Author: Stan Cox

The sermon makes a distinction between the congregational work of evangelism, and the preaching of truth that is the unique responsibility of the individual Christian. No one can do your teaching for you.

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The sermon is an exegetical treatment of 2 Corinthians 8:8-15, where the apostle Paul calls the Corinthians to be steadfast in their Christian walk.

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The sermon is a treatment of an email correspondence the speaker had with a Christian who holds to the “Positive Gospel” concept of preaching. What is the proper tone to be used in the preaching of the gospel of our Lord?

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The lesson addresses the proper response to those who object to the truth by using subjective standards. They appeal to their emotions, etc., saying such things as “God spoke to my heart…”

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The Christian’s Hope is based upon the character, promises and accomplishments of God. Because of it, we are protected, purified and stabilized .

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Last Monday President Obama delivered a speech on the economy at Georgetown University. In the speech, he was asking the American people to be patient as his administration seeks to deal with a sluggish economy, and to change the “foundation” upon which the economy rests. Notice the following quote, as reported by the Associated Press:

“We cannot rebuild this economy on the same pile of sand,” he said, invoking a Biblical reference to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. “We must build our house upon a rock. We must lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity a foundation that will move us from an era of borrow and spend to one where we save and invest, where we consume less at home and send more exports abroad.”

While some may have doubts as to whether his actions mirror his rhetoric, we will leave such discussions for a more appropriate forum. It is the purpose of this article to note the President’s reference to Jesus’ words.

Continue reading “In The News: Founded on the Rock” →

I recently came across a poem titled, “God is Mighty Kind”, written by Carl Flynn. The poem states that although we suffer in this life, God is merciful, and grants us bountiful blessings. Note the following verse:

“For every dark and stormy day
A week of days are fair;
However chill the clouds and gray
‘Tis always bright somewhere.

This is something to remember. Especially when we become burdened from time to time with the cares and trials of our lives. No matter how bad it may be at any one time, we all have been wonderfully blessed by our God in heaven. Remember the promise, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Stan

Preachers sometimes compare notes about the congregations where they preach. I have noticed a term that several have used, (and I have used myself), to describe some Christians. The term is “high maintenance.”

Some cars are referred to as “high maintenance.” I came across a quote from a man who drove a Fiat. He said it stands for, Fix It All the Time. But, in his mind it was worth the headache to be able to drive a high performance machine. Of course, there are some jalopies that are high maintenance as well. Another word for these cars is “junk”, and they are hardly worth the effort to keep them running.

Some ladies are referred to as “high maintenance,” referring to the amount of attention they demand. They expect constant gifts and attention, and if they don’t get what they want their feelings are hurt or they lose interest. Used in this way, the term is certainly not a compliment. Nor is it normally a complement when a preacher refers to a Christian as “high maintenance.” However, it is not always a negative thing either.

Continue reading “High Maintenance” →

(Note: The following article was written by one of the members at West Side, Tommy Davis. I commend it to you).

In our society God is being removed from our life as our Savior and replaced by using His name as merely a curse word or as a “cute” expression. Unfortunately, many who profess to be Christians are getting caught up in this as well. On some mainstream websites (Yahoo is one that comes to mind), there is a section called “OMG.” When you click on the link, it takes you to today’s newest Hollywood shocker. Most people in the younger generation will recognize this from texting as shorthand for oh my God. Other expressions like “gosh”, “jeez” and “golly”, are closely related. These offend me deeply, but more importantly, it offends God deeply.

Continue reading “God’s Name Must Be Revered!” →

In Matthew 10, our Lord prepared his disciples for their preaching efforts among the Jews by saying, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves” (vs. 16).

To put it simply, Jesus told his disciples to be aware of the ungodliness of men. Men can act as wolves. They can be destructive, mean and scheming. In the next verse, Jesus said, “But beware of men. . .”

We too need to beware of men. We need to know of their ability to hurt us, and their willingness to do so. At the same time, while such wisdom is required of us, it must be emphasized that such actions have no place among God’s people. While we are aware of the potential evil in others, may it be that none of us here at West Side are ever guilty of the same. Instead, we are to be “harmless as doves” toward our brethren.

Stan

Paul exhorted the Thessalonians in his first epistle to , “…warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (5:14).

It seems to me that Paul was trying to get the Thessalonians to look out for and take care of each other. Sometimes, to take care of someone, you must warn them. Tell them of the consequences of their actions, so that they will not lose their standing with God. Other Christians may need comfort. The idea of “fainthearted” here indicates someone who is discouraged or troubled in spirit. Finally, some may be weak, and need to be upheld. We need to stick with those who are struggling, including babes in Christ, and support them until they become strong, and can do the same for others.

Simply put, we are to love each other!

Stan

With this bulletin I am beginning a new front page feature, “From the Preacher’s Pen.” It will not be weekly, from time to time we will follow the previous template. However, this allows me to teach, and exhort on a more intimate and casual level.

Consider these missives to be a direct conversation between me and you, as brethren here at West Side. Kind of like a short note, penned as a reminder, or an encouragement, or as a simple celebration of our faith together. Hence, the handwriting font. This is my own printing, transformed into a computer font. I certainly do not have the prettiest writing, but I trust you can read this without too much strain.

Brethren, we are blessed to be members together here at West Side. It is good to be part of such a loving family. I pray this new feature will help us to celebrate that fact.

Stan

(Note: The handwriting font used can’t be duplicated on the web site).

In Ephesians 5, the apostle Paul discusses the proper type of “walk” for a Christian, noting three things. He is to “walk in love”; “walk in light”; and walk circumspectly.

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Joshua is a wonderful example of leadership. His example to us includes his success in roles such as a son, a slave, a servant, a soldier, a spy, a savior and a saint.

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Note: 2 Peter 1:8. The “Litmus test” for being accepted of God is bearing fruit. Therefore, we should live our lives to develop the proper characteristics that will allow us to bear fruit.

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