Author: Stan Cox

There are many ideas of what it means to be a “real man.” They conflict with one another, and are heavily dependent upon culture, peers and self-identity.

Does being a man indicate a willingness to fight, an abundance of testosterone, aggressiveness, physicality? Some say so. Does being a man require feelings of superiority, dominance, and misogyny? This seems common as well. Continue reading “What Does it Mean to be a Man?” →

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ ³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

In our text, the apostle Paul is talking with the Corinthians about a false idea some had espoused, that there was no resurrection from the dead (15:12). It was apparent that their views had some traction, as an entire chapter of the epistle is taken up in the refutation of the error, and the glory of the truth on the subject. In the midst of the discussion, our passage expresses Paul’s desire that the Corinthians stay away from those who would espouse the error. Continue reading “Evil Company Corrupts” →

The apostle Paul expressed the reason for his failure to return in person to Corinth following his first letter to the congregation. He states that reason to be “to spare you” (23). It seems that his reconsideration of possible visits was being deemed by some as a fickleness on his part, an indication of flawed character.  This was not so.

In everything Paul desired to benefit the Corinthians. So, a change of plans should not be judged harshly.  Paul was not lacking in dependability, his plans were not made “lightly” (16). His plans were not a matter of personal whim, that with him should be “Yes, Yes, and No, No” (17). He called upon God as his witness that his communication with the church was not a matter of his own desires, but, (true with his preaching as well), was an effort to help them “stand” in faith (23).

Paul’s efforts did indeed have God as witness. It had the Holy Spirit as a “guarantee” (22). As do others, I believe this “seal” has specific reference to God’s appointment of Paul to his work as an apostle of Jesus Christ, (cf. 1:1, “by the will of God”).

In Peter’s second letter, knowing his time on earth was short, he sought to “stir up by reminding” his readers of the Lord, and His revelation. He wrote, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” (1:12-15). What Peter wanted to share again was not a fable or story. Peter and others were eyewitnesses to the “majesty” of Jesus and His redemptive work. He was one who actually heard the words of God on the mount of transfiguration saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (1:16-18).

These events Peter witnessed were revealed by the prophets, and he appealed to his readers to heed those prophecies “as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19). This is such a beautiful phrase to describe the illuminating nature of God’s revelation. Just as the dawn signifies light chasing away the darkness, God’s word brings light into the dark recesses of man’s mind.  Doubts are dissipated, lessons become visible, and our perspective is changed completely. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).

The “morning star” or “day star” refers to the planet Venus. When the Greeks witnessed the planet shining just before dawn, they referred to it as phosporous, the bearer of light. In this way, the Lord Jesus and His will bring light into the world of darkness. They illuminate with a message Peter knew to be of eternal importance. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

A discussion of Ephesians 4:17-24 showing the necessity of walking in the light as Christians, and refusing the sinfulness of the darkness.

• Audio
• YouTube Video of Sermon

Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:

Download File

<<———><><———>>

Sermon 42 in series.

In John 15:18-25, the Lord warned His disciples to expect the world to hate them, because the world hated Him first. All Christians should expect animosity from the ungodly, and be prepared for it.

• Audio
• YouTube Video of Sermon

Our nation was founded upon what has been referred to as a Judeo-Christian ethic. This means the laws governing right and wrong that are a part of our nation have their origin in the moral standards of right and wrong found in the Bible. It doesn’t mean the founding fathers got it right, or even that they did a good job of applying the principles. In fact, the foundational principle upon which our government was established, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”, was practically contradicted by the institution of slavery until January 1, 1863. But at the very least the United States has been respectful toward Christians. Continue reading “Marginalized” →

As Paul condemned the Corinthians for their divisive attitudes, which he equated to carnality in chapter 3, he expressed his thankfulness for not having personally baptized any of them. Some take this as an indication of the relative unimportance of baptism itself, as Paul did the preaching, and left the baptism to others. This is absurd. What is unimportant is who does the baptism. (As Paul noted in 3:7, “So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase”). Paul simply did not want to be viewed as a proselytizer because of their contentiousness.

Paul’s purpose was to preach. To bring the believer to the point of baptism (Mark 16:15-16) so that they might be raised up to a new life (Romans 6:4). He accomplished this as a mere steward of the message, not through his own wisdom. So, it would improper for anyone to put the emphasis on him rather than the message he preached.

The power is in the cross of Christ. Therefore, all who come to faith should identify themselves solely as being “of Christ.”

Fundamentalism, as it pertains to religion, is defined as “a form of religion, especially Islam or Protestant Christianity, that upholds belief in the strict interpretation of scripture.” In our day, the term is typically used as a criticism. Note this quote from Wikipedia: “Depending upon the context, the label “fundamentalism” can be a pejorative rather than a neutral characterization, similar to the ways that calling political perspectives “right-wing” or “left-wing” can have negative connotations.

Such a characterization is understandable, as Islamic fundamentalists often use force in an effort to make the world conform to their religious views. As an example, the Iranian government has recently come under criticism for its response to women who do not conform to the fundamentalist views of modesty. A “morality police” actively cited and arrested women for their violation of the code, and at least 508 protestors have been killed and another 19,000 arrested in recent conflicts over the laws. Continue reading “Religious Fundamentalism” →

The apostle Paul was thankful for God’s mercy shown to him. It is because of that mercy that God both brought him to salvation, and enabled him in the work of an apostle. He said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:1, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”

Looking at the text, there are a couple of things to note. First, the idea of mercy indicates a compassion toward another that leads one to show pity, and help. This, God did in sending His Son to save us. Paul did not deserve salvation, and neither do we. But, God showed pity and sent His Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Second is Paul’s reaction to this mercy. Because it was received, and he was chosen to serve as an apostle, “we do not lose heart.” There are several translations of “we do not lose heart” that are found. For example: “we faint not” (KJV); “we never give up” (NLT); “we do not become discouraged” (NET). The term can refer to a weariness that leads one to fail to do what is righteous. It is also possible that such weariness leads one to succumb to temptation, and do evil.

Regardless, what Paul did was what our response to God’s mercy should be. Knowing what God has done for us, and the love He has shown, “we do not lose heart”!

We are to be selfless, and interested in others. But, interestingly, to act as Christians, fully devoted to God and your fellow man is a shrewd (prudent) thing to do. In effect, you are acting in your own self-interest!

• Audio
• YouTube Video of Sermon

Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:

Download File

<<———><><———>>

Various texts in the New Testament are examined to contrast the difficulties and limitations of this life as compared to our state and hope in eternity.

• Audio
• YouTube Video of Sermon

Speaker:  David Hightower

Have you ever seen a sign with the word BEWARE in big black letters? A quick google image search came up with the following signs. “Beware of Dog” (most prevalent), “Beware of Bear”, “Beware of Floods”, “Beware of Trains”, “Beware of Step, Beware of Falling Objects, Beware of Pickpockets.” I think my favorite one sums up the fears that come from the word, “Beware of — Well… just Beware.”

The word beware is found in both the Old and New Testaments.  In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word š?mar is translated beware on nine occasions in the NKJV.  It is a word with a broad meaning, but in those occasions it is translated beware, the idea is to be on guard, to observe, to watch for.  In the New Testament the word beware comes from the Greek words prosech? (to pay attention to, to be cautious about); blep? (to look at, perceive, take heed);  hora? (to stare at, to discern clearly); and phylass? (be on guard, avoid, observe). Though each Greek word has a different shade of meaning, they all make the same point when the context caused translators to translate them with the English “beware.” Continue reading “Beware!” →

If you were to read the title, and not realize this was an article dealing with a Bible subject, you might think that Jethro had reference to the Jethro of the Beverly Hillbillies.  That guy was not smart at all.

But, the Jethro that was Moses’ father-in-law was a smart man. He was a priest of Midian and well respected by Moses. While there is no revelation given as to whether Jethro ever fully rejected idolatry, he certainly came to realize the preeminence of the God of the Hebrews. He was a just man, kind and generous to his son-in-law. Continue reading “Jethro Was A Smart Man” →