Author: Stan Cox

Paul begins his epistle to the Ephesians with a few long sentences that are challenging to understand because of their complexity. One sentence covers verses 3-6. Another verses 7-10.

The first two verses of the epistle, however are simple.

Paul starts by identifying himself as an apostle of Christ, and affirms that his apostleship was from God rather than usurped. This was a common claim made by the apostle due to attacks levied by Judaizing teachers.

Paul next identifies his readers as saints. The term signifies a special relationship with Christ, as those who are separated to a life of godliness. Paul regarded the Christians in Ephesus to be faithful to God.

To such brethren, Paul pronounces a blessing. Grace and Peace. There is nothing difficult here, but the sentiment is sublime. God’s undeserved favor, extended ultimately through the death of His Son, is the means through which true Peace is obtained. This shows that the ultimate gifts can come only from God, and, that God indeed has granted such gifts to those who proclaim their fidelity to Him.

In 2 Timothy 4:5, the Apostle Paul exhorted young Timothy, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” The admonition is serious, and any man who would take on the work should have an understanding of what God requires of him. It is also important that all Christians know what is the evangelist’s work.

Too many times I have heard the simplistic answer, “The evangelist is to evangelize!” The Greek word for evangelist means, “the bringer of good tidings … one who brings good news.” So, looking at the definition, the evangelist preaches the gospel to the lost. When this is contended, it is sometimes intended to limit the work of the evangelist to that single act, preaching to the lost.

Continue reading “The Work of an Evangelist” →

On February 15, 2011 the Christian Chronicle noted on its blog that Texas Ranger baseball player Josh Hamilton had visited Lubbock Christian University on the previous day.

The blog entry contains a video, and text from the local newspaper, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The title of the blog post is: At Lubbock Christian University, baseball star Josh Hamilton discusses his faith. The Journal reported that during the 90 minute conversation, “the main narrative thread of the evening was the Hamilton couple’s struggles with Josh Hamilton’s drug abuse and the couple’s Christian faith.” (http://tinyurl.com/47s3qh3)

Continue reading “In the News: Nicer Than God?” →

This lesson by Stan was based on an article written by Joe Price. In recognizing that one has no control over his reputation, Stan establishes that the most important thing is to establish yourself as righteous in character. Reputation is only what others think you to be, Character is what you are, and God knows how you truly are.

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Stan examines the Premillennialist’s prooftext for the doctrine of the Rapture, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, showing that the text does not support this false doctrine.

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Josh Cox preached this lesson, explaining Jesus’ words in John 4:24, where He said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

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Dennis Craig preached this lesson, where he explains what the Bible teaches about Satan and his existence.

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Everyone noticed, I presume, the extreme weather we had last week? Temperatures in the teens, below zero wind chill, and ice and snow all led to a very uncomfortable experience for those forced to go outside to work or shop.

Some may prefer extreme cold to extreme hot, or vice versa, but no one really likes such difficult conditions. The week previous, temperatures in the 70’s made an afternoon stroll along the Trinity River a wonderful treat. Spring is delightful, and Fall is too, but there is a reason why the hot days of August and the frigid days of January are contemplated with such dread.

With this in mind, consider the eternal abode of the wicked. “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:41-42).

May we all escape the extreme of eternal condemnation. This alone is sufficient reason to serve God!

An expository sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1-6. Paul was a minister of the gospel. A ministry of Spirit and Righteousness. With the veil removed, shining with the face of Jesus to the righteous. Veiled only to those deceived by the evil one.

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This sermon shows that our love for God is the result of the love and benevolence we have received from Him. He has created us, saved us by His grace, sustained us on this earth, and given us hope for a future home with Him.

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Jesus told his disciples in John 5:18, 20, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you…” 20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

In the last week there were two news releases that pointed out the hatred the world has for Jesus, (and God, cf. John 15:23). This hate is seen in reaction to those who purport to be his followers. (Note: I am not saying that their claim to be Christians is legitimate, only that they are perceived to be by the world).

Continue reading “In the News: Prejudice Against Christ” →

The last pair of pliers that I bought came from the 99 cent store. They, in fact have a good number of tools, all for 99 cents, and none of them worth a plugged nickle!

So, I used the pliers, which slip and twist, and generally do a terrible job… And I gripe about the pliers. Well, I suppose Debbie heard enough, and bought a new pair of pliers, not from the 99 cent store. I used them last week. They were great! The moral? You get what you pay for!

The same is true in matters of faith. Too many want value, but are unwilling to “pay the price.” Not like the man, “who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:46).

The salvation of your soul may cost you all that you have. But, it is worth the cost!

The Lesson notes the promises regarding, and fulfillment of those promises regarding the Kingdom of God. Passages such as Mark 9:1; Acts 1 and Acts 2 are examined.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Apostle Paul sprinkled various exhortations throughout his espitle to the Philippians. This sermon examines those exhortations.

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It is not surprising to know that this morning’s sermon is on the subject of Resolutions. Its intent is to encourage us to greater work and diligence to God in 2011. New Year’s resolutions are a natural topic as we begin 2011.
But, as this is the last Sunday of the old year, it is also appropriate for us to look back. As important as resolutions are, introspection is necessary as well.

No, we are not to look back with longing, nor despair, nor pride at the accomplishments of the past. Our intent as we remember is self-examination. “Examine yourselves, as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

How did you do in 2010? What did you do right? What do you need to do better in 2011? Today is a good day to ask yourself.