Author: Stan Cox
Sermon: Believers in Creation
Both the creation itself and the inspired word of God reveal that the universe was created by the Almighty in six days. We address several individuals in the New Testament who made that affirmation, including Jesus Himself.
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Sermon: Good, Better, Best
In this lesson, Justin explains a good (though radical) way to deal with sin, and even better way to deal with it, and then discusses the best way to handle the issue of sin.
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
This passage is one of the most difficult in the New Testament. The difficulty comes in our not knowing the oral teaching of Paul, who had already spoken to the Thessalonians about the subject (2:5). So, let us instead focus on what we can know.
First, the Thessalonians were challenged in their understanding of Christ’s second coming. Some thought it to be imminent (2:2), though the letter was written at an early date (about 51 AD).
Second, Paul assured them that the day of Christ was not yet present, because two events would have to happen before its occurrence. One, a falling away. (There have been numerous apostasies since the writing of this passage). Second, the revelation of the “man of sin”, the “son of perdition.” (While it is difficult to say who this is, it can again be said that many individuals through the last two centuries can be described in this way). (2:3-4)
So, while it is difficult for us to understand exactly what these two events are, there is no reason to think that the events are still in the future. The Lord has not come, but He could at any time (2 Peter 3:8-13).
God’s View of the Worldly
The book of James is full of wisdom and practical knowledge that helps a Christian know God’s will, and how to adhere to it. It is certainly worth the effort to become familiar with its teaching.
In James chapter four he shows the origin of most strife. “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (1). This is demonstrably true when considering the motivation of just about every war and conflict that has ever occurred on earth. The pursuits of pleasure, possessions and prestige are the common motivations of conflicts. James noted, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war” (2). Continue reading “God’s View of the Worldly”
I Will Remember the Works of the Lord
Have you ever been in so great anguish that you asked yourself these types of questions?
- “Will the Lord cast off forever?”
- “And will He be favorable no more?”
- “Has His mercy ceased forever?”
- “Has His promise failed evermore?”
- “Has God forgotten to be gracious?”
- “Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?”
The Psalmist in Psalm 77 asked just these questions. He even said, “This is my anguish” (10). But, he knew the answers to the question even as he asked them. We know God. We know His righteousness and His mercy and love for us. We just sometimes forget them when times are difficult, or when God chastised us for our sins.
How do we overcome this? We think of all that God has done for us in the past! Hear the Psalmist’s words:
“But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the Sons of Jacob and Joseph” (10-15).
Sermon: Approved Examples
A discussion of how Bible authority is established, emphasizing the use of Biblical examples to establish permission for action.
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Sermon: The Work of the Holy Spirit
A discussion of the Holy Spirit’s Work as a Helper to the disciples following the Lord’s leaving the earth (John 16:5-15)
Militance in the Faith
The term militant is defined in the English language as—1) engaged in warfare or combat : FIGHTING; 2) aggressively active (as in a cause) : COMBATIVE. (Merriam-Webster).
Interestingly, the term has a bit of a negative connotation in our day and time. To be militant in anything is frowned upon. That is why militance is paired with words like extremism, dogmatism, radicalism, and intolerance. Today a large section of our society looks askance at full devotion to any cause. Continue reading “Militance in the Faith”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7
As Paul expresses his admiration for the example of the Thessalonians, he expresses the part the gospel played in their good conduct.
The gospel first of all showed Paul and his companions to be legitimate servants of God. The demonstration of power, given through the intervention of the Holy Spirit allowed those who heard Paul to acknowledge his legitimacy as an apostle.
“Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles” (Acts 15:12).
Additionally, there was power in the words themselves because they were inspired, from the Holy Spirit. They did not originate from Paul himself (2 Peter 3:16).
Their acceptance of the gospel was not without cost, as Paul notes they were afflicted for their faith. Regardless, they were joyful in their service (Galatians 5:22-23). And, their steadfastness in faith served as a wonderful example to other Christians.
The Tongue – Controlled and Uncontrolled
There are three initial illustrations that are used to describe the nature of the tongue in James 3. Interestingly, the first two illustrations are positive in nature. The first, “Indeed we put bits in horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body” (3). The second, “Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires” (4). Continue reading “The Tongue – Controlled and Uncontrolled”
The Earth Which Drinks in the Rain
An interesting illustration is used by the writer of Hebrews to describe the danger of a Christian losing his standing with God. Yes, I know that many deny it is a possibility, but both the direct words (Hebrews 6:4-6), and the illustration that follows (6:7-8) clearly teaches it is true.
“For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is being burned.”
Ultimately, the illustration establishes that our continued standing with God is determined by how we respond to the redemptive blessing He has granted to us. We celebrate the fruitful land that brings us sustaining crops. But if the same rain brings only thorns and briers, it is not only not useful, but not accepted. Consider the phrase, “it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is being burned.”
There is hope for the unfaithful. The illustration shows, “near to being cursed,” that God’s judgment for Christians bearing thorns and briers instead of good fruit is not yet certain. It is near, but there is time for repentance, at least until a day comes where the time is ended. “…whose end is being burned.”
The Hebrew writer was hopeful that his warning would bring change and renewal (6:9-12). If so, diligence will bring reward. If not, rejection will be final.
Sermon: The Gospel Message
There is no more important, beautiful and momentous message ever spoken by man than the Gospel message. It is God’s message to save mankind.
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