light will guide you and teach you
About His love and care,
The Path will never be lonely
As long as Jesus is there.

The Path may at times become rocky
And full of weeds, but…
Don’t lean on your own understanding –
Look to Jesus – Trust Him –
And with new eyes you will see
The path that Jesus sees.

Jesus calls all who hear
To follow Him along their way,
He promises to guide, guard and Save you
If in His Path you will stay.

Tracy Gallman